Definition: And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 22:11. It’s a pretty interesting and symbolic piece of scripture! Here's what it means in simple terms: “When the king had heard the words of the book of the law…” – This means the king was reading or learning about God’s laws and instructions. He was absorbing something important. “…that he rent his clothes.” - This is where it gets a little symbolic. Traditionally, in Jewish tradition, wearing robes or clothing symbolized being covered in the presence of God. So, the king was essentially saying that he felt humbled and overwhelmed by the seriousness of what he was learning. It’s like acknowledging that he was in a special, holy place – with God. Overall Meaning: The verse is telling us that the king recognized the importance of God's law and felt a sense of reverence and humility when he learned about it. It suggests a shift in his perspective and acknowledgement of something bigger than himself. Why is this significant? This passage is often interpreted as a sign that the king was starting to understand that his power wasn’t absolute, and that God had plans for him beyond just ruling over people. It’s a moment of recognition of his responsibility and connection to something divine. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period this verse came from? Discuss its symbolic meaning in more detail?