2nd Kings 22:11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
Before we proceed with the narrative, let us take a few examples of “Renting one’s clothes” so that we may better understand the very grave nature of the situation as it unfolds within the kingdom of Josiah, because, it seems as if, from studying the following examples that tearing one’s clothes isn’t something to be taken lightly at all.
Genesis 37: 28 Then there passed by the Midianite merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver and they brought Joseph into Egypt. 29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. 31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood.
Genesis 37:32 And they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
Genesis 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus, his father wept for him.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!