because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Jehovah when you heard what I have spoken against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you, says Jehovah.

And it came about, when the king heard the Words of the Law, that he tore his clothes.

Yet the king and all his servants who heard these words were not afraid, nor did they tear their garments.

So, tear your heart, and not your garments; and return to Jehovah your God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He has compassion concerning the evil.

And the word reached even to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he took off his robe and covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes.

And he cried and proclaimed in Nineveh by the decree of the king and of his nobles, saying, Do not let man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them feed nor let them drink water.