1 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.”
2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,
3 and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah:
5 “Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”
6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will defend this city.
7 “This is the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that he has promised:”
8 Behold, I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps.” So the sun turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had declined.
9 A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, after he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness:
10 I said, In the middle of my days I must depart; I am consigned to the gates of Sheol for the rest of my years.
11 I said, I shall not see the Lord, the Lord in the land of the living; I shall look on man no more among the inhabitants of the world.
12 My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me
like a shepherd’s tent;
like a weaver I have rolled up my life;
he cuts me off from the loom;
from day to night you bring me to an end;
13 I calmed myself until morning; like a lion he breaks all my bones; from day to night you bring me to an end.
14 Like a swallow or a crane I chirp;
I moan like a dove.
My eyes are weary with looking upward.
O Lord, I am oppressed; be my pledge of safety!
15 What shall I say? For he has spoken to me,
and he himself has done it.
I walk slowly all my years
because of the bitterness of my soul.
16 O Lord, by these things men live,
and in all these is the life of my spirit.
Oh restore me to health and make me live!
17 Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.
18 For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you; those who go down to the pit do not hope for your faithfulness.
19 The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness.
20 The Lord will save me, and we will play my music on stringed instruments all the days of our lives, at the house of the Lord.
21 Now Isaiah had said, “Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.”
22 Hezekiah also had said, “What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the Lord?”
The True Meaning of Isaiah 38
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BCE. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, often delivered through vivid imagery and symbolic actions. Isaiah delivers a message to King Hezekiah, who is facing a grave illness in this chapter. The events described here provide a glimpse into the personal struggles and faith of a king, as well as the role of the prophet in guiding the nation during a time of crisis. We will see Hezekiah’s prayer for healing, the Lord’s response, and the miraculous sign that follows, all of which have profound implications for the kingdom of Judah.
Throughout this passage, we will find echoes of other biblical narratives, such as the story of King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, and his encounter with Isaiah in Isaiah 7. The themes of trust in God, the power of prayer, and the sovereignty of the Lord over life and death will be central to our understanding of this chapter.
Isaiah 38:1-3
King Hezekiah falls ill and faces the prospect of his impending death in Isaiah 38:1-3. The breakdown of the verse reveals key elements that shine a light on the narrative. The verse starts with Hezekiah becoming sick and being at the point of death, a distressing situation for a ruler and leader of his people. This sets the tone for a desperate plea from Hezekiah to God, recognizing his mortality and the gravity of his condition. Hezekiah’s response to his illness is raw and vulnerable, exemplifying the human experience of fear and uncertainty in the face of death.
The significance of this passage lies in the way Hezekiah responds to his illness by turning to God in prayer. Hezekiah’s plea for healing reflects a deep faith and trust in God’s power to intervene in his situation as a righteous king who followed God’s commands and sought to lead his people in the ways of the Lord. This act of prayer not only demonstrates Hezekiah’s personal faith but also serves as a model for believers to approach God in times of distress and need.
Hezekiah’s story is one of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. Hezekiah weeps bitterly and prays to God for healing in a parallel account of his illness in 2 Kings 20:1-6. God hears his prayer and grants him fifteen more years of life, demonstrating God’s compassion and mercy towards those who call upon His name in faith. Hezekiah’s faithfulness and God’s response highlight the importance of prayer, trust, and reliance on God in times of trial and adversity. Hezekiah’s story serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over life and death in a broader context. While illness and suffering are part of the human experience, believers can find comfort in knowing that God is near to the brokenhearted and is able to bring healing and restoration in His perfect timing. Hezekiah’s example encourages us to seek God wholeheartedly, trust in His power to deliver us from our afflictions, and give thanks for the gift of each day that we are granted on this earth.
Isaiah 38:4-8
Isaiah conveyed a message from the Lord to King Hezekiah in Isaiah 38:4-8, saying, “Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: ‘Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.”
This passage is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and His responsiveness to the prayers of His people. King Hezekiah had fallen ill and was on the brink of death, but he turned to the Lord in prayer, pouring out his heart with tears. The Lord, moved by Hezekiah’s plea, responded in a miraculous way by not only healing him but also promising to extend his life by fifteen years and to deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat.
The reference to “the God of your father David” serves as a reminder of the covenant God made with King David, promising an eternal kingdom through his descendants. Hezekiah, as a descendant of David, was the recipient of this promise, and God’s intervention in his life reaffirmed His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant.
The sign of the sun moving back ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz was a physical manifestation of God’s power and control over the natural elements. This miraculous sign was a confirmation to Hezekiah that God would indeed carry out what He had promised. It was a reminder to Hezekiah and to all who witnessed this event that nothing is too difficult for the Lord.
This passage teaches us several important lessons. It illustrates the effectiveness of fervent prayer and the compassion of God in responding to the genuine cries of His people. It also highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Additionally, it emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation, demonstrating His ability to intervene in the affairs of humanity in ways that defy natural laws.
The story of Hezekiah’s healing and the miraculous sign of the sun’s movement demonstrates God’s power, mercy, and faithfulness in a tangible and remarkable manner. It serves as a reminder to us today that we can trust in God’s promises, seek Him in prayer, and rest assured that He is able to intervene in our lives in ways that are beyond our understanding. This passage encourages us to have faith, to pray boldly, and to seek God’s will in all circumstances, knowing that He is always attentive to the cries of His people.
Isaiah 38:9-14
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, reflects on his illness and impending death in Isaiah 38:9-14. The verse opens with Hezekiah describing how he is like a lion being broken by God, symbolizing his strength being taken away in the face of illness. This imagery paints a picture of the magnitude of his suffering and the severity of his condition. He acknowledges that he cannot see God or experience the Lord’s presence in the land of the living. This admission is significant as it shows Hezekiah’s deep sense of despair and separation from God due to his illness.
Hezekiah also reflects on the brevity of life, comparing it to a weaver’s shuttle. This metaphor emphasizes the transient nature of human existence and the swiftness with which life can come to an end. He laments that God has cut him off like a weaver cuts off the thread, symbolizing the abrupt and final nature of his impending death. This reflection on the fleeting nature of life serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of our time on earth and the importance of making the most of the time we have. Hezekiah cries out to God in his distress, pleading for mercy and deliverance from his affliction. He acknowledges that it is for God’s sake, for His glory and praise, that he is asking for healing. This demonstrates Hezekiah’s awareness of God’s power to heal and his desire for his restoration to serve as a testimony to God’s greatness. Hezekiah’s prayer is a powerful example of turning to God in times of need and relying on His mercy and grace for deliverance.
The passage also reveals Hezekiah’s struggle with the fear of death and the unknown that lies beyond. He speaks of how he cannot dwell among the living or see mankind any longer. This fear of the afterlife and separation from the world of the living is a universal human experience that highlights our innate desire for continued existence and connection with the world around us. Hezekiah’s vulnerability in the face of death serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the commonality of our fears and struggles. Hezekiah’s despair, plea for healing and deliverance, and contemplation of the brevity of life and fear of death are captured in Isaiah 38:9-14. Through Hezekiah’s experience, we are reminded of the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, the fleeting nature of life on earth, and the universal fear of the unknown that comes with facing mortality. This passage invites us to reflect on our own mortality, seek God’s presence in our lives, and trust in His mercy and grace to sustain us in times of trial.
Isaiah 38:15-20
Isaiah 38:15-20 says, “What can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. You kept me from the pit of destruction in your love; you have put all my sins behind your back. For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. King Hezekiah is acknowledging the sovereignty and power of God at the beginning of this section. He recognizes that it is God who has spoken to him and has brought about the events that have transpired in his life. This acknowledgement of God’s authority and control over all things is a timeless message found throughout the Bible. It reminds us to walk humbly before God, recognizing His wisdom and following His ways. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this sentiment, advising us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.
Hezekiah goes on to express his gratitude towards God for restoring his health and sparing him from the brink of death. This is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and compassion towards His people. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God shows His faithfulness and healing power to those who call upon Him in times of need. Psalm 103:2-5 praises God for forgiving sins and healing diseases, reflecting Hezekiah’s sentiments of gratitude and praise for being saved from destruction.
Hezekiah reflects on the purpose behind his suffering, recognizing that it ultimately benefited him by drawing him closer to God and teaching him valuable lessons. This speaks to the idea of God using trials and hardships in our lives to refine and strengthen our faith. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth and to persevere in faith, knowing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
The contrast between the living and the dead in Hezekiah’s reflection serves as a reminder of the importance of praising God and sharing His faithfulness with future generations. He acknowledges that those who have passed cannot praise God, highlighting the significance of utilizing our time on earth to glorify and honor Him. This call to praise God and pass down stories of His faithfulness to future generations is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of a legacy of faith and worship. Psalm 145:4-7 urges believers to declare God’s mighty acts and the glorious splendor of His majesty to the next generation, echoing Hezekiah’s exhortation to parents to tell their children about God’s faithfulness.
Isaiah 38:21-22
King Hezekiah expresses his gratitude to the Lord for healing him after recovering from a severe illness in Isaiah 38:21-22. Hezekiah instructs for a lump of figs to be placed on the boil that had afflicted him, leading to his recovery. This act of faith and healing showcases the power of God and serves as a reminder of the importance of turning to Him in times of trouble and offering thanksgiving when prayers are answered.
One important aspect of this passage is Hezekiah’s faith and obedience to God’s instructions. Hezekiah demonstrates his trust in God’s ability to heal him by following the seemingly simple directive to apply a lump of figs. This serves as a reminder that sometimes God’s solutions may appear ordinary or straightforward, but it is our faith and obedience that make the difference.
Furthermore, the use of figs in healing Hezekiah also highlights the natural remedies present in the world that God has provided for our well-being. It reinforces the idea that God can work through various means, including medicinal herbs and foods, to bring about healing and restoration.
The mention of figs in this context also holds symbolic significance in the Bible. Figs are often associated with prosperity, abundance, and God’s blessings. The Old Testament often describes the Promised Land as a land flowing with milk and honey, and also with fig trees. Figs were seen as a sign of God’s provision and care for His people. Jesus curses a barren fig tree in the New Testament (Matthew 21:18-22), using it as a metaphor for bearing fruit in one’s life and the consequences of spiritual barrenness. Isaiah 38:21-22 conveys a powerful message about the importance of faith, obedience, gratitude, and the various ways in which God can work in our lives, whether through miraculous interventions or natural means. It encourages believers to trust in God’s healing power, to seek His guidance in all circumstances, and to always remember to offer thanks for His blessings.
After Isaiah 38
The king’s illness had been a grave concern for the people. Yet, through the Lord’s intervention, Hezekiah was granted an extension of life. This miraculous healing was a testament to God’s power and a reminder of His unwavering love for His people. However, the journey ahead would not be without its challenges. Hezekiah’s actions and decisions will shape the future of Judah as we turn the page to the next chapter, and the consequences will ripple through the generations to come.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.