Isaiah 38
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The princes of Judah, taking offense at Jeremiah on account of his predicting the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans, cause him to be cast into a deep and miry dungeon, Jer 38:1-6. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian, gets the king's permission to take him out, Jer 38:7-13. Jeremiah advises the king, who consulted him privately, to surrender to the Chaldeans, Jer 38:14-23. The king promises the prophet that he will not put him to death, and requires him not to reveal what had passed to the princes; to whom he accordingly gives an evasive answer, telling them only so much of the conference as related to his request for his life, Jer 38:24-28.
Open source ↗HEZEKIAH'S SICKNESS; PERHAPS CONNECTED WITH THE PLAGUE OR BLAST WHEREBY THE ASSYRIAN ARMY HAD BEEN DESTROYED. (Isa. 38:1-22) Set . . . house in order--Make arrangement as to the succession to the throne; for he had then no son; and as to thy other concerns. thou shall die--speaking according to the ordinary course of the disease. His being spared fifteen years was not a change in God's mind, but an illustration of God's dealings being unchangeably regulated by the state of man in relation to Him.
Open source ↗In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death,.... This was about the time that Sennacherib invaded Judea, threatened Jerusalem with a siege, and his army was destroyed by an angel from heaven; but, whether it was before or after the destruction of his army, interpreters are not agreed. Some of the Jewish writers, as Jarchi upon the place, and others (a), say, it was three days before the ruin of Sennacherib's army; and that it was on the third day that Hezekiah recovered, and went up to the temple, that the destruction was; and that it was the first day of the passover; and that this was before the city of Jerusalem was delivered from him; and the fears of him seem clear from Isa 38:6 and some are of opinion that his sickness was occasioned by the consternation and terror he was thrown into, by reason of the Assyrian army, which threatened ruin to him and his kingdom. Though Josephus (b) says, that it was after his deliverance from it, and when he had given thanks to God for it; however, it is certain it was in the same year, since it was in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign that Sennacherib invaded Judea, and from this his sickness and recovery fifteen years were added to his days, and he reigned no more than twenty nine years, Kg2 8:2 what this sickness was cannot be said with certainty; some have conjectured it to be the plague, since he had a malignant ulcer, of which he was cured by a plaster of figs; but, be it what it will, it was a deadly one in its own nature, it was a sickness unto death, a mortal one; though it was not eventually so, through the interposition of divine power, which prevented it. The reason of this sickness, which Jarchi gives, that it was because he did not take to himself a wife, is without foundation; more likely the reason of it was, t…
Open source ↗There is nothing to surprise us in the fact that we are carried back to the time when Jerusalem was still threatened by the Assyrian, since the closing vv. of chapter 37 merely contain an anticipatory announcement, introduced for the purpose of completing the picture of the last Assyrian troubles, by adding the fulfilment of Isaiah's prediction of their termination. It is within this period, and indeed in the year of the Assyrian invasion (Isa 36:1), since Hezekiah reigned twenty-nine years, and fifteen of these are promised here, that the event described by Isaiah falls - an event not merely of private interest, but one of importance in connection with the history of the nation also. "In those days Hizkiyahu became dangerously ill. And Isaiah son of Amoz, the prophet, came to him, and said to him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thine house in order: for thou wilt die, and not recover. Then Hizkiyahu turned (K. om.) his face to the wall, and prayed to Jehovah, and said (K. saying), O Jehovah, remember this, I pray, that I have walked before thee in truth, and with the whole heart, and have done what was good in Thine eyes! And Hizkiyahu wept with loud weeping." "Give command to thy house" (ל, cf., אל, Sa2 17:23) is equivalent to, "Make known thy last will to thy family" (compare the rabbinical tsavvâ'âh, the last will and testament); for though tsivvâh is generally construed with the accusative of the person, it is also construed with Lamed (e.g., Exo 1:22; cf., אל, Exo 16:34). חיה in such a connection as this signifies to revive or recover. The announcement of his death is unconditional and absolute. As Vitringa observes, "the condition was not expressed, because God would draw it from him as a voluntary act." The sick man turned his face towards the wall (פּניו הסב, hence…
Open source ↗We may hence observe, among others, these good lessons: - 1. That neither men's greatness nor their goodness will exempt them from the arrests of sickness and death. Hezekiah, a mighty potentate on earth and a mighty favourite of Heaven, is struck with a disease, which, without a miracle, will certainly be mortal; and this in the midst of his days, his comforts, and usefulness. Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. It should seem, this sickness seized him when he was in the midst of his triumphs over the ruined army of the Assyrians, to teach us always to rejoice with trembling. 2. It concerns us to prepare when we see death approaching: "Set thy house in order, and thy heart especially; put both thy affections and thy affairs into the best posture thou canst, that, when thy Lord comes, thou mayest be found of him in peace with God, with thy own conscience, and with all men, and mayest have nothing else to do but to die." Our being ready for death will make it come never the sooner, but much the easier: and those that are fit to die are most fit to live. 3. Is any afflicted with sickness? Let him pray, Jam 5:13. Prayer is a salve for every sore, personal or public. When Hezekiah was distressed by his enemies he prayed; now that he was sick he prayed. Whither should the child go, when any thing ails him, but to his Father? Afflictions are sent to bring us to our Bibles and to our knees. When Hezekiah was in health he went up to the house of the Lord to pray, for that was then the house of prayer. When he was sick in bed he turned his face towards the wall, probably towards the temple, which was a type of Christ, to whom we must look by faith in every prayer. 4. The testimony of our consciences for us that by the grace of God we have lived a good life, and have walke…
Open source ↗38:1-9 The story of Hezekiah’s healing connects Hezekiah’s extension of life with Jerusalem’s relief from the Assyrians. The events of this story took place before Jerusalem’s rescue from the Assyrians but were placed in a thematic rather than chronological order. One theme is the importance of prayer (see 37:14-20; 38:2-3). The Lord does listen! Hezekiah had learned the lesson of trust that his father, Ahaz, refused. As a result, Judah and Jerusalem were spared total destruction by the Assyrians. Yet Hezekiah was not the Messiah, the Son of David promised in 7:14; 9:1-7; 11:1-16; 16:5; 32:1, and 33:17-22. Thus, these accounts of his failure and mortality (chs 38–39) prepare the reader for the revelation of the true Messiah that follows (chs 40–66). 38:1 About that time (literally in those days): This is a very general time statement. Hezekiah’s illness and subsequent healing probably preceded Jerusalem’s rescue (chs 36–37), even though Isaiah places it afterward. Merodach-baladan’s reign in Babylon (39:1) ended before Sennacherib’s invasion in 701 BC. The order in the text indicates a connection between these two events (see 38:6).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites חָלָה (châlâh, H2470) — properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or… מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָמוֹץ (ʼÂmôwts, H531) — Amots, an Israelite בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin חָיָה (châyâh, H2421) — to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Open source ↗חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… קִיר (qîyr, H7023) — a wall (as built in a trench) פָּלַל (pâlal, H6419) — to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) זָכַר (zâkar, H2142) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ, H577) — oh now! הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness שָׁלֵם (shâlêm, H8003) — complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly לֵב (lêb, H3820) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites בָּכָה (bâkâh, H1058) — to weep; generally to bemoan
Open source ↗דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh, H8605) — intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… דִּמְעָה (dimʻâh, H1832) — weeping יָסַף (yâçaph, H3254) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חָמֵשׁ (châmêsh, H2568) — five
Open source ↗נָצַל (nâtsal, H5337) — to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… כַּף (kaph, H3709) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of… מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king אַשּׁוּר (ʼAshshûwr, H804) — Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them… גָּנַן (gânan, H1598) — to hedge about, i.e. (generally) protect
Open source ↗אוֹת (ʼôwth, H226) — a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a…
Open source ↗שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh, H4609) — elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought… יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. (architectural) a notched… אָחָז (ʼÂchâz, H271) — Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, H6235) — ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits) אֲחֹרַנִּית (ʼăchôrannîyth, H322) — backwards
Open source ↗מִכְתָּב (miktâb, H4385) — a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy, edict, poem) חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… חָלָה (châlâh, H2470) — properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or… חָיָה (châyâh, H2421) — to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive חֳלִי (chŏlîy, H2483) — malady, anxiety, calamity
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) דְּמִי (dᵉmîy, H1824) — quiet יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) שַׁעַר (shaʻar, H8179) — an opening, i.e. door or gate שְׁאוֹל (shᵉʼôwl, H7585) — Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories… פָּקַד (pâqad, H6485) — to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care… יֶתֶר (yether, H3499) — properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a… שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time)
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… יָהּ (Yâhh, H3050) — Jah, the sacred name אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… נָבַט (nâbaṭ, H5027) — to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… חֶדֶל (chedel, H2309) — rest, i.e. the state of the dead
Open source ↗דּוֹר (dôwr, H1755) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling נָסַע (nâçaʻ, H5265) — properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on ajourney גָּלָה (gâlâh, H1540) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being… רֹעִי (rôʻîy, H7473) — pastoral; as noun, a shepherd אֹהֶל (ʼôhel, H168) — a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance) קָפַד (qâphad, H7088) — to contract, i.e. roll together אָרַג (ʼârag, H707) — to plait or weave חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… בָּצַע (bâtsaʻ, H1214) — figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop דַּלָּה (dallâh, H1803) — properly, something dangling, i.e. a loose thread or hair; figuratively, indigent יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity שָׁלַם (shâlam, H7999) — to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed;…
Open source ↗שָׁוָה (shâvâh, H7737) — properly, to level, i.e. equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust… בֹּקֶר (bôqer, H1242) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning אֲרִי (ʼărîy, H738) — a lion שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — to burst (literally or figuratively) עֶצֶם (ʻetsem, H6106) — a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.)… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity שָׁלַם (shâlam, H7999) — to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed;…
Open source ↗סוּס (çûwç, H5483) — a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight) עָגוּר (ʻâgûwr, H5693) — probably the swallow צָפַף (tsâphaph, H6850) — to coo or chirp (as a bird) הָגָה (hâgâh, H1897) — to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder יוֹנָה (yôwnâh, H3123) — a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating) עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) דָּלַל (dâlal, H1809) — to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed מָרוֹם (mârôwm, H4791) — altitude, i.e. concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עׇשְׁקָה (ʻoshqâh, H6234) — anguish עָרַב (ʻârab, H6148) — to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign.
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.
At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.
Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,
And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!”
This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.