Introduction: Isaiah 38 recounts the story of Hezekiah, king of Judah, who fell ill and was at the brink of death. The chapter is a testament to the power of prayer and the mercy of God, as Hezekiah’s fervent plea for healing is answered with a miraculous extension of his life. This chapter serves as a lifeline for those who find themselves in desperate situations, reminding us that God is always willing to listen and respond to our cries for help.
I. Hezekiah’s Illness (Isaiah 38:1)
In this verse, we learn that Hezekiah is sick and near death. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, comes to him with a message from the Lord, telling him to put his affairs in order because he will not recover. This mirrors the account in 2 Kings 20:1, where the same message is delivered to Hezekiah. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the reference to Hezekiah’s impending death in both accounts.
II. Hezekiah’s Prayer (Isaiah 38:2-3)
Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays to the Lord, recounting his faithful service and wholehearted devotion. His prayer echoes the sentiments found in Psalm 6:2-3, where the psalmist pleads for mercy in the face of illness. The sincerity of Hezekiah’s prayer is reminiscent of King David’s plea for forgiveness in Psalm 51:1-2, demonstrating the power of heartfelt repentance and supplication.
III. God’s Response (Isaiah 38:4-6)
God hears Hezekiah’s prayer and responds through Isaiah, promising to add fifteen years to his life and deliver him and the city from the Assyrian king. This response is in line with the promise of answered prayers found in Jeremiah 29:12-13, where God assures that He will listen when His people call to Him. The deliverance from the Assyrian threat is also confirmed in 2 Chronicles 32:21, where an angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army, fulfilling God’s promise of protection.
IV. The Sign of the Sundial (Isaiah 38:7-8)
As a sign of God’s promise, Hezekiah is given a miraculous sign: the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moves backward ten steps. This sign is unique to Hezekiah’s story and shows God’s sovereignty over time itself. The event is parallel to Joshua’s request for the sun to stand still in Joshua 10:12-14, where God also intervenes in the natural order to confirm His word.
V. Hezekiah’s Thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:9-20)
Hezekiah composes a writing to express his gratitude for his healing. His thanksgiving reflects the sentiment of Psalm 30:2, where the psalmist thanks God for healing. He acknowledges that it is God who has granted him life, as affirmed in Job 33:4, where it is stated that the breath of the Almighty gives life. Hezekiah’s resolve to praise God all the days of his extended life resonates with Psalm 118:17, which declares that the psalmist will not die but live to proclaim what the Lord has done.
VI. The Application of the Poultice (Isaiah 38:21)
Isaiah instructs that a poultice of figs be applied to Hezekiah’s boil, leading to his recovery. This practical step of faith is consistent with James 2:17, which teaches that faith without works is dead. The use of natural remedies alongside prayer illustrates the holistic approach to healing found in Scripture.
VII. Hezekiah’s Assurance (Isaiah 38:22)
The chapter concludes with Hezekiah’s assurance that he will go to the temple of the Lord. His determination to worship God in His house echoes the resolve of Psalm 122:1, where the psalmist rejoices at the thought of going to the house of the Lord.
Conclusion: Isaiah 38 reminds the believer of God’s willingness to intervene on behalf of His people. Hezekiah’s story is one of hope, healing, and the incredible power of prayer. It encourages us to turn to God in our times of need and trust in His ability to provide a lifeline when all seems lost. Whether facing physical illness or any other desperate situation, we can take heart that God hears our prayers and is capable of performing wonders beyond our comprehension.
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