Isaiah 38:4

And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying,

Study Bible

And the word of the LORD
This phrase signifies divine communication, a hallmark of prophetic literature. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which implies not just spoken words but a dynamic, active force. The "word of the LORD" is powerful, creative, and authoritative, reflecting God's sovereign will. Historically, this phrase underscores the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, conveying His messages to His people. It reminds us of the reliability and truth of God's promises, as His word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

came to Isaiah
The verb "came" in Hebrew is "hayah," which can mean "to happen" or "to come to pass." This indicates that the message was not of Isaiah's own making but was divinely initiated. Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," was a major prophet in Judah during the 8th century BC. His role was to deliver God's messages during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by political upheaval and spiritual decline. This phrase highlights the personal nature of God's communication with His prophets, choosing specific individuals to carry His message.

saying
The Hebrew word for "saying" is "amar," which is often used to introduce direct speech. This word sets the stage for the specific message that God is about to deliver. It emphasizes the clarity and directness of God's communication. In the context of Isaiah 38, this word introduces a pivotal moment where God responds to Hezekiah's prayer, demonstrating His attentiveness and willingness to intervene in human affairs. This serves as a reminder of the personal relationship God desires with His people, where He listens and responds to their cries.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah served as a messenger of God, delivering His words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in advising King Hezekiah during his reign.

2. Hezekiah
The King of Judah who reigned during a time of great political turmoil. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where King Hezekiah ruled and where the events of Isaiah 38 took place.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates with His people through prophets like Isaiah.

5. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Hezekiah turned to pray during his illness.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's immediate response to his illness was to pray earnestly to God. This demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of distress and trusting in His power to heal and deliver.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The LORD's response to Hezekiah's prayer shows His sovereignty over life and death and His willingness to extend mercy to those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

The Role of Prophets
Isaiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers and being open to His guidance and correction.

Faith in Action
Hezekiah's faith was not passive; he actively sought God's intervention. This teaches us that faith often requires action, such as prayer and repentance.

God's Faithfulness
The LORD's promise to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life is a testament to His faithfulness in keeping His promises and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge or inspire your own approach to difficult situations?

2. In what ways does the account of Hezekiah's healing encourage you to trust in God's timing and sovereignty?

3. How can the role of Isaiah as a prophet inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and guidance today?

4. What are some practical ways you can incorporate prayer into your daily life, especially during times of crisis?

5. How does the account of Hezekiah's healing connect with New Testament teachings on prayer and faith, such as those found in the book of James?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 20
This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional details about the events described in Isaiah 38.

2 Chronicles 32
Chronicles Hezekiah's reign, including his illness and the miraculous sign given by God as a confirmation of his healing.

Psalm 30
A psalm of thanksgiving that reflects themes of healing and deliverance, similar to Hezekiah's experience.

James 5:15
Discusses the power of prayer in healing, which is exemplified in Hezekiah's earnest prayer for recovery.