Isaiah 38:1-13 ▼

1 During that time, Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. Then Amoz's son Isaiah the prophet came to him and told him, |This is what the LORD says: 'Put your house in order, because you are going to die. You won't recover.'|

2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD.

3 |Please, LORD,| he said, |Remember how I have walked before you faithfully and with a true heart, and I have done what pleases you.| And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Then this message from the LORD came to Isaiah:

5 |Go tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the LORD God of your ancestor David has to say: |I've heard your prayer and I've seen your tears; so I will add fifteen years to your life.

6 I'll save you and this city from the king of Assyria, and I'll defend this city, for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.

7 This is the LORD's sign to you that the LORD will carry out this thing he has promised:

8 Watch! I will make the shadow on the steps of the upper dial of Ahaz that marks the sun go ten steps backwards.|'| Then the sunlight turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had gone down.

9  A composition by King Hezekiah of Judah, following his illness and recovery:

10 I said, |Must I leave in the prime of my life? Must I be consigned to the control of Sheol? Bitter are my years!|

11 I said, |I won't see the LORD in the land of the living; and I'll no longer observe human beings among the denizens of the grave.

12 My house has been plucked up and vanishes from me like a shepherd's tent; like a weaver, I've taken account of my life, and he cuts me off from the loom— day and night you make an end of me.

13 I've been swept bare until morning; just like a lion, he breaks all my bones— day and night you make an end of me.