I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. I waited patiently until dawnThe phrase "I waited patiently" reflects a deep sense of endurance and hope amidst suffering. The Hebrew root for "waited" is "qavah," which implies an active, expectant waiting, often with a sense of tension. This word is used throughout the Old Testament to describe a hopeful anticipation of God's intervention. The mention of "dawn" symbolizes a new beginning or deliverance, a common biblical metaphor for hope and renewal after a period of darkness or trial. In the context of Isaiah 38, King Hezekiah is expressing his reliance on God during his illness, trusting that God will bring healing and restoration. but like a lion He broke all my bones
The imagery of a lion is powerful and evokes a sense of overwhelming strength and ferocity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lions were seen as symbols of both royal power and divine judgment. The phrase "broke all my bones" suggests a complete and devastating affliction, emphasizing the severity of Hezekiah's condition. The Hebrew word for "broke" is "shabar," which can mean to shatter or crush, indicating the depth of Hezekiah's suffering. This metaphor highlights the intensity of God's discipline or the trials Hezekiah faced, yet it also underscores God's sovereignty and the believer's need to submit to His will. from day until night You made an end of me
This phrase captures the relentless nature of Hezekiah's suffering, as it persisted "from day until night." The continuous nature of his affliction is emphasized, suggesting that there was no respite or relief. The expression "You made an end of me" conveys a sense of total exhaustion and the brink of despair. The Hebrew root "kalah" for "made an end" can mean to complete or finish, often used in the context of consuming or bringing something to an end. This reflects Hezekiah's feeling of being consumed by his illness, yet it also points to the completeness of God's work in a believer's life, whether through trials or deliverance. In the broader scriptural context, this verse serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God for strength and the hope of renewal even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who is the speaker in this passage. Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah. 2. IsaiahThe prophet who delivered God's messages to Hezekiah, including the prophecy of his illness and recovery. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah reigned and where these events took place. 4. GodThe sovereign Lord who is both the source of Hezekiah's affliction and his deliverance. 5. Hezekiah's IllnessA significant event where Hezekiah was struck with a terminal illness, leading to his prayer and eventual healing by God. Teaching Points The Reality of Human FrailtyHezekiah's experience reminds us of our vulnerability and the inevitability of suffering in life. It calls us to rely on God in times of distress. God's Sovereignty in SufferingThe imagery of God as a lion breaking bones highlights His control over our circumstances. We must trust in His purposes, even when they are painful. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to his illness was to pray fervently. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer during our trials. Hope in God's DeliveranceDespite the dire situation, Hezekiah's account ends with healing and restoration, encouraging us to have hope in God's ability to deliver us. The Importance of Patience and EnduranceHezekiah's calming himself until morning illustrates the need for patience and endurance as we wait for God's intervention. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge or inspire your own approach to suffering and prayer? 2. In what ways can the imagery of God as a lion breaking bones deepen your understanding of His sovereignty and power? 3. How can Hezekiah's account encourage you to trust in God's timing and purposes, even when they are not immediately clear? 4. What other biblical figures experienced similar trials, and how did their responses compare to Hezekiah's? 5. How can you apply the lessons from Hezekiah's experience to a current situation in your life where you need to rely on God's deliverance? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 20:1-11This passage provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional context to Isaiah 38. Psalm 22:14This verse uses similar imagery of bones being out of joint, reflecting a deep sense of distress and reliance on God. Job 10:16-17Job's lamentation shares the theme of feeling crushed by God's hand, similar to Hezekiah's expression of being broken like bones by a lion. People Ahaz, Amoz, David, Hezekiah, IsaiahPlaces AssyriaTopics Bones, Break, Breaketh, Breaks, Bring, Broke, Composed, Crushing, Cry, Crying, Dawn, Kept, Lion, Lion-so, Morning, Myself, Pain, Patiently, Quieted, Reckoned, Soul, Till, Waited, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 38:13 4918 dawn
5137 bones Isaiah 38:13-14 5933 restlessness Library The Life of the Spirit
(First Sunday after Christmas.) Isaiah xxxviii. 16. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit. These words are the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah; and they are true words, words from God. But, if they are true words, they are true words for every one--for you and me, for every one here in this church this day: for they do not say, By these things certain men live, one man here and another man there; but all men. Whosoever is really alive, that is, has …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country SermonsNo Man Cometh to the Father but by Me.
This being added for further confirmation of what was formerly said, will point out unto us several necessary truths, as, I. That it is most necessary to be sound and clear in this fundamental point of coming to God only in and through Christ. For, 1. It is the whole marrow of the gospel. 2. It is the hinge of our salvation, Christ is "the chief corner stone," Isa. xxxviii. 16. 1 Pet. i. 5, 6; and, 3. The only ground of all our solid and true peace and comfort. 4 An error or a mistake here, is most …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 38:13 NIVIsaiah 38:13 NLTIsaiah 38:13 ESVIsaiah 38:13 NASBIsaiah 38:13 KJV
Isaiah 38:13 Commentaries
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