What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul. What can I say?This phrase reflects a moment of introspection and humility. In the Hebrew context, it suggests a rhetorical question, indicating the speaker's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The phrase implies that human words are insufficient to fully express the depth of God's actions and decisions. It invites believers to recognize the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine will. He has spoken to me
This highlights the personal nature of God's communication with His people. In the Hebrew tradition, God speaking directly to an individual signifies a profound and intimate relationship. It underscores the importance of listening to God's voice, which can come through scripture, prayer, or the Holy Spirit. This phrase encourages believers to be attentive and responsive to God's guidance in their lives. and He Himself has done this
This phrase emphasizes God's active role in the events of the world and individual lives. The Hebrew root suggests a direct and purposeful action by God. It reassures believers of God's control and involvement in their circumstances, reinforcing the belief that nothing happens outside of His divine plan. This understanding calls for trust in God's wisdom and timing. I will walk humbly all my years
Walking humbly is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with living a life of obedience and reverence to God. The Hebrew concept of "walking" implies a continuous, daily journey of faith. This phrase encourages believers to adopt a posture of humility, recognizing their dependence on God throughout their lives. It serves as a reminder to live in a way that honors God, acknowledging His authority and grace. because of this anguish of my soul
The mention of "anguish" reflects the deep emotional and spiritual struggle faced by the speaker. In the Hebrew context, the soul represents the innermost being, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and will. This phrase acknowledges the reality of suffering and its role in shaping one's faith journey. It encourages believers to find purpose and growth through trials, trusting that God uses even the most painful experiences for His glory and their ultimate good. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who fell ill and was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die. After praying to God, his life was extended by fifteen years. 2. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament who delivered God's message to King Hezekiah regarding his illness and recovery. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah reigned and where these events took place. 4. GodThe sovereign Lord who communicates with Hezekiah through Isaiah and ultimately heals him. 5. The TempleAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, it is significant as the place where Hezekiah would have gone to pray and seek God's favor. Teaching Points Acknowledging God's SovereigntyHezekiah's response to God's message highlights the importance of recognizing God's ultimate authority over our lives. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's earnest prayer and God's response demonstrate the effectiveness of sincere prayer in times of distress. Walking in HumilityThe phrase "I will walk slowly all my years" suggests a posture of humility and reflection, which believers are encouraged to adopt in their spiritual journey. Enduring Through AnguishHezekiah's experience teaches us that periods of suffering can lead to deeper spiritual insights and growth. Trusting in God's PlanEven when faced with dire circumstances, trusting in God's plan and timing is crucial for maintaining faith and peace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge or encourage you in your own prayer life? 2. In what ways can acknowledging God's sovereignty change your perspective on current challenges you face? 3. How can Hezekiah's experience of walking "slowly" inform your approach to spiritual growth and reflection? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to trust in God's plan, especially when facing uncertainty or distress? 5. How do other biblical accounts of prayer and deliverance (e.g., Daniel, Hannah) reinforce the lessons learned from Hezekiah's account? 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 38:15. Psalm 39:9This verse reflects a similar sentiment of submission to God's will, as seen in Hezekiah's response. James 4:13-15These verses remind believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty over their plans, echoing Hezekiah's recognition of God's control over his life. Philippians 4:6-7Encourages believers to bring their anxieties to God in prayer, similar to Hezekiah's response to his illness. Hebrews 12:11Discusses the discipline of the Lord and its purpose, which can be related to Hezekiah's experience of anguish and subsequent reflection. | A Bewildered Soul | James Smith. | Isaiah 38:15 | | Escape from Death Gives a New Meaning, to Life | Prof. G. A. Smith, D. D. | Isaiah 38:15 | | Outlook in Affliction | W. O. Lilley. | Isaiah 38:15 | | Past Troubles Remembered | W. Hoyt, D. D. | Isaiah 38:15 | | Health and Sickness | W. Clarkson | Isaiah 38:9-15 | | Face to Face with Death | W. Wheeler. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Experience | E. Payson, D. D. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Poem | E. W. Shalders, B. A. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Recovery | R. Harris, D. D. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Return to Health | P. M. Muir. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Sickness and Recovery | H. J. Gamble. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Hezekiah's Song | R. Harris, D. D. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | Sickness and Recovery | J. Leifchild, D. D. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | The Fear of Death | P. M. Muir. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | The Prayer of Hezekiah | P. M. Muir. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | The Wisdom of Keeping a Record of One's Life | J. Leifchild, D. D. | Isaiah 38:9-20 | | The Song of Hezekiah | E. Johnson | Isaiah 38:9-22 | | The Great Disclosure | W. Clarkson | Isaiah 38:11, 18, 19 | | Going Softly After Sickness | R. Tuck | Isaiah 38:15, 16 |
People Ahaz, Amoz, David, Hezekiah, IsaiahPlaces AssyriaTopics Anguish, Bitterness, Carefully, Fled, Humbly, Rest, Seeing, Sleep, Sleeping, Softly, Soul, Spoken, Turning, Walk, WanderDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 38:15 8276 humility 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 38:15 NIVIsaiah 38:15 NLTIsaiah 38:15 ESVIsaiah 38:15 NASBIsaiah 38:15 KJV
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