The LORD will save me; we will play songs on stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the house of the LORD. The LORD will save meThis phrase is a profound declaration of faith and trust in God's deliverance. The Hebrew root for "save" is "yasha," which means to deliver, rescue, or bring to safety. In the context of Isaiah 38, King Hezekiah is expressing his gratitude for God's intervention in his life-threatening illness. Historically, this reflects the consistent theme throughout the Old Testament of God as a deliverer, a role He fulfills repeatedly for the Israelites. This assurance of salvation is not just physical but also spiritual, pointing to the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ, which is a cornerstone of Conservative Christian belief. and we will sing
The act of singing is a response of joy and gratitude. In Hebrew, the word for "sing" is "shar," which conveys a sense of jubilation and celebration. Singing is a common form of worship in the Bible, often used to express praise and thanksgiving to God. This phrase indicates a communal response, suggesting that Hezekiah's deliverance is not just a personal victory but one that involves the entire community in worship. It highlights the importance of corporate worship in the life of believers, a practice deeply rooted in both Jewish and Christian traditions. with stringed instruments
The use of "stringed instruments" in worship is significant, as it reflects the rich musical heritage of ancient Israel. Instruments like the harp and lyre were commonly used in temple worship, as seen in the Psalms. The Hebrew word "nevel" refers to a type of harp or lyre, emphasizing the beauty and artistry involved in worship. This phrase underscores the idea that worship is not only vocal but also instrumental, involving the whole being in the act of glorifying God. It serves as a reminder of the diverse expressions of worship that are pleasing to God. all the days of our lives
This phrase speaks to the enduring nature of worship and gratitude. The Hebrew word "yom" for "days" signifies not just a literal day but an ongoing, continuous period. Hezekiah's commitment to worship "all the days of our lives" reflects a lifelong dedication to God, a theme that resonates with the call for believers to live a life of worship and service. It emphasizes the idea that worship is not confined to specific moments but is a perpetual state of being for those who have experienced God's salvation. in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. The Hebrew word "bayith" for "house" signifies a dwelling place, a sanctuary where God's presence resides. This phrase highlights the importance of the temple as a place of communal worship and encounter with God. For Conservative Christians, it also points to the church as the gathering place for believers, where worship and fellowship occur. It serves as a reminder of the significance of coming together in God's presence to offer praise and thanksgiving. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who was ill and prayed to the LORD for healing. God granted him 15 more years of life. 2. IsaiahThe prophet who delivered God's message to Hezekiah, including the promise of healing and an extended life. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the deliverance and healing of Hezekiah. 4. House of the LORDRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, a place of worship and praise. 5. Stringed InstrumentsMusical instruments used in worship, symbolizing joy and thanksgiving. Teaching Points God's DeliveranceTrust in God's ability to save and deliver us from our troubles, just as He did for Hezekiah. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's healing was a direct result of fervent prayer. We should be encouraged to pray earnestly in times of need. Worship as a ResponseOur response to God's deliverance should be one of worship and thanksgiving, using our talents and resources to glorify Him. The Role of Music in WorshipMusic is a powerful tool for expressing gratitude and praise to God. Consider how you can incorporate music into your personal and communal worship. Living a Life of PraiseHezekiah's commitment to praise God "all the days of our lives" challenges us to live a life consistently focused on worship and gratitude. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to his healing challenge us to respond to God's work in our lives? 2. In what ways can we incorporate music into our personal and corporate worship to enhance our praise to God? 3. How does the account of Hezekiah's healing encourage us to approach God in prayer during our own times of need? 4. What are some practical ways we can live a life of praise and thanksgiving, as Hezekiah committed to doing? 5. How can the example of Hezekiah's worship in the "house of the LORD" inspire us to prioritize communal worship in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 20This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the power of prayer. Psalm 150Highlights the use of musical instruments in worship, connecting to Hezekiah's intention to praise God with music. James 5:13-16Discusses the power of prayer in healing, similar to Hezekiah's experience. Psalm 30A psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance from death, reflecting Hezekiah's gratitude. 1 Chronicles 16:9Encourages singing and making music to the LORD, aligning with Hezekiah's commitment to worship. People Ahaz, Amoz, David, Hezekiah, IsaiahPlaces AssyriaTopics Corded, Faithfulness, Instruments, Myself, O, Play, Purposed, Quickly, Ready, Save, Saviour, Sing, Songs, Sons, Stringed, Surely, Temple, To-dayDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 38:20 8666 praise, manner and methods 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 38:20 NIVIsaiah 38:20 NLTIsaiah 38:20 ESVIsaiah 38:20 NASBIsaiah 38:20 KJV
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