Isaiah 38:5

"Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 'I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.

Study Bible

Go and tell Hezekiah
This phrase begins with a direct command from God to the prophet Isaiah. The use of "Go and tell" underscores the immediacy and importance of the message. In the Hebrew text, the verb "go" (הלך, halak) conveys a sense of purpose and mission. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is the recipient, highlighting his significance in the narrative. Historically, Hezekiah was a king known for his faithfulness to God, and this message is a direct communication from the divine, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His chosen leaders.

This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says
This phrase establishes the authority of the message. "The LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding Hezekiah of the promises made to Israel. By referring to "the God of your father David," the message connects Hezekiah to the Davidic covenant, reinforcing the idea of divine faithfulness and continuity. This historical context is crucial, as it reassures Hezekiah of God's enduring commitment to the house of David, a lineage chosen to lead God's people.

I have heard your prayer
The phrase "I have heard" (שמעתי, shamati) is deeply comforting, indicating that God is attentive and responsive to the cries of His people. Hezekiah's prayer, mentioned earlier in the chapter, was a plea for healing and deliverance. This assurance of being heard is a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and God's willingness to engage with human concerns. It reflects a personal and relational aspect of God, who listens and responds to the faithful.

I have seen your tears
The acknowledgment of "tears" (דמעתיך, dim'atecha) adds an emotional depth to the narrative. It signifies God's compassion and understanding of human suffering. In the ancient Near Eastern context, tears were often associated with sincere supplication and distress. This phrase reassures Hezekiah that his emotional state is not ignored by God, but rather, it is seen and valued. It highlights the empathetic nature of God, who is moved by the plight of His people.

Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life
The word "Behold" (הנני, hineni) serves as an attention-grabbing introduction to the promise that follows. The addition of "fifteen years" is a specific and generous extension of Hezekiah's life, demonstrating God's power over life and death. This promise is not only a personal blessing but also a sign of God's sovereignty and ability to alter the course of human history. It serves as a testament to God's grace and the impact of faithful prayer, offering hope and assurance to believers that God can intervene in miraculous ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who reigned during a time of great political and spiritual challenges. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament who served as God's messenger to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in delivering God's messages to King Hezekiah.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is faithful to His promises and responds to the prayers of His people.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah reigned and where the events of this passage took place.

5. The Event of Healing
God responds to Hezekiah's prayer and tears by granting him an additional fifteen years of life, demonstrating His power and mercy.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's earnest prayer demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of distress. We are encouraged to bring our concerns to God, trusting in His ability to intervene.

God's Compassion
God's response to Hezekiah's tears shows His deep compassion for His people. We can be assured that God sees our struggles and cares for us deeply.

Divine Sovereignty and Mercy
The extension of Hezekiah's life by fifteen years illustrates God's sovereignty over life and death. It also highlights His mercy, as He chooses to grant life in response to sincere prayer.

Faithfulness to God's Promises
The reference to "the God of your father David" underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. We can trust that God remains faithful to His promises to us.

The Role of Prophets
Isaiah's role as a messenger reminds us of the importance of listening to God's word through His appointed servants. We should seek to understand and apply God's messages in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge us to approach God in our own times of need?

2. In what ways can we be more attentive to God's compassion and care in our daily lives, as seen in His response to Hezekiah's tears?

3. How does the extension of Hezekiah's life illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of life's uncertainties?

4. What are some ways we can remain faithful to God's promises, as He is faithful to us, in our personal and communal spiritual journeys?

5. How can we better discern and respond to God's messages delivered through His word and His messengers today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 20:1-11
This passage provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional details about the sign of the shadow going back ten steps as a confirmation of God's promise.

James 5:16
This New Testament verse emphasizes the power of prayer, connecting to Hezekiah's earnest prayer and God's response.

Psalm 56:8
This verse speaks of God recording our tears, highlighting His compassion and attentiveness, similar to how He saw Hezekiah's tears.