Isaiah 38:4

"and said, “Remember now, LORD, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” Then Hezekiah wept bitterly."

Key Reflection

Hezekiah's plea to God underscores his sincere devotion and faithfulness, as he highlights his commitment to living a life pleasing in God’s sight. For the original audience, this reflects the expectation that kings should be models of piety and righteousness; Hezekiah’s words would have demonstrated his exemplary leadership and moral integrity, making his sudden illness particularly challenging and significant in terms of both personal and national implications.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Then came the word of the Lord -In the parallel place in2 Kings 20:4, it is said, ‘And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came unto him.’ That is, the message of God name to Isaiah before he had left Hezekiah; or as soon as he had offered his prayer. This circumstance is omitted by Isaiah on the revision of his narrative which we have before us. But there is no contradiction. In this place it is implied that the message came to him soon, or immediately.

More from Isaiah 38

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