Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 38

Hezekiah's SicknessThis passage tells about King Hezekiah’s serious illness. Even though he was a good and powerful king, he was not protected from sickness or the threat of death. We learn important lessons here about preparing for death, the power of prayer, and trusting God during times of trouble. Hezekiah’s story shows that when we are weak and afraid, we should turn to God, trust in His promises, and care about not just ourselves but also God’s people.v. 1: Hezekiah became very sick, even though he was a strong and faithful king. This shows that no one is too important or too good to avoid sickness or death. It happened while he was enjoying victory over the Assyrians, teaching us to always be humble and ready for any trouble, even in good times.

v. 2: God told Hezekiah, Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live(Isaiah 38:1 ). When we see death coming, we should make sure our hearts and our lives are right with God and with others. Being prepared for death makes it easier to face, and it also helps us live better.

v. 3: When Hezekiah became sick, he prayed to God. Prayer is always the right response when we are in trouble or pain (James 5:13 ). Even if we cannot go to the temple, we can always turn our hearts to God in prayer, just as Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and prayed in faith.

v. 4: Hezekiah reminded God of how he had lived faithfully and with a sincere heart. While we cannot earn God’s favor by our good works, it is a comfort to know, when we are near death, that we have tried to live honestly and serve God with a true heart. This can give us peace in difficult times.

v. 5: God hears the prayers of His people. God sent Isaiah with a new message: Hezekiah would recover and live for fifteen more years. God sometimes allows us to face trouble so He can show His power and answer our prayers. Even if we do not always receive the answer we want, we can trust that God is listening and caring for us (Psalm 138:3 ).

v. 6: Hezekiah could not feel fully happy about his own health unless he also knew that Jerusalem would be safe. God promised not only to heal Hezekiah, but also to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrians. God’s people care about the welfare of others, not just themselves (Psalm 128:5 ).

v. 7: God gave Hezekiah a special sign to prove His promise. The shadow on the sun-dial moved backward. This miracle showed that God’s word is true and that He has power over time and nature. God sometimes gives signs to strengthen our faith when we need extra encouragement.

Hezekiah’s Song of ThanksgivingThis section shares King Hezekiah’s personal writing after he recovered from a serious illness. Hezekiah’s experience teaches us about prayer, God’s mercy, and the importance of remembering and thanking God after difficult times. The passage is honest about fear and sadness when facing death, but it ends with hope and praise to God for deliverance.v. 9: This verse introduces Hezekiah’s writing. After he was sick and healed by God, he wrote down his thoughts and feelings .

v. 10: Hezekiah remembers thinking, “In the middle of my days I must go to the gates of Sheol; I am deprived of the rest of my years.”He felt that his life was being cut short and he would not see any more good days .

v. 11: Hezekiah says, “I shall not see the Lord

v. 12: He felt his life was like a tent taken down or cloth cut off from a loom. He thought his days would end quickly and quietly .

v. 13: Hezekiah says he waited until morning with his pain. He felt weak and thought God was ending his life .

v. 14: He cried out like a bird, hoping God would help him. He prayed, “I am oppressed; undertake for me!”.

v. 15: Hezekiah asks, “What shall I say?”He knows that God has spoken and acted for him, and he is humbled by God’s work in his life .

v. 16: He realizes that people live by God’s word and kindness. He says, “You restored me to health and let me live.”God’s love and care are what keep us alive .

v. 17: Hezekiah says God’s love saved him from the pit of destruction. God forgave his sins and gave him new hope .

v. 18: He says, “For Sheol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you.”He realized that only the living can give thanks to God .

v. 19: Hezekiah praises God, saying, “The living, the living—they praise you, as I do this day.”He wants others to know about God’s faithfulness .

v. 20: He ends with joy, promising to sing songs in the temple all his life. Hezekiah is thankful that God saved him and gave him more years (Isaiah 38:20 ).