Isaiah 38
Isaiah 38
Vv. 1-3 This prayer from Hezekiah differs from the model prayer he gave as the Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem. In that prayer he had a focus on God, whereas this prayer is focused on himself. This is not surprising, as most of us would have a similar response.
Vv. 4-8 God listens to the mournful tears of Hezekiah and will not only heal him but once again promises protection for Judah. This is sealed by a sign as seen on the sun dial turning back time. There is no other reason given as to why God allows Hezekiah to live other than it was a prayer from a righteous man.
Vv. 9-22 We see the psalm of Hezekiah, praising the Lord for his healing. From verses 10-15, we see the pain and misery of Hezekiah as death approaches him. But in 16-20 we are gifted the speech of a delivered man reflecting on the grace of God.
What does the healing of Hezekiah mean for us?:
When reading this passage, I was confused as to why God would heal Hezekiah. Certainly, just because someone is righteous it does not mean that they are given extra years to live on Earth. Part of living this faithful life is a recognition that God has given each of us a few years to live here, and we need to be willing and able to accept just how short or long that may be. Is God giving us a bad clue into the nature of prayer and healing?
As I read this passage, I believe that this passage is less about the healing of a king on the surface and more about what this healing represents. Hezekiah was sick and was brought back to health. His kingdom was protected by God. And yet, we will see that Hezekiah ushers in the next enemy of Israel and the kingdom that will ultimately destroy them. This seems to resemble the story of Israel in Isaiah. Just like Hezekiah, Israel had been given a death sentence by God. Both were saved by the grace of God, not because they deserved it in any way, but rather because they turned to the Lord for their salvation.
Hezekiah will continue to symbolize Israel in the next chapter, which we will talk about next week.