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Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 38:1-22

Hezekiah’s illness and recovery (38:1-22)The events recorded in Chapters 38 and 39 probably happened before those of the previous chapters. Hezekiah was about to die (38:1), but in answer to his prayer God gave him an extension of life. It seems that the reason for preserving Hezekiah’s life was to enable him to bring Judah through the time of conflict with Assyria (2-6). God gave Hezekiah a miraculous sign to confirm that this extension of life was according to the divine will (7-8).Hezekiah... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 38:3

in truth. See note on Isaiah 10:20 . wept sore = wept a great weeping. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis. Compare 2 Kings 20:3 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 38:3

Isaiah 38:3. And Hezekiah wept sore— Under the law, long life and uninterrupted health are promised as rewards of obedience, and immature death is denounced as a punishment. See Exodus 20:12.Deuteronomy 5:16; Deuteronomy 5:16; Deuteronomy 30:16. When we reflect on this, we need not be surprised at the sorrow which this good king expressed at his approaching dissolution. He looked upon it as a punishment, and consequently as a mark of the divine displeasure. Other reasons too might strongly... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 38:3

3. He mentions his past religious consistency, not as a boast or a ground for justification; but according to the Old Testament dispensation, wherein temporal rewards (as long life, c., :-) followed legal obedience, he makes his religious conduct a plea for asking the prolongation of his life. walked—Life is a journey the pious "walk with God" (Genesis 5:24; 1 Kings 9:4). perfect—sincere; not absolutely perfect, but aiming towards it (1 Kings 9:4- :); single-minded in walking as in the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 38:2-3

Perhaps Hezekiah turned his face to the wall to concentrate or to make his prayer private. Perhaps he felt completely devastated and withdrew into himself (cf. 1 Kings 21:4). He requested God’s mercy in the form of lengthened life, though he did not voice the request in so many words. He based his appeal on his godly walk before God and his wholehearted devotion to God. Hezekiah was a good king who reformed his nation spiritually (cf. 2 Chronicles 29-31). He appealed for longer life on the... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 38:1-22

Sickness and Recovery of HezekiahContinuation of the historical appendix to Isaiah’s prophecies. The chapter is parallel to 2 Kings 20:1-11 (where see notes), but contains a considerable addition in the shape of Hezekiah’s song of thanks-giving upon his recovery. Chronologically this chapter precedes 36 and 37: see on Isaiah 36:1.1-8. To Hezekiah in his sickness Isaiah promises 15 more years of life, and confirms the promise by a sign. 9-20. Hezekiah’s song of thanksgiving. 21, 22. The remedy... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 38:3

(3) Remember now, O Lord.—Devout as the prayer is, there is a tone of self-satisfaction in it which contrasts with David’s prayer (Psalms 51:1-3). He rests on what he has done in the way of religious reformation, and practically asks what he has done that he should be cut off by an untimely death. The tears may probably have been less egotistic than the words, and, therefore, were more prevailing. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Isaiah 38:1-22

Added Years Isaiah 38:5 I. God adds Years to Many Men's Lives. For example: a. In recovery from sickness. The sickness seems unto death. Hope is gone, or wellnigh gone. But a 'favourable turn,' as we say, is taken, and another course of years is added unto the man's days. b. In the gradual strengthening of the constitution. A new and deeper spring seems to be found in the blood, which has 'earnest in it of far springs to be'. The delicate youth becomes a strong man. c. In escape from... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Isaiah 38:1-22

CHAPTER XXVIHAD ISAIAH A GOSPEL FOR THE INDIVIDUAL?THE two narratives, in which Isaiah’s career culminates-that of the Deliverance of Jerusalem {Isaiah 36:1-22; Isaiah 37:1-38} and that of the Recovery of Hezekiah {Isaiah 38:1-22; Isaiah 39:1-8}-cannot fail, coming together as they do, to suggest to thoughtful readers a striking contrast between Isaiah’s treatment of the community and his treatment of the individual, between his treatment of the Church and his treatment of single members. For... read more

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