Isaiah 38 Commentary
Know what you are fighting. This is an important lesson from this chapter. Far too often we fight diseases or even death itself. And when we die, the world says we have lost the battle to cancer, or whatever disease we were fighting. It reflects the understanding of the world.
Hezekiah knew better. The battle must be won in prayer; on your knees in the War Room. Death is always a decision from the LORD. Sickness is simply a faith agent. Know where to take your battle.
Isaiah makes two trips to the palace. The first trip comes with the bad news of death for Hezekiah. The second trip announces Hezekiah’s recovery. In between these two trips is Hezekiah’s prayer. He battles in prayer. And his weapon? He has walked faithfully with wholehearted devotion and has done what is good in the eyes of the LORD. This is powerful!
Probably the LORD checks Hezekiah’s file and 15 more years are added to his life. That is all his righteousness can achieve! Behind these lines is a deeper frustration at what human righteousness can achieve. So little and so limited. You would appreciate the LORD’s special gift of righteousness through the Son. A similar prayer, but with the righteousness of the LORD Jesus Christ, an individual can achieve eternity!
And those that have said this prayer no longer fear death. It’s not 15 years of life but eternity!
Why not? They can join King Hezekiah in praising the LORD. But unlike Hezekiah’s praise, theirs is deeper. It comes from the knowledge that they will forever be with the LORD, as promised. He will never leave them nor forsake them.
Yes, Isaiah-cum-doctor prescribed some medication for the king. But we all know the mechanics behind the scenes. If only believers knew how to handle similar battles! We can worry and fear, but we always know where to turn.
Whatever is in the mind of the LORD! You always know there is something somewhere when the LORD mentions something outside your immediate interest. The elephant in the room is the king’s health, but the LORD mentions the life of the city in response to Hezekiah’s prayer.
Just like Hezekiah’s physical life, Jerusalem would enjoy more life, but only for a fixed number of years. Wickedness has an expiry date! Another day means more grace and more time to say yes to obedience under the rule of the Son – the LORD Jesus Christ.
More resources visit https://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 