Isaiah 38

Written on 10/05/2024

Verses 1-20

  • This entire chapter seems to have one main point, which I will draw from verse 17: “Indeed, it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness.”

    • Being in great trouble or near death has a way of humbling us, bringing us closer to God, and making us want to be more careful with the years that we have left (verse 15). These results are good for us, and ultimately bring us more peace in the end. 

    • In fact, Hezekiah tells us that “in all these things is the life of my spirit” (verse 16). His point? Both the good and bad times—all times—contribute to us being saved and having life. If we are bitter because of hardship, it makes us want to be more careful, and if we are careful, we will have the peace that comes from obedience to God.

  • So, in all circumstances, remember that God's will is being done for you (verse 15). You will have life and peace if you walk wisely

    • Focus on the love that God has shown you in forgiving your sin and delivering you from hell (verse 17b).

    • And like Hezekiah concluded, desire to use your remaining time to praise God, bring Him glory, and share Him with others (verse 19).

 

Verses 21-22

  • If you are sick, don't feel like you must shy away from practical or medical treatments (also see 1 Timothy 5:23). Use them as you desire. To keep your faith, just stay in prayer.

    • God does miraculously heal, and He does so in many different ways. But He doesn't ask us anywhere in the Word to reject medical care in order to be healed. In Hezekiah's case, a lump of figs used as a poultice was incorporated in his healing.