Isaiah 38:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Hizkiyahu turned his face toward the wall and prayed to ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible:

Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,

American Standard Version:

Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then Hezekiah^{H2396} turned^{H5437} his face^{H6440} toward the wall^{H7023}, and prayed^{H6419} unto the LORD^{H3068},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Isaiah 38:2

Isaiah 38:2 is a verse set within the historical context of the reign of King Hezekiah, who ruled over Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BCE. This period was marked by significant political and military challenges, including the threat of the expanding Assyrian Empire. Hezekiah is known for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in the Temple of Jerusalem.

The verse itself captures a poignant moment in Hezekiah's life. He has just received a dire message from the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, who tells him to set his house in order because he is going to die. Instead of succumbing to despair, Hezekiah demonstrates profound faith and humility. He turns away from his courtiers and the bustle of the palace, orienting himself towards the wall—a gesture symbolizing his intent to focus inward and commune with God. In this private space, he prays fervently to the Lord, seeking mercy and an extension of his life.

The themes present in this verse include the power of prayer, the importance of personal faith, and the possibility of divine intervention in human affairs. Hezekiah's actions underscore the belief that God is attentive to the prayers of the faithful and that even in the face of seemingly irreversible circumstances, such as a terminal illness, divine grace can alter the course of events. This moment of prayer is a prelude to God's response, which, in the subsequent narrative, results in Hezekiah's healing and the extension of his life by fifteen years, further reinforcing the theme of God's compassion and sovereignty over life and death.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2396
   There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חִזְקִיָּה
   Transliteration: Chizqîyâh
   Pronunciation: khiz-kee-yaw'
   Description: or חִזְקִיָּהוּ; also יְחִזְקִיָּה; or יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ; from חָזַק and יָהּ; strengthened of Jah; Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites; Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare יְחִזְקִיָּה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5437
   There are 147 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָבַב
   Transliteration: çâbab
   Pronunciation: saw-bab'
   Description: a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively; bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).
   
3. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7023
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קִיר
   Transliteration: qîyr
   Pronunciation: keer
   Description: or קִר; (Isaiah 22:5), or (feminine) קִירָה; from קוּר; a wall (as built in a trench); [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6419
   There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּלַל
   Transliteration: pâlal
   Pronunciation: paw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray; intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.