Isaiah 38:1

KJV

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

KJV (with Strong's)

In those days {H3117} was Hezekiah {H2396} sick {H2470} unto death {H4191}. And Isaiah {H3470} the prophet {H5030} the son {H1121} of Amoz {H531} came {H935} unto him, and said {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Set thine house {H1004} in order {H6680}: for thou shalt die {H4191}, and not live {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Around this time Hizkiyahu became ill to the point of death. Yesha'yahu the prophet, the son of Amotz, came and said to him, "Here is what ADONAI says: 'Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not live.'"

Berean Standard Bible

In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”

American Standard Version

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thy house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:1 opens a profound and pivotal narrative in the life of King Hezekiah, presenting a stark divine pronouncement delivered by the prophet Isaiah. The verse reveals that Hezekiah was gravely ill, facing imminent death, and received a direct command from the LORD to prepare his affairs, for he would surely die and not recover. This immediate and unambiguous message sets a tone of divine sovereignty over life and death, establishing the critical context for Hezekiah's subsequent desperate prayer and God's miraculous intervention, highlighting the intersection of human mortality and divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 38:1 immediately follows the dramatic account of Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib, detailed in [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Assyrian Invasion and Deliverance"). This placement is significant; after God's powerful intervention on a national scale, the narrative shifts to a deeply personal crisis for King Hezekiah. The events of chapters 38 and 39, including Hezekiah's illness and the visit from Babylonian envoys, serve as a concluding section to the first major part of Isaiah's prophecy (chapters 1-39), often paralleled in [2 Kings 20](/2_kings/20 "2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"). This personal episode highlights the king's character, faith, and subsequent pride, setting the stage for future prophecies concerning Babylon.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah during a tumultuous period in the late 8th century BC (c. 715-686 BC), a time dominated by the rising power of the Assyrian Empire. His illness likely occurred around 701 BC, shortly after the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, as indicated by the subsequent fifteen-year extension of his life (Isaiah 38:5), which would place his death in 686 BC. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, illness was often perceived as a sign of divine displeasure or a direct act of God. The command to "set thine house in order" (Hebrew: *tsav l'veitekha*) was a common and crucial cultural practice for someone facing imminent death. It entailed making a will, settling debts, ensuring the succession of heirs, and generally arranging all familial, financial, and administrative affairs to prevent chaos after one's passing. The prophet Isaiah, as "the son of Amoz," served as a direct conduit for God's word, a vital role in a society that relied on divine revelation for guidance and understanding of events.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the span of human existence, a truth echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God's Power Over Life and Death"). Secondly, it underscores **Human Mortality and the Imperative of Preparation**, serving as a stark reminder that all individuals face death and should prepare their affairs, both practically and spiritually, a concept found in [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Learning to Number Our Days"). Lastly, the presence and message of Isaiah highlight **The Crucial Role of the Prophet** as God's authoritative mouthpiece, delivering divine decrees and warnings to leaders and the nation, as seen throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9-10 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, this word signifies not merely a physical ailment but also to be weak, afflicted, grieved, or put to pain. In the context of Hezekiah, it implies a severe, perhaps divinely appointed, affliction that brought him to the brink of death, emphasizing the gravity of his condition.
* **set in order (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this verb means to command, enjoin, appoint, or put in order. It conveys a strong, authoritative directive. For Hezekiah, it was a formal instruction to arrange all his affairs—his household, kingdom, and personal matters—as a final act of responsibility before his anticipated demise. It's more than tidying up; it's a solemn, administrative command.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, this primitive root means to die literally or figuratively, or to kill. Its use here, reinforced by "and not live" (H2421, *châyâh*, "to live"), emphasizes the absolute certainty and finality of the divine pronouncement. Hezekiah's death was presented as an unalterable decree, underscoring the gravity of God's word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death."**: This opening clause immediately establishes the dire circumstances of King Hezekiah, linking his personal crisis to the preceding national events. "In those days" serves as a temporal marker, placing this event within the period following the Assyrian invasion, creating a continuous narrative flow. The phrase "sick unto death" conveys the terminal nature of his illness, indicating that his condition was beyond human remedy and that he was on the verge of expiring.
* **"And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him,"**: This identifies the messenger and the authoritative nature of the communication. Isaiah, explicitly named with his lineage, is presented as God's chosen prophet, lending immense weight and divine authority to the words he is about to deliver. His direct approach to the king signifies the urgency and importance of the message.
* **"Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live."**: This is the core of the divine decree. "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic prophetic formula, authenticating the message as a direct utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, not merely Isaiah's opinion. The command "Set thine house in order" is a practical and spiritual imperative, urging the king to settle all his affairs—familial, governmental, and personal—in preparation for his end. The concluding pronouncement, "for thou shalt die, and not live," is stark and unequivocal, leaving no room for doubt about the finality of the decree, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 38:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the dire pronouncement of death immediately sets up the dramatic reversal that follows in the subsequent verses, where Hezekiah's fervent prayer leads to a miraculous extension of his life. This creates a narrative tension and highlights God's responsiveness. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Decree**, a powerful rhetorical device that underscores the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of God's word, emphasizing that the message is not human but divine. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the powerful king, Hezekiah, in a state of utter helplessness "sick unto death," highlighting the universal vulnerability of humanity, regardless of status, in the face of mortality. This contrast also emphasizes God's supreme power over even the most powerful earthly rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 38:1 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. It underscores the theological truth that human existence is finite and ultimately in the hands of the Creator, not subject to human will or medical prowess alone. The command to "set thine house in order" is a profound call to recognize mortality and prepare for eternity, highlighting the importance of living responsibly and ensuring one's spiritual and practical affairs are in alignment with God's will. This divine pronouncement, while seemingly final, also sets the stage for a demonstration of God's mercy and responsiveness to humble, fervent prayer, revealing a dynamic interaction between divine decree and human petition.

* [Psalm 39:4](/psalms/39-4 "Psalm 39:4 - Prayer for Understanding Mortality")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 38:1 presents a sobering truth that resonates deeply with every individual: the certainty of death. This verse challenges us to confront our own mortality not with fear, but with wisdom and intentionality. The command to "set thine house in order" extends far beyond merely drafting a will or organizing finances; it is a profound call to spiritual preparedness. It prompts us to examine our relationship with God, to seek reconciliation where needed, to forgive, to live out our faith authentically, and to ensure our lives reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. Embracing this truth encourages us to live each day with purpose, stewarding our time, talents, and relationships for eternal significance, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when circumstances are dire. This passage ultimately invites us to cultivate a posture of readiness, living in such a way that we are prepared to meet our Creator at any moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of death, as presented in this verse, impact your daily priorities and spiritual walk?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically and spiritually, to "set your house in order" in light of this passage?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to pray and trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult or seemingly final circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah considered a good king in the eyes of the LORD?**

Answer: Yes, King Hezekiah is predominantly portrayed as one of Judah's most righteous kings. He is praised for his faithfulness to the LORD, initiating significant religious reforms, destroying idols, and restoring proper temple worship, as detailed in [2 Kings 18:3-6](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3-6 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign"). He "trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel; so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him." However, later in his life, particularly after his recovery, he displayed a moment of pride when he showed all his treasures to the Babylonian envoys ([Isaiah 39](/isaiah/39 "Isaiah 39 - Hezekiah's Pride and Babylon's Future")), which drew a prophetic warning from Isaiah.

**Did God change His mind about Hezekiah's death?**

Answer: From a theological perspective, God does not "change His mind" in the sense of being indecisive or mistaken. Rather, this narrative demonstrates God's responsiveness to humble, fervent prayer and His sovereign right to act according to His character of mercy and justice. God, being omniscient, knew Hezekiah would pray and that He would extend his life. The initial pronouncement served to humble Hezekiah and prompt his desperate plea, revealing a dynamic interaction between divine decree and human petition. This is consistent with other biblical accounts where God's announced judgment is averted or altered in response to repentance or prayer, such as in [Jeremiah 18:7-10](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-10 - God's Conditional Decrees") concerning nations.

**What is the significance of the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: *Koh amar YHWH*) is a crucial prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament. Its significance lies in authenticating the message as a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself, not merely the prophet's personal opinion or interpretation. In Isaiah 38:1, it underscores the divine origin and gravity of the pronouncement to Hezekiah, making it a powerful declaration of God's will and an undeniable truth. It elevates the message beyond human counsel to a divine decree, demanding immediate attention and obedience, as seen in other prophetic pronouncements like [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Plan to Prophets").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 38:1 confronts the grim reality of human mortality, it paradoxically sets the stage for a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Hezekiah's impending death and the temporary extension of his life by fifteen years powerfully foreshadow the ultimate victory over death achieved by Jesus Christ. Hezekiah, a king, was helpless before death, requiring divine intervention for a mere temporary reprieve. In contrast, Jesus, the true King, willingly laid down His life and then conquered death definitively, rising from the grave to offer not a temporary extension, but eternal life to all who believe ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Hezekiah's "setting his house in order" points to the spiritual reality that Christ is the one who truly "sets our house in order" by reconciling us to God through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). The stark pronouncement "thou shalt die, and not live" is ultimately reversed for believers in Christ, for whom death is not the end but a passage to eternal life with God, a gift freely given through faith in the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, Hezekiah's story, marked by a temporary reprieve from death, ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and offers everlasting life ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 38:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Isaiah 38:8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

2 Chronicles 32:24

¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

2 Kings 20:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Kings 20:11

And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

Jonah 3:10

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.