Isaiah 38:15

What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

What shall I say {H1696}? he hath both spoken {H559} unto me, and himself hath done {H6213} it: I shall go softly {H1718} all my years {H8141} in the bitterness {H4751} of my soul {H5315}.

"What is there that I can say? He has spoken to me and acted! I will go humbly all my years, remembering how bitter I was.

What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul.

What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.

Context

King Hezekiah, facing a terminal illness, was told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die (Isaiah 38:1). Hezekiah prayed fervently, and God, through Isaiah, promised to add fifteen years to his life (Isaiah 38:5) and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians. Verse 15 is part of Hezekiah's heartfelt song of thanksgiving and reflection after his miraculous recovery, expressing his profound gratitude and an altered perspective on life. This moment highlights a pivotal point in Hezekiah's reign and personal faith journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Power: Hezekiah acknowledges that God not only *spoke* a promise of healing but *personally acted* to fulfill it. This underscores God's unwavering commitment to His word and His sovereign ability to intervene directly in human affairs, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness.
  • Profound Gratitude and Humility: The opening exclamation, "What shall I say?", conveys a sense of overwhelmed awe and humility before God's mighty work. The experience of near-death and miraculous recovery transformed Hezekiah, leading him to a deeper, more humble walk with God.
  • Lasting Impact of Suffering and Transformation: The phrase "bitterness of my soul" refers to the deep sorrow and distress Hezekiah endured during his illness. This suffering left an indelible mark, leading to a changed life characterized by a "softly" walk, signifying a more subdued, reflective, and perhaps cautious approach to his remaining years, always mindful of God's mercy and the fragility of life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go softly" (Hebrew: ahalech iddea) implies walking humbly, slowly, or with a subdued demeanor. It suggests a departure from the triumphant or assertive walk typically associated with a king, embracing instead a posture of humility and dependence on God. It speaks to a life lived with a sober awareness of divine intervention. The "bitterness of my soul" (Hebrew: mar nafshi) points to the severe emotional and physical anguish Hezekiah experienced, which, though past, profoundly shaped his future outlook, reminding him of his mortality and God's grace.

Practical Application

Hezekiah's response offers a powerful model for believers today. When God intervenes miraculously in our lives, our natural response should be one of profound gratitude and humility. This verse reminds us that:

  • God is faithful to His promises, and His actions speak louder than words. We can trust in His divine intervention and His perfect timing.
  • Life's trials, even those that bring "bitterness," can lead to a deeper, more humble walk with God. Suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and a renewed appreciation for life and faith.
  • A transformed life often involves a changed perspective, moving from self-reliance to a more dependent and reflective relationship with the Almighty. It encourages us to remember God's deliverance and live out our remaining days in humble acknowledgment of His grace, much like Micah 6:8 encourages us to "walk humbly with thy God" and do justice and love mercy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 7:11

    Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

  • 1 Kings 21:27

    And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

  • Job 10:1

    ¶ My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

  • John 12:27

    Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

  • Joshua 7:8

    O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!

  • Job 21:25

    And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.

  • Psalms 39:9

    I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].

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