Isaiah 38:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:15 captures King Hezekiah's profound and transformative response to God's miraculous intervention, which extended his life by fifteen years after a terminal illness. Overwhelmed by the tangible demonstration of divine faithfulness and omnipotent action, Hezekiah expresses a state of humble awe, acknowledging that God not only declared His promise but also personally executed it. The verse culminates in Hezekiah's solemn resolve to live his remaining years in a subdued, reflective manner, deeply marked by the bitter experience of his near-death and the subsequent, overwhelming grace of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal line within Hezekiah's deeply personal "writing when he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness," found in [Isaiah 38:9](/isaiah/38-9 "Isaiah 38:9 - Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving"). The preceding verses meticulously detail his terminal illness, his fervent and tearful prayer for healing [Isaiah 38:2-3](/isaiah/38-2-3 "Isaiah 38:2-3 - Hezekiah's Prayer for Healing"), and God's immediate, compassionate response delivered through the prophet Isaiah. This divine promise not only guaranteed an extension of life but also assured deliverance from the formidable Assyrian threat [Isaiah 38:4-8](/isaiah/38-4-8 "God's Promise and Sign to Hezekiah"). Verse 15, therefore, serves as a direct, intimate testimony within his broader song of thanksgiving, reflecting on the overwhelming nature of God's grace and the lasting impact of his suffering and miraculous recovery. It marks a profound transition from the initial despair and urgent prayer to a deep, transformative reflection on God's character and his own altered perspective on life and kingship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah during an exceptionally tumultuous period, primarily defined by the looming and aggressive threat of the Assyrian Empire. His severe illness, occurring around the time of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem (as recounted in [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-20 - Hezekiah's Reign and Assyrian Invasion")), represented a significant crisis for the nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the king's health was often perceived as intrinsically linked to the well-being, stability, and divine favor bestowed upon the entire kingdom. Illness and recovery were almost universally interpreted through a theological lens, attributed either to divine favor or displeasure. Hezekiah's earnest prayer and God's swift, powerful response align perfectly with this worldview, powerfully demonstrating Yahweh's direct and personal involvement in the affairs of His people and their chosen leaders. The phrase "bitterness of my soul" resonates deeply with a common human experience of profound suffering and anguish, while the resolve to "go softly" suggests a culturally understood posture of humility, mourning, or solemn reflection, here applied to a life lived in sober gratitude and renewed dependence.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 38:15](/isaiah/38-15 "Isaiah 38:15 - Hezekiah's Reflection on God's Deliverance") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it unmistakably underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God is not merely the one who articulates promises but also the omnipotent one who acts decisively and personally to fulfill them. Hezekiah's experience highlights God's absolute control over the boundaries of life and death, and His unwavering willingness to respond to the earnest prayers of His people, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 107:19-20](/psalm/107-19-20 "Psalm 107:19-20 - God's Deliverance in Distress"). Secondly, it profoundly speaks to the **Transformative Power of Suffering and Grace**. Hezekiah's near-death experience, though undoubtedly bitter and agonizing, ultimately leads to a profound spiritual reorientation, fostering deep humility and a renewed, more intimate walk with God. This aligns perfectly with the biblical principle that trials, when endured with faith, can refine one's character and produce spiritual endurance, as eloquently described in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Benefits of Suffering Through Tribulation"). Lastly, the verse exemplifies **Authentic Thanksgiving and Humility**, showing that genuine gratitude for divine deliverance often manifests not in triumphalism or self-exaltation, but in a deeper, more sober awareness of one's absolute dependence on God, mirroring the profound requirements of a humble walk articulated in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) primarily means "to arrange," but is used figuratively of words, signifying "to speak." It encompasses declaring, commanding, promising, and even thinking or intending. In Hezekiah's opening "What shall I say?", it underscores his inability to adequately articulate the overwhelming nature of God's action.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) means "to say" with great latitude, encompassing declaring, commanding, promising, and even thinking or intending. In Hezekiah's context, it refers to God's direct verbal communication through Isaiah, promising him healing and extended life. It emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the promise.
* **done (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root (H6213) means "to do or make" in the broadest sense, implying accomplishment, execution, or performance. Here, it highlights God's active, personal intervention to bring about the healing and life extension He had promised. It underscores God's omnipotence and His commitment to fulfilling His word, moving beyond mere declaration to concrete action.
* **go softly (Hebrew, _dâdâh'_):** A rare and somewhat doubtful root (H1718), it suggests walking gently, slowly, or with a subdued demeanor. In this context, it conveys a posture of humility, reflection, and perhaps caution. It implies a life lived with a profound awareness of God's mercy and the fragility of life, contrasting with the typical vigorous stride of a king. It speaks to a transformed perspective, shaped by the experience of suffering and divine deliverance.
* **bitterness (Hebrew, _mar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bitter," this word (H4751) describes a state of intense emotional or physical distress, sorrow, or anguish. It vividly portrays the severe suffering Hezekiah endured during his illness, a deep anguish that permeated his "soul." This "bitterness" serves as a stark reminder of his mortality and the depth of the trial from which God delivered him.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This widely used term (H5315) refers to a breathing creature, vitality, or the inner self—encompassing appetite, mind, life, and person. In "bitterness of my soul," it indicates that Hezekiah's suffering was not merely physical but deeply affected his entire being, his innermost self, leading to profound emotional and spiritual distress. The subsequent "go softly" reflects the lasting impact of this experience on his very essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What shall I say?"**: This opening exclamation conveys Hezekiah's overwhelming sense of awe, humility, and perhaps speechlessness in the face of God's incredible grace. It's a rhetorical question expressing that no words can adequately capture the magnitude of what God has done.
* **"he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]:"**: This clause is the core of Hezekiah's acknowledgment. He marvels that God not only *declared* His intention (through Isaiah's prophecy of healing) but also *personally executed* that promise. This emphasizes God's faithfulness, power, and direct involvement in his life, highlighting the certainty and efficacy of the divine word.
* **"I shall go softly all my years"**: This phrase expresses Hezekiah's resolve for his remaining fifteen years of life. "Going softly" implies a humble, subdued, reflective, and perhaps cautious walk, a life lived with a profound awareness of God's mercy and the fragility of human existence, rather than with kingly pride or self-assurance.
* **"in the bitterness of my soul."**: This final phrase clarifies the context and motivation for his "soft" walk. The "bitterness" refers to the deep anguish and suffering he experienced during his illness. This past suffering, though now relieved, leaves an indelible mark on his soul, shaping his future perspective and ensuring he never forgets the trial or the miraculous deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. The opening "What shall I say?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, immediately drawing the reader into Hezekiah's state of overwhelmed gratitude and humility, suggesting that human language is utterly inadequate to express the magnitude of the divine act. The parallel structure of "he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]" is a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second clause expands upon or completes the thought of the first, emphasizing the dual and complete nature of God's action: divine declaration followed by omnipotent execution. The phrase "go softly" is a profound **Metaphor** for a transformed way of life, symbolizing a humble, reflective, and cautious demeanor rather than a literal physical gait. Finally, "bitterness of my soul" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "bitterness" represents the profound suffering and anguish that permeated his entire being ("soul"), standing for the entire traumatic experience of his illness and the lasting, transformative impact it had on his inner self.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 38:15 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God is both a God of promise and a God of performance, a God who speaks and a God who acts. Hezekiah's testimony underscores the absolute certainty and efficacy of God's word, demonstrating that divine declarations are not mere pronouncements but are backed by omnipotent action. This deeply personal experience transforms Hezekiah, leading him to a deeper, more humble walk, where the memory of suffering serves as a constant reminder of God's sovereign grace and the preciousness of life itself. It powerfully teaches that true spiritual growth and profound gratitude often emerge from the crucible of trials, fostering a posture of humble dependence and unwavering gratitude rather than self-reliance.

* [Psalm 116:3-4](/psalm/116-3-4 "Deliverance from Death and Sorrow")
* [Lamentations 3:19-21](/lamentations/3-19-21 "Remembering Affliction and Finding Hope")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "God of All Comfort in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's response to God's miraculous intervention offers a timeless and profound model for believers facing their own trials and experiencing divine deliverance. His initial rhetorical question, "What shall I say?", invites us to deeply consider our own posture when God acts powerfully and unexpectedly in our lives. Do we rush to explain or rationalize, or do we pause in humble awe, recognizing the inherent inadequacy of our human words to fully capture divine majesty and grace? His subsequent resolve to "go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul" is not a surrender to despair or a morbid preoccupation with past pain, but rather a profound commitment to a transformed life—one marked by humility, deep reflection, and a constant, sober remembrance of both the depth of past suffering and the incomparable height of God's saving grace. This powerful example reminds us that our most profound encounters with God's faithfulness, particularly those forged in the crucible of affliction, should fundamentally shape our future walk, leading us to live with a deeper sense of gratitude, unwavering dependence, and renewed purpose, always mindful of the Giver of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's "What shall I say?" resonate with your own experience of being overwhelmed by God's grace or an unexpected divine intervention?**
* **In what specific ways has past "bitterness" or profound suffering in your life transformed your perspective or led you to "go softly" with God in humility and dependence?**
* **How can intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness—His speaking and His doing—strengthen your trust in Him for present and future challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more humble, reflective, and grateful "walk" with God in your daily life, acknowledging His sovereignty in all circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does "go softly all my years" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Go softly" (Hebrew: *dâdâh*) in [Isaiah 38:15](/isaiah/38-15 "Isaiah 38:15 - Hezekiah's Transformed Walk") signifies a profound and lasting shift in Hezekiah's demeanor and approach to life. It does not imply weakness, a lack of vigor, or a withdrawal from his kingly duties, but rather a humble, subdued, and deeply reflective posture. Having faced the very brink of death and experienced miraculous divine intervention, Hezekiah resolves to live his remaining fifteen years with a heightened awareness of God's immense grace and the inherent fragility of human life. It suggests a life lived with less self-reliance and more profound dependence on God, perhaps with a quiet reverence and a sober gratitude for every moment, contrasting sharply with the potentially proud or assertive stride typical of a powerful king. This transformed walk is a direct and permanent result of the "bitterness of his soul" (his near-death experience) and God's powerful, life-saving deliverance, much like the humble and just walk encouraged in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

**How does Hezekiah's "bitterness of my soul" inform his future perspective?**

Answer: The "bitterness of my soul" (Hebrew: *mar nephesh*) refers to the intense physical and emotional anguish Hezekiah endured during his terminal illness. This suffering was so profound that it left an indelible and permanent mark on his inner being, his very essence. While God miraculously delivered him from the illness itself, the vivid memory of that bitter experience remained. This remembrance is not presented as a source of ongoing despair or morbid introspection, but rather as a powerful catalyst for a transformed perspective and a deeper spiritual walk. It serves as a constant, humbling reminder of his own mortality, the depth of his desperate need for God, and the miraculous, undeserved nature of his deliverance. It ensures that his "soft" walk is rooted in a sober gratitude, preventing him from ever forgetting the true source of his renewed life and fostering a deeper, more dependent, and reverent relationship with God, illustrating how trials can produce endurance and character, as described in [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - Benefits of Suffering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's profound experience in [Isaiah 38:15](/isaiah/38-15 "Isaiah 38:15 - Hezekiah's Testimony of God's Word and Work"), while a deeply personal testimony of divine intervention and a king's gratitude, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and comprehensive work of Christ for all humanity. Hezekiah's overwhelmed cry, "What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]," resonates with profound theological depth when viewed through the lens of the New Testament revelation of God's ultimate word and definitive action in Jesus Christ. God "spoke" His redemptive plan throughout salvation history through the prophets, through the law, and through His covenant promises, but He "did" it fully and definitively in the incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of His Son. Just as Hezekiah was delivered from the bitterness of physical death, humanity, through faith in Christ, is delivered from the ultimate bitterness of sin and spiritual death. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the full weight and bitterness of our sin, enduring the cross and its profound anguish, so that we might have abundant and eternal life. His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate "doing" of God's promise, conquering death and providing the pathway to new and everlasting life for all who believe [Romans 6:9-11](/romans/6-9-11 "Romans 6:9-11 - New Life in Christ Through Baptism"). Therefore, our response, like Hezekiah's, should be one of profound gratitude, awe, and a transformed life, walking "softly" in humility and dependence. This walk is not in the bitterness of our own soul's suffering, but in the joyful, liberating remembrance of Christ's finished work, living out our days in light of the glorious [hope of glory](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory") that is Christ dwelling within us [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ, Living by Faith").

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

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].