Isaiah 38:18

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can [not] celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

For the grave {H7585} cannot praise {H3034} thee, death {H4194} can not celebrate {H1984} thee: they that go down {H3381} into the pit {H953} cannot hope {H7663} for thy truth {H571}.

"Sh'ol cannot thank you, death cannot praise you; those descending to the pit cannot hope for your truth.

For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.

For Sheol cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: They that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.

Commentary

Isaiah 38:18 is part of King Hezekiah's poetic song of thanksgiving and lament after the Lord miraculously extended his life by fifteen years following a terminal illness. In this verse, Hezekiah expresses a profound Old Testament perspective on the value of life as the sole opportunity for active praise and engagement with God's truth.

Context

This verse is found within King Hezekiah's personal narrative of sickness and divine healing. Facing certain death, Hezekiah earnestly prayed to God (Isaiah 38:2-3), and the Lord responded by granting him more time to live. His song, recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20, reflects his despair before recovery and his renewed joy and commitment to praise God afterward. Hezekiah's words emphasize that the living have the unique privilege of praising God, a privilege he feared losing in death.

Key Themes

  • The Prerogative of Life for Praise: Hezekiah highlights that active worship and glorification of God are functions of the living. The "grave" and "death" are depicted as realms where such conscious, vibrant praise ceases. This underscores the preciousness of life as the arena for devotion.
  • The Nature of Sheol (The Grave/Pit): In Old Testament thought, Sheol (translated here as "grave" and "pit") was commonly understood as the shadowy abode of the dead, a place of silence and inactivity, separated from the vibrant interaction with God that the living experience. It was not typically seen as a place of active torment or reward, but rather a cessation of earthly life and its opportunities for praise and hope.
  • Hope for God's Truth: The phrase "cannot hope for thy truth" signifies that in death, one can no longer actively anticipate or experience God's ongoing faithfulness (Hebrew: emet) and covenant promises in the earthly realm. The living, however, can continually rely on and hope in God's steadfast character.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "grave" and "pit" both refer to the Hebrew word Sheol (Χ©Φ°ΧΧΧ•ΦΉΧœ), which denotes the common realm of the dead. It is a place of cessation of activity and earthly engagement. The word "truth" comes from the Hebrew emet (אֱמ֢Χͺ), which carries connotations of faithfulness, reliability, and steadfastness. Those in Sheol cannot hope for God's active demonstration of His faithfulness in their lives because their earthly existence, where such hope is realized, has ended.

Significance and Application

Hezekiah's reflections offer a powerful reminder of the urgency and significance of our present life. While the New Testament reveals a fuller understanding of the afterlife, including resurrection and eternal life through faith in Christ, Hezekiah's perspective emphasizes that our earthly existence is the primary opportunity to actively praise God, live out His truth, and declare His wonderful deeds. This verse encourages believers to maximize their time on earth for God's glory, recognizing the profound privilege of being alive to worship, serve, and bear witness to His faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 6:5

    For in death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

  • Psalms 30:9

    What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

  • Psalms 88:10

    ΒΆ Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise [and] praise thee? Selah.

  • Psalms 88:11

    Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? [or] thy faithfulness in destruction?

  • Psalms 115:17

    The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

  • Psalms 115:18

    But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.
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