Isaiah 38:20

KJV

The LORD [was ready] to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} was ready to save {H3467} me: therefore we will sing my songs {H5058} to the stringed instruments {H5059} all the days {H3117} of our life {H2416} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is ready to save me; hence we will make our stringed instruments sound all the days of our life in the house of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will save me; we will play songs on stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Jehovah isreadyto save me: Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments All the days of our life in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:20 encapsulates King Hezekiah's profound gratitude and unwavering commitment to the LORD following his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. It is a heartfelt declaration of praise, acknowledging God's direct intervention in saving his life, and a solemn vow to perpetually worship Him with joyful music within the sacred confines of the Temple for the remainder of his days. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of divine deliverance and the natural human response of lifelong devotion and thanksgiving, serving as a personal testimony to God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant climax and concluding vow within King Hezekiah's personal "writing" or psalm of thanksgiving, meticulously recorded in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"). The preceding narrative establishes the dire circumstances: Hezekiah's terminal illness, his fervent and tearful prayer to the LORD, and God's compassionate, immediate response delivered through the prophet Isaiah, promising him an additional fifteen years of life and deliverance from the impending Assyrian threat, marked by the sign of the sun's shadow moving backward ([Isaiah 38:1-8](/isaiah/38-1-8 "Isaiah 38:1-8 - Hezekiah's Illness, Prayer, and God's Promise")). Hezekiah's prayer in [Isaiah 38:9-19](/isaiah/38-9-19 "Isaiah 38:9-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer of Despair and Hope") articulates his despair at the thought of death and his renewed hope in God's faithfulness, emphasizing that the living, not the dead, can praise God. Verse 20, therefore, transitions from his lament and hopeful anticipation to a definitive declaration of future worship, emphasizing the direct cause-and-effect relationship between God's saving act and Hezekiah's promised, perpetual devotion. It is the fulfillment of his earlier longing to praise God in the land of the living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period fraught with significant political and spiritual challenges, most notably the formidable threat of the Assyrian Empire. The events detailed in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") are generally placed around 701 BC, concurrent with or immediately following Sennacherib's invasion of Judah and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem described in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - Assyrian Defeat"). For an ancient Near Eastern monarch, severe illness could be interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or a weakening of royal authority, making Hezekiah's miraculous recovery a profound demonstration of God's power and His enduring covenant with the Davidic dynasty. The "house of the LORD" refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual and communal epicenter of Israelite worship, where God's presence was believed to dwell. Musical worship with "stringed instruments" was an integral and highly valued component of Temple liturgy and personal devotion, extensively documented throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament"). Hezekiah's vow to sing his songs there signifies a public, communal, and perpetual act of thanksgiving, aligning with the covenantal relationship between God and His people and setting an example for his kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the [book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation") and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, emphasizing God's ultimate control over life and death, and His compassionate willingness to intervene directly on behalf of His servants, as seen in the psalmist's declaration, "[For he has delivered my soul from death](/psalms/116-8 "Psalm 116:8 - Deliverance from Death")". Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Gratitude and Responsive Worship**. Hezekiah's immediate and fervent response to salvation is not merely relief but a profound commitment to lifelong praise, mirroring the call to thanksgiving found in passages like "[Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!](/psalms/107-21-22 "Psalm 107:21-22 - Give Thanks to the LORD for His Steadfast Love")". Thirdly, the phrase "all the days of our life in the house of the LORD" speaks to **Lifelong Devotion and Covenant Faithfulness**, illustrating a commitment to continuous presence in God's worship and service, a theme echoed in "[Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever](/psalms/23-6 "Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the House of the LORD Forever")". Finally, Hezekiah's song serves as a **Testimony to God's Faithfulness**, providing an enduring example for future generations to trust in the LORD during times of distress, much like the testimonies found in "[He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - A New Song of Praise")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who enters into a unique relationship with His people and faithfully keeps His promises. Hezekiah's use of this name emphasizes that his salvation was not a random occurrence but a direct, personal intervention by the sovereign God of Israel, the one who is utterly dependable and true to His character and covenant.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, this primitive root properly means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," encompassing a broad range of concepts including deliverance, help, preservation, rescue, and bringing salvation. In Hezekiah's context, it refers to his comprehensive physical deliverance from the brink of death, a powerful act of salvation that restored him to health and life. It highlights God's active power to intervene and bring about safety, well-being, and victory.
* **stringed instruments (Hebrew, _nᵉgîynâh'_):** From H5058, this term refers to instrumental music, specifically stringed instruments such as harps or lyres, and by extension, a poem or song set to music. The related root, H5059 (_nâgan_), means "to play on a stringed instrument." Hezekiah's vow to sing his songs "to the stringed instruments" indicates a commitment to formal, joyful, and public musical worship. This signifies a full-hearted, expressive, and artistically dedicated offering of gratitude, a common and cherished form of praise in the Temple and in personal devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [was ready] to save me:"** This opening clause immediately attributes Hezekiah's miraculous recovery directly and solely to God's intervention. The bracketed "was ready" in the KJV is an interpretive addition; the Hebrew literally reads "The LORD to save me" or "The LORD saves me," conveying the immediate, decisive, and active nature of God's saving power. It declares God's compassionate action as the foundational reason for Hezekiah's subsequent vow of worship.
* **"therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments"** This clause expresses the direct and inevitable consequence of God's salvation: a solemn vow of worship and thanksgiving. The use of "we" (though Hezekiah is speaking personally) can be understood as a royal plural, encompassing his household and the nation, signifying a public and communal commitment to praise. "My songs" refers to this very psalm of thanksgiving (Isaiah 38:9-20) and potentially other compositions, to be performed with the accompaniment of stringed instruments, indicating a joyful, artistic, and dedicated form of worship.
* **"all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."** This final clause specifies both the duration and the location of Hezekiah's promised worship. "All the days of our life" emphasizes a lifelong, continuous commitment, not merely a temporary act of gratitude that fades with time. "In the house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, signifying a commitment to worship within the sacred, communal space where God's presence was manifested, reinforcing the public, perpetual, and covenantal nature of his devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 38:20 functions primarily as a **Vow of Thanksgiving** within a larger **Thanksgiving Psalm or Hymn**. Hezekiah's declaration is a solemn promise made in response to divine deliverance, a common literary form found throughout the Psalter (e.g., "[I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will pay you my vows, which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble](/psalms/66-13-14 "Psalm 66:13-14 - Fulfilling Vows of Thanksgiving")"). The phrase "sing my songs to the stringed instruments" employs **Metonymy**, where the instruments represent the entire act of musical worship, and also **Symbolism**, as the instruments themselves symbolize joy, praise, and the dedication of artistic skill to God. The commitment to worship "all the days of our life" is an example of **Hyperbole** used for emphatic declaration, signifying a complete and unwavering lifelong devotion rather than a literal, uninterrupted act of singing every waking moment. The repetition of "LORD" (YHWH) at the beginning and end of the verse creates an **Inclusio**, framing Hezekiah's entire declaration within the context of the Divine Name, underscoring that the LORD is both the singular source of his salvation and the ultimate object of all his praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 38:20 beautifully illustrates the profound theological truth that divine deliverance naturally elicits a response of heartfelt, lifelong worship. Hezekiah's experience is a microcosm of Israel's history: God saves, and His people respond with praise and commitment. This dynamic highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, His compassion, and His desire for a relationship characterized by grateful adoration. The verse also underscores the importance of public testimony and communal worship, as Hezekiah's "songs" are intended to be sung in the "house of the LORD," serving as an enduring witness to God's faithfulness for all generations. This act of worship is not merely an obligation but a joyous outflow of a life transformed by grace, demonstrating that true salvation leads to a life dedicated to the Savior, not just in moments of crisis, but as a continuous lifestyle of devotion.

* [Psalm 103:1-5](/psalms/103-1-5 "Psalm 103:1-5 - Bless the LORD, O My Soul")
* [Psalm 116:12-14](/psalms/116-12-14 "Psalm 116:12-14 - What Shall I Render to the LORD?")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's experience in Isaiah 38:20 serves as a timeless paradigm for the believer's journey: encountering God's saving grace inevitably leads to a life of worship and devotion. In our own lives, whether we face physical illness, emotional despair, spiritual bondage, or any form of distress, God remains the ultimate Deliverer and Sustainer. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of grateful remembrance, diligently recalling specific instances of God's faithfulness and intervention on our behalf. Our response, like Hezekiah's, should be one of active, joyful praise, utilizing our gifts, talents, and resources to honor God. Furthermore, the commitment to worship "all the days of our life in the house of the LORD" calls us to consistent, lifelong devotion, not just in moments of crisis or celebration, but as a continuous lifestyle. It reminds us that while our corporate worship gathers in specific places, our personal worship extends to every aspect of our existence, lived in conscious awareness of God's presence and for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific instances of God's saving or delivering power in your life come to mind, and how have you responded in tangible ways of gratitude?**
* **How does Hezekiah's vow to sing "all the days of our life" challenge your understanding and practice of consistent worship and devotion?**
* **In what practical ways can you "sing your songs to the stringed instruments"—that is, express your gratitude and praise to God—in your daily life, beyond formal worship settings?**

### FAQ

**Why does Hezekiah use the plural "we" and "our" when speaking of his personal salvation?**

Answer: While King Hezekiah's illness and recovery were deeply personal, his role as monarch meant his well-being was inextricably linked to the welfare of his kingdom. His life was not just his own; it was vital for the stability, continuity, and future of Judah, especially given the impending Assyrian threat. Therefore, his salvation was also a salvation for his people, as it ensured continued leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Davidic line. The "we" can thus be understood as a royal plural, encompassing his family and the nation, or as an acknowledgment that his renewed life would be lived in communal worship with his people. Furthermore, the Temple worship was inherently communal, and his personal "songs" would become part of the collective praise offered in the "house of the LORD," inviting others to join in his thanksgiving for God's mighty acts, as seen in many [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament") that begin as personal laments and end in communal praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's miraculous healing and subsequent vow of lifelong worship profoundly foreshadow the ultimate and complete salvation found in Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah was saved from physical death for a limited time, Christ offers eternal life and definitive deliverance from the spiritual death and bondage of sin. The declaration, "The LORD [was ready] to save me," in Hezekiah's experience finds its ultimate expression in God's divine initiative to send His Son, Jesus, who is uniquely identified as the "[Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")". Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, humanity receives not merely an extension of earthly life but a new creation and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope through Resurrection")). Our response to this unparalleled salvation is likewise a lifelong commitment to praise, not merely with "stringed instruments" in a physical "house of the LORD," but as a spiritual sacrifice of praise offered continually through Christ, the fruit of lips that confess His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise")). Believers in Christ are now the "house of the LORD," a spiritual temple indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), called to live "all the days of our life" in continuous worship and service to the One who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and graciously transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

Psalms 150:4

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Psalms 145:2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Psalms 116:19

In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalms 68:25

The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels.

Psalms 33:2

Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings.