Isaiah 38:5

Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Go {H1980}, and say {H559} to Hezekiah {H2396}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of David {H1732} thy father {H1}, I have heard {H8085} thy prayer {H8605}, I have seen {H7200} thy tears {H1832}: behold, I will add {H3254} unto thy days {H3117} fifteen {H2568}{H6240} years {H8141}.

"Go and tell Hizkiyahu that this is what ADONAI, the God of David your ancestor, says: 'I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; therefore I will add fifteen years to your life.

“Go and tell Hezekiah that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.

Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Commentary on Isaiah 38:5 (KJV)

This verse records a pivotal moment in the life of King Hezekiah, delivered through the prophet Isaiah. It's a direct message from God, reversing a previous prophecy of imminent death.

Context

King Hezekiah of Judah was gravely ill, facing certain death. The prophet Isaiah had just delivered God's message that he should set his house in order because he would die (Isaiah 38:1). Overwhelmed with grief, Hezekiah turned to God in fervent prayer and weeping (Isaiah 38:2-3). This verse is God's immediate response to that heartfelt plea, delivered before Isaiah had even left the middle court. It demonstrates God's attentiveness to the prayers and suffering of His people.

Key Themes

  • God Hears Prayer: The most prominent theme is God's direct response to Hezekiah's prayer. It highlights the power and efficacy of earnest and humble prayer.
  • God Sees Tears: God acknowledges Hezekiah's deep sorrow and tears. This shows God's compassion and personal awareness of our suffering and emotional pain.
  • God's Mercy and Compassion: Despite the previous declaration of death, God in His mercy chooses to extend Hezekiah's life. This underscores God's sovereign ability to act according to His will and compassion.
  • Extension of Life: God promises to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life, a specific and measurable act of divine intervention.
  • Covenant with David: Mentioning "the God of David thy father" connects God's action to His covenant relationship with David and his descendants, reminding Hezekiah (and us) of God's faithfulness to His promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "I have heard thy prayer" (shamati eth-tefillatekha) and "I have seen thy tears" (ra'iti eth-dim'ekha) are very direct. They emphasize God's active perception and response. The word for "add" (yasaf) means to increase or continue, clearly indicating an extension beyond the previously determined time.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 38:5 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that God is not distant but is intimately aware of our struggles, hears our prayers, and sees our tears. Even when circumstances seem dire or a situation appears final, this verse demonstrates that God has the power to intervene and change outcomes according to His perfect will and timing. It calls us to bring our deepest needs and sorrows to God in prayer, trusting in His compassion and power, just as Hezekiah did. While God may not always grant the specific request or extend life in the same way, we can be confident that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

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.

  • Psalms 34:5

    They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

  • Psalms 34:6

    This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

  • 1 John 5:14

    ¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

  • 1 John 5:15

    And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

  • Revelation 7:17

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Psalms 56:8

    ¶ Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

  • Luke 1:13

    But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

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