Isaiah 38:9

KJV

¶ The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:

KJV (with Strong's)

The writing {H4385} of Hezekiah {H2396} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, when he had been sick {H2470}, and was recovered {H2421} of his sickness {H2483}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After Hizkiyahu king of Y'hudah had been ill and had recovered, he wrote the following:

Berean Standard Bible

This is a writing by Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery:

American Standard Version

The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:9 serves as a pivotal superscription, introducing King Hezekiah's deeply personal and profound psalm of thanksgiving. This verse meticulously sets the stage for the poetic expression of a monarch who, having faced imminent death from a severe illness, experienced a miraculous divine intervention that restored his health. It encapsulates the dramatic transition from the narrative account of his sickness and miraculous healing to his heartfelt testimony of God's faithfulness and sovereign power over life and death, providing the essential context for the subsequent verses that detail his spiritual journey from despair to renewed hope and profound gratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 38:9 functions as a direct and formal heading to Hezekiah's personal prayer or psalm of thanksgiving, which unfolds in [Isaiah 38:10-20](/isaiah/38-10-20 "Isaiah 38:10-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer of Thanksgiving"). This "writing" immediately follows the narrative account detailing Hezekiah's terminal illness, the prophet Isaiah's pronouncement of his impending death, Hezekiah's fervent prayer for mercy, and God's miraculous response, which included the addition of fifteen years to his life and the sign of the sundial's shadow receding ([Isaiah 38:1-8](/isaiah/38-1-8 "Isaiah 38:1-8 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery")). The deliberate placement of this intimate personal testimony within the broader prophetic book of Isaiah underscores the prophet's role not only in national affairs but also in the deeply personal spiritual life of the king, demonstrating God's direct and compassionate involvement in the lives of His people, from the individual to the nation. Parallel accounts of this significant event are also found in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1-11 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Healing") and [2 Chronicles 32:24-26](/2_chronicles/32-24-26 "2 Chronicles 32:24-26 - Hezekiah's Prayer and Pride").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 715-686 BCE, a period characterized by immense geopolitical instability, primarily due to the relentless expansionist threat of the Assyrian Empire. His severe illness, as recorded, is typically placed chronologically after the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege, or at least within the broader period of national crisis. In the ancient Near East, the health and longevity of a king were not merely personal matters but were often seen as direct reflections of divine favor and crucial indicators of national stability and prosperity. A king's illness could be interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or a dangerous vulnerability for the entire nation. Hezekiah's miraculous recovery, therefore, was not merely a private miracle but also a powerful public affirmation of God's enduring covenant faithfulness to Judah and its Davidic king. The act of composing and recording a "miktâb" (a written document or poem) was a common and significant practice for kings and prominent individuals to commemorate pivotal events, express profound devotion, or offer public testimony, often intended for inscription on monuments or preservation on scrolls for posterity.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse, by setting the stage for Hezekiah's "writing," highlights several profound themes central to the message of the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty over Life and Death**, showcasing God's ultimate and absolute authority to extend or shorten human life beyond natural expectations, as explicitly stated in [Isaiah 38:5](/isaiah/38-5 "Isaiah 38:5 - God Adds Years to Hezekiah's Life"). Secondly, it underscores the profound **Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating that humble, fervent, and sincere supplication can indeed move the heart of God and alter decreed outcomes, a theme powerfully echoed in Hezekiah's earlier prayer against Sennacherib in [Isaiah 37:15-20](/isaiah/37-15-20 "Isaiah 37:15-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer Against Sennacherib"). Thirdly, the very act of creating this "writing" points to the crucial theme of **Testimony and Thanksgiving**, illustrating the spiritual importance of publicly acknowledging God's miraculous deliverance and expressing heartfelt gratitude for His mercies. Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the inherent **Fragility of Human Life** and the profound spiritual reflection that a near-death experience can provoke, often leading to a deeper appreciation for God's sustaining grace and an intensified commitment to His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **writing (Hebrew, _miktâb'_):** (H4385) From the root _kâtab_ (to write), this term refers to "a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy, edict, poem)." In this specific context, it denotes a formal, carefully composed piece, likely a literary or poetic work, serving as Hezekiah's personal record and public declaration of his profound experience. It signifies that the following verses are not merely a spontaneous utterance but a thoughtfully crafted and enduring testimony.
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** (H2470) A primitive root meaning "to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted." This term powerfully conveys a state of severe physical debilitation, intense suffering, and profound distress, implying a condition that was grievous, life-threatening, and debilitating. The use of this word highlights the depth of Hezekiah's anguish and the critical severity of his malady, setting the dramatic stage for the miraculous nature of his recovery.
* **recovered (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** (H2421) A primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." This word signifies a complete and miraculous restoration to health, vitality, and full life. It implies not merely a cessation of sickness but a profound renewal of being, emphasizing the life-giving and life-sustaining power of God. The precise use of this term underscores the supernatural nature of Hezekiah's healing, portraying it as a definitive return from the very brink of death to robust life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah,"**: This opening clause immediately and formally identifies the author of the subsequent psalm as King Hezekiah, the reigning monarch of the southern kingdom of Judah. The term "writing" (miktâb) specifically indicates that what follows is a composed document, a formal testimony or a poetic lament and thanksgiving, personally penned by the king himself or dictated under his direct authority, thereby lending it significant historical weight, personal authenticity, and spiritual authority.
* **"when he had been sick,"**: This phrase precisely establishes the primary, critical circumstance that prompted the composition of this "writing." It refers to a specific, severe, and life-threatening illness that King Hezekiah endured, which was so grave that it brought him to the very verge of death. This profound sickness serves as the foundational catalyst for the entire narrative that precedes and the deeply personal psalm that follows.
* **"and was recovered of his sickness:"**: This concluding phrase emphatically highlights the miraculous and transformative outcome that forms the core of Hezekiah's subsequent testimony. It declares his complete and total healing and restoration from the life-threatening illness. The powerful juxtaposition of his state of being "sick" with his subsequent "recovered" underscores the dramatic and undeniable divine intervention that reversed his dire condition, making his experience a profound and enduring testament to God's sovereign power, boundless mercy, and compassionate healing.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 38:9 functions primarily as a **Superscription** or **Heading**, a highly conventional literary device frequently employed in ancient Near Eastern texts, particularly in collections of psalms (e.g., numerous Psalms in the Psalter commence with similar introductory notes). Its fundamental purpose is to provide essential contextual information for the reader, immediately identifying the author, specifying the genre ("writing" or _miktâb_), and pinpointing the specific occasion or circumstances that inspired the subsequent text. This immediately frames the following verses as a **Personal Testimony**, a deeply intimate, first-person account of a profound spiritual and physical experience. The verse also employs a subtle yet effective **Antithesis** by sharply contrasting Hezekiah's dire state of being "sick" with his subsequent miraculous "recovery," thereby highlighting the dramatic and divinely orchestrated reversal of his condition. This stark contrast powerfully sets up the core thematic trajectory of the psalm: the profound spiritual journey from utter despair and the shadow of death to glorious deliverance and renewed life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's "writing" in Isaiah 38:9 introduces a profound theological statement about God's intimate and sovereign involvement in human life, even to the extraordinary extent of reversing a death sentence. This pivotal event powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty not only over the destinies of nations but also over the individual's very breath and existence. It underscores the timeless biblical truth that the Almighty God hears and responds with compassion to the earnest and humble prayers of His people, particularly in times of dire distress and existential threat. Hezekiah's miraculous recovery is a tangible testament to divine compassion, the transformative power of God to heal, and His unwavering faithfulness to those who trust implicitly in Him. This act of meticulously recording his experience also emphasizes the profound spiritual discipline of remembering, acknowledging, and testifying to God's goodness, thereby transforming personal suffering into a public and enduring declaration of praise and divine glory.

* [Psalm 30:2](/psalm/30-2 "Psalm 30:2 - God's Healing Power"): "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
* [James 5:15](/james/5-15 "James 5:15 - Prayer of Faith for the Sick"): "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer, Supplication, and Peace"): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 38:9, serving as the gateway to Hezekiah's deeply personal and raw psalm, invites us to engage in profound reflection on our own encounters with vulnerability, the power of prayer, and the reality of divine intervention in our lives. Hezekiah's remarkable willingness to record his raw emotions—his initial despair, his fervent and desperate plea, and his overwhelming gratitude—provides an enduring model for authentic and unreserved faith. In our own moments of sickness, profound crisis, or deep despair, this passage profoundly encourages us to turn to God with unreserved honesty and humble reliance, trusting unequivocally in His compassion and His sovereign power to heal, restore, or provide an unshakeable peace even when circumstances seem utterly dire and hopeless. Furthermore, Hezekiah's deliberate act of writing down his testimony challenges us to cultivate a consistent spirit of remembrance and thanksgiving for God's manifold faithfulness in our lives. How often do we truly pause to acknowledge, articulate, and celebrate the myriad ways God has delivered us, sustained us, or answered our prayers, both small and great? Such intentional reflection not only deepens and strengthens our own personal faith but also provides a powerful and compelling witness to others, just as Hezekiah's "writing" has continued to do for millennia, inspiring hope and trust in God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's profound vulnerability in his sickness encourage us to be utterly honest and fervent in our own prayers during times of personal crisis and suffering?**
* **What does Hezekiah's deliberate act of writing down his experience teach us about the spiritual importance of remembering and testifying to God's faithfulness in our lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate a deeper, more consistent spirit of thanksgiving for God's interventions, both small and large, in our daily lives and circumstances?**
* **How might a "near-death" experience, or any profound life-altering challenge, reshape our fundamental perspective on life, death, and our intimate relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Why is Hezekiah's "writing" included in the book of Isaiah, which primarily contains prophetic messages?**

Answer: Hezekiah's "writing" (his psalm of thanksgiving) is included in Isaiah because it serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a powerful personal and theological illustration of the prophet's overarching message concerning God's absolute sovereignty and His profound responsiveness to prayer, thereby reinforcing the prophetic word with a tangible, lived example. Secondly, as the reigning king, Hezekiah's experience and subsequent testimony held immense public and national importance, demonstrating God's direct and active involvement in the life of Judah's leader. It highlights the vital spiritual dimension of leadership and the king's essential role as a worshiper and a public witness to God's power. Finally, it serves as an enduring and powerful example of God's compassion and miraculous healing power, offering profound hope and spiritual instruction to all generations. The narrative of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, including this deeply personal psalm, is also found in [2 Kings 20](/2_kings/20 "2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"), underscoring its historical and theological significance within the broader biblical narrative.

**What is the significance of Hezekiah's miraculous recovery beyond his personal well-being?**

Answer: Hezekiah's recovery carried profound and far-reaching significance beyond his personal health. As the king, his life was inextricably intertwined with the destiny and stability of the entire nation of Judah. His miraculous healing demonstrated God's continued favor upon the Davidic dynasty and His unwavering commitment to the city of Jerusalem, especially following the recent miraculous deliverance from the formidable Assyrian siege. It powerfully affirmed God's enduring power to sustain His covenant promises even in the face of human frailty and the threat of death. Furthermore, the explicit extension of his life by fifteen years ([Isaiah 38:5](/isaiah/38-5 "Isaiah 38:5 - God Adds Years to Hezekiah's Life")) provided a critical opportunity for him to father Manasseh, his successor, thereby ensuring the continuation of the royal line, albeit Manasseh's subsequent reign later proved to be one of the most idolatrous and destructive in Judah's history. The entire event served as a public and undeniable testament to God's unique and sovereign power and His attentive responsiveness to the fervent prayers of His faithful servants.

**Is this "writing" a literal document composed by Hezekiah, or a poetic summary attributed to him?**

Answer: The specific term "miktâb" (writing) strongly suggests that this was a literal, formally composed document. While the exact form of its original preservation (e.g., inscribed on a monument, written on a scroll) is not explicitly detailed, the sophisticated poetic structure, profound theological depth, and deeply personal reflection that follow in [Isaiah 38:10-20](/isaiah/38-10-20 "Isaiah 38:10-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer of Thanksgiving") strongly indicate that it was a carefully crafted literary piece, most likely penned by Hezekiah himself or dictated directly to a royal scribe. It is widely considered a psalm or prayer of thanksgiving, similar in genre to many of the Psalms found in the Psalter, which frequently bear superscriptions attributing them to specific authors or significant historical occasions. This makes it a unique, invaluable, and authentic personal testimony from a biblical king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's profound experience of being sick unto death and then miraculously "recovered" serves as a powerful and poignant Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and definitive victory over death achieved in Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's extended life was temporary, culminating eventually in a natural death, Christ's glorious resurrection offers an eternal, definitive, and comprehensive triumph over the grave. Hezekiah's physical healing points prophetically to Christ as the Great Physician, who not only healed countless physical ailments during His earthly ministry but, more profoundly, offers spiritual healing from the pervasive sickness of sin and the eternal death it brings. The "writing" of Hezekiah, a testament to God's power to restore physical life, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the New Covenant, where believers are granted not merely an extension of earthly life but an entirely new and eternal life in Christ. Just as God heard Hezekiah's desperate prayer and graciously granted him more years, so too does God, through Christ, answer the cries of humanity, offering not merely an extension of earthly existence but the promise of everlasting life for all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Christ Himself courageously faced death, yet He conquered it decisively, becoming the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Hezekiah's temporary deliverance from the power of the grave wonderfully illustrates the far greater and eternal deliverance from the fear of death that Christ provides through His own perfect sacrifice and triumphant resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Ultimately, the precious gift of life Hezekiah received points unmistakably to the eternal life that is the free and unmerited gift of God in Christ Jesus our Lord ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")).

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

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Judges 5:1

¶ Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

Psalms 118:18

The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.