Isaiah 38:9-22

Hezekiah’s record of his crisis 38:9-22

The bulk of this section is a psalm of lamentation and thanksgiving that Hezekiah composed after his recovery (Isaiah 38:10-20). It is the only extant narrative in the Old Testament written by a king of Judah after the time of Solomon. [Note: The New Scofield . . ., p. 744. ] Compare King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon’s similar testimony of praise, after God delivered him from insanity (Daniel 4:34-35). This psalm is also chiastic in structure. It begins with reference to the gates of Sheol and sorrow at the prospect of shortened days (Isaiah 38:10), and it ends with reference to the house of the Lord and joy at the prospect of lengthened days (Isaiah 38:20). The king began by referring to the land of the living being exchanged for the departed (Isaiah 38:11), and he ended with reference to the land of the departed exchanged for the land of the living (Isaiah 38:18-19). In the middle, he contrasted God’s hostility (Isaiah 38:12-14) with His restoration (Isaiah 38:15-17). [Note: Motyer, p. 292.] Hezekiah described his condition first (Isaiah 38:9-14), and then he praised God for His mercy (Isaiah 38:15-20).