Isaiah 38:1
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
Original Language Analysis
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
In those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 23
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חָלָ֥ה
sick
H2470
חָלָ֥ה
sick
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
was Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
was Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
4 of 23
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
H4191
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 23
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְבֵיתֶ֔ךָ
Set thine house
H1004
לְבֵיתֶ֔ךָ
Set thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
18 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
H4191
מֵ֥ת
for thou shalt die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
20 of 23
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Cross References
2 Chronicles 32:24In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.2 Samuel 17:23And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.Jonah 3:10And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.Acts 9:37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.Isaiah 37:21Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:Isaiah 1:1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.Isaiah 37:2And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever 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.Jonah 3:4And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
Historical Context
This occurred during or shortly after Sennacherib's invasion (701 BC). Hezekiah was approximately 39 years old, having reigned 14 of his eventual 29 years. The illness was likely a carbuncle or boil that became life-threatening.
Questions for Reflection
- How should you respond when God's revealed will seems to contradict His promises?
- What does Hezekiah's honest emotional response teach you about authentic prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's command to 'set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live' demonstrates divine sovereignty over life and death, yet also allows for prayer to change outcomes within His decreed purposes. This paradox reveals that God's pronouncements can be conditional warnings rather than immutable decrees. Hezekiah's childlessness at this point (Manasseh was born three years later) meant no heir to David's throne, threatening messianic promises.