Isaiah 38:20

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

יְהוָֽה׃ The LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְהוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי was ready to save H3467
לְהוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי was ready to save
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
וּנְגִנוֹתַ֧י me therefore we will sing my songs H5058
וּנְגִנוֹתַ֧י me therefore we will sing my songs
Strong's: H5058
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
נְנַגֵּ֛ן to the stringed instruments H5059
נְנַגֵּ֛ן to the stringed instruments
Strong's: H5059
Word #: 4 of 10
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֥י all the days H3117
יְמֵ֥י all the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 6 of 10
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
חַיֵּ֖ינוּ of our life H2416
חַיֵּ֖ינוּ of our life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 7 of 10
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֵּ֥ית in the house H1004
בֵּ֥ית in the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃ The LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

The declaration "The LORD was ready to save me" attributes deliverance entirely to God's gracious initiative. The resolution "therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD" commits to perpetual worship and testimony. The plural "we" involves the community in celebration—personal deliverance becomes corporate worship. "All the days of our life" promises lifelong gratitude, not merely temporary emotion. Worship in God's house publicizes thanksgiving, encouraging others' faith.

Historical Context

Temple worship included thanksgiving psalms with instrumental accompaniment. Hezekiah's commitment to ongoing worship demonstrated that deliverance produced lasting devotion.

Questions for Reflection

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