Isaiah 38:4
Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
Then came the word
H1697
דְּבַר
Then came the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Prophetic response to royal prayer appears throughout the biblical narrative (2 Kings 20:1-11). God's use of prophets to communicate demonstrates the importance of His word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's quick response to prayer encourage continued intercession?
- What role do faithful messengers of God's word play in communicating His purposes?
- How have you experienced God's timely answers to desperate prayers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The simple statement "Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah" shows God's responsive initiative. Before Hezekiah's prayer concludes, God is already answering through His prophet. The immediacy demonstrates divine attentiveness to faithful prayer. This pattern of quick prophetic response reveals that God delights to answer prayers that align with His purposes. Isaiah's prophetic role as intermediary between God and king facilitates communication of divine will.