Isaiah 38:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 38:17
17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 38 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, truth, grace. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 38:17
17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Analysis
Hezekiah's reflection that God's love 'cast all my sins behind thy back' is a profound statement of substitutionary atonement and divine forgetfulness of confessed sin. The Hebrew implies violent throwing away, anticipating the scapegoat imagery and Christ bearing sin 'far as east from west' (Psalm 103:12). His illness becoming 'for peace' demonstrates Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good.
Historical Context
This psalm was written for temple worship ('stringed instruments' v. 20), making Hezekiah's personal crisis a public liturgical testimony. His fifteen additional years included both faithful building projects and the pride of showing treasures to Babylon (Isaiah 39).
Reflection
- Do you truly believe God has 'forgotten' your confessed sins, or do you keep retrieving them?
- How has God transformed your 'bitterness' into 'peace' through His sovereign purposes?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2399 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Isaiah 43:25, Psalms 85:2, Jeremiah 31:34
- Parallel theme: Job 29:18, Psalms 10:2, 30:3, 40:2, 86:13, Jonah 2:6