Isaiah 38

1-8. The dangerous illness and wonderful recovery of Hezekiah is related more fully in 2 Kings xx. 1-11; where see notes.

9. The writing of Hezekiah. This beautiful plaintive psalm records the king’s feelings in the prospect of death. His depression may be in part accounted for by the unsettled and dangerous state of the nation (see note on 2 Kings xx. 1), and perhaps by the circumstance that he had not yet an heir to the throne: comp. 2 Kings xx. 6, with xxi. 1.

10 in the cutting off of my days. Or, “in the quiet of my days”; “when life seemed to be going on undisturbed” (Delitzsch).

my years. That is, those which are usually allotted to man.

11. I shall not see the Lord (“Jah”), etc. For the sentiment, comp. Psa. xxvii. 13. To “see Jah” is to have fellowship with Him.

12. As a shepherd’s tent. That is, quickly, as a shepherd’s tent is removed.

with pining sickness. Rather, “from the thrum”; i.e., the ends of the threads by which the web is fastened to the loom (see R.V. marg.).

From day even to night. Or, “within the space of a day.”

13. I reckoned till morning, etc. Or, “I composed [myself] until morning; [and] like a lion did He crush all my bones.”

14 chatter. Or, “twitter”; uttering the feeble broken sounds of one in pain.

mine eyes fail [with looking] upward. Or, “Mine eyes look languishingly towards the height,” or “longed heavenwards.” “A half-despairing look is for some time all he is equal to” (Cheyne).

undertake for me. “Be Thou my surety,” R.V.

I shall go softly. That is, solemnly and humbly, as one who remembers his own dependence and God’s great mercy towards him: see next verse.

17. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness, etc. Rather, “Behold! my great bitterness [is turned] into peace, and Thou,” etc. These words describe Hezekiah’s restoration to health, not his affliction.

Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. To cast a person or thing “behind the back” is an Oriental phrase expressing entire oblivion. In reference to offences, it means to forgive.

18. They that go down into the pit, etc. See note on Psa. vi. 5.

20 we will sing my songs. That is, “my family and nation will sing them.” This song of Hezekiah, like other psalms, was designed not merely as a personal record, but to be used in celebrating the praises of God, and probably in the public service of the Temple.

21 but. This word means an inflamed ulcer; perhaps the eruption produced by the plague, which threatened death.