In Isaiah 38 What Does Hezekiahs Prayer Teach Us About Approaching God In Times Of Distress?
Hezekiah’s Prayer in Isaiah 38: Approaching God in Times of Distress
Isaiah 38 presents a moving account of King Hezekiah facing a life-threatening illness. His response—turning to God in prayer—offers profound lessons for believers today. This study explores the context, content, and outcome of Hezekiah’s prayer and the implications for how we, as followers of Christ, can approach God in our own times of distress.
The Context: A Crisis of Life and Death
In Isaiah 38:1, we read:
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 Jehovah, Set thy house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. - Isaiah 38:1 ASV
Hezekiah, a faithful king (see 2 Kings 18:5 ASV), faced the devastating news from God’s prophet: his illness would be terminal. In this moment of despair, Hezekiah’s response was not resignation, but prayer.
Hezekiah’s Response: Honest, Earnest Prayer
Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, and said, Remember now, O Jehovah, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. - Isaiah 38:2-3 ASV
- Turning to God in Privacy: Hezekiah "turned his face to the wall," seeking solitude to pour out his heart to God. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching about private prayer (Matthew 6:6 ASV).
- Honest Emotion: Hezekiah wept bitterly. The Scripture does not condemn his tears; instead, it presents them as a sincere expression of his dependence on God.
- Remembrance of Faithfulness: Hezekiah appeals to his relationship with God—how he has walked in faith and integrity. While our standing before God is ultimately by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV), we see that a life lived in faithfulness can embolden our prayers.
God’s Response: Compassion and Sovereignty
God’s reply is immediate and compassionate:
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. - Isaiah 38:5 ASV
- God Hears and Sees: The Lord affirms that He hears our prayers and sees our tears. This echoes the confidence found in Psalm 34:17 ASV: The righteous cried, and Jehovah heard, And delivered them out of all their troubles.
- God’s Sovereign Mercy: God grants Hezekiah fifteen more years. This demonstrates that God is sovereign, sometimes choosing to answer our prayers in unexpected and gracious ways. However, He remains free to act according to His will and purpose (Romans 8:28 ASV).
Lessons for Approaching God in Distress
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Turn Directly to God
In distress, our first response should be prayer. We are invited to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence because of Christ (Hebrews 4:16 ASV). -
Be Honest and Vulnerable
God welcomes our tears and fears. Hezekiah’s example encourages us to be genuine before God, trusting that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7 ASV). -
Remember God’s Faithfulness
While we are saved by grace, a life of faithfulness brings confidence in prayer (James 5:16 ASV). -
Submit to God’s Sovereignty
Hezekiah’s story reminds us that God may answer in ways we do not expect, but always for our good and His glory.
The Centrality of Christ in Our Prayers
Ultimately, Hezekiah’s prayer points forward to the greater hope found in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we have access to God and assurance that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39 ASV).
Conclusion
Hezekiah’s prayer in Isaiah 38 teaches us to approach God honestly, privately, and earnestly in times of distress, trusting in His compassion and sovereignty. Our hope is anchored in God’s character and, most fully, in the person and work of Jesus Christ.