The event we are about to notice is recorded in three different places in Scripture! That alone makes it significant! (Paul’s conversion experience, for example, is recorded three times by Dr. Luke in the Book of Acts! And that event was certainly fundamental to the growth of Christianity! In Acts chapters 9 and 22 and 26, amazing!)
Today’s Text: “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 the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” Isaiah 38:1
Now here’s 2 Kings 20:1 … “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”
Then 2 Chronicles 32:24 … “In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death.”
Wow!
Seems to have been a sudden illness, and terminal.
But, alas, the good King prayed!
“Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD.” Isaiah 38:2
As he prayed, he brought his “arguments” before the Lord, his “reasons” to live longer! (“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 1:18)
Here’s that prayer: “And said, Remember now, O LORD, 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 38:3, asking for nothing! Just reminding/communing with God!
Those few words … then God came to Isaiah and commanded him: “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, 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
God answered prayer!
Fifteen more years!
Obviously, God is the Healer, but medical “means” were also used it seems! “For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.” Isaiah 38:21
What a blend of earthly remedies and divine Power!
Then this interesting little fact. Soon as he is “well,” Isaiah wants to go to God’s House and worship! “Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?” Isaiah 38:22, see his heart’s desire?
Divine healing!
A reality, way back in the days of the Kings of Judah .. and still so today!
Praise the Lord.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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