And the word of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. In the Hebrew Bible, the "word of the LORD" often signifies a direct communication from God, highlighting the authority and truth of the message. This phrase is used throughout the Old Testament to introduce prophetic messages, underscoring the role of prophets as God's messengers. It reflects the belief that God actively communicates with His people, guiding and instructing them through His chosen servants.

came to Isaiah,
Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, served during the reigns of several kings of Judah, including Hezekiah. His role was to convey God's messages to the people and the leaders of Judah. Isaiah's ministry was marked by both warnings of judgment and promises of hope and restoration. The phrase indicates that Isaiah was the recipient of God's message, reinforcing his position as a trusted prophet. Isaiah's prophecies often included both immediate and future fulfillments, pointing to the coming of the Messiah.

saying,
This introduces the specific message that God is about to deliver through Isaiah. The use of "saying" indicates that what follows is a direct quotation from God, lending it significant weight and authority. In the context of Isaiah 38, the message pertains to King Hezekiah's illness and God's response to his prayer. This highlights the personal nature of God's communication, as He addresses specific situations and individuals. The prophetic message that follows serves as both a response to Hezekiah's circumstances and a broader testament to God's faithfulness and power.

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah served as a messenger of God, delivering His words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in advising King Hezekiah during his reign.

2. Hezekiah
The King of Judah who reigned during a time of great political turmoil. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where King Hezekiah ruled and where the events of Isaiah 38 took place.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates with His people through prophets like Isaiah.

5. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Hezekiah turned to pray during his illness.The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's immediate response to his illness was to pray earnestly to God. This demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of distress and trusting in His power to heal and deliver.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The LORD's response to Hezekiah's prayer shows His sovereignty over life and death and His willingness to extend mercy to those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

The Role of Prophets
Isaiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers and being open to His guidance and correction.

Faith in Action
Hezekiah's faith was not passive; he actively sought God's intervention. This teaches us that faith often requires action, such as prayer and repentance.

God's Faithfulness
The LORD's promise to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life is a testament to His faithfulness in keeping His promises and His ability to intervene in human affairs.Verse 4. - Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying. The author of Kings describes graphically how Isaiah, after delivering his message, had gone out, but had not reached the middle court of the palace, when his footsteps were arrested, and the Divine voice bade him "turn again and relieve Hezekiah's fears by a fresh announcement" (2 Kings 20:4). So swiftly does God answer "the prayer of faith."

Parallel Commentaries ...


And the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Isaiah,
יְשַׁעְיָ֖הוּ (yə·ša‘·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3470: Isaiah -- 'salvation of Yah', four Israelites

saying,
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 38:4 Then the word of Yahweh came (Isa Isi Is)