What does Isaiah 38:4 mean?

"¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying," - Isaiah 38:4

Isaiah 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"

Isaiah 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"

Isaiah 38:4 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying," This verse is a simple and straightforward declaration that marks the beginning of a conversation between the prophet Isaiah and the Lord.

In order to truly understand the meaning and commentary behind this verse, it is important to delve into the context in which it is found. The book of Isaiah is a part of the Old Testament, and it is actually a compilation of the prophecies of Isaiah, who lived in the 8th century BC. The book is divided into two main sections: the first 39 chapters focus on the judgement and impending doom of Judah and Jerusalem due to their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. The remaining chapters, on the other hand, speak of the restoration of God's people and the promise of a future savior.

Chapter 38 specifically details the sickness and recovery of King Hezekiah. After hearing from the prophet Isaiah that he was going to die, King Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, and in response, the Lord granted him an additional 15 years of life. It is in this context that we find Isaiah 38:4. Following King Hezekiah's prayer, the word of the Lord comes to Isaiah, indicating a shift in the narrative and setting the stage for the Lord's response to Hezekiah's plea.

This verse is significant because it highlights the direct communication between the Lord and His chosen prophet. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority and the importance of the words that are about to be spoken. Throughout the Bible, the word of the Lord coming to a prophet is a common occurrence, and it signifies the transmission of divine revelation and guidance. In this instance, it signals the beginning of the Lord's message to Isaiah regarding the fate of Hezekiah.

Furthermore, this verse illustrates the profound impact of prayer and the power of intercession. King Hezekiah's prayer was a plea for mercy and a second chance at life, and the Lord heard and answered him. This serves as a testament to the Lord's compassion and willingness to respond to the cries of His people. It also demonstrates the significant role of prophets like Isaiah, who served as intermediaries between God and the people, conveying His messages and serving as a channel for divine intervention.

In terms of symbolism, the word of the Lord coming to Isaiah can be seen as a symbol of divine revelation and guidance. It represents the direct communication between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm, highlighting the prophetic office and the importance of spiritual leadership. It also serves as a reminder of the trust and responsibility placed upon prophets to faithfully deliver the words of the Lord to His people.

Overall, Isaiah 38:4 is a concise yet powerful verse that marks the beginning of a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Hezekiah's life. It serves as a reminder of the significance of divine communication, the power of prayer, and the role of prophets in mediating between God and His people. It also underscores the themes of mercy, compassion, and the sovereign authority of the Lord. This verse is a testament to the enduring relevance and impact of the biblical text, offering timeless lessons and insights for believers today.

Isaiah 38:4 Artwork

Isaiah 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"

Isaiah 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"

Isaiah 38:21 - "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 - "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 38:2 - "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,"

Isaiah 38:2 - "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,"

Isaiah 38:9 - "¶ The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:"

Isaiah 38:9 - "¶ The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness:"

Isaiah 38:22 - "Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38:22 - "Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?"

Isaiah 38:6 - "And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city."

Isaiah 38:6 - "And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city."

Isaiah 38:7 - "And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;"

Isaiah 38:7 - "And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken;"

Isaiah 6:4-7

Isaiah 6:4-7

Numbers 4:38 - "And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,"

Numbers 4:38 - "And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,"

1 Chronicles 4:38 - "These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly."

1 Chronicles 4:38 - "These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly."

Genesis 38:4 - "And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan."

Genesis 38:4 - "And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan."

Isaiah 38:19 - "The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth."

Isaiah 38:19 - "The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth."

Isaiah 38:18 - "For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth."

Isaiah 38:18 - "For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth."

Psalms 38:4 - "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."

Psalms 38:4 - "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."

Isaiah 38:11 - "I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world."

Isaiah 38:11 - "I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world."

Isaiah 38:1 - "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 - "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."

Job 38:4 - "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."

Job 38:4 - "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."

Job 38:4-7 – "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

Job 38:4-7 – "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

Job 38:4-7 – "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

Job 38:4-7 – "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand."

Isaiah 38:16 - "O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live."

Isaiah 38:16 - "O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live."

Isaiah 38:20 - "The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."

Isaiah 38:20 - "The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."

Isaiah 38:10 - "I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years."

Isaiah 38:10 - "I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years."

Exodus 38:4 - "And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it."

Exodus 38:4 - "And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it."

John 4:38 - "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."

John 4:38 - "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours."

Isaiah 38:14 - "Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me."

Isaiah 38:14 - "Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me."

Luke 4:38 - "¶ And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her."

Luke 4:38 - "¶ And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her."

Isaiah 38:8 - "Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down."

Isaiah 38:8 - "Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down."

Mark 4:38 - "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

Mark 4:38 - "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

Isaiah 38:17 - "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."

Isaiah 38:17 - "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."

Isaiah 38:2-5 - "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseeek 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. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 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 38:2-5 - "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseeek 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. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 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."