Isaiah 38:15

15 But what's the use? God himself gave me the word. He's done it to me. I can't sleep - I'm that upset, that troubled.

Isaiah 38:15 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 38:15

What shall I say?
&c.] In a way of praise and thankfulness, for the mercies promised and received; I know not what to say; I want words to express the gratitude of my heart for the kindness bestowed. What shall I render to God for all his benefits? So the Targum,

``what praise shall I utter, and I will say it before him?''

for here begins the account of his recovery, and his thanksgiving for it: he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it;
the Lord had sent him a message by the prophet, and assured him that he should recover, and on the third day go up to the temple; and now he had performed what he had promised, he was restored, and was come to the house of God with his thank offering; whatever the Lord says, he does; what he promises, he brings to pass: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul;
before he did not reckon of a day to live, now he speaks of his years, having fifteen added to his days, during which time he should "go softly", in a thoughtful "meditating" frame of mind ^F18; frequently calling to remembrance, and revolving in his mind, his bitter affliction, and recovery out of it, acknowledging the goodness and kindness of God unto him: or leisurely, step by step,
without fear of any enemies, dangers, or death, having a promise of such a length of time to live: or go pleasantly and cheerfully, after the bitterness of my soul
^F19, as it may be rendered; that is, after it is over, or because of deliverance from it. So the Targum,

``with what shall I serve him, and render to him for all the years he hath added to my life, and hath delivered me from the bitterness of my soul?''

---

FOOTNOTES:

F18 (hdda) "motitando meditabor", Tigurine version; "leniter, vel pedetentim incedam" Vatablus; "alacriter incedam", Piscator, Vitringa.
F19 (rm le) "post amaritudinem", Piscator.

Isaiah 38:15 In-Context

13 I cry for help until morning. Like a lion, God pummels and pounds me, relentlessly finishing me off.

14 I squawk like a doomed hen, moan like a dove. My eyes ache from looking up for help: "Master, I'm in trouble! Get me out of this!"

15 But what's the use? God himself gave me the word. He's done it to me. I can't sleep - I'm that upset, that troubled.

16 O Master, these are the conditions in which people live, and yes, in these very conditions my spirit is still alive - fully recovered with a fresh infusion of life!

17 It seems it was good for me to go through all those troubles. Throughout them all you held tight to my lifeline. You never let me tumble over the edge into nothing. But my sins you let go of, threw them over your shoulder - good riddance!