Isaiah 38:15

15 What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it. I walk along slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul,

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 thought until the morning: He will break all my bones like a lion; You make an end of me day and night.

14 I chirp like a swallow [or] a crane; I moan like a dove. My eyes grow weak looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed; support me.

15 What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it. I walk along slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul,

16 Lord, because of these [promises] people live, and in all of them is the life of my spirit as well; You have restored me to health and let me live.

17 Indeed, it was for [my own] welfare that I had such great bitterness; but Your love [has delivered] me from the Pit of destruction, for You have thrown all my sins behind Your back.