Isaiah 38:15

15 But what can I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. All my sleep has fled 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 cry for help until morning; like a lion he breaks all my bones; from day to night you bring me to an end.
14 Like a swallow or a crane I clamor, I moan like a dove. My eyes are weary with looking upward. O Lord, I am oppressed; be my security!
15 But what can I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. All my sleep has fled because of the bitterness of my soul.
16 O Lord, by these things people live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh, restore me to health and make me live!
17 Surely it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but you have held back my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Cn Compare Syr: Heb [I will walk slowly all my years]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.