Isaiah 38:20 – “The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Hezekiah expresses his deep gratitude for God’s deliverance. Having experienced a miraculous healing from a terminal illness, he declares his trust in the Lord’s ability to save and emphasizes his commitment to worship God for the rest of his life. The reference to singing with stringed instruments in the temple reflects a heart overflowing with thankfulness and joy, as well as a desire to give God the praise He deserves in a public and enduring way.
Hezekiah’s words also reveal his renewed perspective on life. After being brought to the brink of death, he recognizes the importance of dedicating his life to worship and service to God. This verse shows the connection between God’s saving work and the response of heartfelt worship.
Historical Context
Isaiah 38 recounts Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. Initially, the prophet Isaiah brought a message that Hezekiah’s illness would end in death. In desperation, Hezekiah prayed to God, asking for mercy. God answered his prayer, extending his life by fifteen years.
In the culture of ancient Judah, the temple was the central place of worship, representing God’s presence among His people. Hezekiah’s promise to worship there with music highlights his commitment to honoring God in the context of community worship. His deliverance was not just a personal blessing but an opportunity to testify publicly to God’s goodness.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the connection between salvation and worship. Hezekiah’s declaration that “the Lord will save me” reflects his confidence in God’s ability to deliver, both physically and spiritually. His response of worship with stringed instruments shows that God’s saving work calls for praise and thanksgiving.
The verse also highlights the importance of communal worship. Hezekiah doesn’t plan to praise God privately but in the temple, where others can join in and witness God’s faithfulness. Worship is not only a personal act but also a testimony to others of God’s greatness.
Literary Analysis
Isaiah 38:20 is a declaration of hope and joy. The phrase “all the days of our lives” conveys a lifelong commitment to worship, emphasizing the lasting impact of God’s deliverance. The mention of stringed instruments and the temple paints a vivid picture of vibrant, celebratory worship. This verse balances personal gratitude with communal expression, showing how worship connects the individual with the larger faith community.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 30:11-12: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” This psalm reflects a similar response of worship after deliverance.
- Psalm 150:3-4: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing.” Like Hezekiah, this psalm highlights the use of instruments in joyful worship.
- Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” This verse connects worship with the response to God’s saving work through Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Isaiah 38:20 reminds us of the importance of responding to God’s goodness with heartfelt worship. Just as Hezekiah recognized that his life was a gift from God, believers today are called to live with gratitude and to give God the praise He deserves.
This verse also challenges us to make worship a priority, both personally and within the community of faith. It encourages us to use our gifts, including music and other forms of expression, to glorify God and to declare His greatness to others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His willingness to save and deliver His people. Hezekiah’s healing was an act of compassion, showing that God hears the cries of His children and responds in mercy. God’s love is not only demonstrated in deliverance but also in the joy and renewal that follow, prompting a response of worship and thanksgiving.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Isaiah 38:20 points to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has saved believers from sin and death, giving them eternal life and a reason to worship forever. Revelation 5:13 describes a future where all creation will sing praises to the Lamb who was slain, showing that worship is the proper response to God’s saving work.
Just as Hezekiah committed to worshiping God in the temple, Jesus taught that true worship would no longer be confined to a place but would be in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Through Christ, worship becomes a way of life, extending beyond the temple to every moment and every setting.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How has God delivered or saved you, and how have you responded in worship?
- What does this verse teach you about the connection between salvation and praise?
- How can you make worship a greater priority in your life, both personally and in community?
- In what ways can your worship testify to others about God’s faithfulness and love?
- How does the salvation found in Jesus Christ deepen your understanding of this verse?
Isaiah 38:20 reminds us that God’s saving work calls for a response of joyful worship. As we reflect on His faithfulness and deliverance, we are invited to offer our lives in gratitude and praise, declaring His greatness both now and for eternity. Through Jesus Christ, this worship becomes an enduring part of our relationship with God, giving us a foretaste of the eternal praise to come.