Isaiah 38:3
And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I haue walked before thee in trueth, and with a perfect heart, and haue done that which is good in thy sight: and Hezekiah wept sore. Isaiah 38:3 (KJV)
Isaiah 38:3 is situated within the poignant narrative of King Hezekiah of Judah, who fell gravely ill and faced the prospect of death. The verse records Hezekiah’s earnest prayer to the Lord during this crisis. He implores, “Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.” In these words Hezekiah appeals to God’s memory, recalling his lifelong fidelity, his sincere devotion, and the righteous deeds he has performed in God’s sight.
The prayer reveals much about Hezekiah’s character. He is portrayed throughout the surrounding passages as a righteous king who sought to restore true worship in Judah and to eradicate idolatry. His actions demonstrated a deep commitment to God’s ways, and in this moment of vulnerability he calls upon that record of faithfulness as a basis for divine mercy.
The verse also notes that “Hezekiah wept sore,” underscoring the intensity of his distress and the urgency of his appeal. The vivid description of his weeping conveys the depth of his anguish and his dependence on the Lord for deliverance and healing.
Hezekiah’s prayer reflects humility and reliance on God. By turning to the Lord with a heartfelt confession of his past obedience, he models a posture of repentance and trust that is central to biblical prayer.
The broader context of Isaiah 38 shows God’s response to this sincere plea. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises Hezekiah additional years of life—fifteen more—and grants him a period of restored health. In gratitude, Hezekiah later composes a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God’s mercy and the extension of his days. This narrative invites readers to consider the power of honest confession, the importance of a faithful life, and the hope that God hears the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him.
