Isaiah 38:2
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,
Isaiah 38:2 (KJV)
Context
Isaiah 38 records the account of King Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah who sought to lead his people back to the worship of the one true God. During his reign, he fell gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah was sent by God to deliver a message that his illness was terminal and that he should set his affairs in order.
Meaning
In verse 2, upon receiving the news of his impending death, Hezekiah turns his face toward the wall. This act carries significant symbolism and reveals important aspects of his response. Turning one’s face toward the wall can be seen as a physical gesture of humility, privacy, and earnestness. Hezekiah sought solitude, removing distractions and focusing his attention solely on God. By turning away from the world and facing the wall, he demonstrates a desire to communicate intimately with the Lord.
The act may also be understood literally as turning toward the wall of his bedchamber to pray with more privacy, freedom, and fervency, so that his tears might not be seen and his prayers not interrupted. Some traditions suggest he turned toward the wall of the temple, a practice of looking toward the temple when praying, as seen in 1 Kings 8:38 and Daniel 6:10. Hezekiah’s response to the devastating news was to turn to prayer. He sought the Lord’s intervention, acknowledging his dependence on God’s mercy and seeking His favor.
Biblical connections
The parallel account in 2 Kings 20:2 records the same event, with the added detail that Hezekiah prayed “saying,” introducing the content of his prayer in the following verse. The focus of this verse is on the posture and action of turning to God in prayer when faced with a life-threatening situation.
Application
Humility: Hezekiah’s act of turning his face toward the wall reveals his humility before God. It reminds us that in times of trouble or distress, we should approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy.
Solitude and Focus: Hezekiah’s deliberate choice to seek solitude and focus his attention on God highlights the importance of creating a quiet space in our lives for prayer and communion with the Lord. It encourages us to find a quiet place where we can eliminate distractions and seek God’s presence.
Trusting God: Hezekiah’s prayer demonstrates his faith and trust in God’s ability to intervene and bring healing. It reminds us that we can bring all our concerns, including our physical and emotional ailments, before the Lord, trusting in His power and wisdom.
The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah’s prayer serves as a reminder of the effectiveness and significance of prayer. It shows us that prayer is not merely a religious ritual but a means through which we can have a personal and meaningful relationship with God. It is an avenue through which we can express our deepest emotions, seek guidance, and experience God’s intervention in our lives.
Reflection
Isaiah 38:2 presents a powerful example of Hezekiah’s response to a life-threatening situation. He humbly turned his face toward the wall, seeking solitude, and prayed earnestly to the Lord. This verse encourages us to approach God with humility, create space for prayer, trust in His power, and recognize the significance of prayer in our lives.
