Isaiah 38 recounts the story of King Hezekiah’s miraculous healing and his prayer to God. In this chapter, Hezekiah becomes severely ill and is told by the prophet Isaiah that he will not recover and will die. Distressed by this news, Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays to God, reminding Him of his faithfulness and devotion. Moved by Hezekiah’s prayer, God instructs Isaiah to deliver a message to the king, promising to add 15 years to his life and deliver him from the hands of the Assyrians.
As a sign of His faithfulness, God causes the shadow on the sundial to move backward ten degrees, confirming Hezekiah’s healing. Hezekiah is overjoyed and composes a song of thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s mercy and faithfulness. He also reflects on his experience, acknowledging his own pride and how God disciplined him through his illness.