Isaiah 38:1-8

New International Reader's Version

Hezekiah Becomes Sick and Is Healed

38 In those days Hezekiah became very sick. He knew he was about to die. Isaiah went to see him. Isaiah was the son of Amoz. Isaiah told Hezekiah, “The Lord says, ‘Put everything in order. Make out your will. You are going to die soon. You will not get well again.’ ”

² Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall. He prayed to the Lord. He said, ³ “Lord, please remember how faithful I’ve been to you. I’ve lived the way you wanted me to. I’ve served you with all my heart. I’ve done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

⁴ A message from the Lord came to Isaiah. The Lord said, ⁵ “Go and speak to Hezekiah. Tell him, ‘The Lord, the God of King David, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life. ⁶ And I will save you and this city from the power of the king of Assyria. I will guard this city.

⁷ “ ‘ “Here is a sign from me. It will show you that I will heal you, just as I promised I would. ⁸ The shadow that was made by the sun has gone down ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz. I will make it go back up those ten steps.” ’ ” So the shadow went back up the ten steps it had gone down.