Hezekia akauliza, “Ni ishara gani itakayonijulisha kwamba mimi nitakwenda katika nyumba ya Mwenyezi-Mungu?” Isaya akamjibu, “Hii itakuwa ishara kwako kutoka kwa Mwenyezi-Mungu kwamba Mwenyezi-Mungu atafanya kama alivyoahidi. Nitafanya kivuli kwenye ngazi iliyojengwa na Ahazi, kirudi nyuma hatua kumi.” Nacho kivuli kikarudi nyuma hatua kumi. Kisha mfalme Hezekia alipopona, akatunga wimbo huu wa shukrani: “Nilisema: Nikiwa mbichi kabisa, inanibidi niage dunia. Mimi nimepangiwa kwenda kuzimu siku zote zilizonibakia. Nilisema sitamwona tena Mwenyezi-Mungu, katika nchi ya walio hai; wala sitamwona mtu yeyote tena, miongoni mwa wakazi wa ulimwengu. Makao yangu yamengolewa kwangu, kama hema la mchungaji; kama, mfumanguo nimefungasha maisha yangu; Mungu amenikatilia mbali; kabla hata mwisho wa siku amenikomesha. Usiku kucha nililia kuomba msaada; kama simba, anavunjavunja mifupa yangu; mchana na usiku ananikomesha. “Ninalia kama mbayuwayu, nasononeka kama njiwa. Macho yangu yamefifia kwa kuangalia juu. Ee Bwana, nateseka; uwe wewe usalama wangu! Lakini niseme nini: Yeye mwenyewe aliniambia, naye mwenyewe ametenda hayo. Usingizi wangu wote umenitoroka kwa sababu ya uchungu moyoni mwangu. “Ee Bwana, Sisi twaishi kutokana na yote uliyotenda, kwa hayo yote mimi binafsi pia ninaishi. Nirudishie afya, uniwezeshe kuishi. Nilipata mateso makali kwa faida yangu; lakini umeyaokoa maisha yangu kutoka shimo la uharibifu, maana umezitupa dhambi zangu nyuma yako. Huko kuzimu mtu hawezi kukushukuru wewe; waliokufa hawawezi kukushukuru wewe. Wala washukao huko shimoni hawawezi tena kutumainia uaminifu wako. Walio hai ndio wanaokushukuru, kama na mimi ninavyofanya leo. Kina baba huwajulisha watoto wao uaminifu wako. “Mwenyezi-Mungu ataniokoa. Nasi tutamsifu kwa nyimbo za vinubi siku zote za maisha yetu, nyumbani kwake Mwenyezi-Mungu.”
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Hezekiah, a king of Judah, is asking for a sign to confirm that he will recover and be able to go to the temple. Hezekiah is speaking to the prophet Isaiah, who had given him a message from God.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're really sick and your doctor says you'll get better. You might ask, 'How do I know I'll get better?' That's what Hezekiah is doing here. He wants to be sure he'll be well enough to go to the special house where people talk to God.
Historical Background
This verse is from the book of Isaiah, written around 700 BCE. The book was written by the prophet Isaiah, who was speaking to the people of Judah during a time of political turmoil. Hezekiah was a king who sought God's guidance during a time of illness.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, we often seek signs or reassurance when facing difficult situations. For instance, if someone is sick and unsure of recovery, they might look for signs that they will get better. This verse encourages us to seek assurance in our faith and to trust in God's promises.
Hezekiah was facing a serious illness and wanted assurance that he would recover and be able to worship at the temple. Signs in the Bible often provide confidence and confirmation.
What was the sign Hezekiah received?
According to the context in Isaiah 38:7-8, God reversed the shadow on the sun-dial as a sign to Hezekiah that he would live another 15 years.
How did Hezekiah's request reflect his faith?
Hezekiah's request for a sign shows his trust in God's power and willingness to seek assurance in his faith, even when facing a difficult situation.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's request?
We can learn to seek assurance and confirmation from God during tough times and to trust in His promises and interventions.