Isaiah 38:1-22 NLT

[1] About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: "This is what the LORD says: 'Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.'" [2] When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, [3] "Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you." Then he broke down and wept bitterly. [4] Then this message came to Isaiah from the LORD: [5] "Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life, [6] and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. Yes, I will defend this city. [7] "'And this is the sign from the LORD to prove that he will do as he promised: [8] I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward on the sundial of Ahaz!'" So the shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps. [9] When King Hezekiah was well again, he wrote this poem: [10] I said, "In the prime of my life, must I now enter the place of the dead? Am I to be robbed of the rest of my years?" [11] I said, "Never again will I see the LORD GOD while still in the land of the living. Never again will I see my friends or be with those who live in this world. [12] My life has been blown away like a shepherd's tent in a storm. It has been cut short, as when a weaver cuts cloth from a loom. Suddenly, my life was over. [13] I waited patiently all night, but I was torn apart as though by lions. Suddenly, my life was over. [14] Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane, and then I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help. I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!" [15] But what could I say? For he himself sent this sickness. Now I will walk humbly throughout my years because of this anguish I have felt. [16] Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! [17] Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins. [18] For the dead cannot praise you; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grave can no longer hope in your faithfulness. [19] Only the living can praise you as I do today. Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next. [20] Think of it-the LORD is ready to heal me! I will sing his praises with instruments every day of my life in the Temple of the LORD. [21] Isaiah had said to Hezekiah's servants, "Make an ointment from figs and spread it over the boil, and Hezekiah will recover." [22] And Hezekiah had asked, "What sign will prove that I will go to the Temple of the LORD?"