Isaiah 38: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 38 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Hezekiah was sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet came to him with a message from Yahweh, instructing him to set his house in order because he would die (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“Go, and tell Hezekiah, ‘Yahweh, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”
Isaiah 38:5-6 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 38:1–2 Hezekiah's Illness Announced
Isaiah 38:3–5 Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Response
Isaiah 38:6–8 Promise of Deliverance
Isaiah 38:9–14 Hezekiah's Lament and Reflection
Isaiah 38:15–20 Praise for God's Mercy
Isaiah 38:21–22 Healing Instructions

Discussion questions

In v2, what is Hezekiah's immediate response to Isaiah's message?
What does God promise Hezekiah in v6 regarding the Assyrian threat?
Hezekiah's prayer in v3 mentions 'a perfect heart': how does this relate to his request for healing?
In v17, Hezekiah states he has 'great anguish': what does this suggest about his view of life and death?
How do you respond in prayer during times of distress, as seen in Hezekiah's plea in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 38: Isaiah 43, 2 Kings 20, Psalm 30.

Before next time: read Isaiah 39.