A writing of Hezekiah, king of Judah -- Reminiscent of the historical headings on many psalms (e.g., Psalms 3:1:title; Psalms 18:1:title). Including a psalm of Hezekiah may draw a closer connection to David, the poet king par excellence. 2 Kings 18:3 says Hezekiah did what was right, just as David had. - FSB
writing of Hezekiah. -- In response to his healing, Hezekiah wrote the record of his helplessness when facing death (vv. 10–14) and told of God’s response to His condition (vv. 15–20). This poetry is missing from the parallel account in 2 Kings. - MSB
in the quiet of my days -- Hezekiah was only 25 when he began to reign (2 Kings 18:2). The invasion occurred in his 14th year (Isaiah 36:1), so Hezekiah was only 39 years old at the time of this life-threatening illness.
I am summoned through the gates of Sheol -- Hezekiah laments his near departure for “life” in the underworld. See Genesis 37:35.
Bibliographical Information Gann, Windell. "Commentary on Isaiah 38". Gann's Commentary on the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/gbc/isaiah-38.html. 2021.
Verse 9
A writing of Hezekiah, king of Judah -- Reminiscent of the historical headings on many psalms (e.g., Psalms 3:1:title; Psalms 18:1:title). Including a psalm of Hezekiah may draw a closer connection to David, the poet king par excellence. 2 Kings 18:3 says Hezekiah did what was right, just as David had. - FSB
writing of Hezekiah. -- In response to his healing, Hezekiah wrote the record of his helplessness when facing death (vv. 10–14) and told of God’s response to His condition (vv. 15–20). This poetry is missing from the parallel account in 2 Kings. - MSB
Verse 10
in the quiet of my days -- Hezekiah was only 25 when he began to reign (2 Kings 18:2). The invasion occurred in his 14th year (Isaiah 36:1), so Hezekiah was only 39 years old at the time of this life-threatening illness.
I am summoned through the gates of Sheol -- Hezekiah laments his near departure for “life” in the underworld. See Genesis 37:35.
Verse 22
to the temple of Yahweh -- If he is healed, his first task will be to go to the temple to thank Yahweh.