PREPARATION FOR DEATH Isaiah 38:1. _Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live_. This announcement was made to Hezekiah when suffering under dangerous illness. In answer to his prayer the sentence was mitigated. Fifteen years were added to his life. It is not wrong to pray for the... [ Continue Reading ]
HEZEKIAH’S PRAYER Isaiah 38:1 In this narrative there are three points of difficulty and many points of instruction. I. THREE POINTS OF DIFFICULTY. 1. _Why was Hezekiah afraid to die?_ Answer: (1.) Even to a _Christian_ man, death is an event of unutterable solemnity, for which he feels it neces... [ Continue Reading ]
DISTRESS IN PROSPECT OF DEATH Isaiah 38:2. _Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, &c._ The causes of Hezekiah’s reluctance to die may be gathered from his circumstances. [See Outline: _Hezekiah’s Prayer_, p. 426.] That ungodly men should be terrified at death is what might be expected (P.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SHORTENING OF HUMAN LIFE (_A Funeral Sermon_.) Isaiah 38:10. _I am deprived of the residue of my years_. Briefly narrate the facts of Hezekiah’s illness. The words of the text naturally suggest this general observation, that God deprives many of the human race of the residue of their years. I.... [ Continue Reading ]
A CRY FOR HELP Isaiah 38:14. _O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me_. This prayer ascended from a sick-bed. State Hezekiah’s circumstances. From many sick-beds it still ascends. 1. From the sick-bed of the Christian who is distressed by thoughts of what may befall his wife and children after hi... [ Continue Reading ]
HEZEKIAH’S RESOLUTION (_A New-Year Motto_.) Isaiah 38:15. _I shall go softly all my years, &c._ This resolution grows out of that singular experience of sickness and recovery recorded in the preceding verses. It furnishes an excellent motto for the year. Our translation is somewhat defective, but i... [ Continue Reading ]