Isaiah 38:20

“The Lord was ready to save me, &c.] Or, “the Lord to save mef751”; he was at hand to save him; he was both able and willing to save him; he was a present help in time of need; he arose for his help, and that right early; he very quickly delivered him out of his distress; he, who one day expected death every moment, was the next day in the temple praising God: therefore will we sing my songs; which were made by him, or concerning him, or which he ordered to be sung, as he did the Psalms of David, (<142930>2 Chronicles 29:30): to the stringed instruments: which were touched with the fingers, or struck with a quill or bow; which distinguishes them from wind instruments, which were blown with…”

“was ready--not in the Hebrew; "Jehovah was for my salvation," that is, saved me (compare Isa 12:2). we--I and my people. in the house of the Lord--This song was designed, as many of the other Psalms, as a form to be used in public worship at stated times, perhaps on every anniversary of his recovery; hence "all the days of our life." lump of figs--a round cake of figs pressed into a mass (Sa1 25:18). God works by means; the meanest of which He can make effectual. boil--inflamed ulcer, produced by the plague.”

“The Lord was ready to save me - He was prompt, quick to save me. He did not hesitate or delay. Therefore we will sing my songs - That is, my family and nation. The song of Hezekiah was designed evidently not as a mere record, but to be used in celebrating the praises of God, and probably in a public manner in the temple. The restoration of the monarch was a fit occasion for public rejoicing; and it is probable that this ode was composed to be used by the company of singers that were employed constantly in the temple. To the stringed instruments - We will set it to music, and will use it publicly (see the notes at Isaiah 5:12). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Was ready - Was a present help. Next: Isaiah Chapter 40”

“therefore: Psa 9:13, Psa 9:14, Psa 27:5, Psa 27:6, Psa 30:11, Psa 30:12, Psa 51:15, Psa 66:13-15, Psa 145:2 to the stringed: Psa 150:4; Hab 3:19 Isaiah 38:21”