Isaiah 38:15
ESV
What shall I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.
NIV
But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul.
NASB
'What shall I say? For He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it; I will walk quietly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.
CSB
What can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. I walk along slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.
NLT
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.
KJV
What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.
NKJV
“What shall I say? He has both spoken to me, And He Himself has done it. I shall walk carefully all my years In the bitterness of my soul.
What does Isaiah 38:15 mean?
Faced with death, even the most devout person may experience grief or fear. Hesekiah was given a fatal diagnosis (Isaiah 38:1). The first part of his psalm (Isaiah 38:9) records those emotions (Isaiah 38:10–14).As he thinks about his condition, Hezekiah realizes there is little else to be said. God is in control. His word is absolute. Appeals to the Lord aren't guaranteed to be granted. Whatever happens to Hezekiah is ultimately God's will, and His will cannot be foiled (Job 42:2). This hasn't stopped the king from asking to be healed (Isaiah 38:14). Yet he makes the request fully submitting to God's sovereignty.
As with other parts of this psalm, the Hebrew phrasing of this verse is difficult to translate precisely. The latter half of the song expresses Hezekiah's new perspectives about his experience (Isaiah 38:17). Some commentators believe Hezekiah is speaking after his rescue, indicating that he will savor the days which God has granted him. Most, however, see this as a pre-healing remark, where Hezekiah expects to demonstrate his sadness in the days he has left (1 Kings 21:27).
