Isaiah 38:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In his ongoing expression of gratitude, he declares that he mimics the melodious birds and offers continuous hymns of praise. He asserts that he directs his thoughts towards God, having been rescued from both the anguish of his spirit and death itself. For you, he states, have awakened life within me, revived my being, and safeguarded my soul from destruction, casting all my transgressions behind me. This speaks not of the sins of one consumed by arrogance, but of an individual who understands his humanity and recognizes that we all bear the weight of numerous offenses, and that apart from God's grace, no one could claim a pure heart or assert their innocence from sin. Therefore, let us exalt God for the blessings He has granted us, for He has pardoned us from what truly deserved a fair punishment. Indeed, he proclaims, wise are those who are aware of themselves.

What can I express? Please tell me. He desires that the words he utters are not his but rather those that God Himself places in his mouth, words that align with His will. And this happened, rousing me completely, for God had taken away the grief from his spirit. The Lord will show compassion over them.

Like a young swallow, I will make my lamentations; I will utter sounds like a dove. My vision is dimmed as I gaze upward: Lord, I endure affliction, respond on my behalf. What shall I say, or how shall I respond, to what He has accomplished? The threat of death and the heavy burden of my suffering have shattered my bones like a lion's ferocity; yet, like the swallow and the dove, I have spent my days and nights in tears and cries, yearning for assistance from God alone, the one who can deliver me, lifting my eyes toward the heights. I spoke to Him: I bear more than I can bear; but even if I have sinned in any way, I trust in Your righteousness; respond in my favor: “For pardon depends not on him who wills, nor on him who strives, but on God who has mercy” (Rom. 9:16).

And what, in the end, is our conclusion? The compassionate Lord did not overlook the grief of the righteous, nor did He disregard the fervent prayers of those who seek Him with perseverance. ‘Deliver me,’ Hezekiah implores, “and remove the affliction from my soul; and He shall be my guide throughout all my days” (Isaiah 38:14-15). Let us, dear brethren, earnestly cry out to God in our current anguish, approaching Him with reverence and humility, with faith and trust, and with diligence and steadfastness: ‘How abundant is the Lord's mercy, and immense is His salvation’ (Psalm 129:6). ‘The Lord kills and brings to life; He brings down to the grave and raises up’ (1 Kings 2:6).