and said, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hezekiah doesn't just list his good deeds to earn God's favor; he brings them up as a testament to his wholehearted devotion, highlighting that his actions stemmed from a sincere heart, not mere outward show. This isn't about self-justification, but a plea grounded in the reality of his faithfulness, which he offers to God as evidence of his genuine life before Him, even in the face of death.
and said, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Facing a terminal illness and the prophet Isaiah's stark pronouncement of death, Hezekiah turns his face away from the world and pleads with God. He recalls his sincere devotion and righteous actions, not as a boast, but as a plea for God to remember his faithfulness as he weeps bitterly over his impending fate.
Hezekiah faces death and pleads with God, not by denying his sin, but by reminding God of his sincere devotion.
When facing the ultimate end, Hezekiah's prayer isn't about being perfect, but about being wholehearted. He recalls how he 'walked before You in faithfulness and with a whole heart.' This isn't a boast of sinlessness, but a plea grounded in his lifelong commitment to God's ways.
A Whole Heart
Hezekiah's tears are not just fear of dying; they reveal a deeper anguish about life's brevity and his unfinished work.
The verse concludes with a poignant image: 'And Hezekiah wept bitterly.' This isn't just a man afraid of the unknown after death. It’s a raw, emotional response to facing the end.
Reasons for the Tears
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This powerful image reminds us that faith doesn't erase our humanity. Our deepest emotions, even sorrow and fear, can be brought to God.
Understand the original words
ʾĕmet · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, faithfulness refers to truthfulness, reliability, and steady commitment to God’s covenantal requirements. It describes a life lived with integrity, loyalty, and consistent adherence to God’s law.
lēbāb šālēm · Hebrew Noun phrase
A heart that is complete, undivided, and fully devoted to God. It signifies an inner life that is sincere, lacking hypocrisy, and entirely surrendered to the Lord's will.
Hezekiah's prayer in this verse is deeply rooted in the immediate aftermath of a terrifying national crisis (the Assyrian invasion) and his own life-threatening illness. His plea isn't just a general statement of piety, but a powerful appeal to God's faithfulness in light of his recent experiences and his sincere desire to continue serving Him and His people.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event caused widespread fear and shook Hezekiah's kingdom.
c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Withdrawal
An unexplained disaster strikes the Assyrian army, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw his forces from Jerusalem. This miraculous deliverance solidified Hezekiah's faith and the people's awe of God.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer
Shortly after the Assyrian crisis, King Hezekiah falls gravely ill, to the point of death. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's message that he will die.
c. 701 BC
Divine Reversal and Prolonged Life
In response to Hezekiah's fervent prayer and remembrance of his faithful service, God miraculously extends his life by fifteen years.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving
Following his recovery, Hezekiah composes a heartfelt song of praise and thanksgiving to God, recounting his near-death experience and God's faithfulness.
King David's prayer for a 'clean heart' and a 'right spirit' echoes Hezekiah's plea for sincerity and a whole heart before God.
1 Kings 8:61Solomon's prayer at the temple dedication likewise emphasizes a 'whole heart' devoted to the LORD, highlighting the importance of unwavering devotion.
2 Kings 18:5This passage provides the historical context for Hezekiah's prayer, stating directly that 'he trusted in the LORD God of Israel,' reinforcing the sincerity of his plea.
Romans 8:28While Hezekiah's prayer is about a specific life-or-death situation, the underlying principle that God works all things for good for those who love Him is a timeless truth that offers comfort in times of distress.
Philippians 1:6The assurance that God who has begun a good work in us will carry it on to completion parallels Hezekiah's trust that God would remember his faithfulness and act on his behalf.
cambridgeIsaiah 38:3: "And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."
3 . with a perfect heart ] Lit. “with a whole heart,” one absolutely devoted to Jehovah. Cf. 1 Kings 8:61 ; 1 Kings 11:4 ; 1 Kings 15:3 ; 1 Kings 15:14 , where the expression occurs with the addition of the words “with Jehovah.” The motive of this prayer is clearly expressed in the Song of Thanksgiv…
barnesIsaiah 38:3: "And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."
And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee - The object which Hezekiah desired was evidently that his life might be spared, and that he might not be suddenly cut off. He therefore makes mention of the former course of his life, not with ostentation, or as a ground of his acceptance or justificat…
Hezekiah doesn't just list his good deeds to earn God's favor; he brings them up as a testament to his wholehearted devotion, highlighting that his actions stemmed from a sincere heart, not mere outward show. This isn't about self-justification, but a plea grounded in the reality of his faithfulness, which he offers to God as evidence of his genuine life before Him, even in the face of death.
Facing a terminal illness and the prophet Isaiah's stark pronouncement of death, Hezekiah turns his face away from the world and pleads with God. He recalls his sincere devotion and righteous actions, not as a boast, but as a plea for God to remember his faithfulness as he weeps bitterly over his impending fate.
Facing a terminal illness and the prophet Isaiah's stark pronouncement of death, Hezekiah turns his face away from the world and pleads with God. He recalls his sincere devotion and righteous actions, not as a boast, but as a plea for God to remember his faithfulness as he weeps bitterly over his impending fate.
"and said, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly." — Hezekiah doesn't just list his good deeds to earn God's favor; he brings them up as a testament to his wholehearted devotion, highlighting that his actions stemmed from a sincere heart, not mere outw…
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Last reviewed October 2026