Hezekiah’s Poem of Praise
“I waited patiently all night, but I waa torn apart as though by lions. Suddenly, my life was over. Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane, and then I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help. I am in trouble Lord. Help me!
But what could I say? For He Himself sent this sickness. No I will walk humbly throughout my years because of this anguish I have felt. Lord, Your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins. For the dead cannot praise you; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grave can. no longer hope in Your faithfulness. Only the living can praise You as I do today. Each generation tells of Your faithfulness to the next. Think of it-the Lord is ready to heal me! I will singe His praises with instruments every day of my life in the Temple of the Lord.” (vv. 13-20, NLT)