News of Death
He prayed and wept bitterly on God’s shoulder...
When Hezekiah was given the news that he was going to die, the great prophet Isaiah was standing right in front of him. And yet, Hezekiah didn’t waste his faith, prayers and tears on the prophet.
He didn’t ask Isaiah for help or prayer. No, he waited for him to leave, then turned his face to the wall and prayed and wept bitterly on God’s shoulder, not on that of any man.
The result of his personal faith and prayer was that he did not die, but lived for another 15 years!
In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’ ”
Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years.” ’ ” (Isaiah 38:1-5)