Isaiah 38:11

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

قُلْتُ لَنْ أرَى اللهَ ياه فِي أرْضِ الأحياءِ، لَنْ أرَى النّاسَ، وَلَنْ أعِيشَ مَعَ سُكّانِ الأرضِ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, King Hezekiah expresses his deep sorrow and despair after being told he would die. He believed he would never see God or live among people again. The key message is the profound sense of loss and the human struggle with the fear of death.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game and suddenly someone tells you it's over. You feel sad because you won't get to play anymore and won't see your friends. This is how Hezekiah felt, but about life itself. He thought he wouldn't see God or his friends anymore.

Historical Background

The prophet Isaiah wrote this during the 8th century BC. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was ill and believed he would die. This verse captures his despair and the cultural belief in the importance of life and community in the land of the living.

Living It Out Today

Imagine a person who is very ill and feels like they won't recover. They might feel a sense of loss, thinking they won't see their loved ones again. This verse reminds us of the fear and sadness that comes with facing our own mortality.

Topics

• hope
• despair
• faith
• mortality
• loss
• sorrow

Related Verses

• Psalm 39:4
• Job 7:7
• John 11:25
• 1 Peter 1:8
• Ecclesiastes 9:10

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'see the LORD'?

Seeing the LORD often refers to experiencing God’s presence or being in his care, which for Hezekiah meant living a life guided by God's will and presence.

How does this verse reflect Hezekiah's feelings?

This verse reflects Hezekiah's profound sadness and despair as he believed his life was ending and he would no longer experience God's presence or live among people.

Why is 'the land of the living' significant?

'The land of the living' signifies the world where people live and interact, and for Hezekiah, not seeing it meant not being part of human life and community.

How can we relate to Hezekiah's despair?

We can relate to Hezekiah's despair by understanding the fear and sadness that come with the thought of not seeing loved ones or experiencing life, as we all face moments of uncertainty and fear.