1. About this time, Hezekiah got sick and was almost dead. So I went in and told him, “The Lord says you won't ever get well. You are going to die, and so you had better start doing what needs to be done.”
2. Hezekiah turned towards the wall and prayed,
3. “Don't forget that I have been faithful to you, Lord. I have obeyed you with all my heart, and I do whatever you say is right.” After this, he cried hard.
4. Then the Lord sent me
5. with this message for Hezekiah:I am the Lord God, who was worshipped by your ancestor David. I heard you pray, and I saw you cry. I will let you live fifteen years more,
6. while I protect you and your city from the king of Assyria.
7. Now I will prove to you that I will keep my promise.
8. Do you see the shadow made by the setting sun on the stairway built for King Ahaz? I will make the shadow go back ten steps.Then the shadow went back ten steps.
9. This is what Hezekiah wrote after he got well:
10. I thought I would dieduring my best yearsand stay as a prisoner for everin the world of the dead.
11. I thought I would never againsee you, my Lord,or any of the peoplewho live on this earth.
12. My life was taken from melike the tent that a shepherdpulls up and moves.You cut me off like threadfrom a weaver's loom;you make a wreck of meday and night.
13. Until morning came, I thoughtyou would crush my bonesjust like a hungry lion;both night and dayyou make a wreck of me.