8. once the shadow cast by the sun descends on the steps of Ahaz, I will make it back up ten steps." And the sun went back ten of the steps that it had already descended.
9. A composition by Judah’s King Hezekiah when he was sick and then recovered from his sickness:
10. I thought, I must depart in the prime of my life;I have been relegated to the gates of the underworld for the rest of my life.
11. I thought, I won’t see the Lord.The Lord is in the land of the living.I won’t look upon humans againor be with the inhabitants of the world.
12. My lifetime is plucked upand taken from me like a shepherd’s tent.My life is shriveled like woven cloth;God cuts me off from the loom.Between daybreak and nightfallyou carry out your verdict against me.
13. I cried out until morning:"Like a lion God crushes all my bones.Between daybreak and nightfallyou carry out your verdict against me.
14. Like a swallow I chirp;I moan like a dove.My eyes have grown weary looking to heaven.Lord, I’m overwhelmed; support me!"
15. What can I say?God has spoken to me;he himself has acted.I will wander my whole lifewith a bitter spirit.