11-20-06 Isaiah 38:18

Isaiah 38:18 (KJ21)
For the grave cannot praise Thee, death can not celebrate Thee; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth.

Isaiah 38:18 (NAS)
For Sheol cannot thank Thee, Death cannot praise Thee; Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Thy faithfulness.

Isaiah 38:18 (NIVUS)
For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.

Isaiah 38:18 (NLT)
For the dead cannot praise you; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to destruction can no longer hope in your faithfulness.

If you talk to some people about their eternal destiny, you might get the response that if they go to hell, then they will party with their friends. This is a foolish response and these people are misguided. Eternity away from God is not a big party. In fact it is a place of misery and isolation. Those who are in the grave are not able to give thanks to God. They cannot throw up their hands in praise. Those who go to hell are not able to ask anything of the Lord. Though they beg, their requests will not be heard. They have gone to a place of no return. Even though these made foolish boasts in life, in death they will not boast at all. There is nothing in which to glory in the grave.

Those who sink down into the pit are in a dungeon, where there is no escape. They have no hope and can expect nothing else throughout eternity. It is clear that they are waiting in vain for salvation. The faithfulness and truth of God's word is not heard in hell. Even though Adonai remains faithful, reliable, and true forever, those in the grave have been cut off from the Lord. They can no longer receive His security or nourishment. They are not able to trust and believe in the Most High God.

You, however, are not in the place of the dead. You are still alive and can choose to put your trust in God. You can still boast in and praise the Lord your God. You are free to believe. Therefore, make your requests known to the Almighty and rest in the assurance that He hears you and will answer, for you still have hope of His salvation.