King James Version

Isaiah 39

8 verses with commentary

Envoys from Babylon

At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

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The Babylonian envoy's timing (during Hezekiah's recovery) appears friendly but masks strategic intelligence-gathering for future conquest. This teaches that Satan often attacks through flattery and friendship when frontal assault fails. Merodach-baladan's anti-Assyrian alliance seemed politically wise but led to spiritual compromise and eventual judgment.

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. precious things: or, spicery armour: or, jewels: Heb. vessels, or, instruments

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The statement "Hezekiah was glad of them" shows his pleasure at Babylonian attention. The comprehensive display "shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures" reveals prideful ostentation. The phrase "there was nothing...that Hezekiah shewed them not" emphasizes complete disclosure. This foolish pride in displaying national wealth contrasts sharply with Hezekiah's earlier humility. The lapse demonstrates how even faithful believers can stumble into pride after victories.

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.

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Isaiah's questions "What said these men? and from whence came they?" probe the encounter's nature. Hezekiah's answer "From a far country are they come unto me, even from Babylon" seems innocent but reveals the problem—he attributes their coming to himself ("unto me") rather than recognizing geopolitical maneuvering. The prophet's questioning technique draws out the king's error gently, giving opportunity for self-awareness. This demonstrates wise pastoral approach—asking questions rather than immediately condemning.

Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

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Isaiah's direct question "What have they seen in thine house?" and Hezekiah's comprehensive answer "All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them" exposes the full extent of the folly. The repetition "nothing...not shewed" emphasizes total disclosure. Hezekiah seems almost proud of his openness, not recognizing the security risk. This demonstrates how pride blinds us to consequences—the king didn't consider that displaying all resources to potential enemies was dangerous.

Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:

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Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts—the prophetic formula introducing divine judgment. After Hezekiah's foolish display of treasures to Babylonian envoys (vv.1-4), Isaiah pronounces consequences. The word of the LORD of hosts (דְּבַר־יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, devar-YHWH Tseva'ot) emphasizes divine authority—this isn't Isaiah's opinion but God's sovereign decree.

The verse's brevity creates dramatic tension. "Hear" (שְׁמַע, shema) demands attention and obedience, not merely auditory reception. What follows (vv.6-7) will reverse Hezekiah's pride: everything shown to Babylon will be carried to Babylon. The irony is sharp—Hezekiah sought to impress Babylon with Judah's wealth; God decrees that Babylon will take that wealth. The chapter demonstrates how pride and political maneuvering without seeking God's counsel leads to disaster, even for otherwise godly kings.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.

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Isaiah's prophecy that 'nothing shall be left' and royal sons would become eunuchs in Babylon is unconditional judgment arising from Hezekiah's pride in showing his treasures. This demonstrates that consequences of sin can extend beyond personal punishment to affect descendants and nations. The 150-year fulfillment lag shows God's patience, yet certainty of judgment (2 Peter 3:9).

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

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And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away—the prophecy targets Hezekiah's descendants specifically. The phrase that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget (אֲשֶׁר יֵצְאוּ מִמְּךָ אֲשֶׁר תּוֹלִיד, asher yetse'u mimmekha asher tolid) emphasizes direct lineage—your own biological offspring. This personally connects judgment to Hezekiah's prideful display.

Shall they take away (יִקָּחוּ, yiqachu)—Babylon will seize them. And they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (וְהָיוּ סָרִיסִים בְּהֵיכַל מֶלֶךְ בָּבֶל, vehayu sarisim beheikhal melekh Bavel)—the ultimate humiliation. Sarisim (eunuchs/court officials) could mean literal castration or high court officials, but the term carries connotations of emasculation and servitude. Royal sons would serve the very king Hezekiah tried to impress.

This was precisely fulfilled in Daniel and his companions (Daniel 1:3-7)—young men of royal/noble descent taken to Babylon, trained in Babylonian ways, given Babylonian names, and made to serve in Nebuchadnezzar's court. The prophecy shows how attempting to secure political advantage through human wisdom apart from God leads to the opposite result: dependence becomes captivity.

Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

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Hezekiah's response 'Good is the word of the LORD' shows humble submission to deserved judgment, yet his relief that 'peace and truth be in my days' reveals self-centered short-sightedness. This tension between accepting God's sovereignty and caring primarily for personal peace warns against generational selfishness. True covenant faith considers 'children's children' (Psalm 128:6).

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Isaiah 39

Envoys from Babylon

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