King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:1 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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.

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

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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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXIX. (1) **Merodach-baladan.**—The name is conspicuous in the Assyrian inscriptions of Sargon (*Records of the Past, ix.* 13), as having rebelled against him and set up an independent monarchy. He is described in them as *son of Yakin, *but this is, probably, a dynastic appellative, just as Jehu is described in the Assyrian records (*Records of the Past, v.* 41) as “the son of Khumri” (*i.e.,* Omri). The mission had two ostensible objects: (1) congratulation on Hezekiah’s recovery; (2) to inquire and report as to the phenomenon of the sun-dial (2Chronicles 32:31). Really, we may believe the object of Merôdach-baladan was to open negotiations for an alliance with Judah. The “present,” interpreted after the manner of the East, would seem almost like an acknowledgment of Hezekiah’s *hegemony, *or even *suzerainty, *in such a confederacy.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 39:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.