King James Version

What Does Isaiah 39:1 Mean?

Isaiah 39:1 in the King James Version says “At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had he... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 39:1 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

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

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Merodach-baladan (Marduk-apla-iddina II) ruled Babylon 721-710 and 704-703 BC, constantly rebelling against Assyria. This embassy sought Judean alliance against their common enemy, but God had forbidden such treaties (Isaiah 30:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. When has apparent 'friendship' from worldly powers led you toward spiritual compromise?
  2. How do you discern between legitimate relationships and spiritually dangerous alliances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בָּעֵ֣ת1 of 17

At that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֡יא2 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׁלַ֡ח3 of 17

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מְרֹדַ֣ךְ4 of 17
H0
בַּ֠לְאֲדָן5 of 17

Merodachbaladan

H4757

merodak-baladan, a babylonian king

בֶּֽן6 of 17

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּלְאֲדָ֧ן7 of 17

of Baladan

H1081

baladan, the name of a babylonian prince

מֶֽלֶךְ8 of 17

king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֛ל9 of 17

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

סְפָרִ֥ים10 of 17

letters

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וּמִנְחָ֖ה11 of 17

and a present

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ13 of 17

to Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע14 of 17

for he had heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כִּ֥י15 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָלָ֖ה16 of 17

that he had been sick

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

וַֽיֶּחֱזָֽק׃17 of 17

and was recovered

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra


Study Guide

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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 39:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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