Isaiah39
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.
2And Hezekiah was glad of them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.
3Then 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.
4Then said he, What have they seen in thy house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them.
5Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of Jehovah of hosts:
6Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in thy house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith Jehovah.
7And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, whom thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
8Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of Jehovah which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Isaiah 39.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Hezekiah shows his treasures to the ambassadors from Babylon, His death. (1-8).
vv1-8
This chapter is the same as II Kin. 20:12-19.
Key Words
עֵת: time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc.
מְרֹאדַךְ בַּלְאָדָן: Merodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
בַּלְאֲדָן: Baladan, the name of a Babylonian prince
מֶלֶךְ: a king
בָּבֶל: Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire
שָׁלַח: to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
סֵפֶר: properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
מִנְחָה: a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
חִזְקִיָּה: Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites
Cross References
Isaiah 39Direct parallel account recording the exact same narrative of Hezekiah and the Babylonian envoys.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Explains God's purpose to test Hezekiah's heart during the visit of the Babylonian ambassadors.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Reveals that Hezekiah's pride was lifted up, failing to render back according to God's benefit.
Supported by JFB
Historical fulfillment where royal Judean descendants, including Daniel, were made eunuchs in Babylon's palace.
Supported by JFB
Describes the immense riches, treasuries, and shields that Hezekiah proudly displayed to the ambassadors.
Supported by JFB
Identifies 'Merodach' as a prominent Babylonian idol, from which the king's name was derived.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Fulfillment prophecy confirming all royal treasures would be carried away as plunder to Babylon.
Fulfillment under Jehoiachin when Nebuchadnezzar carried out all the treasures of the Lord's house.
Parallel humble submission to God's severe prophetic word, mirroring Eli's response to Samuel.
Verbal parallel linking 'peace and truth' to Hezekiah's expressed hope in his closing words.