Isaiah39
New American Standard
1At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.
2Hezekiah was pleased, and let them see all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the balsam oil, the excellent olive oil, his entire armory, and everything that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house nor in all his realm that Hezekiah did not let them see.
3Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and said to him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They came to me from a far country, from Babylon.”
4Then he said, “What have they seen in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen everything that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasuries that I have not let them see.”
5Isaiah then said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of armies,
6‘Behold, the days are coming when everything that is in your house, and what your fathers have stored up to this day, will be carried to Babylon; nothing will be left,’ says the Lord.
7‘And some of your sons who will come from you, whom you will father, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”
8Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “For there will 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.