Isaiah39
New International Version
1At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery.
2Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine olive oil—his entire armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.
3Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?” “From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came to me from Babylon.”
4The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?” “They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”
5Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty:
6The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.
7And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
8“The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”
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.