Isaiah 39NLT
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Isaiah39

New Living Translation

1Soon after this, Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent Hezekiah his best wishes and a gift. He had heard that Hezekiah had been very sick and that he had recovered.

2Hezekiah was delighted with the Babylonian envoys and showed them everything in his treasure-houses—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the aromatic oils. He also took them to see his armory and showed them everything in his royal treasuries! There was nothing in his palace or kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.

3Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked him, “What did those men want? Where were they from?” Hezekiah replied, “They came from the distant land of Babylon.”

4“What did they see in your palace?” asked Isaiah. “They saw everything,” Hezekiah replied. “I showed them everything I own—all my royal treasuries.”

5Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies:

6‘The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says the Lord.

7‘Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.’”

8Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “This message you have given me from the Lord is good.” For the king was thinking, “At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime.”

Cross References

Isaiah 39

Direct 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

v7Daniel 1:3fulfillment

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

v1Jeremiah 50:2thematic

Identifies 'Merodach' as a prominent Babylonian idol, from which the king's name was derived.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v6Jeremiah 20:5fulfillment

Fulfillment prophecy confirming all royal treasures would be carried away as plunder to Babylon.

v62 Kings 24:13fulfillment

Fulfillment under Jehoiachin when Nebuchadnezzar carried out all the treasures of the Lord's house.

v81 Samuel 3:18thematic

Parallel humble submission to God's severe prophetic word, mirroring Eli's response to Samuel.

v8Esther 9:30thematic

Verbal parallel linking 'peace and truth' to Hezekiah's expressed hope in his closing words.