Isaiah - Chapter 39

Isaiah 39.1 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. Isaiah 39.2 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. Isaiah 39.3 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. Isaiah 39.4 Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. Isaiah 39.5 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: Isaiah 39.6 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. Isaiah 39.7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Isaiah 39.8 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

Isaiah : Chapter 39

Lessons from Isaiah Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of the book of Isaiah presents the failure of Hezekiah, a king of Judah whose pride led to disastrous consequences. This passage invites us to reflect on the repercussions of our own pride and how our choices can affect our relationship with God.

The Visit of the Babylonian Ambassadors

This chapter recounts the visit of the Babylonian ambassadors, during which Hezekiah, in a reckless act, exposes the riches of his kingdom. This demonstration is not simply an act of vanity, but a turning point that reveals the state of his heart in the face of God's sovereignty.

The Prophecies of Isaiah

Isaiah also prophesies of the coming Babylonian exile, a dire warning that stems directly from Hezekiah's pride. This chapter explores profound themes such as pride, the consequences of our choices, and God's sovereignty in human history. Five Revealing Bible Passages To deepen our understanding of the lessons learned in this chapter, consider five Bible passages that shed light on our reflection: 2 Chronicles 32:31: "But when the messengers of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had taken place in the land, God left him, that he might test him and know all that was in his heart." This passage provides essential context for the visit of the Babylonian ambassadors mentioned in Isaiah 39.

  • Proverbs 27:1: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what each day will bring." This proverb highlights Hezekiah's recklessness in showing his treasures to the Babylonians.
  • Jeremiah 17:5: "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in men, whose strength is in mortal men, but whose heart turns away from the Lord.'" This verse resonates with the warning in Isaiah 39 about trusting in human alliances rather than in God.
  • Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." This teaching of Jesus contrasts sharply with the attitude of Hezekiah, who boasted of his earthly treasures.
  • 1 Timothy 6:17-18: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God..." This exhortation from Paul resonates with the lessons we can learn from Hezekiah's error.

    • Meditating on Isaiah 39 and these passages, we are called to examine our own lives and guard our hearts so as not to fall into the traps of pride and misplaced trust.