Isaiah 39:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

At that time {H6256} Merodachbaladan {H4757}, the son {H1121} of Baladan {H1081}, king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, sent {H7971} letters {H5612} and a present {H4503} to Hezekiah {H2396}: for he had heard {H8085} that he had been sick {H2470}, and was recovered {H2388}.

Complete Jewish Bible

M'rodakh-Bal'adan the son of Bal'adan, king of Bavel, heard that Hizkiyahu had been ill and had recovered, so he sent a letter and a gift to him.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery.

American Standard Version

At 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 39:1 introduces a critical juncture in King Hezekiah's reign, immediately following his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. This verse details the arrival of envoys from Merodachbaladan, the king of Babylon, bearing letters and a gift, ostensibly to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery. However, this seemingly benign diplomatic gesture serves as a strategic maneuver by Babylon to assess Judah's strength and potential as an ally against the dominant Assyrian Empire, simultaneously setting the stage for a prophetic confrontation that exposes Hezekiah's pride and foreshadows Judah's future exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This chapter directly follows the profound events of [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"), where Hezekiah faced a terminal illness but was granted an additional fifteen years of life by God in response to his fervent prayer. The miraculous sign of the sundial, where the shadow retreated ten degrees ([Isaiah 38:8](/isaiah/38-8 "Isaiah 38:8 - The Sign of the Sundial")), served as divine confirmation of this healing. The narrative flow suggests that news of this extraordinary recovery, particularly the divine intervention, reached distant kingdoms, prompting Merodachbaladan's diplomatic overture. This visit, while seemingly a gesture of goodwill, immediately precedes Hezekiah's ill-advised display of his treasures, which then triggers Isaiah's severe prophecy of future Babylonian captivity in [Isaiah 39:5-7](/isaiah/39-5 "Isaiah 39:5-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Exile").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Hezekiah's reign (late 8th to early 7th century BCE) was dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and frequently threatened Judah. Babylon, though not yet the supreme power it would become, was an emerging force and a perennial rival of Assyria. Merodachbaladan, a Chaldean prince, had a history of challenging Assyrian hegemony, twice seizing the throne of Babylon. His "present" and "letters" were typical instruments of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, often used to establish alliances, gather intelligence, or test the loyalty of vassal states. His interest in Hezekiah, a king who had recently defied Assyria (as seen in [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance")), was likely driven by a strategic desire to form an anti-Assyrian coalition, rather than pure benevolence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse subtly introduces several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the **diplomatic overture** from a rising power, Babylon, to Judah, a kingdom recently delivered from Assyrian siege ([Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem")). This overture, while framed as an expression of sympathy for Hezekiah's illness, was undoubtedly a strategic move to gauge Judah's strength and potential as an ally against their common enemy, Assyria. Secondly, the narrative sets up a **test of prosperity and pride** for Hezekiah. After experiencing profound divine intervention and healing, Hezekiah faces the temptation of human glory and alliance, which ultimately exposes a critical flaw in his character. This moment foreshadows the dangers of relying on human strength or alliances rather than solely on God. Finally, the verse serves as a crucial **catalyst for future prophecy**. Merodachbaladan's visit, and Hezekiah's subsequent actions (detailed in [Isaiah 39:2](/isaiah/39-2 "Isaiah 39:2 - Hezekiah Displays His Treasures")), directly lead to Isaiah's sobering pronouncement of Judah's future exile to Babylon, where the very treasures displayed would be plundered and Hezekiah's descendants would serve as eunuchs in the Babylonian court ([Isaiah 39:6-7](/isaiah/39-6 "Isaiah 39:6-7 - Prophecy of Babylonian Exile")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merodachbaladan (Foreign, _Mᵉrôʼdak Balʼâdân'_):** This name identifies the specific king of Babylon, a significant historical figure who twice ruled Babylon and challenged Assyrian dominance. His name is of foreign derivation, likely incorporating the name of the Babylonian god Marduk. His presence in the narrative immediately signals a major geopolitical event and introduces the very power that would eventually fulfill Isaiah's prophecies against Judah.
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted." This word directly refers to Hezekiah's severe illness, which had recently brought him to the brink of death. Merodachbaladan's stated reason for sending envoys was his hearing of Hezekiah's sickness, providing a seemingly legitimate and sympathetic pretext for the diplomatic mission.
* **recovered (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify)." This word signifies Hezekiah's complete restoration to health. The news of his miraculous recovery, particularly given the divine sign associated with it, would have been remarkable and likely piqued the interest of foreign powers like Babylon, who would want to understand the source of such strength or favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,"**: This opening phrase precisely dates the event to the period immediately following Hezekiah's recovery. It introduces the key foreign actor, Merodachbaladan, identifying him by his full name and lineage, emphasizing his royal status and the power he represents as the king of Babylon. This specific identification underscores the historical reality and significance of the encounter.
* **"sent letters and a present to Hezekiah:"**: This clause describes the diplomatic action taken by Merodachbaladan. The "letters" would convey formal greetings and possibly proposals, while the "present" (Hebrew _minchah_, often a tribute or offering) was a customary gesture of respect and goodwill in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, masking deeper strategic intentions. These actions initiated a formal interaction between the two kingdoms.
* **"for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered."**: This final clause provides the stated reason for Merodachbaladan's overture. The news of Hezekiah's severe illness and miraculous recovery had reached Babylon. This reason, while plausible on the surface, served as a convenient and polite pretext for a visit that was, in reality, driven by geopolitical ambitions and a desire to assess Judah's potential as an ally against Assyria.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 39:1 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the seemingly innocuous visit from the Babylonian king subtly hints at the future role Babylon will play in Judah's destiny. The very power that sends a "present" in this verse will later be the power that carries away Judah's treasures and people into exile, a prophecy explicitly delivered by Isaiah in the subsequent verses. There is also an element of **Irony** in Merodachbaladan's stated reason for the visit. He claims to be sending well wishes due to Hezekiah's recovery, yet his true motive is likely political maneuvering against Assyria. This feigned benevolence highlights the deceptive nature of worldly alliances and the vulnerability of those who are swayed by flattery. Furthermore, the verse sets up a dramatic **Contrast** between God's recent, powerful intervention in Hezekiah's life (healing him and extending his years) and Hezekiah's subsequent human weakness and misplaced trust in worldly display, which becomes evident in the verses that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 39:1 serves as a stark reminder of the testing that often follows divine blessing and the ever-present danger of pride. Hezekiah had just experienced a profound demonstration of God's power and mercy, yet the flattery and attention from a powerful foreign king quickly became a snare. This encounter underscores the biblical theme that true security and wisdom are found in trusting God alone, not in human alliances or the display of earthly wealth. It highlights how even those who have walked closely with God can stumble when their hearts are drawn away by the allure of worldly prestige and power, setting the stage for divine judgment that, though delayed, is ultimately certain.

* [2 Kings 20:12-19](/2_kings/20-12 "2 Kings 20:12-19 - Parallel Account of Merodachbaladan's Visit")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 39:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate humility and discernment, especially in times of blessing or public recognition. Hezekiah's experience teaches us that divine favor does not inoculate us against the temptations of pride or the allure of worldly validation. When God works powerfully in our lives, it is easy to shift focus from His glory to our own perceived significance or accomplishments. This verse calls us to critically examine our motives, particularly when receiving praise or attention, and to ensure that our hearts remain fully devoted to God, rather than seeking affirmation from human sources or displaying our blessings for personal aggrandizement. It also challenges us to be discerning about the intentions of others, recognizing that not all seemingly benevolent gestures are pure, and that worldly "gifts" or alliances can often come with hidden costs or lead to spiritual compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond to moments of personal success or divine blessing? Does it lead to greater humility or a subtle rise of pride?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek validation or security from worldly sources (e.g., status, wealth, human connections) rather than from God alone?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of true discernment to recognize the underlying motives behind seemingly positive interactions or opportunities?**
* **What "treasures" in my life (resources, talents, influence) might I be tempted to display for my own glory rather than stewarding them for God's purposes?**

### FAQ
**Was Merodachbaladan's visit purely a gesture of goodwill?**

Answer: While the stated reason for Merodachbaladan's visit was to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery from sickness, it was highly unlikely to be purely a gesture of goodwill. In the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, such diplomatic exchanges were almost always driven by strategic interests. Babylon was an emerging power seeking to challenge the dominant Assyrian Empire, which was also a threat to Judah. Merodachbaladan likely saw an opportunity to assess Judah's strength, gauge Hezekiah's willingness to form an anti-Assyrian alliance, and gather intelligence. The "letters and a present" were standard diplomatic tools for initiating such strategic overtures, as seen in parallel accounts like [2 Kings 20:12](/2_kings/20-12 "2 Kings 20:12 - Merodachbaladan's Embassy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 39:1, while detailing Hezekiah's failure in the face of temptation, ultimately points to the perfect and unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah, after experiencing miraculous divine intervention, succumbed to the allure of worldly prestige and displayed his earthly treasures, revealing a heart susceptible to pride and human alliances. In contrast, Jesus, though possessing all the treasures of heaven and earth, consistently humbled Himself, famously stating that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). While Hezekiah sought to impress a foreign king with material wealth, Christ revealed the true, eternal riches of God's grace and salvation, inviting all to lay up "treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). He never sought human glory or earthly alliances, but rather perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, Hezekiah's misstep serves as a poignant backdrop, highlighting Christ as the perfectly obedient King who, unlike any earthly ruler, never succumbed to pride or misplaced trust, but forever established a kingdom built on humility, truth, and eternal spiritual wealth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 20:12

¶ At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

2 Kings 20:19

Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not [good], if peace and truth be in my days?

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 39:8

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.

2 Chronicles 32:23

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

2 Samuel 10:2

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Isaiah 23:13

Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, [till] the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; [and] he brought it to ruin.