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Commentary on Isaiah 39 verses 1–4
Hence we may learn these lessons: - 1. That humanity and common civility teach us to rejoice with our friends and neighbours when they rejoice, and to congratulate them on their deliverances, and particularly their recoveries from sickness. The king of Babylon, having heard that Hezekiah had been sick, and had recovered, sent to compliment him upon the occasion. If Christians be unneighbourly, heathens will shame them. 2. It becomes us to give honour to those whom our God puts honour upon. The sun was the Babylonians' god; and when they understood that it was with a respect to Hezekiah that the sun, to their great surprise, went back ten degrees, on such a day, they thought themselves obliged to do Hezekiah all the honour they could. Will all people thus walk in the name of their God, and shall not we? 3. Those that do not value good men for their goodness may yet be brought to pay them great respect by other inducements, and for the sake of their secular interests. The king of Babylon made his court to Hezekiah, not because he was pious, but because he was prosperous, as the Philistines coveted an alliance with Isaac because they saw the Lord was with him, Gen 26:28. The king of Babylon was an enemy to the king of Assyria, and therefore was fond of Hezekiah, because the Assyrians were so much weakened by the power of his God. 4. It is a hard matter to keep the spirit low in the midst of great advancements. Hezekiah is an instance of it: he was a wise and good man, but, when one miracle after another was wrought in his favour, he found it hard to keep his heart from being lifted up, nay, a little thing then drew him into the snare of pride. Blessed Paul himself needed a thorn in the flesh, to keep him from being lifted up with the abundance of revelations. 5. We have need to watch over our own spirits when we are showing our friends our possessions, what we have done and what we have got, that we be not proud of them, as if our might or our merit had purchased and procured us this wealth. When we look upon our enjoyments, and have occasion to speak of them, it must be with humble acknowledgements of our own unworthiness and thankful acknowledgements of God's goodness, with a just value for the achievements of others and with an expectation of losses and changes, not dreaming that our mountain stands so strong but that it may soon be moved. 6. It is a great weakness for good men to value themselves much upon the civil respects that are paid them (yea, though there be something particular and uncommon in them) by the children of this world, and to be fond of their acquaintance. What a poor thing was it for Hezekiah, whom God has so dignified, to be thus over proud of the respect paid him by a heathen prince as if that added any thing to him! We ought to return the courtesies of such with interest, but not to be proud of them. 7. We must expect to be called to an account for the workings of our pride, though they are secret, and in such instances as we thought there was no harm in; and therefore we ought to call ourselves to an account for them; and when we have had company with us that have paid us respect, and been pleased with their entertainment, and commended every thing, we ought to be jealous over ourselves with a godly jealousy lest our hearts have been lifted up. As far as we see cause to suspect that this sly and subtle sin of pride has insinuated itself into our breasts, and mingled itself with our conversation, let us be ashamed of it, and, as Hezekiah here, ingenuously confess it and take shame to ourselves for it.
In the parable of the rich man, he flattered himself about the increase of his fields. But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” It was the same way when King Hezekiah heard from Isaiah the sad doom of his kingdom after he had gloried before the envoys of Babylon in his treasures and the deposits of his precious things.
Now, when the Babylonians heard about Hezekiah’s healing from the sickness, they sent ambassadors to him, and not without reason. Indeed, on the day when the sun went backward, one extra hour was added to the duration of the day, which did not elude the Babylonians, who were skilled in their observation of the stars. And as they venerated the sun as divine, they perceived that it was turned back by a superior power. Therefore they were eager to investigate the cause of the phenomenon. Thus driven by curiosity, they learned that the God of the Hebrew people was great and that he was the Creator of the world. When Hezekiah was healed, through which also the miracle of the sun took place, they perceived what happened and strongly desired the friendship of Hezekiah as a man loved by God. That is the story of the Jewish teacher.However, I grasped that all of the following events happened the same year: the attack of the Assyrians against the Jewish people, the defeat of the Assyrians by the angel of God, Sennacherib’s escape, the revolt of his subjects and the death of the son who succeeded him, which is not mentioned in this text. It is likely that the rumor about all those events reached the Babylonian king, who showed friendship toward Hezekiah and sent him gifts, an ambassador and letters.
You juxtaposed [events] so that you might not grieve us and that you might save them. Those who had seized our silver brought gold. Those who had wounded our bodies brought myrrh. Those who had burned our sanctuary offered frankincense to your divinity.The myrrh [of the Magi] intercedes for their swords with which they killed us. Their gold intercedes for our treasures, for they plundered the treasuries of the house of Hezekiah. Their frankincense appeases your divinity, for they had angered your Father.…
The Babylonians, too, came up [and] afflicted the children in Judah. By you the children have found peace, for by you the vicious have become worshipers. Those who despised old men honor a Child who is older than all.
Babylon, too, sent offerings to Hezekiah; the envoys who saw his treasures were amazed. What did you show to the Magi? You showed a wonder, for they rendered you homage although you were poor. However great was the ivory palace of the kings of our people, greater and more beautiful is the little cave in which I bore you.
(Chapter 39, verses 1 onwards) At that time Merodach Baladan, son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and gifts to Hezekiah, for he had heard that he had been sick and had recovered. And Hezekiah was pleased with them; and he showed them his treasury, the house of his precious things, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his whole armory, and all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah did not show them. Above we read that in the fourteenth year of the reign of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib, the king of the Assyrians, ascended over all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. Then he besieged Lachish, passed through Libnah, sent part of his army to Jerusalem, and slaughtered one hundred and eighty-five thousand of his soldiers. He himself fled to Nineveh and was killed by his sons in the temple of his god. After that, his son Esarhaddon reigned in his place. Hezekiah became sick but was saved by a message from the prophet. A remarkable sign occurred when the sun turned back ten hours and nearly became a two-day event. Now we read that in that time, that is, in the same year in which all these things happened, Merodach Baladan, son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent books and gifts to Hezekiah; not Assaraddon, who had succeeded his father Sennacherib as king of the Assyrians, of whose death or life Scripture is silent. From this it is clear that there was another kingdom of the Assyrians and another of the Babylonians at that time. Finally, the Assyrians captured Samaria, that is, the ten tribes. But we read that Jerusalem was later conquered by the Chaldeans, whose king was Nebuchadnezzar. And because they practice the observation of the stars and have acquired knowledge of the courses of the stars through long use and exercise, which is also demonstrated in the birth of the Lord: they understood that the sun had reversed its course, the length of the day doubled, and they believed that it served the only true God. And when they investigated the causes and reason for this miracle, with the rumor spreading to all nations, they learned that due to the illness of the king of Judah, even the course of the most brilliant constellation had changed. That it is not my opinion, but the faith of the Holy Scriptures, which testify with the words of Isaiah, who said among other things: Hezekiah himself, who closed the upper springs of the waters of Gihon and diverted them below to the west of the city of David. In all his works he prospered in whatever he desired; however, when the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had happened on the earth, God left him to be tested and to make known all that was in his heart (2 Chronicles 32:30, 31). Therefore, he was left to temptation because after such a great victory, and the return of the sun, and the congratulations of the most powerful kingdom, his heart was lifted up. Finally, in the same volume it is written: Many brought offerings and sacrifices to the Lord in Jerusalem, and gifts to King Hezekiah of Judah, and he was exalted in the sight of all the nations. In those days he became sick unto death, and he prayed to the Lord, and He heard him, and gave him a sign; but He did not repay him according to the benefits he had received, for his heart was lifted up and wrath came upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:23-24). And the holy Scripture again says that the exaltation of his heart was tempered by repentance, stating: 'And he was humbled thereafter, because his heart was lifted up, both he, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and therefore the Lord's wrath came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.' So he rejoiced at the arrival of the ambassadors of Merodach, whom the Hebrews consider to have been the father of Nebuchadnezzar; and in the bringing of gifts, and in the celebration of his health. And he showed them the house next to the Septuagint, which was translated by Symmachus for his spices; and the treasures of silver, and gold, and fragrances, and the best ointment: which is written in Hebrew, good oil; and all the treasures of the vessels of the treasure, or, as it is read there, of his vessels. But in the Persian language, riches are called Gaza: it is not a Hebrew word, but a Barbarian one. He said, there was no word (which according to Hebrew custom is often taken for a thing), that he did not show them in his house and in all his power. Wherefore God's most just wrath, since he manifested not only his treasures and palaces, but also the Temple: which surely was in his power, from whose gates he had already taken sheets of gold.
Often the care of government when undertaken distracts the heart in many different directions. The ruler finds himself unequal to the task of dealing with particular things when his mind becomes confused, having its attention diverted by so many different things.… When one, because of this, neglects the business of self-examination, that person does not even consider the losses it is suffering or know how great they are. For neither did Hezekiah believe himself to be sinning when he showed to the strangers who came to him his storehouses of spices. He fell under the anger of the judge, however, and his future offspring were condemned because of what he supposed himself to be doing lawfully. Often, when means are abundant and many things can be done for subordinates to admire, the mind exalts itself in thought. But in so doing, it also provokes the anger of the judge, even though the acts of iniquity may have not been overt. For the one who judges us is within, as is that which is judged. When, then, in our hearts we transgress, what we are doing within ourselves is hidden from men. And yet in the eyes of the Judge we sin.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 39:1 marks a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's reign, immediately following his miraculous recovery from a terminal 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 restored health. However, this seemingly benign diplomatic gesture served 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 devastating future exile to Babylon.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This chapter directly follows the profound events detailed in Isaiah 38, where King Hezekiah faced a life-threatening 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), served as divine confirmation of this healing. The narrative flow suggests that news of this extraordinary recovery, particularly the divine intervention associated with it, 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 royal treasures and armory to the Babylonian envoys, which then triggers Isaiah's severe prophecy of future Babylonian captivity in Isaiah 39:5-7.
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 from Assyrian control. 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), was likely driven by a strategic desire to form an anti-Assyrian coalition, rather than pure benevolence. Hezekiah's recent miraculous recovery, especially if it involved divine intervention, would have made him an even more intriguing potential ally.
Key Themes: This verse subtly introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights the diplomatic overture from a rising power, Babylon, to Judah, a kingdom recently delivered from Assyrian siege by divine intervention (Isaiah 37). 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, a recurring warning in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 30:1-7). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial catalyst for future prophecy. Merodachbaladan's visit, and Hezekiah's subsequent actions (detailed in Isaiah 39:2), 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 39:1 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. Foreshadowing is prominently featured, as the seemingly innocuous visit from the Babylonian king subtly hints at the future, devastating 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 almost certainly political maneuvering against Assyria and intelligence gathering. This feigned benevolence highlights the deceptive nature of worldly alliances and the vulnerability of those who are swayed by flattery and earthly enticements. 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 painfully 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. The narrative warns against the temptation to leverage God's blessings for personal glory or strategic advantage, rather than humbly acknowledging His sovereignty.
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. True spiritual maturity involves recognizing God as the sole source of all good and resisting the urge to take credit or seek human applause.
Questions for Reflection
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 the parallel account in 2 Kings 20:12. His true motive was to find potential allies against Assyria, making Hezekiah's recent miraculous recovery a convenient pretext for a crucial reconnaissance mission.
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 profound divine intervention and healing, 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). 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). 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). 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, offering a salvation that no earthly treasure could ever buy (Ephesians 2:8-9).