Isaiah 39:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H2396} was glad {H8055} of them, and shewed {H7200} them the house {H1004} of his precious things {H5238}, the silver {H3701}, and the gold {H2091}, and the spices {H1314}, and the precious {H2896} ointment {H8081}, and all the house {H1004} of his armour {H3627}, and all that was found {H4672} in his treasures {H214}: there was nothing {H1697} in his house {H1004}, nor in all his dominion {H4475}, that Hezekiah {H2396} shewed {H7200} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu was pleased with the gifts and showed the messengers all of the building where he kept his treasures, including the silver, gold, spices and precious oils; also all of the building where he kept his armor; and everything in his treasury - there was nothing in his palace or in his entire domain that Hizkiyahu did not show them.

Berean Standard Bible

And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 39:2 vividly portrays King Hezekiah's imprudent decision to display the entirety of his kingdom's wealth and military resources to the Babylonian envoys. Following a miraculous recovery and divine intervention, Hezekiah's heart was swayed by pride and a desire for human admiration, leading him to reveal all his "precious things"—silver, gold, spices, precious ointment, and armour—leaving nothing hidden. This act of vainglory, born out of a misplaced trust in material possessions rather than divine providence, sets the stage for the prophetic judgment that would soon be pronounced against Judah, foretelling the very captivity by Babylon that Hezekiah unwittingly invited.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's miraculous extension of Hezekiah's life by fifteen years and the sign of the sun's shadow receding on the sundial of Ahaz, as recounted in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"). The Babylonian envoys, sent by Merodach-baladan, arrive ostensibly to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery, but their true purpose is likely to assess Judah's strength and potential as an ally against the declining Assyrian Empire. Hezekiah's actions in [Isaiah 39:2](/isaiah/39-2 "Isaiah 39:2 - Hezekiah's Display of Wealth") stand in stark contrast to his earlier humble prayer and reliance on God during his illness and the Assyrian invasion in [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance"). His display of wealth is an act of self-reliance and pride, directly preceding Isaiah's prophecy of Judah's future exile to Babylon in [Isaiah 39:5-7](/isaiah/39-5 "Isaiah 39:5-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time (late 8th/early 7th century BCE), the Neo-Assyrian Empire, though still dominant, was beginning to show signs of weakness, and Babylon was emerging as a significant power. Merodach-baladan, a Chaldean prince, was a persistent challenger to Assyrian hegemony, twice seizing the throne of Babylon. His embassy to Hezekiah, while framed as a congratulatory visit, was a calculated political maneuver to forge alliances against Assyria. Kings often displayed their wealth to impress allies or intimidate rivals, but Hezekiah's complete disclosure was strategically unwise. Furthermore, the cultural expectation was for kings to rely on their deity for protection and provision, yet Hezekiah's actions here suggest a reliance on his own accumulated treasures and military might, a common temptation for rulers in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Hezekiah's actions in [Isaiah 39:2](/isaiah/39-2 "Isaiah 39:2 - Hezekiah's Display of Wealth") highlight several key themes pervasive in Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. The most prominent is **Pride vs. Humility**, contrasting Hezekiah's earlier humility and reliance on God in [Isaiah 37](/isaiah/37 "Isaiah 37 - God Delivers Jerusalem") with his later display of vainglory. This act demonstrates a dangerous **Misplaced Trust**, shifting his confidence from the Lord, who had just delivered him and Jerusalem, to his material possessions and military strength. It also underscores the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience and Folly**, as Hezekiah's lack of discernment directly leads to the prophecy of future judgment and exile. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against the **Allure of Worldly Power and Riches**, emphasizing that true security and glory come only from God, not from accumulated wealth or human alliances, a lesson often repeated throughout the prophetic books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** From H8055, meaning to brighten up, be blithe or gleesome, to rejoice. Here, it indicates Hezekiah's deep pleasure and satisfaction in the Babylonian envoys' visit. This "gladness" was not a righteous joy in God's recent deliverance but rather a human gratification, suggesting a susceptibility to flattery and pride, which clouded his judgment.
* **shewed (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning to see, literally or figuratively, to cause to see, to display. This verb emphasizes Hezekiah's active, deliberate, and comprehensive act of revealing his entire treasury and arsenal. The repeated use of this word ("shewed them," "shewed them not") underscores the intentionality and completeness of his disclosure, highlighting his imprudence in laying bare his kingdom's perceived strengths and vulnerabilities to potential future adversaries.
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, referring to a depository, a storehouse, or treasure-house. This term encompasses all the valuable possessions—silver, gold, spices, precious ointment—and military resources ("house of his armour") that Hezekiah had accumulated. These "treasures" represent the material wealth and security of his kingdom, which he proudly displayed, inadvertently signaling Judah's perceived strength to Babylon while simultaneously revealing his own spiritual weakness—a reliance on earthly riches rather than on the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah was glad of them":** This phrase reveals Hezekiah's emotional state upon the arrival of the Babylonian envoys. His gladness suggests a sense of honor or flattery at receiving attention from a powerful, rising empire, indicating a heart perhaps more concerned with human approval than divine wisdom.
* **"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":** This clause details the extensive inventory Hezekiah displayed. It includes not only his personal valuables (silver, gold, spices, precious ointment) but also his military assets (house of his armour), indicating a comprehensive unveiling of his kingdom's economic and military strength. This action was a profound misjudgment, revealing potential vulnerabilities to a foreign power.
* **"there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not":** This emphatic statement underscores the completeness of Hezekiah's disclosure. It highlights the absolute lack of discretion or strategic foresight on his part, emphasizing that he held nothing back. This hyperbole stresses the totality of his folly and sets the stage for the severe consequences that would follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the concluding statement, "there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not," which dramatically emphasizes the exhaustive nature of Hezekiah's display. This exaggeration highlights the king's profound lack of discretion and his excessive pride. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as Hezekiah, in an attempt to impress or form an alliance with Babylon, unwittingly reveals the very wealth and strength that Babylon would later covet and ultimately seize. The entire episode serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of this seemingly innocuous act of showing off. The contrast between Hezekiah's earlier humble reliance on God and his subsequent prideful display also creates a stark **Juxtaposition**, underscoring the spiritual decline that led to his error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's display of his treasures to the Babylonian envoys is a profound theological misstep, illustrating the dangers of pride and misplaced trust. Instead of glorifying God for his miraculous healing and the deliverance of Jerusalem from Assyria, Hezekiah sought to glorify himself and his kingdom's material wealth. This act of self-exaltation reveals a heart that had become susceptible to the allure of worldly power and recognition, forgetting that true security and blessing come from the Lord alone. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall and that relying on earthly possessions rather than divine providence inevitably leads to spiritual and often physical ruin.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Greed")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's story in Isaiah 39:2 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of pride and the deceptive allure of worldly security. Even after experiencing profound divine intervention and healing, Hezekiah allowed flattery and a desire to impress to overshadow his gratitude and spiritual discernment. This reminds us that spiritual vigilance is crucial, especially in times of blessing and apparent success. Our natural inclination is often to take credit, display our achievements, or rely on our accumulated resources, rather than humbly acknowledging God as the source of all good things. True security is found not in what we possess or how others perceive us, but in our unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and provision. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: where do we place our ultimate trust? Do we seek human applause or divine approval? Are we quick to display our "treasures" (whether material, intellectual, or relational) rather than point others to the Giver of all good gifts?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to display my "treasures" or accomplishments for human admiration rather than giving glory to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, especially after experiencing God's blessings or deliverance?**
* **What worldly "treasures" might I be relying on for security instead of fully trusting in God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hezekiah showing off his treasures a problem?**

Answer: Hezekiah's actions were problematic for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated a profound lack of spiritual discernment and humility. After God had just miraculously healed him and delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians, Hezekiah's focus shifted from divine glory to self-glorification. Instead of testifying to God's power, he showcased his own wealth and military might. Secondly, it was a strategic blunder. By revealing all his "precious things" and "armour" to the Babylonian envoys, who were likely on a reconnaissance mission, Hezekiah unwittingly exposed Judah's vulnerabilities and resources to a rising power that would eventually become its oppressor. This act of pride and misplaced trust directly led to the prophetic judgment that his treasures and descendants would be carried away to Babylon, as foretold in [Isaiah 39:5-7](/isaiah/39-5 "Isaiah 39:5-7 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's failure to trust God and his prideful display of earthly treasures in [Isaiah 39:2](/isaiah/39-2 "Isaiah 39:2 - Hezekiah's Display of Wealth") stands in stark contrast to the perfect humility and divine wisdom embodied by Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah sought to impress with perishable riches, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). Jesus consistently taught against the accumulation of earthly treasures, which "moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), instead urging His followers to lay up "treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Hezekiah's reliance on his own strength and wealth foreshadows the human tendency to trust in anything but God, a tendency that Christ came to redeem. The ultimate "treasure" is not silver or gold, but the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice provides eternal redemption ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). In Christ, we find true security, not in what we possess, but in His finished work and His everlasting kingdom, which is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")).

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 Chronicles 32:31

Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.

2 Chronicles 32:25

But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit [done] unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Psalms 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

Psalms 146:4

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

Job 31:25

If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

1 Kings 10:25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.