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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Isaiah 39:2 details a critical moment in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, immediately following his miraculous recovery from a terminal illness and the sign of the sundial's shadow receding. The verse highlights Hezekiah's ill-advised decision to display his vast wealth and military resources to envoys from Babylon, led by Merodach-baladan.

Context

After God extended Hezekiah's life by fifteen years, the king of Babylon sent letters and a present, ostensibly to congratulate him on his recovery. However, this diplomatic gesture was likely a reconnaissance mission to assess Judah's strength and vulnerability, especially against the backdrop of the declining Assyrian empire and Babylon's rising power. Hezekiah, flattered by the attention from a distant and emerging power, made a grave error in judgment. Instead of seeking God's counsel or giving Him glory for his recovery, he proudly showcased every valuable item in his palace and kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Pride and Vainglory: Hezekiah's actions reveal a heart susceptible to pride. Instead of directing the Babylonians' attention to the God who healed him and delivered Judah from Assyria, he glorified himself and his kingdom's riches. This act of showing off stemmed from a desire for human admiration rather than divine honor.
  • Lack of Discernment: The king failed to discern the true intentions of the Babylonian envoys. His openness, while seemingly hospitable, was strategically foolish and demonstrated a lack of spiritual insight into the potential dangers posed by this rising power.
  • Trust in Worldly Possessions: By displaying his "precious things," "silver," "gold," "spices," "precious ointment," and "armour," Hezekiah subtly communicated a reliance on his material and military strength rather than on the Lord, who had just demonstrated His power on Hezekiah's behalf. This foreshadows the negative consequences that would soon follow.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Hezekiah was glad of them" (Hebrew: vayismach aleihem) suggests more than mere politeness; it implies a deep satisfaction or pleasure taken in the visit and the attention, which likely fueled his desire to impress. The repeated emphasis that "there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not" underscores the completeness of his disclosure, highlighting the extent of his imprudence.

Consequences and Reflection

This seemingly innocuous display of wealth had profound and devastating consequences for Judah. Immediately following this account, the prophet Isaiah pronounces judgment, foretelling that all the treasures Hezekiah displayed would eventually be carried away to Babylon, and even his descendants would become eunuchs in the Babylonian king's palace (Isaiah 39:5-7). This narrative serves as a powerful warning against pride and the dangers of relying on worldly resources rather than on God. It reminds believers to exercise wisdom and humility, especially in times of blessing, and to always give glory to God, who is the true source of all good things (Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction).

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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.