Isaiah 39:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} Hezekiah {H2396} to Isaiah {H3470}, Good {H2896} is the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} which thou hast spoken {H1696}. He said {H559} moreover, For there shall be peace {H7965} and truth {H571} in my days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu said to Yesha'yahu, "The word of ADONAI which you have just told me is good"; because he thought, "At least peace and truth will continue during my lifetime."

Berean Standard Bible

But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “At least there will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

American Standard Version

Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of Jehovah which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 39:8 records King Hezekiah's controversial response to a devastating prophecy delivered by the prophet Isaiah. Following Isaiah's pronouncement that all of Judah's treasures and Hezekiah's descendants would be carried away to Babylon, the king declares, "Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken," immediately followed by a self-serving qualification: "For there shall be peace and truth in my days." This verse poignantly illustrates the human tendency to prioritize immediate personal comfort and present tranquility over the long-term consequences of actions or the future well-being of a nation and its descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 39:8 concludes a pivotal narrative section that begins in [Isaiah 38](/isaiah/38 "Isaiah 38 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"), detailing King Hezekiah's miraculous recovery from a terminal illness and the extension of his life. Immediately preceding verse 8, [Isaiah 39:1-7](/isaiah/39-1 "Isaiah 39:1-7 - Hezekiah's Display of Treasures to Babylonian Envoys") describes Hezekiah's ill-advised decision to proudly display all his royal treasures, armories, and the contents of his storehouses to envoys from Babylon. This act, likely intended to impress or form an alliance, is presented as a display of human pride and a failure to fully trust in God. In response, Isaiah delivers a severe prophecy: all that Hezekiah has shown, and even his own descendants, will one day be carried away to Babylon, foreshadowing the devastating [Babylonian exile](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile"). Hezekiah's seemingly pious but ultimately self-centered response in verse 8 serves as a stark commentary on his character at this moment, contrasting sharply with his earlier humility and fervent prayer during his illness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds in Judah during the late 8th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval. The dominant regional power, Assyria, was beginning to wane, while Babylon was emerging as a formidable force. Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BCE) was marked by significant religious reforms and a strong reliance on God in times of crisis, as evidenced by God's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib (documented in [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance")). However, his display of wealth to the Babylonian envoys, likely sent to congratulate him on his recovery, was a diplomatic misstep. In the ancient Near East, such a display could be interpreted as a boast, an attempt to form an alliance through human means rather than divine trust, or simply an exposé of national vulnerability. The concepts of "peace" (Hebrew _shalom_) and "truth" (Hebrew _emet_) were deeply significant, representing not merely the absence of conflict but comprehensive well-being, wholeness, stability, and faithfulness within a society.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 39:8 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment for human pride and lack of trust**. Hezekiah's display of treasures, rather than giving glory to God for his recovery, is seen as a manifestation of pride, leading directly to the prophecy of future judgment. Secondly, the verse underscores the **certainty and unfolding nature of prophecy**. God's word, once spoken through His prophet, will inevitably come to pass, even if its full impact is delayed. Thirdly, it explores the **nature of leadership and responsibility**. Hezekiah's response reveals a leader who, despite acknowledging God's word, prioritizes his personal comfort and the immediate stability of his reign over the long-term welfare and future of his people. This short-sightedness contrasts with the ideal of a righteous king who faithfully stewards the nation for generations, a theme often explored in the prophetic books (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." Hezekiah acknowledges Isaiah's utterance as a divine "word" or message from the LORD, indicating his understanding of its authoritative origin. However, his subsequent statement reveals his personal interpretation and acceptance of this divine message, focusing on its immediate implications for his own life.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, meaning "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... agreeable, pleasant, or right." Hezekiah's declaration that the word is "good" is deeply ironic. While he affirms its divine origin, his understanding of "good" here is clearly self-referential. He deems it "good" because the most severe consequences of the prophecy—the exile and desolation—would not occur during his lifetime, ensuring his personal peace and comfort. This highlights a subjective and self-serving interpretation of what is truly "good" in the context of divine judgment.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." Hezekiah's desire for "peace" (shalom) in his days encompasses a comprehensive sense of well-being, security, and prosperity. His relief stems from the assurance that his reign will not be marked by the catastrophic events foretold, allowing him to enjoy a period of stability and freedom from the impending judgment. This narrow focus on personal and immediate "shalom" underscores his short-sightedness and lack of concern for the future generations who would endure the promised exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah":** This opening phrase establishes a direct, personal encounter between the king and the prophet, underscoring the weight and immediacy of the divine message delivered. It highlights Hezekiah's direct reception of the severe prophecy.
* **"Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken":** Hezekiah's initial response is an affirmation of the prophecy's divine origin and authority. He acknowledges that Isaiah has indeed spoken the word of Yahweh. On the surface, this appears to be an act of submission and acceptance of God's will. However, the subsequent clause reveals the nuanced and problematic nature of his "good" assessment.
* **"He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days":** This second part of Hezekiah's statement reveals his true focus and the underlying self-interest. His "good" assessment is qualified by the fact that the dire consequences of the prophecy—the Babylonian exile—would not materialize during his own lifetime. He expresses relief that his reign will be characterized by "peace" (shalom, wholeness, well-being) and "truth" (emet, faithfulness, stability). This demonstrates a profound short-sightedness and a prioritization of personal comfort over the long-term welfare of his kingdom and future generations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Hezekiah declares a prophecy of future desolation and exile to be "good" simply because its worst effects will not impact him personally. This creates a stark contrast between the divine judgment and the king's self-centered relief. **Foreshadowing** is inherent in Isaiah's prophecy, which points directly to the future Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Israelite history. Hezekiah's response, though seemingly accepting, also serves as a subtle **characterization** of his leadership at this moment, revealing a flaw in his otherwise often-praised piety – a tendency towards immediate gratification and a lack of intergenerational concern. The phrase "peace and truth in my days" functions as a **synecdoche**, where a part (his own reign) stands for the whole (the nation's future), highlighting his narrow focus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 39:8 offers a profound theological commentary on human nature, divine judgment, and the responsibilities of leadership. Hezekiah's response, while acknowledging God's word, reveals a chilling self-preservation and short-sightedness. His relief that the judgment would not fall "in my days" exposes a significant spiritual failing: a prioritization of personal comfort over the long-term well-being of his people and the future of God's covenant promises. This stands in stark contrast to the selfless concern expected of a righteous leader and highlights the human tendency to accept difficult truths only when they do not immediately inconvenience oneself. The passage serves as a sobering reminder that true faith involves not merely acknowledging God's word, but embracing its implications with a view towards God's broader redemptive plan and the welfare of His people across generations, even when it demands personal sacrifice or discomfort.

* [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")
* [James 4:13-14](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-14 - Boasting About Tomorrow")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's response in Isaiah 39:8 challenges us to critically examine our own reactions when confronted with uncomfortable truths, particularly those that may have long-term consequences for others but not immediately for ourselves. Do we, like Hezekiah, seek merely "peace and truth in our days," or do we cultivate a broader, more selfless perspective that considers the legacy we leave for future generations and the wider community? This verse calls us to move beyond a self-centered acceptance of God's will to a posture of genuine concern and stewardship for the future. It prompts us to ask whether our faith is robust enough to embrace difficult realities and to act with foresight and sacrificial love, even when the benefits may not be immediately apparent to us. True spiritual maturity involves aligning our desires with God's long-term purposes, which often extend far beyond our individual lifespans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's response challenge our own reactions to inconvenient truths or prophecies of future difficulty?**
* **In what ways might we, like Hezekiah, prioritize our immediate comfort or "peace in our days" over the long-term well-being of future generations or the broader community?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the nature of true leadership and stewardship, particularly regarding the future?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah's response truly "good" or selfish?**

Answer: While Hezekiah acknowledges the divine origin of Isaiah's prophecy by saying "Good is the word of the LORD," his immediate follow-up, "For there shall be peace and truth in my days," reveals a profoundly selfish and short-sighted perspective. He deems the word "good" not because it is God's just decree, but because its most devastating consequences—the Babylonian exile—would not occur during his lifetime. This contrasts sharply with his earlier piety and reliance on God during the Assyrian crisis (e.g., [Isaiah 37:1-7](/isaiah/37-1 "Isaiah 37:1-7 - Hezekiah's Humility and Isaiah's Prophecy of Deliverance")), suggesting a lapse in his spiritual character.

**What was the significance of Hezekiah showing his treasures to the Babylonians?**

Answer: As detailed in [Isaiah 39:1-7](/isaiah/39-1 "Isaiah 39:1-7 - Hezekiah's Display of Treasures to Babylonian Envoys"), Hezekiah's act of displaying all his wealth and armaments to the Babylonian envoys was a significant misstep. It was likely an act of pride, an attempt to impress a rising power, or perhaps to forge a human alliance against Assyria, rather than relying solely on God's protection. This display exposed Judah's vast wealth and vulnerability, directly provoking the prophecy that these very treasures, and even Hezekiah's descendants, would one day be carried away to Babylon, thus setting the stage for the future exile.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trust in Isaiah?**

Answer: The book of Isaiah is replete with calls for Judah to trust in the LORD alone, rather than in human alliances, military might, or material wealth. Hezekiah's initial display of treasures to Babylon, followed by his self-centered response in [Isaiah 39:8](/isaiah/39-8 "Isaiah 39:8 - Hezekiah's Selfish Response"), stands in stark contrast to this overarching theme. It illustrates a failure to fully embody the trust and quiet reliance on God that Isaiah consistently champions (e.g., [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")). The verse highlights the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences of prioritizing immediate human comfort over faithful obedience to God's long-term purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's self-serving desire for "peace and truth in my days" stands in stark contrast to the selfless, redemptive mission of Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah sought to preserve his own comfort and reign, Jesus, the true King, willingly embraced suffering and death, knowing it would bring ultimate and eternal peace and truth to all who believe, not just for a generation, but for all time ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Unlike Hezekiah, who was concerned with the temporal security of his earthly kingdom, Jesus' kingdom is eternal and transcends all human reigns ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). His sacrifice on the cross secured a new covenant of peace with God, fulfilling the deepest meaning of "shalom" and "emet" through His [truth and grace](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Names") whose reign brings not merely the absence of conflict, but comprehensive well-being, reconciliation, and righteousness that endures forever, extending far beyond "my days" to encompass all of history and eternity.

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 32:26

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, [both] he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

2 Chronicles 34:28

Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Lamentations 3:39

Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?

Job 1:21

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.