Isaiah 39:5

¶ Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:

Then said {H559} Isaiah {H3470} to Hezekiah {H2396}, Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}:

Yesha'yahu said to Hizkiyahu, "Hear what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says:

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of Hosts:

Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of Jehovah of hosts:

Commentary

Isaiah 39:5 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as the prophet Isaiah confronts King Hezekiah after the king's imprudent display of his kingdom's treasures to envoys from Babylon. This verse serves as the solemn introduction to God's direct message concerning the consequences of Hezekiah's actions.

Context

This verse immediately follows Hezekiah's seemingly innocent act of showing his entire treasury and armory to the Babylonian envoys sent by Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon (Isaiah 39:1-4). The visit ostensibly began as a congratulatory one after Hezekiah's miraculous recovery from a near-fatal illness, detailed in Isaiah 38. However, Hezekiah's decision to parade his wealth, rather than perhaps glorifying God for his healing or seeking divine wisdom, revealed a lack of prudence and a potential reliance on earthly riches. Isaiah's arrival signifies that God observed this act and is now delivering a prophetic word regarding its implications for Judah's future.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The phrase "Hear the word of the LORD of hosts" powerfully asserts that the message Isaiah is about to deliver originates directly from God Himself. It is not merely human counsel but a divine decree, demanding Hezekiah's full attention and submission.
  • Prophetic Accountability: Isaiah fulfills his role as a true prophet, delivering God's challenging message to a king, even one who was largely righteous. This highlights the principle that all, regardless of status, are accountable to God's word.
  • Consequences of Human Actions: While the full consequences are revealed in the subsequent verses (Isaiah 39:6-7), this verse sets the stage for God's response to Hezekiah's display of pride and lack of wisdom, foreshadowing a future of captivity and loss.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) is highly significant. YHWH is the personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with His people. Sabaoth means "armies" or "hosts," referring to heavenly armies, stars, or the totality of creation under God's command. This title underscores God's absolute sovereignty, immense power, and universal authority. When the "LORD of hosts" speaks, it is with ultimate authority and irresistible power, making the message to Hezekiah all the more weighty and inescapable.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, God sees and knows all our actions, even those done in seemingly private or inconsequential moments. Secondly, true wisdom comes from seeking God's counsel and glorifying Him, rather than relying on our own strength or displaying earthly possessions. Finally, we are called to listen attentively to God's word, especially when it brings correction or warns of consequences. It encourages humility and a constant awareness of God's sovereign rule in our lives, urging us to consider the long-term implications of our choices and to prioritize wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 15:16 (3 votes)

    Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

  • 1 Samuel 13:13 (3 votes)

    And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

  • 1 Samuel 13:14 (3 votes)

    But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him [to be] captain over his people, because thou hast not kept [that] which the LORD commanded thee.