이사야 Chapter 39

Translation: ESV

1

At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.

Key Message

Even an outwardly friendly visit can become a spiritual danger.

▸The king of Babylon sends envoys to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery.

The king of Babylon sends envoys to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery. The visit appears friendly on the surface, but Isaiah sees its danger. Babylon will become the major future threat to Israel.

Related Verses

At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
2

And Hezekiah welcomed them gladly. And he showed them his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his whole armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.

Key Message

Carelessness after receiving God's grace becomes the seed of a new danger.

▸Hezekiah shows the Babylonian envoys everything in his palace.

3

Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, 'What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?' Hezekiah said, 'They have come to me from a far country, from Babylon.'

Key Message

The prophet has spiritual insight to see God's purposes behind the surface of history.

▸Isaiah immediately comes to the king with a question: 'Where did they come from?' Isaiah already understands the significance of this visit.

4

He said, 'What have they seen in your house?' Hezekiah answered, 'They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.'

Key Message

Carelessly exposing one's capabilities and condition becomes the cause of danger.

▸Hezekiah's honest answer: he showed them everything in the palace.

5

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

Key Message

The authority of the prophet comes from conveying the word of God, not human wisdom.

▸Before declaring the judgment prophecy, Isaiah says 'Hear the word of the LORD of hosts.

6

'Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left,' says the LORD.

Key Message

Isaiah's prophecy of the Babylonian exile forms the background for the oracles of comfort in Isaiah 40-66.

▸This is the prophecy of the Babylonian exile.

7

'And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.'

Key Message

God's prophecy is fulfilled with precision down to the most specific historical details.

▸The king's descendants will be taken to Babylon and become eunuchs.

8

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, 'The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.' For he thought, 'There will be peace and security in my days.'

Key Message

How one responds before the prophecy of God's judgment reveals the maturity of one's faith.

▸Hezekiah's response is striking.