Isaiah 39
McGeeCHAPTER 39THEME: Hezekiah and BabylonThe transfer of the enemy of Judah from Assyria to Babylon is one of the outstanding features of this section. At this time Babylon was a struggling city on the banks of the Euphrates, unable to overcome Assyria. However, Babylon was to become the great head of gold in the times of the Gentiles, and that makes this chapter significant. This chapter reveals the great blunder of Hezekiah’s life and also his human frailty and weakness. It is after the hour of great spiritual triumph that our worst defeats come.
Isaiah 39:1
HEZEKIAH RECEIVES THE BABYLONIAN EMBASSAGEMerodach-baladan is a meaningless king to us, but his name is full of meaning. F. C. Jennings calls our attention to the fact that Merodach means “a rebel” and baladan means “not the Lord.” Behind this king, of course, is Nimrod, the founder of Babylon, and Satan, who is the archrebel against God and is the “god of this world.” These ambassadors brought a letter which flattered Hezekiah. They said, “The king of Babylon has been concerned about you. He heard that you were sick and have recovered; so he sends a gift to rejoice with you.”
Isaiah 39:2
At this time Hezekiah had not lost very many of the riches that David and Solomon had gathered. He made the mistake of showing his silver and gold, for he was immensely wealthy. We are told in 2Ch_32:27-28, “And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels; storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.” It is interesting how Hezekiah received the embassage from Babylon. They gave him a gift and a get-well card from the king. Instead of taking the letter and opening it before the Lord like he did the letter from the Assyrians, he just put it aside. They had flattered him, and so he gave the visitors the VIP treatment. He took them on a tour of the grounds of Jerusalem. Solomon had cornered the world’s gold market, and he had also cornered the market on quite a few other things. All of it was stored away in Jerusalem. Hezekiah foolishly showed this great wealth to his visitors, who went back to their king and told him that when he was strong enough, they knew where he could get all of the gold, silver, and jewels that he would need to carry on warfare. Hezekiah made a big mistake, and Isaiah heard about what he had done.
Isaiah 39:3
Hezekiah thought it was wonderful, but Isaiah recognized the danger.
Isaiah 39:4
It was a very foolish thing that Hezekiah had done.
Isaiah 39:5
Hezekiah played the fool. He should never have shown his treasures to strangers. Isaiah’s prophecy was literally fulfilled (see 2 Kings 24-25; Dan. 1).
Isaiah 39:8
Hezekiah’s reply to Isaiah is very strange. He said in effect, “I am glad this prophecy won’t take place in my day.” He was grateful that these things would not come to pass in his days, but what about his children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren? It did take place in their day. Hezekiah’s life was extended for fifteen years. Was it good? It was not good. He lived to play the fool. Three terrible things took place during those years. This chapter concludes the historic section.