Chapter 39 serves as a pivotal chapter in Isaiah’s book; it finishes what has come before and foreshadows what is ahead. It concludes the short section on king Hezekiah (chapters 36-39) as well as the longer opening section of the book (chapters 1-39). It also prepares readers for what will come in chapters 40-66.
The events of chapter 39 take place after Hezekiah’s recovery from illness (chapter 38) but prior to the Assyrian attack (chapters 36-37); we know this from the historical dating of the reign of Merrocach-baladan and the dating of Hezekiah’s death (see Oswalt, Vol 1, 693). Isaiah arranges the material for theological, not chronological, reasons. He ends this section of the book by preparing the reader for the coming Babylonian subjugation of Judah (39:6-7). Additionally, he makes it painfully clear that, as noble and good as Hezekiah was, he was also fallible and foolish and did not qualify as the promised Immanuel who would deliver Israel and rule the nations (7:14; 9:6-7).
The chapter reports a visit by envoys from Babylon. Sent by Merrodach-baladan, a Babylonian king, these emissaries bring a royal present and letters ostensibly celebrating Hezekiah’s recovery from a near-death sickness (1). Hezekiah evidently senses no sinister motives or subterfuge. In contrast to his later response to the threats of the Assyrians, he does not inquire of the Lord when lavished by the Babylonians. Instead, he welcomes them, giving them a tour of all his treasuries: “There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them” (2).
Isaiah, who seems to have been absent from the king’s meetings with the envoys, comes to Hezekiah with three questions: “What did these men say? And from where did they come? What have they seen in your house?” (3-4). Hezekiah proudly answers, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them” (4).
At this point, Isaiah pronounces a sobering “word of the Lord of hosts” (5). In the future (“the days are coming”—6), all Judah’s treasures will be carted off to Babylon. “Nothing shall be left, says the Lord” (7). What’s more, some of Hezekiah’s own sons (not yet born—7), will be exiled to Babylon to serve as “eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (7).
Hezekiah’s response is both telling and chilling: “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” (8). Lest we think this reply is simply an example of humble submission to God’s will, verse 8 adds a closing comment: “For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my days.’”
Behold Your God
The Lord humbles the godly who give way to foolish pride. Hezekiah has shown himself to be a godly, faithful king in the face of military threats and physical sickness. In spite of this, he gives way to pride, foolishly showing off everything in his storehouses to the Babylonian envoys. After the envoys leave, the Lord dispatches Isaiah to confront Hezekiah. Isaiah declares all these treasures will one day be carried off by the Babylonians (6). Suddenly, Isaiah’s grand display seems incredibly naïve and tragically foolish. While God gives grace to the humble; he humbles those who give way to pride—even those who have shown great faith and godliness. Past godliness doesn’t give us a pass for future ungodliness.
The Lord knows our secret, selfish thoughts. While Hezekiah’s response to Isaiah sounds pious and submissive, the final verse in the chapter reveals his inner thoughts: “For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my days’” (8). Outwardly pious, Hezekiah is inwardly selfish. He shows no concern for the next generation, even his own offspring. He’s selfishly preoccupied with his own life and circumstances. God knows the ungodly thoughts of godly people (Psalm 139:2—“You discern my thoughts from afar”). We should join David in praying, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:24).
Here Am I
I must not let down my spiritual guard in the good times. Hezekiah’s story is a reminder that we can be in greater peril when we are safe and healthy than when we are surrounded and sick. His troubles drove him to trust; pressure prompted prayer. But when life was good, Hezekiah lets down his guard and loses sight of his God. Instead of speaking to the Babylonian envoys about the greatness of God, he shows them his great treasures. There is no mention of inquiring of the Lord, asking for discernment when the envoys from Babylon show up. He assumes the best and shows off his treasures. Prayer and praise (chapters 36-38) give way to pride (chapter 39). Here is a cautionary tale for me: I must not get spiritually careless or give way to pride in times of God’s blessing. I must continue to seek the Lord for His help even when I’m not feeling helpless. I must pray and praise rather than give way to pride.
I must not resist a selfish, short-sighted perspective on life. Hezekiah breathes a sign of relief when he hears that judgment will not happen during his lifetime. “For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my days’” (8). His heart shrinks and becomes wrapped up in himself alone. He shows no concern for what’s coming for his children or God’s people. Lord, I sense an inward pull in my heart to focus on having “peace and security in my days.” Enlarge my heart to care for the coming generations.
Rick and Linda Reed 