Isaiah Chapter 39

At a Glance

  • Isaiah 39 records a brief but instructive encounter between Hezekiah and envoys from Babylon.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • This chapter sits in a period when Assyria’s threats loom, yet Babylon begins to emerge as a new power capable of endangering Judah.
  • Pride: Hezekiah’s display of wealth prompts divine warning about future judgment.
  • - Foretold Exile: The transfer of wealth and the fate of Hezekiah’s descendants point to the Babylonian captivity.

ISAIAH CHAPTER 39

Chapter Overview

Isaiah 39 records a brief but instructive encounter between Hezekiah and envoys from Babylon. After his recovery, Hezekiah welcomes them and displays all his royal treasures—the silver, gold, spices, and weapons—revealing the full extent of Judah’s wealth. The prophet Isaiah confronts the king, asking where these visitors came from and what was shown. Hezekiah explains that everything visible in his house has been laid bare. Isaiah delivers a sobering oracle: a future within which all that is in Hezekiah’s house—and indeed the entire kingdom—will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will be left. The implication is not merely material loss but political and personal upheaval, including the fate of Hezekiah’s descendants, who would become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Hezekiah receives the word without immediate catastrophe, even expressing a pious consolation: there shall be peace and truth in his days. The chapter thus shifts from personal health and divine rescue to national judgment and the transference of wealth and power. It underscores God’s sovereign plan that, even in mercy, He may reveal future discipline for His people.

Historical & Literary Context

This chapter sits in a period when Assyria’s threats loom, yet Babylon begins to emerge as a new power capable of endangering Judah. The encounter with Babylonian envoys happens during a moment of relative peace for Hezekiah, but the prophetic word anticipates a larger judgment in the centuries to come. The genre blends courtly narrative with prophetic proclamation: the king’s pride in wealth contrasts with God’s prophetic sovereignty, foreshadowing the exile. Isaiah 39 functions as a bridge between Hezekiah’s personal experiences (illness and miraculous recovery) and the looming theme of exile that dominates later chapters. It reinforces the book’s larger arc: human fortitude and wealth cannot thwart God’s long-range purposes, which will unfold through foreign powers and national discipline.

Key Themes

- Humility vs. Pride: Hezekiah’s display of wealth prompts divine warning about future judgment.

- Foretold Exile: The transfer of wealth and the fate of Hezekiah’s descendants point to the Babylonian captivity.

- Sovereignty Over History: God’s plan progresses through nations and rulers, even when their motives are imperial or self-serving.

- Human Legacy and Responsibility: The chapter invites reflection on what we leave behind and how today’s choices shape tomorrow’s consequences.

Modern Application

Isaiah 39 invites readers to examine the relationship between prosperity and responsibility. Practical takeaways:

- Wealth and security should not become objects of misplaced confidence; acknowledge God as the source and steward of resources.

- Leadership humility matters: the way leaders handle power and display wealth has consequences for future generations.

- Recognize that immediate peace or comfort does not negate long-term responsibilities; faithfulness now may require restraint or reform in the future.

- Reflect on the connection between private choices and national or communal outcomes—how personal pride can contribute to larger consequences.

Cross-References (3–5)

- 2 Kings 20:12–18 (similar account and expansion on Babylonian intent)

- Deuteronomy 28 (covenantal blessings and curses)

- Jeremiah 27–28 (prophetic warnings tied to foreign powers)

Recommended Personas

- Isaiah (prophetic perspective on judgment and sovereignty)

- Hezekiah (royal perspective on wealth, pride, and accountability)

- Moses (lawful call to fidelity and communal responsibility)

Chapter Text

1

At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

2

And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

3

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.

4

Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

5

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

6

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.

7

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

8

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.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore Isaiah Chapter 39 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
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