Isaiah 39
Read Isaiah 39 (WEB)+
1At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered. 2Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures. There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah didn’t show them. 3Then Isaiah the prophet came to king Hezekiah, and asked him, “What did these men say? Where did they come from to you?” Hezekiah said, “They have come from a country far from me, even from Babylon.” 4Then he asked, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.” 5Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of Yahweh of Armies: 6‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up until today, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says Yahweh. 7‘They will take away your sons who will issue from you, whom you shall father, and they will be eunuchs in the king of Babylon’s palace.’” 8Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “Yahweh’s word which you have spoken is good.” He said moreover, “For there will be peace and truth in my days.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the word of the Lord of hosts:'"”
Isaiah 39:5
Summary
In Isaiah chapter 39, King Hezekiah receives envoys from Babylon, sent by Merodach-Baladan with gifts and congratulations after hearing of Hezekiah's recovery from illness. Hezekiah, in his pride, shows the envoys all the treasures of his house, including silver, gold, and valuable armaments. When the prophet Isaiah questions him about what he has shown them, Hezekiah admits to showing everything. Isaiah then delivers a solemn prophecy that days are coming when all that is in Hezekiah's house, and what his ancestors have stored up, will be carried to Babylon. This chapter highlights the themes of pride and the consequences of misplaced trust, as Hezekiah's actions inadvertently foreshadow the Babylonian exile. The chapter serves as a poignant reminder to trust in God and not in material wealth or foreign alliances.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Isaiah 39
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Isaiah with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for beginners.
Chapter outline
How Isaiah 39 unfolds
Isaiah 39:1–2 Hezekiah Receives Babylonian Envoys
Merodach Baladan, king of Babylon, sends letters and gifts to Hezekiah, who shows the envoys all his treasures.
Isaiah 39:3–4 Isaiah Questions Hezekiah
Isaiah arrives and inquires about the visitors and what Hezekiah revealed, to which Hezekiah admits he showed everything.
Isaiah 39:5–7 Prophecy of Exile Announced
Isaiah delivers a prophecy from Yahweh, warning that Babylon will take all Hezekiah's treasures and even his descendants.
Isaiah 39:8 Hezekiah's Response
Hezekiah acknowledges Isaiah's prophecy is good, expressing relief that it would not affect him during his lifetime.
Key verses
Isaiah 39:5Isaiah 39:5 underscores the gravity of the prophecy, marking a pivotal moment that sets the stage for future events in Judah.
Main themes in Isaiah 39
Pride
Hezekiah's pride is evident when he shows all his treasures to the Babylonian envoys in verses 1 and 2. This moment of pride leads directly to the prophecy of exile, complicating Hezekiah's legacy. The chapter highlights how pride can lead to dire consequences, serving as a warning against misplaced trust in material wealth.
Consequences
The consequences of Hezekiah’s pride are pronounced in Isaiah’s prophecy in verses 5-7, where he foretells the loss of treasures and descendants. Hezekiah faces the reality that his actions will lead to suffering for future generations. This acknowledgment of consequences adds weight to the importance of humility and reliance on God.
Prophecy of Exile
The prophecy of exile surfaces prominently in verses 6 and 7, where Isaiah predicts the carrying away of treasures and Hezekiah's sons to Babylon. This prophecy is a pivotal moment in the narrative, indicating the imminent judgment on Judah. It underscores the seriousness of the covenant relationship with God and the impact of disobedience.
Trust in God
Trust in God is an underlying theme, contrasting Hezekiah's misplaced trust in alliances and material wealth seen throughout the chapter. The prophecy serves as a reminder that true security comes from God, not from nations or possessions. The chapter ultimately calls readers to reflect on where their trust is placed.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Isaiah 39
- 2 Chronicles 32This passage connects by highlighting Hezekiah's actions and the context of his pride leading to consequences.
- 2 Kings 20This echoes Hezekiah's earlier illness and recovery, providing background for his subsequent prideful behavior.
- Daniel 1This connects through the theme of exile, as Daniel later faces the consequences of Babylon's conquest.
- 2 Kings 24This develops the theme of exile, detailing the eventual captives taken by Babylon, including the royal lineage.
- 2 Chronicles 36This echoes the prophetic warnings of judgment and exile for Israel due to disobedience.
- 2 Chronicles 34This connects by showing the broader narrative of Judah's kings and their responses to prophetic warnings.
Study questions
Questions for studying Isaiah 39
- Who sent letters and gifts to Hezekiah?
- What treasures did Hezekiah show to the Babylonian envoys?
- What was Isaiah's warning to Hezekiah regarding Babylon?
- How did Hezekiah respond to Isaiah's prophecy of exile?
- What might Hezekiah's actions reveal about his character?
- How does this chapter reflect the theme of trust in God?
- What consequences does Isaiah foresee for Hezekiah's descendants?
Isaiah 39: frequently asked questions
What is Isaiah 39 about?+
What is the key verse in Isaiah 39?+
What are the main themes of Isaiah 39?+
Related chapters