Isaiah 39: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 39 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Hezekiah received envoys from Merodach Baladan, king of Babylon. They brought letters and a gift because Hezekiah had been sick and recovered (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of Yahweh of Armies:”
Isaiah 39:5 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 39:1–2 Hezekiah Receives Babylonian Envoys
Isaiah 39:3–4 Isaiah Questions Hezekiah
Isaiah 39:5–7 Prophecy of Exile Announced
Isaiah 39:8 Hezekiah's Response

Discussion questions

What does Hezekiah show to the envoys from Babylon in v2?
In v3, who comes to speak with Hezekiah after he receives the envoys?
Isaiah's prophecy in v6 states that nothing will be left: what does this imply for Hezekiah's legacy?
Hezekiah's response in v8 indicates he finds the prophecy 'good': what does this suggest about his perspective on future events?
When have you shared something valuable, as Hezekiah did, only to regret it later?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 39: 2 Chronicles 32, 2 Kings 20, Daniel 1.

Before next time: read Isaiah 40.