ISAIAH 39

HEZEKIAH TRUSTS GOD’S GOOD PLANS

After hearing of Hezekiah’s miraculous recovery, the King of Babylon travels to visit Hezekiah. When he arrives, Hezekiah welcomes the king and his men and proudly shows them his many treasures, including silver and gold, spices and oils, and other precious things. Instead of boasting in God’s protection and healing, Hezekiah boasts in his possessions.

Isaiah later confronts Hezekiah and warns him that one day all of his precious belongings will be taken by the Babylonians and that his sons would one day be exiled in Babylon.

Hezekiah responds to this news by saying that God’s news is good and that there would be peace and security all of his days. It is debated if his response is selfless or selfish. It is possible his response displays trust in God, but he is also glad that he would not be alive to see the coming destruction. Hezekiah’s reign is also recorded in 2 Kings 18-20.