Friday, December 20 – Isaiah 38, 39 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 29, “The Ambassadors from Babylon”

1. Why did the Lord tell Hezekiah to set his house in order because he would not recover but die? (Isaiah 38:1)

2. What credentials did Hezekiah present to God as a reason for not letting him die? (Isaiah 38:3)

3. What was Hezekiah’s folly? (Isaiah 39:1, 2)

4. How did Hezekiah respond to God’s rebuke for his failure? (Isaiah 39:8)

Commentary and Reflection:

The seventh book of Isaiah, comprising chapters 36–39, is often called the Book of Hezekiah. These chapters parallel 2 Kings 20, where additional details are provided that Isaiah omits, such as the healing instructions using a poultice of figs. On the other hand, Isaiah includes Hezekiah’s psalm of thanksgiving after his recovery, which is not recorded in 2 Kings.

After the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army and the death of Sennacherib, Hezekiah fell gravely ill. Upon receiving Isaiah’s announcement that he would not recover, the king fervently prayed to God, pleading for his life. In his prayer, he presented his record of faithful service, highlighting his integrity of heart, devotion to truth, and accomplishments for God’s glory.

Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer touched the heart of God. Before Isaiah had even left the palace, the Lord instructed him to return to the sorrowful king with wonderful news:

“I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city” (Isaiah 38:5-6, NKJV).

The joy and relief Hezekiah must have felt upon hearing this news are beyond imagination.

Biblical scholars estimate Hezekiah was around 40 years old at the time, a relatively young age to face such a life-threatening illness. Many can identify with Hezekiah, as moments of crisis or terminal illness often prompt us to seek God’s intervention.

It is worth noting that, as part of the healing process, Isaiah instructed the application of a poultice of figs (2 Kings 20:7). This demonstrates that while miracles are ultimately under God’s control, He often uses natural remedies and modern medicine as part of His healing work. Following his recovery, Hezekiah composed a beautiful psalm of praise, expressing his gratitude to God for extending his life.

In Isaiah 39, the narrative shifts to the visit of the Babylonian envoys, marking a significant turning point in Hezekiah’s story. Despite his devotion, Hezekiah had flaws, and this event reveals a critical moment of weakness.

The miraculous sign accompanying Hezekiah’s healing—a celestial event involving the sun’s shadow moving backward—was widely observed, reaching as far as Babylon. Impressed by the news, the Babylonian king sent envoys with letters and gifts to congratulate Hezekiah. Flattered and elated, Hezekiah welcomed the visitors with open arms.

However, Hezekiah made a grave mistake in a moment of pride and indiscretion. He displayed all the wealth and treasures of his palace without reserve: “And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them” (Isaiah 39:2, NKJV).

Whether born of arrogance or naivety, God considered this action a significant failure. It demonstrated a lack of discernment and a missed opportunity to glorify God before the envoys.

Isaiah, once again, delivered God’s message to Hezekiah, asking two probing questions: “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” (Isaiah 39:3, NKJV). “What have they seen in your house?” (Isaiah 39:4, NKJV). This last question gives us a reason for reflection.

God revealed the future consequences of this failure: Judah’s treasures would one day be carried to Babylon, and its people would be exiled (Isaiah 39:6-7).

Even small actions can have significant repercussions. Ellen G. White reflects on this moment: “Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the Lord of hosts.” Verse 25.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 256).

Ellen G. White offers a powerful reminder from Hezekiah’s experience: “Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a mental state that a word spoken in season will be as a nail fastened in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What influence are we exerting over these fellow travelers?” (Prophets and Kings, p. 257).

Let us pray for God’s direction and strength so that in all our relationships and decisions, we may glorify Him and bless those around us.

Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed day.