Read Isaiah 39 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Isaiah 39 shows a serious turning point after Hezekiah’s healing, when envoys from Babylon come with letters and a gift. Hezekiah receives them gladly and shows them the treasures of his house, his armour, and all that was found among his possessions. The chapter does not describe this as open rebellion, yet it clearly exposes a dangerous lack of spiritual caution, because what was proudly displayed would later be carried away. Isaiah brings the word of the Lord: the riches of the royal house and even Hezekiah’s descendants would be taken to Babylon. The chapter warns that blessing, recovery, and prosperity can become a test of the heart if a man forgets that everything he has belongs to the Lord.
Isaiah 39:1 - 39:8
1 At that time Merodach–baladan, 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.