Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 39

Introduction

A.M. 3294. B.C. 710.

The king of Babylon sends ambassadors with letters and a present to Hezekiah, who shows them his treasures, Isaiah 39:1 , Isaiah 39:2 . Isaiah foretels the Babylonish captivity, Isaiah 39:3-7 . Hezekiah’s resignation, Isaiah 39:8 .

Isaiah 39:1. At that time Merodach-baladan Merodach was the name of an idol worshipped by the Babylonians, and Bel, another; and these two idols, with the addition, Adan, or Adon, which signifies lord, it appears, gave name to this king. In 2 Kings 20:12, where we have the same history, and where see the notes, he is called Berodach, by the change of one letter, not unusual in proper names in the Hebrew language. Whether he was an Assyrian, a Mede, or Babylonian, is not easy to determine, nor is it worth while to inquire. But this is certain, that about this time there were wars between the Assyrians and Babylonians, the issue whereof was, that the latter subdued the former.

Isaiah 39:8. Hezekiah said, Good is the word of the Lord Convinced of his error, and perceiving that he had justly provoked the divine indignation, he submits to, and acquiesces in, God’s decree, acknowledging the justice of it, and humbling himself for the pride of his heart, as is said 2 Chronicles 32:26. For there shall be peace and truth in my days He thought it a great favour, that God would delay that punishment, which he might justly have inflicted presently, and that he would prolong the tranquillity of his kingdom for some time. See note on 2 Kings 20:19.