Isaiah 39

Isaiah 39:1–8 Isaiah’s Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity

When Prince Merodach-baladan, the son of King Baladan of Babylon, visited Jerusalem, King Hezekiah of Judah showed him the great temple treasury, the armory, and other treasuries; this showing, as it turned out, was a great mistake! Isaiah was prompted, on this occasion, to prophesy that the Babylonians would conquer the kingdom of Judah and plunder its treasuries. The Lord revealed through His prophet that “not a thing [would] be left” in the treasuries. And most importantly, the Lord revealed that some of Hezekiah’s descendants would be taken by force and made eunuchs in the king of Babylon’s palace.

Isaiah 39:2

Hezekiah rejoiced. King Hezekiah was happy to host these powerful Babylonian envoys, perhaps hoping that Babylon would become an ally to the kingdom of Judah.

Isaiah 39:6

carried to Babylon. This prophecy was fulfilled in circa 598 BC when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem.

Isaiah 39:7

Eunuchs were emasculated men who served in the king’s court, often as guardians of the harem.

Isaiah 39:8

The word of the Lord is good that you have spoken. Although Isaiah’s prophecy contained negative promises for Hezekiah’s descendnts, Hezekiah accepted Isaiah’s words; because, Hezekiah said, “there will be peace and truth in [his] days.”