The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

This chapter is parallel with 2 Kings 20:12-19, and scarcely differs from it at all. Verse I has the additional words, "and was recovered;" 2 Kings 20:2, the phrase, "was glad of them," for "hearkened unto them;" 2 Kings 20:5, "Lord of hosts," for "Lord" simply; and 2 Kings 20:8 makes Hezekiah's last utterance an observation instead of a question. Otherwise the two accounts are almost word for word the same. Both relate the novel and important fact of ambassadors being sent to Hezekiah by the King of Babylon, shortly after his illness, and tell of the reception which he gave them, of the message which Isaiah was commissioned to deliver to him from God in consequence, and of Hezekiah's acquiescence in the terms of the message when it was conveyed to him. The Isaianic authorship of the chapter is much disputed, but solely from reluctance to admit that a prophet could predict the subjugation of Judaea by Babylon more than a century before the event.

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Matthew Henry on Isaiah 39:1-8Isaiah 39:1-8 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThis chapter is the same as II Kin. 20:12-19.Hezekiah's Vanity. (b. c. 712.)Isaiah 39:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHEZEKIAH'S VANITY. (B. C. 712.) Hence we may learn these lessons:—1. That humanity and common civility teach us to rejoice with our friends and neighbours when they rejoice, and to congratulate them on their deliverance…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1Isaiah 39:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryAt that time. The embassy probably followed the illness of Hezekiah within a year. Merodach-Baladan. This is a more correct form than the "Berodach-Baladan" of 2 Kings 20:12. The name is one common to several Babylonian…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1-8Isaiah 39:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe dangers of prosperity. I. THE OSTENTATION OF HEZEKIAH. The Chronicler passes a censure upon him. After his recovery he "rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefo…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1-8Isaiah 39:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryComplacency, rebuke, and acquiescence. We may gather the preliminary truth that we need to look well before we decide on the character of Divine decisions and of human actions. Otherwise we shall certainly fall into ser…The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1Isaiah 39:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryFriendship that serves its own ends. A kind of friendship only too common. Illustrated in the motto of a successful Birmingham tradesman, "Friendly with all, thick with none? Which in full means, "Friendly with all, tha…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Isaiah 39:1-8This chapter is the same as II Kin. 20:12-19.Matthew Henry commentaryHezekiah's Vanity. (b. c. 712.)HEZEKIAH'S VANITY. (B. C. 712.) Hence we may learn these lessons:—1. That humanity and common civility teach us to rejoice with our friends and neighbours when they rejoice, and to congratulate them on their deliverance…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1-8The dangers of prosperity. I. THE OSTENTATION OF HEZEKIAH. The Chronicler passes a censure upon him. After his recovery he "rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefo…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1At that time. The embassy probably followed the illness of Hezekiah within a year. Merodach-Baladan. This is a more correct form than the "Berodach-Baladan" of 2 Kings 20:12. The name is one common to several Babylonian…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1-8Complacency, rebuke, and acquiescence. We may gather the preliminary truth that we need to look well before we decide on the character of Divine decisions and of human actions. Otherwise we shall certainly fall into ser…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:1Friendship that serves its own ends. A kind of friendship only too common. Illustrated in the motto of a successful Birmingham tradesman, "Friendly with all, thick with none? Which in full means, "Friendly with all, tha…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:2Hezekiah was glad of them. A more pregnant phrase than that which replaces it in 2 Kings, "hearkened unto them." Hezekiah, like Merodach-Baladan, was looking out for allies, and "was glad," thinking that in Babylon he h…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 39:2-8Carnal joy the prelude to spiritual sorrow. The Babylonian embassy, a grand affair doubtless, comprising envoys in their rich clothing and with their jewelled arms, camels bearing valuable gifts, prancing steeds, and a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors