2 Kings 20:17

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.

2 Kings 20:17 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the account of King Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah who sought the Lord and trusted in Him. When he became sick and was near death, he prayed fervently to God for healing. God answered his prayer and granted him fifteen more years of life, and as a sign, God caused the shadow on the sundial to move backward ten degrees. Later, when Babylonian envoys came, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures. The prophet Isaiah then delivered this message from the Lord, declaring that the days were coming when everything in Hezekiah’s house and all that his fathers had stored up would be carried to Babylon, with nothing left. This prophecy was fulfilled in the Babylonian exile.

Meaning

The phrase “Behold, the days come” and the closing “saith the Lord” underscore that this is not a possibility but a guaranteed future event. The words “nothing shall be left” stress the totality of the coming loss. The judgment is not only on Hezekiah’s personal possessions but also on the accumulated treasures of his fathers, indicating a comprehensive national consequence. The immediate context in 2 Kings 20:18 further reveals that even some of Hezekiah’s own sons would be taken to Babylon to serve as eunuchs in the king’s palace, showing the personal and dynastic impact of this judgment.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in Isaiah 39:6 records the same prophecy, confirming its importance. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that pride and self-reliance, especially in times of blessing, can lead to severe consequences. It teaches that earthly treasures are temporary and can be lost, and that true security is found only in humble obedience to God. The prophecy also demonstrates God’s sovereignty over nations and history, as He uses Babylon as an instrument of judgment on Judah.

Application

Hezekiah’s act of showing off his treasures to the Babylonian envoys was a display of pride and self-reliance. He did not acknowledge that all his blessings and wealth were given to him by God. This act displeased God, and through Isaiah, the Lord declared the future consequence of this pride. The verse warns that all the treasures and wealth accumulated by Hezekiah and his ancestors would be carried away to Babylon. This serves as a warning to us about the dangers of self-reliance and the importance of humility. It reminds us that our blessings and achievements come from God, and we should give Him the glory. Instead of relying on our own strength and resources, we should trust in the Lord and seek His guidance in all our ways.

This verse also reflects the principle that sin has consequences. The disobedience and idolatry of Judah resulted in their exile and the loss of their treasures. It serves as a reminder that our choices and actions have ramifications, not only for ourselves but also for future generations. As we examine our own lives, we should ask whether we are relying on our own strength and resources rather than trusting in God, and whether we are prideful and fail to acknowledge that all we have is from Him. Let us cultivate humility, acknowledge God as the source of our blessings, and trust in Him for guidance and provision.

Reflection

Although the verse speaks of impending judgment and exile, it should not overshadow the fact that God remained faithful to His covenant with His people. Hezekiah’s life was spared, and Judah was given an extension of fifteen more years. God’s judgment was a result of His holiness and righteousness, but even in the midst of judgment, He displayed mercy and grace. In summary, 2 Kings 20:17 serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride, the importance of humility and trust in God, the ramifications of sin, and the faithfulness and mercy of God even in times of judgment.