Isaiah 39:6

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.

Isaiah 39:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a narrative in the book of Isaiah where King Hezekiah of Judah receives a visit from envoys sent by the Babylonian king, Merodach-baladan. The envoys came with gifts and inquired about the miraculous sign of Hezekiah’s recovery from a severe illness. Hezekiah, showing them his treasury and all his possessions, unintentionally revealed his wealth and resources.

The prophet Isaiah then delivers a message from the Lord concerning the consequences of this interaction. This verse conveys God’s pronouncement of judgment upon Hezekiah and the people of Judah. It foretells that in the future, Babylon would conquer Judah, and everything that had been accumulated and stored up in the king’s palace would be carried away by the Babylonians.

Meaning

The opening word “Behold” calls attention to the certainty of what follows. The phrase “the days come” points to a future time, not an immediate event, yet one that God has already determined. The judgment is comprehensive: “all that is in thine house” and “that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day” will be taken to Babylon. Nothing will be left, “saith the Lord.” This is not a threat from a human enemy but a decree from the sovereign God.

Hezekiah’s actions had far-reaching consequences, as they paved the way for Babylon’s eventual conquest of Judah. The parallel account in 2 Kings 20:17 confirms this prophecy, and the following verse (Isaiah 39:7) adds that some of Hezekiah’s own sons will be taken to serve as eunuchs in the Babylonian palace. The fulfillment came in later generations, as Babylon plundered Jerusalem and the temple.

Biblical connections

This passage underscores the certainty of God’s word and the consequences of human pride and reliance on material wealth. It also points to the broader biblical theme that earthly treasures are temporary, while true security is found in God alone. The prophecy highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and history, as He uses Babylon as an instrument of discipline.

Application

• Accountability and stewardship: Hezekiah’s display of his treasures demonstrated a lack of wisdom and discretion. It reminds us of the importance of being responsible stewards of the resources and blessings God has entrusted to us.

• Consequences of our actions: Our choices and decisions can have significant repercussions, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us.

• God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that the events foretold were not simply the result of chance or human actions. God, through His prophet Isaiah, was revealing His foreknowledge and sovereignty over future events.

• Trusting in God’s promises: While the verse pronounces judgment on Hezekiah and the nation, it is crucial to remember that God’s ultimate plan includes restoration and redemption. Babylon’s conquest would not be the end of the story. God would eventually deliver His people and fulfill His promises of restoration and salvation.

Reflection

This verse serves as a warning against self-sufficiency and a call to humility before God. In the Christian context, it foreshadows the ultimate judgment on human pride and the need for repentance. For believers, this passage encourages a heavenly perspective, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. It also reminds us that God’s warnings are sure and that He is faithful to His word, both in judgment and in promise.