Hezekiah’s Sin

Text: Isaiah 39

No man is perfect, and the Bible does not shy away from showing us the imperfections of people, even the flaws of the heroes. God healed Hezekiah, but he failed to show proper gratitude. "But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem" (II Chronicles 32:25).

Showing off - Isaiah 39:1-4

Marodach-baladan was king in Babylon from 722 to 710 BC. He gained his kingdom by rebelling against the Assyrians. He lost his kingdom to Sargon, king of Assyria. After Sargon's death, Marodach-baladan regained it briefly, holding it from 703 to 702 BC. He sent letters and a present to Hezekiah after learning that Hezekiah had been sick and had recovered. At the time of this event (701 BC), Marodach-balaan was recently pushed into exile. Marodach-baladan likely hoped to gain an ally with another king who successfully defied the Assyrians. He also wanted to learn about the miracle involving the sundial (II Chronicles 32:31).

Hezekiah allowed the notice to go to his head. Wanting to show off, he showed all his wealth to the messengers. Perhaps it didn't occur to him that this distant king could present a problem.

The consequences of Hezekiah's pride - - Isaiah 39:5-7

Isaiah confronted Hezekiah, telling him that because he did this, everything he owned would be carried off to Babylon (II Chronicles 36:18). Even some of his descendants would be carried off as captives to serve the king of Babylon.

Hezekiah's acceptance - Isaiah 39:8

We are told in II Chronicles 32:27-31 that God allowed this to happen to test Hezekiah's heart. Hezekiah accepted God's pronouncement as good and proper. Still, he was happy that he would not live to see the dire consequences happen. This could be seen as gratefulness that God is showing him mercy, but it also hints at a bit of callousness regarding those who will come after him.