Isaiah 39:1-8

Alliance with Babylon Denounced

Conclusion of the historical appendix. The chapter belongs to the period when Merodach-Baladan of Babylon was making efforts to bring the various peoples of W. Asia into alliance against the common enemy, the king of Assyria (at this time Sargon, Isaiah 20:1). The arrangement of such alliance with Hezekiah was, doubtless, the object of the embassy, and this explains Hezekiah's gladness and exhibition of his resources (Isaiah 39:2). Congratulation to the king of Judah on his recovery, and enquiry into the astronomical marvel at Jerusalem (Isaiah 38:8) formed pretexts for the embassy (Isaiah 39:1; 2 Kings 20:12; 2 Chronicles 32:31).

1,2. The embassy from Babylon.

3-8. Isaiah rebukes the king and foretells captivity in Babylon.

5f. Isaiah consistently opposes reliance upon a human ally in place of trust in Jehovah.

6, 7. A remarkable prophecy of captivity in Babylon, though the Assyrians were the foe which at this time threatened Judah.