2 Kings 20:12,13

It is conjectured by some that as the Babylonians worshipped the sun, the respect paid Hezekiah in the going back of the sun fifteen degrees, as before related, (for either they had heard of it or seen it) made the king of Babylon conceive very highly of Hezekiah. But be the motive whatsoever it might, how poor a figure did Hezekiah in truth make, however he might seem in the eyes of idolaters in his foolish ostentation of his treasures. Had he told them of his wonderful and miraculous cure, had he preached to them of the God of his fathers; - had he showed them the word of God, and the miracles shown his people, this would have been suitable indeed, and highly becoming. But Reader! pause and enquire are there not many vain characters like Hezekiah, even among the people of Jesus! What parlor shall we go in, among those who profess godliness where Jesus and his salvation is made the topic of discourse! How is it, Reader, that there should be a culpable shyness even among gracious souls in speaking of the best things one with another, or in awakened souls in telling to the unawakened, like these Babylonians, of the wonders of salvation by Jesus!