Isaiah 39:1-4
Merodach-Baladan was actually an Aramean prince that conquered Babylon and ruled briefly before being driven out by Sargon II. This King of Babylon came to Hezekiah seeking to befriend him as an alliance against their mutual threat, Assyria. Hezekiah was impressed and flattered that this king from far away would care about his health. Hezekiah responded by showing him everything he had in the stores and armory. Hezekiah's pride was showing when Isaiah asked about the visitors.
Isaiah 39:5-8
Isaiah gave a prophecy that the day was coming when Babylon would carry off the possessions and wealth of Judah. Hezekiah's descendants would be taken away to captivity and some would become eunuchs in the palace of the King of Babylon. This would be fulfilled 100 years later. See also Daniel 1:1-4.
A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet. (Proverb 29:5)
This was a really odd thing to say but very typical of some leaders. Hezekiah's concern was shortsighted and selfish; he ransomed the future for the luxury and comfort of his present day. Then, the comforts of present day are credited to that particular leader while the ransomed future was forgotten about. This seems to be how our world and its politics function.
©2018 Doug Ford
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