Treasures Shown to the Envoys from Babylon

Every storehouse thrown open

Jerusalem · c. 700 BC · 2 Kgs 20:12–21

Story

Envoys from faraway Babylon came into Jerusalem carrying letters and gifts. They had been sent by Merodach-baladan king of Babylon, who had heard that Hezekiah was ill. A king from a distant land had sent people to ask after his health. Hezekiah was delighted and listened to what the envoys had to say.

Hezekiah took the envoys to his treasure house. One by one he opened up the silver and the gold, the spices and the fine oil, and even his armory. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that he did not show them. The envoys' eyes searched every corner of the storerooms. Then the prophet Isaiah came to see the king.

Isaiah asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they see?” Hezekiah answered, “They came from faraway Babylon, and they saw everything in my storehouses.” Isaiah gave him the word of the Lord: “The day is coming when everything in this palace, and all that your ancestors stored up, will be carried off to Babylon. Some of the sons who will be born to you will be taken away and become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” Hezekiah said, “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good. At least there will be peace while I live.”

Words of God and the Prophets

Hear the word of the Lord: The day is coming when everything in this palace and all that your ancestors stored up will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left.

They saw everything in my palace. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.

The word of the Lord you have spoken is good. Won't there be peace and security as long as I live?

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Kgs 20:12–21

Background

Pause and Reflect