A Lapse in Judgment

Like his forefather David, Hezekiah is a man of faith.  He treasures God's Word. According to Proverbs 25:1, he arranged for the compiling of the material now found in Proverbs chapters 25 to 29.  Some believe that he also composed the 119th Psalm.  The moving song of gratitude that Hezekiah composes after recovering from his illness shows him to be a man of deep feeling.  He concludes that the most important thing in life is to be able to praise Jehovah at His temple "all the days of our life." (Isaiah 38:9-20) May all of us feel the same way about pure worship! 

Although faithful, Hezekiah is imperfect.  He makes a serious error in judgment sometime after Jehovah heals him.  Isaiah explains:  "At that time Merodachbaladan  the son of Baladan the king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, after he heard he had been sick but was strong again.   So Hezekiah began to rejoice over them and proceeded to show them his treasure-house, the silver and the gold and the balsam oil and the good oil and all his armory and all that was to be found in his treasures.  There proved to be nothing that Hezekiah did not show them in his own house and in all his dominion." -Isaiah 39:1, 2.

Even after the stinging defeat by Jehovah's angel, Assyrian continues to pose a threat to many nations, including Babylon.  Hezekiah may have wanted  to impress the king of Babylon as a possible future ally.  However, Jehovah does not want the inhabitants of Judah to consort with their enemies; he wants them to trust in him!  Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah discloses the future to Hezekiah:  "Days are coming, and all that is in your own house and that your forefathers  have stored up down to this day will actually be carried to Babylon.  Nothing will be left . . .And some of your own sons that will come forth from you, to whom you will become father, will themselves be taken and actually become court officials in the palace of the king of Babylon."  (Isaiah 39:3-7) Yes, the very nation that Hezekiah sought to impress will eventually plunder Jerusalem's treasures and reduce her citizens to slavery.  Hezekiah's showing his treasures to the Babylonians only serves to whet their greedy appetite.

Apparently referring to the incident in which Hezekiah showed his treasure to the Babylonians, 2 Chronicles 32:26 states:  "Hezekiah humbled himself for the haughtiness of his heart, he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and Jehovah's indignation did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah."

Despite his imperfection, Hezekiah was a man of faith.  He knew that his God, Jehovah, is a real person who has feelings.  When under pressure, Hezekiah prayed fervently  to Jehovah, and Jehovah answered him.  Jehovah God granted him peace for the rest of his days, and for that, Hezekiah was grateful.  (Isaiah 39:8)  Jehovah  should be just as real to us today.  When problems arise, may we, like Hezekiah, look to Jehovah for wisdom and the way out, for he gives  generously to all and without reproaching."  (James 1:5) If we continue to endure and to exercise faith in Jehovah, we can be sure that he will become  "the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him," both now and in the future. -Hebrews 11:6.

Next time: "Comfort My People"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000