Isaiah

Isaiah 39: God’s word exposes passing treasures

Begin in prayer

Before we see Hezekiah show his treasures to visitors, let us ask God for humble hearts. Pray that our family would value His Word above admiration and seek the lasting hope found in Jesus.

Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.

Psalm 115:1

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us hear Your warning when present comforts make us careless. Turn us from pride in possessions to trust in Jesus and His lasting kingdom. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Babylon’s king sends letters and a present after hearing of Hezekiah’s recovery. Hezekiah welcomes the visitors and shows them his silver, gold, spices, precious oil, armor and every treasure in his dominion. Isaiah asks where the men came from and what they saw, and the king acknowledges that he showed them everything. The LORD then declares that everything stored by Hezekiah and his fathers will be carried to Babylon, leaving nothing behind. Some of his own descendants will be taken away and become eunuchs in Babylon’s palace. Hezekiah calls God’s word good and adds that peace and truth will remain in his own days.

As you read Isaiah 39, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God’s word about the future is true, and riches cannot keep us safe.

Merodach Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift when he heard that Hezekiah had recovered (verse 1). Babylon’s king probably wanted Hezekiah as a friend against Assyria, and Hezekiah was pleased to be honored by a faraway king. So he showed them his silver, gold, spices, oil and armor, with nothing held back (verse 2). His heart was lifted up with pride instead of thanks to the LORD who healed him (2 Chronicles 32 verse 25). Isaiah then brings the LORD’s word that all of it will be carried to Babylon, and “Nothing will be left” (verse 6). Judah will be taken by the same kingdom whose visitors Hezekiah tried to impress, and some of his sons will serve in its palace. Hezekiah calls the word good and is glad there will be peace in his own days (verse 8). The next chapter opens with God’s comfort for the people this warning describes.

How does Isaiah 39 show us that God’s word about the future is true, and riches cannot keep us safe?

Present wealth can fill our view.

Hezekiah is pleased with Babylon’s visitors and shows them everything he possesses. Silver, gold and armor appear secure within his rule. Isaiah brings a word from the LORD that reaches beyond what the king has just displayed.

God’s warning reaches possessions and descendants.

The treasures will go to Babylon, and nothing will be left. The king’s own descendants will be carried away to serve there as eunuchs. Present honor gives no protection against the loss God announces.

Mercy in our days calls for humble hearing.

Hezekiah calls the LORD’s word good and speaks of peace and truth in his lifetime. The warning about later days still stands. We should hear both the mercy of delay and the judgment that our present comfort cannot cancel.

Memorise

Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up until today, will be carried to Babylon.

Isaiah 39:6

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what present comfort distracts me from God’s warning and my need of Jesus?

The king has shown everything, and God announces, “Nothing will be left.” The treasure that impresses visitors cannot secure his house against the LORD’s word. Even the royal descendants face captivity and humiliating service.

Our possessions cannot answer for our sin when God calls us to account. Jesus gave His life, and the Father raised Him from the grave. His death paid for His people’s sin once for all, and it brings them into His lasting kingdom.

Turn from pride and careless trust in comfort, and believe in Jesus for forgiveness. Every person who trusts Him receives mercy. Hear God’s warning while He gives you time to respond. The Savior’s kingdom is the treasure no enemy can carry away, and He shares it with all who trust Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God’s word about the future always comes true, and that Jesus is the treasure no enemy can take. Please explain that some of Hezekiah’s sons would serve the king of Babylon, without any bodily detail. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that His warning tells the truth about treasures and the future we cannot control, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared — whose will they be?’

Luke 12:20

Lord God, thank You for warning us while we have time to hear. Please bring us to Jesus for forgiveness and a lasting hope. Turn us from boasting in what we possess and help us care about those who will follow us. Let our family value Your Word throughout this week. Amen.