Isaiah 39:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Astute Babylonian and Chaldean scholars, who meticulously observed the celestial movements, likely noticed this reversal of the sun and the extraordinary length of that day. It is plausible that the magnitude of this miracle spread throughout the region, serving as a testament to God's promise made to Hezekiah. Moreover, it is reasonable to believe that Merodach was astonished by another event—the sudden demise of those who had besieged Jerusalem alongside Rapsacus, who were struck down in a single night by the angel's powerful hand, leaving them lifeless by morning. The ambassadors arrived because, in light of these divine wonders that defied comprehension, Merodach was impressed by Hezekiah's righteousness. Hezekiah, however, missed the opportunity to share with the Babylonian emissaries the glorious accounts of God’s assistance and the magnitude of His marvelous works, which might have enlightened them further about the omnipotent Lord and led them back to their homeland enriched with knowledge of God. Instead, he succumbed to human vanity and placed his pride not in what was divinely bestowed upon him but in the wealth of his kingdom, thereby diminishing the full measure of his honor. Thus, he instructed, “Show them the treasures of the house of Nechot, meaning aromas, along with the house of peace, the stacti, and the collections of silver and gold, along with all the storied houses of gazas,” with gaza signifying riches or possessions in Persian.

It is important to note that this Merodach Baladan should not be confused with the king who liberated Jechoniah, as there were one hundred and thirteen years separating the embassy to Hezekiah from Jechoniah’s captivity. Asardan, the son of Sennacherib, was king of Assyria for a brief period before the Babylonians took over, and Abilmerodach, who freed Jechoniah, became the king of Babylon.

Following the defeat of one hundred eighty-five thousand of his soldiers by an angel, Sennacherib fled to Nineveh, where he met his demise at the hands of his own sons in the temple of his deity. His son Assaradon succeeded him. It's noted that despite Hezekiah's illness, he regained his health as foretold by the prophet, and a remarkable miracle occurred when the sun's movement reversed, extending the day by ten hours.

In that same year, letters and gifts were brought to Hezekiah from Merodach Baladan, not from Assaradon, who took over the Assyrian kingdom after his father's death, of which Scripture provides no details. This suggests a distinction between the Assyrian and Babylonian empires during that time. To summarize, Samaria, representing the ten tribes, fell to the Assyrians while Judah and Jerusalem later succumbed to the Chaldeans under King Nebuchadnezzar.

The Babylonians, who observed the heavens and understood celestial patterns, recognized that the sun's reversal during the extended day signified the honor of the God they worshipped. Upon investigation of the miracle's cause, they learned that the alteration in the sun’s path was linked to the illness experienced by the king of the Jews. This conclusion is not merely my interpretation but is supported by sacred texts, which recount that Hezekiah diverted the waters of Gihon to the western side of the city and succeeded in his endeavors, but during the delegation from the Babylonian princes—sent to learn about the miraculous sign on Earth—God withdrew from Hezekiah to test him and reveal his innermost thoughts (2 Chronicles 32:30-31).

He was tested because, following such a significant victory, the miraculous return of the sun, and accolades from a powerful kingdom, Hezekiah's heart became prideful. The same scripture notes that many brought offerings to the Lord in Jerusalem, as well as gifts for Hezekiah, exalting him in renown (2 Chronicles 32:23-20). In his time of illness near death, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, who heard his plea and provided him with a sign. Regrettably, Hezekiah did not reciprocate in kind for the blessings received; rather, he became lifted in pride, resulting in anger from the Lord towards him and Judah (2 Chronicles 32:23-20).

Again, the Holy Scripture affirms that Hezekiah’s humbled spirit after such pride turned aside the Lord’s wrath: Hezekiah humbled himself when his heart was exalted, and the anger of the Lord was averted during Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 32:26). Thus, he welcomed the ambassadors from Merodach, whom Jewish tradition considers to be Nebuchadnezzar’s father, celebrating their offerings and congratulating them on his recuperation. He showcased the house of fragrances and the treasures of silver, gold, and the finest oil, revealing all the vessels from his storehouses. However, it must be noted that there was much pride in showing his treasures, which included not only his royal and palace possessions but also those of the temple, from which he had previously removed gold plates.

Frequently, when abundance is present and that which is coveted by others may be taken due to being seized, one's thoughts may puff up the spirit, leading to the full measure of the Judge's wrath, even if it does not manifest in overt actions. For the one who judges resides within, and within lies that which is subject to judgment. Thus, when we commit transgressions in our hearts, our actions may remain concealed from others, yet we still sin, with the Judge Himself as our witness.