Isaiah 39:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Babylonian and Chaldean scholars, who diligently tracked celestial movements, would undoubtedly have noticed this extraordinary reversal and the extended duration of that day. It is quite likely that news of this profound sign spread throughout the land, serving as confirmation of the promise that God had granted to Hezekiah.

Moreover, it seems that Merodach was also taken aback by the sudden fate of those who besieged Jerusalem alongside Rapsacus, as they were struck down in one night by the angel's decisive blow, leaving them lifeless by morning. As a result, the ambassadors arrived, astonished by the divine acts that far exceeded human understanding, and by the righteousness of Hezekiah. Though he could have shared with the Babylonian envoys a splendid account of the assistance received from God throughout his reign and the majesty of His miraculous deeds—so as to enlighten them with knowledge of God’s immense power and encourage their return home enriched with this wisdom—Hizkiah chose not to do so. Instead, he succumbed to the temptation of pride, boasting not in the favor bestowed upon him by God but in the wealth of his kingdom, thereby diminishing the true extent of his glory. He instructed them to behold the treasures of his realm, including the house of Nechot (meaning fragrances), the house of peace, and the wealth of silver and gold, along with all his storerooms filled with treasures, the term "gaza" being of Persian origin denoting riches or possessions.

After defeating one hundred eighty-five thousand of his forces through an angelic intervention, Sennacherib fled to Nineveh, where he met his demise at the hands of his sons in the temple of his god, with his son Assaradon succeeding him. At this time, Hezekiah had fallen ill but, as foretold by the prophet, he regained his health. A significant miracle occurred: the sun's position was altered, moving back for ten hours, effectively lengthening the day.

It is worth noting that in the same year that these events unfolded, letters and gifts were sent to Hezekiah by Merodach Baladan, not by Assaradon, who had taken the throne after his father. This indicates a distinction between the kingdoms of Assyria and Babylon during that period. Samaria, representing the ten tribes, had already fallen to the Assyrians, while Judah and Jerusalem would later be overtaken by the Chaldeans under Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonians, skilled in observing celestial bodies and understanding their movements, recognized the significance of the sun's backward movement as an acknowledgment of the God they worshiped. When they sought to understand the meaning behind this miracle, word spread among the nations that, due to the king of the Jews' illness, even the sun's course had been altered.

This assertion is not merely my interpretation; it is supported by the Scriptures. The ‘Sayings of the Days’ state: "He, Hezekiah, dammed up the upper channel of the waters of Geon and diverted them to the western side of the city of David. In all his endeavors, he achieved his desires; but when the princes of Babylon sent an envoy to inquire about the sign that had transpired on Earth, God withdrew from him to test him and reveal what was in his heart." Hezekiah faced this test because, following such a monumental victory and the miraculous return of the sun, together with praises from a powerful kingdom, his heart swelled with pride. Additionally, the Scriptures recount that "many brought gifts to the Lord in Jerusalem and to Hezekiah, king of Judah, and he was exalted before the praise of all nations because of these events."

During this time, Hezekiah fell gravely ill and prayed to the Lord, who heard his prayer and provided him with a sign. However, Hezekiah did not respond to God's generosity with gratitude; instead, his heart grew proud, provoking wrath against himself, Judah, and Jerusalem. The Scriptures further affirm that his pride was later counterbalanced by his repentance, noting: "And Hezekiah humbled himself from the height of his heart, and those who dwelt in Jerusalem, and the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah."

Thus, Hezekiah celebrated the arrival of the ambassadors from Merodach, whom the Jews consider to be Nebuchadnezzar's predecessor, welcoming their gifts and their congratulations for his recovery. He displayed to them, as indicated by the Seventy translators, the house of fragrances, along with the treasures of silver, gold, incense, and the finest oil, which is written in Hebrew as "good oil," along with all his storehouses. The term for storehouses, or vessels, connects to wealth in Persian but is not originally Hebrew, marking it as a foreign term. Despite the significance of his treasures, Hezekiah revealed everything to the Babylonian ambassadors, inviting the righteous anger of God. He did not only expose the wealth of his palace but also the treasures of the temple, from which he had previously removed its golden plates.

Frequently, when one has an abundance, and when that which is treasured by others is carelessly appropriated, the mind swells with pride, inviting the Judge’s displeasure, even if no overtly hostile actions are taken. For within each person resides the Judge, and the internal judgments are what truly matter. Thus, when we commit sin in our hearts, our actions may remain hidden from the eyes of others, yet we still fall into transgression, with the Judge bearing witness to our deeds.