THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Ezekiel illuminated not merely the words of the ambassadors but also their origins. The prophet seemed aware when he posed the question, indicating he sought to highlight something deeper. He subsequently reveals that his inquiry stemmed not from ignorance but from a prophetic foresight concerning the impending exile. To understand the rationale behind the judgment of captivity, we must reflect upon the joy experienced by Hezekiah. Just as the specific reason for his illness remains unexpressed, often attributed to pride, so too is the motive behind the arrival of the envoys left unstated. It stands to reason that Hezekiah’s misplaced reliance on human strength rather than divine support played a role in this.
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It was inappropriate for him to place his trust in men and to form alliances with them. Yet, overwhelmed by gifts, he chose to reveal not what was appropriate but instead displayed the treasures of Nechotha. Aquila refers to this as the ‘house of incense,’ while Simmachus describes it as ‘the house of military arms, gold, silver, stacti, oil, and incense, along with everything from his treasury.’ Why then did he forge connections with these envoys instead of with the Lord, in whom his true protection lay? Some speculate that he exhibited his treasures to intimidate them, should they harbor intentions of using such things against him. Others suggest that the ambassadors sought to discern the reason behind the miraculous sign, as Hezekiah’s healing was accompanied by a day that extended unusually long. At the tenth hour, the sun reversed its course for an additional ten hours, thus elongating the day, before moving along its natural path for another twelve hours. Observing this extraordinary phenomenon, the Babylonians approached to inquire about the miraculous event, realizing the sun appeared to have traveled for 32 hours in that day. Consequently, the prophet queries, ‘What did these men say?’ Hezekiah failed to direct their attention to the great God who had performed wondrous acts; instead, he showcased the results of human endeavors. He overlooked the warning inscribed in scripture: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man’ (Jeremiah 17:5).