Isaiah 39:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Perhaps he was flattered by the notion of being sought after by individuals from such far-off territory, attempting to win his favor. When the prophet inquired about their observations and the king claimed that there was nothing they hadn't seen, the prophet proclaimed that the day would come when all treasures accumulated through the labor and care of his ancestors would be handed over to the Babylonians. He further indicated that the children he would later father, at least in the far-off future, would become eunuchs in the service of the Babylonian king. This prophecy was indeed realized, as documented in the book of Kings. During the reign of Jeconiah, Nebuchadnezzar captured all of Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, including the sacred temple, and took many Israelites captive, among whom were Daniel and his companions, who were referred to as eunuchs in the court of the Babylonian king. What is the significance of this prophecy, and what purpose does it serve? Through this, God implies that it would have been wiser and more prudent for those who visited from Babylon to report on the miraculous deeds performed by divine power or, at the very least, to avoid displaying to the Babylonians the hidden treasures.

In response, Hezekiah acknowledged the word of the Lord as good, expressing a desire for only peace and truth during his reign.

The Hebrews teach that Hezekiah's affliction stemmed from his failure to offer songs of praise to God following the remarkable victory of the Jews over the Assyrian king, a praise similar to that sung by Moses after Pharaoh's defeat, by Deborah after the conquest of Sisera, and by Hannah after Samuel's birth. This led to his awareness of his own mortality. It presented a new temptation to pride, which, as a wise and faithful servant of God, he should have resisted by not displaying his riches to the visitors, for these blessings were divine gifts. This reflects the principle that one should not cast pearls before swine or give sacred things to dogs, as noted in Matthew 7:6. A faithful spirit tends to guard his actions, while failing to do so risks weakening all virtues, resulting in the moral decline of oneself and one's progeny.

Isaiah, feigning ignorance, poses two inquiries, asking both the content of the visitors' message and their origin. Hezekiah answers the first but neglects the second, emphasizing with pride that they came from a distant and glorious place, Babylon, rather than acknowledging that they should have come to glorify God for a great sign. Once again, Isaiah asks what they saw in Hezekiah's house. Hezekiah partially responds accurately, admitting they saw everything, yet he omits mentioning that he had revealed all that was under his authority, likely including the temple's implements. Consequently, Isaiah conveys God’s judgment, asserting that all that belongs to Hezekiah and what his fathers gathered will be taken to Babylon, and some of his descendants will serve in the king’s palace.

The Jews interpret this to mean that Daniel, Ananias, Mishael, and Azariah, belonging to the royal lineage and serving King Nebuchadnezzar, became eunuchs as foretold. When Hezekiah states that the Lord’s word is good, the Jews criticize him for not reflecting the selflessness of Moses, who implored God to erase him from His book if He would not forgive the sins of the people. Likewise, the apostle Paul expresses a willingness to be cut off from Christ for the sake of his fellow Israelites. As a result, the Jews believe Hezekiah's acceptance of the divine word was insufficient, contending that he should have sought comfort for others, as God commands, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," that they might receive divine mercy.