2 Kings 20:14

Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, "Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?" "They came from a distant land," Hezekiah replied, "from Babylon."

Study Bible

Then the prophet Isaiah
The word "prophet" in Hebrew is "navi," which signifies one who is called or appointed by God to deliver His messages. Isaiah, whose name means "Yahweh is salvation," is a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his profound insights and prophecies concerning both immediate and future events. His role as a prophet is crucial, as he serves as God's mouthpiece, bringing divine revelation and guidance to the people and their leaders. Isaiah's involvement in this narrative underscores the importance of divine counsel in the affairs of the kingdom.

went to King Hezekiah
Hezekiah, whose name means "Yahweh strengthens," was one of the more righteous kings of Judah, known for his religious reforms and trust in God. The phrase "went to" indicates a direct and purposeful action by Isaiah, suggesting the urgency and importance of the message he is about to deliver. This encounter highlights the relationship between the prophet and the king, where the prophet serves as a spiritual advisor, reminding the king of his accountability to God.

and asked
The act of asking here is not merely a request for information but a probing into the spiritual and moral implications of Hezekiah's actions. In the Hebrew context, questions from a prophet often serve to reveal deeper truths or to bring about reflection and repentance. Isaiah's inquiry is a means of confronting Hezekiah with the reality of his decisions and their potential consequences.

Where did those men come from
This question addresses the origin of the visitors, which is significant in understanding the political and spiritual implications of their visit. In the historical context, these men were envoys from Babylon, a rising power at the time. The question implies a concern for foreign influence and alliances, which could lead to idolatry or reliance on human power rather than on God. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment in international relations and the potential dangers of forming alliances that are not in line with God's will.

and what did they say to you?
This part of the inquiry seeks to uncover the content and nature of the communication between Hezekiah and the Babylonian envoys. It reflects the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership. The question also implies a concern for the messages and influences that leaders entertain, as these can have significant spiritual and political ramifications. In the broader biblical narrative, it serves as a caution against the seductive nature of worldly power and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all interactions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah served as a messenger of God, delivering His words and warnings to the people of Judah and their leaders, including King Hezekiah.

2. King Hezekiah
The king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God, his reforms to restore proper worship, and his reliance on God during times of crisis. However, he also made mistakes, such as showing the Babylonian envoys all his treasures.

3. Babylon
A distant land and rising power during Hezekiah's time. The visit of the Babylonian envoys foreshadows future events where Babylon would become a significant threat to Judah.

4. Envoys from Babylon
Representatives sent by the king of Babylon to Hezekiah, ostensibly to congratulate him on his recovery from illness, but also to gather intelligence on Judah's wealth and defenses.

5. The Inquiry
Isaiah's questioning of Hezekiah reveals a moment of testing and introspection, highlighting the importance of discernment and the consequences of pride and lack of wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Hezekiah's pride in showing off his wealth to the Babylonian envoys serves as a cautionary tale. Pride can lead to poor decisions and unintended consequences.

The Importance of Discernment
Hezekiah's failure to discern the true intentions of the Babylonian envoys highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in our interactions and decisions.

God's Sovereignty and Prophetic Warning
Isaiah's role as a prophet reminds us of God's sovereignty and the importance of heeding His warnings. God often uses His messengers to guide and correct us.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Treasures
Hezekiah's focus on material wealth serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the importance of prioritizing spiritual riches.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Hezekiah's interaction with the Babylonian envoys about the dangers of pride and self-reliance?

2. How does Isaiah's questioning of Hezekiah challenge us to consider the motives behind our actions and decisions?

3. In what ways can we apply the lesson of discernment from this passage to our daily lives, especially in our relationships and decision-making?

4. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Babylonian envoys connect to Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that required discernment. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 32
Provides additional context on Hezekiah's reign, including his wealth and the visit from the Babylonian envoys, emphasizing the pride that led to his downfall.

Isaiah 39
Offers a parallel account of the same event, underscoring the prophetic warning about Babylon's future conquest of Judah.

Proverbs 16:18
Relates to the theme of pride preceding destruction, a lesson evident in Hezekiah's actions.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth connects to Hezekiah's display of earthly wealth.