ISAIAH 39
Hezekiah shows treasures to Babylonians verse 1- 2
At that time Merodach-baladan – son of Baladan – king of Babylon
sent letters and a present to Hezekiah
for he had heard that he had been sick
and was recovered
And Hezekiah was glad of them
and showed them the house of his precious things
silver – gold – spices – precious ointment
and all the house of his armor
and all that was found in his treasures
there was nothing in his house
nor in all his dominion
that Hezekiah showed them not
Isaiah asks Hezekiah questions verse 3- 4
THEN came ISAIAH the prophet unto king Hezekiah
and said to him
What said these men?
and from whence came they unto you?
And Hezekiah said
They are come from a far country unto me
even from Babylon
THEN said he
What have they seen in your house?
And Hezekiah answered
All that is in mine house have they seen
there is nothing among my treasures that
I have not shown them
Isaiah tells Hezekiah about future verse 5- 7
THEN said ISAIAH to Hezekiah
Hear the word of the LORD of hosts
BEHOLD the days come – that all that is in your house
AND that which your fathers have laid up in store
until this day – shall be carried to Babylon
nothing shall be left – says the LORD
And of your sons that shall issue from you
which you shall beget – shall they take away
and they shall be eunuchs
in the palace of the king of Babylon
Hezekiah replies to Isaiah verse 8
THEN said Hezekiah to ISAIAH
Good is the word of the LORD which you have spoken
He said moreover
For there shall be peace and truth in my days
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. (4503 “present” [minchah] means gift, tribute, offering, oblation, sacrifice, or meat offering.
DEVOTION: Hezekiah consulted the LORD about problems. Hezekiah consulted the LORD about sickness. Hezekiah didn’t consult the LORD about gifts from people who lived far away. He didn’t consult the LORD regarding what to show the ones bringing gifts.
This was a test sent by God to check out the heart of Hezekiah (II Chronicles 32:31). The messengers from Babylon gave him gifts. He showed them all his wealth. He showed them his armor.
This was a pride issue. Once we start bragging, it is hard to stop. They saw everything they needed to conquer Judah. Isaiah warned Hezekiah that they were coming but not in his lifetime. He humbled himself before the LORD and the LORD forgave him.
We all like gifts. We don’t like problems. We don’t like sickness. We really like people who are willing to give us gifts. They are our friends. Right???
Isaiah told Hezekiah differently. We need to watch people who offer us gifts. We need to watch out for people who come to us as friends when in reality they are looking for our weak points. They would like to see us fall rather than build us up. This is not all people who come but we need to use the discernment the LORD gives us to judge the motives of those who want to be close to us. We need to watch our response to gifts.
Hezekiah’s response was not good. He showed more than he should to the messengers. Sometimes we share more than we should with people who give us gifts. It is not a lack of trust but wisdom. It is also a pride issue.
Do we give God the glory? Hezekiah would have received instructions from the LORD had he asked for wisdom regarding these people from Babylon.
We will receive instructions regarding people who bring us gifts. We need discernment every day. We need to ask the LORD what to do in pleasant circumstances, just as much, as we ask HIM in times of trouble.
Are we giving the LORD HIS due in pleasant times? Are we giving HIM all the glory? Remember that if we fall prey to pride, we also can ask forgiveness and the LORD will forgive us. Praise HIS name.
CHALLENGE: Continually as the LORD for discernment in every situation you find yourself in on a daily basis. Never brag regarding the LORD’S blessings as if you deserve them. It is HIS grace and mercy alone.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 2 And Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). שָׂמַח [samach /saw·makh/] – To rejoice (arrogantly), exult.
DEVOTION: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Sometimes an act that appears to be something polite or special can in reality be a prideful spirit! Hezekiah sought to reward the men that had come from Babylon bearing him gifts with a display of the riches and resources of his kingdom! While that act was not necessarily wrong apparently the heart attitude within Hezekiah was. Isaiah spoke and predicted that all the men had seen would become the possession of Babylon in coming days. The open and willingness to display his riches resulted in the prophecy of it all being removed from his kingdom!
It is wise to be discerning about disclosing to much information as a demonstration of riches or power. It is much godlier to be a servant and allow the Lord to reveal the resources at your disposal as He sees appropriate. We can be boastful and proud without speaking, we can demonstrate an attitude of self-reliance and arrogance through our material possessions. Be thankful for that which the Lord has given you but be careful not to flaunt those possessions as well.
CHALLENGE: All we have is a result of God’s blessing and permission to use those items! Hold and use the possessions you have wisely! (Dr. Brian Miller – board member)
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: 5, 6 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: Behold, the days come, that all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, says the LORD. (8085 “Hear” [shama] means to listen and pay attention, obey, cause to hear, examine, obey, perceive by ear, or to hear with attention or interest.)
DEVOTION: One of the commands that are repeated to believers in the Old Testament and the New is that those who are followers of the LORD need to open their ears and hearts to hear and understand what the LORD expects of us once we claim to be HIS followers.
It is sad that there are many people who claim to be followers of Jesus that don’t open their Bibles between Sundays. There are some that really don’t pray very much and even fewer that attend a Prayer Meeting in a home or church.
Prayer seems to be a lost art as many churches have cancelled their Wednesday Prayer Meetings due to a lack of attendance. Some meet in homes during the week but even then there is little prayer.
Isaiah is trying to tell Hezekiah that he hasn’t been listening to the LORD or the prophet because he is just doing as he pleases and showing those who don’t know the LORD things that he should have gone to the LORD and asked what he should do with these visitors from the land of Babylon.
Too often we don’t pray before we act. Pride always comes before the fall. So we continue to do what we think is good instead of asking the LORD what we should share or not share with others.
We have the same problem that Hezekiah had. We want to show off what the LORD is doing without asking the LORD for wisdom regarding what we should say and do in our daily lives.
If Hezekiah had gone to the LORD and asked HIM for wisdom regarding these visitors and what he should do with them, he might have learned what he should do and say with these men.
We need to learn that pride comes before a fall in our lives. Hezekiah was proud of what he had and wanted to show it to everyone without thinking of asking the LORD what he should do and say.
We need to seek the counsel of God and other believers when we speak to individuals who are trying to praise us.
CHALLENGE: The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom on what to say and do in our daily walk with the LORD IF we ask HIM during our personal devotional times. Pause for prayer before speaking is always wise!
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 8 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days. (571 “truth” [emeth] means firmness, faithfulness, reliability, sureness, stability, fidelity, or trustworthiness.)
DEVOTION: To get the full meaning of this passage we have to go back to II Chronicles 32: 25, 26. In this passage we find that Hezekiah’s heart was lifted up because of the LORD answering his prayer. He was full of pride. Therefore the LORD was going to judge Israel during his lifetime but Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem humbled themselves before the LORD. Once they had repented of their pride the LORD made this statement found in Isaiah.
The Bible always states that pride comes before the fall. Hezekiah was a man just like us, in that, he went through a great trial and was healed. Once he realized that the LORD loved him, he let his guard down. He thought that he was important to God instead of the other way around. His attitude was expressed by the people who followed him except Isaiah. He confronted him in the beginning of the passage.
If pride enters our life after a great victory it is Satan working in our heart. Sometimes he comes as a roaring lion but other times he can come with gifts that make us feel important.
We have to watch our attitude at all times. It is a struggle to keep our life in line with the will of God. Sometimes we go to fast and sometimes we go to slow. Our prayer life helps us to go at just the right speed.
Isaiah kept Hezekiah focused. We need people in our life to keep us focused on what is necessary for growth in our Christian life.
CHALLENGE: Have someone in your life to keep your feet on the ground and focused on what the LORD would have you do in the present tense. Think humbly of your relationship with the LORD when HE answers your prayers.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Word of the LORD verse 5, 8
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 5, 6, 8
LORD of hosts verse 5
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Merodachbaladan – king of Babylon verse 1, 7
sent letters and a present to Hezekiah
Hezekiah’s sons will be eunuchs in his palace
Babylon verse 1, 3, 6
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Peace verse 8
Truth verse 8
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Hezekiah verse 1- 8
had been sick and recovered
glad to receive visitors from Babylon
showed his house of precious things and
silver, gold, spices, precious ointment,
house of armor
heard message of Isaiah regarding his sons
believed there would be peace and truth
in his days
Isaiah verse 3, 5 – 8
Prophet: asked questions of Hezekiah
Asked what he had shown them
Told Hezekiah to HEAR the
word of the LORD of hosts
All shall be carried away to Babylon
Tells that his sons shall be carried away
to Babylon and turned into eunuchs
Fathers verse 6
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
All treasures of Israel would be taken
to Babylon – nothing left verse 6
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QUOTES regarding passage
1–2. That Hezekiah should have received the envoys gladly is understandable. It was a proper courtesy responding to a kindly gesture. But beyond the gesture lay the letters, the hidden agenda. Their contents are not divulged but are plain from the king’s reaction. What must the letters have said if they provoked the response of displaying the resources and armed strength of the kingdom? From such a source as Merodach-Baladan, only one thing: ‘Join me in rebellion’—and Hezekiah fell for it. It was a clear choice: the promises of God (38:4–8) or the power of man (39:2), and Hezekiah forgot the promises. (Motyer, J. A. (1999). Isaiah: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 20, p. 270). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
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This chapter, perhaps more than any other in the book, tends to reveal the basic presuppositions of commentators. Many place it early in the sixth century and on the sole ground that it purports to predict events that took place then. This then raises the question, Does supernatural prediction really occur? and behind this the even deeper question, What is God’s relationship to his creation and to man?
1–2 Merodach-Baladan, known to secular history as Marduk-aplu-idinna, an Aramean, was king of Babylon 721–709 b.c. and again for a brief spell of nine months in 703 b.c. (see ZPEB, 4:191–92). Babylon had known years of greatness in the past and, though now eclipsed by Assyria, was to be great again. Merodach-Baladan’s brief success in throwing off the Assyrian yoke was an earnest of this. There was, of course, a political motive for sending his deputation to Hezekiah (v.1). It could have taken place during the closing years of his first period of rule; but, in view of the time references in 38:1 and this verse, it seems likely that it was in 703, only two years before the deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib.
The envoys were taken on a grand tour of the palace and the kingdom (v.2). Hezekiah’s glad reception of them may have been due to a desire to be involved in concerted action against Assyria, and the display of his wealth would show he had something to offer as a potential ally. (Grogan, G. W. (1986). Isaiah. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, p. 239). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
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The news about Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery had spread widely so that even people in Babylon knew about it (2 Chron. 32:23). Hezekiah was a famous man, and other nations would be concerned about him and want to court his favor. The stability of Judah was important to the balance of power in that day. At this time, Babylon was not a great world power; and few people would have thought that Assyria would one day collapse and be replaced by Babylon. Of course, God knew, but Hezekiah did not seek His guidance.
The stated reason for the diplomatic mission was to honor Hezekiah and officially rejoice at his recovery. But the real reason was to obtain information about the financial resources of the nation of Judah. After all, Babylon might need some of that wealth in their future negotiations or battles. It is also likely that Hezekiah was seeking Babylon’s assistance against Assyria.
When Satan cannot defeat us as the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8–9), he comes as the deceiving serpent (2 Cor. 11:3). What Assyria could not do with weapons, Babylon did with gifts. God permitted the enemy to test Hezekiah so that the proud king might learn what was really in his heart (2 Chron. 32:31). (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Comforted (pp. 101–102). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Ver. 1. At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, &c.] The same is called Berodach, 2 Kings 20:12 which, according to Hillerus, is the same with Bar-merodach, the son of Merodach; though it is generally took to be a slip of the scribe’s there, or a change of letter, as is common in names; he was either afterwards made a god of, or he had his name from an idol of the Babylonians so called, Jer. 50:1 which signifies a pure lord. Jerom observes it, as the opinion of the Jews, that he was the father of Nebuchadnezzar, which is not probable. Kimchi takes him to be the same with Esarhaddon, the son of Sennacherib; but he was king of Assyria, not of Babylon; it is most likely that he is the Assyrian king, whom Ptolemy in his canon calls Mardocempad; his other name Baladan, which is compounded of two words, bal and adan, and both of them signify lord, he took from his father, for he is called the son of Baladan; by Josephus he is called Baladas, who says that Berosus the Chaldean makes mention of a king of Babylon by this name. Bishop Usherb thinks he is the same that is called by profane writers Belesis, and Belessus, and Nabonasarus; his name consists of the names of three idols, Merodach, an idol of the Babylonians, as before observed, and Bal, the contraction of Baal, and Adon, the same with Adonis: he sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; by his ambassadors, which was always usual in embassies and visits, and still is in the eastern countries; the purport of which embassy was to congratulate him upon his recovery, and to inquire concerning the miracle that was wrought in his land; either the destruction of the Assyrian army in one night by an angel, or rather the sun’s going back ten degrees, 2 Chron. 32:31 and, as Josephus says, to enter into an alliance with him; and this seems to be the true reason of sending these ambassadors; or the king of Babylon had lately fallen off from the Assyrian monarch, and therefore was desirous of entering into a league with Hezekiah the king of Assyria’s enemy, in order to strengthen himself against him, and secure his liberty he had just regained: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered; which both gives a reason of the embassy, and points at the time when it was; very probably the same year of his sickness and recovery. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 5, p. 219). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Church is too often a place of pretense and therefore a place without hope. (p. 66)
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If we enter our dark night and refuse to pretend that we see light when we don’t, we will eventually see the plan of God unfold in our lives. (p. 75)
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Impatient Westerners prefer quick sanctification. Take your car into the shop and drive it again the next day. Bring your soul to a counselor or pastor and get fixed right away. (p. 78)
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I have learned that an awareness of inadequacy is neither a curse to lift nor a disorder to cure. It is a gift to be received, a gift that if properly used can make me powerful and strong and clear and wise. (p. 81)
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I would ask God to never let me again preach an Eden-denying message where psychological insights replace biblical wisdom in a misguided effort to repair emotional damage when the real problem is a serpent-inspired determination to experience life without God. (p. 81)
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It’s far more common to remain miserable and grumpy even when a few things go well, or to immerse ourselves in enjoying whatever blessings are still available (p.84, Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb)
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Spirit of Antichrist
“And this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 John 4:3)
The four passages in the New Testament that use this term are unique to the apostle John (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). The term itself is a transliteration of the Greek compound word anti plus christos, meaning one who is “against” Christ.
John distinguishes between “the” Antichrist (1 John 2:18) and the “many” antichrists against whom we are continually fighting today.
Although a sincere Christian should be aware of the Antichrist (the “man of sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), far more caution is urged to identify and fight the spirit of antichrist that is already here!
To begin with, it should be noted that there is no specific word for “spirit” in 1 John 4:3. The English word is supplied by the translators to clarify the obvious meaning of the text, that it is the attitude or character of antichrist of which we are to be wary. Those who have this spirit are liars (1 John 2:22), mainly because they refuse to accept the truth that Jesus is the Christ.
Further rejection of that truth centers around denial of the incarnation of Christ, that Jesus is the Creator God come in human flesh (1 John 4:3and 2 John 1:7). Those who would deny that truth embrace the very core of all lies and become anti Christ.
Such persons are like the thief and the robber who harm the sheep (John 10:1), embrace another gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and teach other doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3-7).
From such as these we are to turn away (2 Timothy 3:5). (HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
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Exodus 4
Aaron is appointed to help Moses.
INSIGHT
God does not need any one of us. He wants us and He would like to use us, but God does not need us. Take away one person, and the work of God is not diminished — it goes on.
When God calls us to a ministry, it is for our benefit. If we are unwilling or impure, He can get the work done through someone else. We must realize that everything God asks of us is ultimately for our benefit — even serving Him. Moses is a good example of that fact. (Quiet Walk)
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FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
…in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 1 Corinthians 2:4
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Clearly there are two things at any rate that go with this term. It is something that happens that gives authority and power and the ability for service and witness. The apostles were given it at the very beginning, and the result was that they began to speak with other tongues, and Peter, filled with the Spirit, preached his sermon. Then again, after they had prayed, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness. And when Paul was confronted by the opposition of that clever man, the magician Elymas, he was filled especially with the Spirit in order to pronounce a judgment, and the judgment fell upon the man. So it is clear that the filling with the Spirit happens for the sake of service; it gives us power and authority for service.
Let me emphasize this. This filling is an absolute necessity for true service. Even our Lord Himself did not enter upon His ministry until the Holy Spirit had descended upon Him. He even told the disciples, whom He had been training for three years, who had been with Him in the inner circle, who had seen His miracles and heard all His words, who had seen Him dead and buried and risen again, even these exceptional men with their exceptional opportunities He told to stay where they were, not to start upon any ministry, not to attempt to witness to Him, until they had received the power that the Holy Spirit would give them.
This is something, therefore, that is vital to our witness. It was the whole secret of the ministry of the apostle Paul. He did not preach with enticing words of human wisdom, but preached, he said, “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). He was filled with the Spirit for his task.
A Thought to Ponder: The filling with the Spirit happens for the sake of service. (From God the Holy Spirit, pp. 241-242, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Can You Dish It Out?
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
LUKE 9:23
Did you know there are four ways for a man to load a dishwasher?
1. The way he’s been trained by his mother.
2. The way his wife likes it done.
3. The way he does it at his mother-in-law’s house.
4. The way he does it when no one’s looking.
Now, is one of these methods right and all the others wrong? Can’t a man just cram in as many pots and pans and bowls and plates as possible, in whatever arrangement it takes to get the door closed? Can any woman prove me wrong on this with absolute certainty? Sure, the proper dishwasher loading method is not a big marriage deal. But it’s an example of those little tastes and preferences we have, those minor points of difference that can often fester into major arguments and problems.
If you are going to keep the little things your spouse does from becoming real irritants and obstacles in your relationship, you need to deny yourself, like Jesus said in today’s verse. Rather than insisting that your way is right in matters of minor importance, let some stuff go. Rather than nagging and nitpicking—which is like being nibbled to death by a duck—express your dislikes in ways that don’t rankle and threaten and lead to even bigger blowups.
Throughout your marriage, you’ll have hundreds, perhaps thousands, of opportunities like these to either die to yourself or rise up in your own defense. Remember that there are a lot worse things in life than rewashing the cereal bowls. And yes, I do know how to load a dishwasher now—since 1972, Barbara has been training me!
DISCUSS
What is something your spouse does that drives you crazy? Can you cover it with grace? (Moments with You Couples Devotional by Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
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