Isaiah 39:1 kjv
At that time Merodachbaladan, 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.
Isaiah 39:1 nkjv
At that time Merodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.
Isaiah 39:1 niv
At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery.
Isaiah 39:1 esv
At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.
Isaiah 39:1 nlt
Soon after this, Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent Hezekiah his best wishes and a gift. He had heard that Hezekiah had been very sick and that he had recovered.
Isaiah 39 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 38:1 | "In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death." | Isa 39:1 (duplicate) |
| 2 Kgs 20:1 | "In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet..." | Confirms the event and prophecy |
| 2 Chron 32:24 | "In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death..." | Confirms the event and prophecy |
| Ps 38:1 | "O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure." | Parallel expression of affliction |
| Ps 77:2 | "My soul refused to be comforted." | Echoes Hezekiah's despair |
| Ps 116:3 | "The pangs of death compassed me about..." | Describes Hezekiah's condition |
| Ps 118:17 | "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." | Fulfillment of prophecy |
| Prov 18:14 | "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" | Psychological aspect of sickness |
| Jer 17:5-8 | "Cursed is the man that trusteth in man..." | Contrasting trust in God |
| Jer 20:10-13 | Jeremiah's lament and trust in God. | Similar prophetic experience |
| Luke 9:43 | "But while the fame of him was noised abroad, he said to his disciples, Set ye here these words in your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men." | Kings facing potential downfall |
| John 11:4 | "When Jesus heard thereof, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." | Divine purpose in sickness |
| Rom 15:4 | "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning..." | Importance of historical accounts |
| 1 Cor 10:11 | "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." | Lessons from past events |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" | Divine authority of scripture |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..." | Power of God's word |
| Heb 12:5-11 | God's chastening for His children. | God's disciplinary action |
| James 5:14-16 | "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church..." | Prayer for the sick |
| Rev 21:4 | "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying..." | Future hope beyond sickness |
Isaiah 39 verses
Isaiah 39 1 Meaning
Hezekiah, king of Judah, fell sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz, visited him and gave him a divine message.
Isaiah 39 1 Context
This verse marks the beginning of a significant narrative episode concerning King Hezekiah of Judah. Isaiah chapter 39 is often seen as a turning point, introducing a period of hubris by Hezekiah that would have future consequences for Judah, as prophesied by Isaiah (Isa 39:6-7). Hezekiah’s reign was characterized by religious reforms and reliance on God, especially during the Assyrian crisis. This sickness, however, tests his faith and reveals a more human vulnerability. The message delivered by Isaiah is a direct, divine word, highlighting the intimacy of communication between God and His prophets, as well as God's immediate intervention in the lives of His people. This chapter’s events occur after the deliverance from Sennacherib’s siege (2 Kings 18-19; Isaiah 36-37).
Isaiah 39 1 Word Analysis
In (בְּ, be): Preposition. Indicates time, "in" or "at the time of."
those (הָאֵלֶּה, ha'elleh): Demonstrative pronoun. Refers to specific, previous times or events, here indicating a period following the Assyrian crisis.
days (יָמִים, yamim): Noun, masculine, plural. Literal days, but can also signify a period or era.
Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּהוּ, Hizqiyyahu): Proper noun. Means "Yah strengthens" or "Yahweh has strengthened." The name itself is a declaration of faith, which makes his sickness and subsequent pride ironic.
was (הָיָה, hayah): Verb, Qal imperfect. Indicates a state or existence in the past. "He was."
sick (חוֹלֶה, choleh): Noun, masculine. One who is suffering from sickness or illness.
unto (אֶל, el): Preposition. Indicates direction, "to" or "toward."
death (מָוֶת, mavet): Noun, masculine. The cessation of life. "Sickness unto death" signifies a critical, terminal condition.
and (וְ, we): Conjunction. Connects clauses or phrases.
Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ, Yesha'yahu): Proper noun. Means "Yah is salvation" or "Yah is my salvation." The prophet's name itself points to God's salvific nature.
the prophet (נָבִיא, navi'): Noun, masculine. A spokesperson for God.
son (בֶּן, ben): Noun, masculine. Used genealogically and to indicate relationship. "Son of Amoz."
of (מִן, min): Preposition. Indicates origin or source.
Amoz (אָמוֹץ, 'Amots): Proper noun. Likely a prophet himself or of a significant lineage, though less is known of him. His relation to Isaiah is familial, lending credence to Isaiah’s authority.
came (בָּא, ba'): Verb, Qal perfect. Indicates arrival or entering.
to (אֶל, el): Preposition. Indicates direction, "to" or "unto."
him (אֹתוֹ, 'oto): Pronoun, masculine, third person, object form. Refers to Hezekiah.
Words Group Analysis:
- "In those days": Establishes a specific timeframe, connecting this event to previously discussed historical circumstances (deliverance from Assyria).
- "Hezekiah was sick unto death": A direct statement of a dire, life-threatening condition. "Unto death" emphasizes the severity, suggesting no human remedy could help.
- "Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz, came to him": Introduces the divine element. God acts by sending His prophet, establishing His presence and concern for the king. The lineage of Isaiah emphasizes his authoritative role.
Isaiah 39 1 Bonus Section
The juxtaposition of Hezekiah’s critical illness with his name, which means "Yah strengthens," is poignant. It prompts reflection on the nature of faith and divine sovereignty in times of extreme vulnerability. The sickness also serves as a backdrop for Hezekiah's prayer and God's subsequent demonstration of power, culminating in the miraculous sign involving the sun dial (Isa 38:8). This narrative arc highlights God's ability to not only heal but also to intervene in extraordinary ways to assure His people of His presence and control over all circumstances, including life and death.
Isaiah 39 1 Commentary
This verse sets a dramatic scene. Hezekiah, who had trusted God during the Assyrian crisis, now faces personal mortality. The phrasing "sick unto death" leaves no room for doubt about the gravity of his illness. God’s response is swift and personal, sending His prophet, Isaiah, to deliver a message. This emphasizes that even in personal suffering, God is at work, and His prophets are conduits of His will and word. The significance lies in how God will respond to Hezekiah’s faith and prayers in the face of death, demonstrating His power over life and the ongoing prophetic relationship He maintains with His people. The chapter will reveal Hezekiah's plea and God's merciful, albeit deferred, response.