And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

ISAIAH 39:2KJV
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Isaiah 39:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 39:2 mean?

Isaiah 39:2 describes how King Hezekiah welcomed envoys from Babylon and showed them all his valuable possessions, including silver, gold, spices, precious ointment, his armory, and everything in his storehouses. Hezekiah did not hide anything from them; he displayed all his treasures and resources throughout his kingdom.

This verse is set during a visit from Babylonian messengers to King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah, feeling pleased by their attention, gave them a full tour of his wealth and military resources. The verse highlights Hezekiah’s openness and perhaps his pride, as he revealed every valuable thing under his control to foreign visitors.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 39:2

  • The word "glad" (שָׂמַח, samach) means to rejoice or be pleased. Hezekiah’s positive reaction to the Babylonian envoys sets the tone for his actions, suggesting he was eager or even flattered by their visit.
  • The word "shewed" (רָאָה, ra’ah) means to show or make visible. The verse uses this word to emphasize that Hezekiah deliberately revealed his treasures, not just passively allowed the Babylonians to see them.
  • The word "precious things" (נֶחְמָד, nechmad) refers to desirable or valuable items. This highlights that Hezekiah was showing off the most treasured and sought-after possessions in his kingdom.
  • The word "treasures" (אוֹצָר, otzar) means storehouses or places where valuables are kept. This underlines the extent of what Hezekiah revealed—not just a few items, but the full wealth and resources of his reign.

Why Isaiah 39:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s display was total—he held nothing back from the Babylonian visitors, which sets up the warning and consequences that follow in the next verses.
  • The verse shows a moment of vulnerability or pride, as Hezekiah’s openness with foreign envoys could be seen as a political misstep, exposing Judah’s resources to outsiders.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why the prophet Isaiah later rebukes Hezekiah and predicts that these treasures will eventually be taken away to Babylon.

Where else these words appear

“things” Hebrew H5238 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:13 And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

“dominion” Hebrew H4475 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • Psalms 103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
  • Isaiah 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

“spices” Hebrew H1314 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:29 Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
  • Song of Solomon 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.