[1] The man who was king of Babylon, Merodach-baladan (Baladan's son), heard about Hezekiah-how he was so very sick and then got better. So he sent envoys to Hezekiah with letters and a gift. [2] Hezekiah was delighted at the kind gesture from so great a king, so he welcomed his guests and showed them the best of Judah's treasures and talents-silver and gold, precious spices, and oils that wafted the smells of paradise. He gave them a tour of his armory and showed them all of Judah's military equipment and everything they'd stashed away for future need. Hezekiah held nothing back from their appreciative eyes. He showed them everything in his house and his kingdom. [3] When Isaiah the prophet heard about Hezekiah's tour, he hurried to the palace and confronted Hezekiah. Isaiah: What in the world have you done? Where did these people come from? And what did you talk with them about? Hezekiah (puzzled by Isaiah's obvious distress): They came from a great distance simply to extend kind wishes for my recovery from their king! They came from Babylon. [4] Isaiah: What did you show them? What have they seen in your palace? Hezekiah: Well, everything. They have seen all that I own. I put all of my treasures on display. I didn't hold back anything from them. [5] Isaiah: Listen well to what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, has said: [6] "The time is coming when everything in your palace-everything of value kept, passed down, and stored by your ancestors to this present time-will be taken away to Babylon. Of everything that you showed this Babylonian contingent, nothing will be left. Absolutely nothing will remain here," says the Eternal One. [7] "Even some of your sons yet to be born will be taken to exile. They will be castrated and forced to serve in the Babylonian royal house." [8] Hezekiah: The message you have spoken from the Eternal is good. "At least," Hezekiah thought to himself, "during my lifetime things will be peaceful and secure."
