King Hezekiah became extremely sick. The prophet Isaiah came to him and said, “God has told me that this sickness will kill you. So prepare to die.” He then left the room.
Hezekiah cried out to God. “Oh Lord! I’ve walked with you and lived according to your commandments. Please spare my life.” He then turned his head to the wall and cried bitterly.
Hezekiah watched the shadow on the sundial and saw it move back ten degrees. Immediately his sickness began to leave him until he totally recovered. He sang before the Lord and gave thanks.
After he recovered, a delegation came from Babylon with gifts. They gave him a letter from their king saying he was glad about Hezekiah’s recovery.
Hezekiah was pleased with this, and honored the delegation with a tour of his palace and government buildings. He took them to the treasury house and showed them all of the nation’s treasures – including gold, silver, spices, and precious oil.
After the men from Babylon left, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Who were those men and what did they say to you?”
“They’re from a far-off country, a place called Babylon.”
“What did you show them?”
“I showed them everything. I didn’t hide anything of value from them.”
The prophet said, “Listen to the words of the Lord. ‘A day will come when Babylon will invade Judah and take everything you have shown them back to their country. Your descendants will become personal slaves to the king of Babylon.’ ”
Hezekiah bowed his head, and finally said, “This message from the Lord is good. None of this will happen in my lifetime. While I live, there will be peace and security.”
