Isaiah 39 Devotional

Showing Off the Wrong Treasure

““What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.””Isaiah 39:4 (BSB)

Two chapters earlier, Hezekiah prayed that every kingdom on earth would know that the LORD alone is God (37:20). Now envoys arrive from a distant land, Babylon, after hearing of his recovery. It is an open door to tell them what God has done. Instead Hezekiah gladly shows them his silver and gold and his entire armory (39:1-2). When Isaiah asks what they saw, the king answers that they saw everything among his treasures (39:4). The chapter records not a word about the God who had just healed him.

The treasures Hezekiah displayed will be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants with them (39:6-7). What we show off often reveals what we are leaning on. Through Jeremiah, the LORD says not to boast in wisdom, strength, or riches, but in knowing him (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Yet the very next chapter opens with God speaking comfort to his people. The treasure worth pointing others to is the LORD himself, and he is still willing to be known.

To think about: When people look closely at your life, what are you most eager for them to see, and how could you point them to God instead?