Hezekiah was the original Braveheart, standing strong in faith against impossible odds against Assyria. His faith was astonishing. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and was an extraordinary leader. In fact, one of the best. It was truly glorious. Then is until he fell ill and Isaiah said he would die soon.
In his sickness, Hezekiah asked the Lord for more years. God gave him 15 more. Now when the King of Babylon heard about Hezekiah’s miraculous recovery, he sent him a “card.”
So Hezekiah invited him over and did what kings should never do in any time or in any place in history – he showed the King of Babylon everything. All his wealth, all of his military might, everything. You don’t do that. Ever. But Hezekiah did.
Isaiah confronted him and and asked, “What have they seen in your palace?” .
“They have seen everything in my palace. There isn’t anything in my treasuries that I didn’t show them” (v. 4).
Imagine for a minute there is a large nation standing against your nation and you are the leader. You then invite your enemies over and show them your bank statements, your spending sheets, your budget, and then give them a tour of all your top secret military installations and equipment capabilities. Unbelievable. Arrogant. Stupid.
Isaiah prophesied as a consequence that the king of Babylon would come to Israel one day and take it all for themselves.
“Nothing would be left,” says the LORD” (v. 6).
It wouldn’t happen in Hezekiah’s lifetime. But it would happen in the lifetimes of Hezekiah’s children.
Hezekiah’s response?
No problem. As long as there is there is peace and security during “my lifetime” (v. 8).
Palm slap to face. The audacity of his selfishness.
WHAT HAPPENED?!
Anyone can start well.
But how well do you end?
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