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.
2 Kings 20:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Isaiah, we see King Hezekiah of Judah revealing all the treasures of his kingdom to envoys from Babylon. Hezekiah's actions were a display of pride and arrogance in his wealth and possessions. By showing off his silver, gold, spices, ointments, armor, and all the treasures in his kingdom, he was seeking to impress the Babylonians. However, this act ultimately led to the downfall of Judah, as it revealed vulnerability and weaknesses to potential enemies. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of flaunting wealth. It reminds us to be humble and to not put our trust in material possessions, but rather in God's protection and provision.
Theological Overview
Hezekiah's actions in showing the Babylonian envoys all the treasures of his kingdom, including his precious silver, gold, spices, ointments, armory, and other valuables, have been the subject of theological interpretation throughout the centuries. Some scholars view Hezekiah's display of wealth as a sign of pride and self-reliance, showcasing his material possessions to impress the Babylonians instead of trusting in God's protection. Others see it as a missed opportunity for Hezekiah to testify to the greatness of God and His faithfulness, instead choosing to rely on his own resources. The word studies on phrases such as "precious things" and "found in his treasures" shed light on the extent of Hezekiah's wealth and the significance of these possessions in his reign. Overall, this verse raises important questions about the balance between human effort and divine intervention, and the importance of trust and humility in the face of earthly power and riches.
2 Kings 20:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.
World English Bible
Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah didn’t show them.
Douay-Rheims
And Ezechias rejoiced at their coming, and he shewed them the house of his aromatical spices, and the gold, and the silver, and divers precious odours, and ointments, and the house of his vessels, and all that he had in his treasures. There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominions, that Ezechias shewed them not.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Hezekiah heard them, and shewed them all his treasure house, to wit, the siluer, and the golde, and the spices, and the precious oyntment, and all the house of his armour, and al that was founde in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, and in all his realme, that Hezekiah shewed them not.