Isaiah 39:4
Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
Isaiah 39:4 · King James Version
Meaning
When Hezekiah was asked by the prophet about what the visitors from Babylon had seen in his house, he proudly replied that they had seen all the treasures he possessed. By showing them everything, Hezekiah was displaying a lack of discretion and humility. This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and vanity. It highlights the importance of being selective about what we reveal to others and being mindful of the motivations behind our actions. Hezekiah's response ultimately led to a prophetic declaration that the treasures in his house would one day be carried off to Babylon. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of boasting and the importance of maintaining a modest and humble attitude.
Theological Overview
The verse from 2 Kings 20:15 gives us a glimpse into the character of King Hezekiah. When asked about what he had shown the Babylonian envoys who had come to visit him, Hezekiah admitted that he had displayed all the treasures of his kingdom. This action of Hezekiah reveals a sense of pride and self-reliance, as he wanted to showcase his wealth and power to the foreign dignitaries. However, this display of material wealth also reflects a deeper spiritual issue - a lack of trust in God. By flaunting his possessions, Hezekiah may have been relying on his own strength and resources rather than depending on the Lord for protection and provision. This story serves as a cautionary tale for believers, reminding us not to place our trust in worldly wealth or possessions, but to have faith in God's providence and care.
Isaiah 39:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said he, What have they seen in thy house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not showed them.
World English Bible
Then he asked, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.”
Douay-Rheims
And he said: What saw they in thy house? And Ezechias said: All things that are in my house have they seen, there was not any thing which I have not shewn them in my treasures.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide he, What haue they seene in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house haue they seene: there is nothing among my treasures, that I haue not shewed them.