“In tempore illo misit Merodach Baladan, filius Baladan, rex Babylonis, libros et munera ad Ezechiam : audierat enim quod ægrotasset et convaluisset.”
“At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.”
“At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery.”
“At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered.”
“At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.”
Partly moved with the greatness of the miracle, partly because he showed himself enemy to his enemies, but chiefly because he would join with them whom God favored, and have their help, if occasion served. Cross references: : 2 Kings 20:12 This was the first king of Babylon, which overcame the Assyrians in the tenth year of his reign.
And. Septuagint add, “ambassadors and presents.” See 4 Kings xx. 12. (Calmet)
The story of this chapter likewise we had before, 2 Kings 20 12, etc. It is here repeated, not only as a very memorable and improvable passage, but because it concludes with a prophecy of the captivity in Babylon; and as the former part of the prophecy of this book frequently referred to Sennacherib's invasion and the defeat of that, to which therefore the history of that was very fitly subjoined, so the latter part of this book speaks much of the Jews' captivity in Babylon and their deliverance out of that, to which therefore the first prediction of it, with the occasion thereof, is very fitly prefixed. We have here, I. The pride and folly of Hezekiah, in showing his treasures to the king of Babylon's ambassadors that were sent to congratulate him on his recovery, ver 1, 2. II. Isaiah's examination of him concerning it, in God's name, and his confession of it, ver 3, 4. III. The sentence passed upon him for it, that all his treasures should, in process of time, be carried to Babylon, ver 5-7. IV. Hezekiah's penitent and patient submission to this sentence, ver 8.
The text of Isaiah 39 is the same as 2 Kings 20:12-19. Please refer to the commentary on 2 Kings 20.