Isaiah – Chapter 39

Old Testament8 Verses

Chapter Summary

"At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that he had been…" — so begins Isaiah 39. The chapter centers on Hezekiah and Isaiah. Across its 8 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that he had been sick and was recovered.

2And Ezechias rejoiced at their coming, and he shewed them the storehouses of his aromatical spices, and of the silver, and of the gold, and of the sweet odours, and of the precious ointment, and all the storehouses of his furniture, and all things that were found in his treasures. There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion that Ezechias shewed them not.

3Then Isaiah the prophet came to king Ezechias, and said to him: What said these men, and from whence came they to thee? And Ezechias said: From a far country they came to me, from Babylon.

4And 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.

5And Isaiah said to Ezechias: Hear the word of the Lord of hosts.

6Behold the days shall come that all that is in thy house, and that thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried away into Babylon: there shall not any thing be left, saith the Lord.

7And of thy children, that shall issue from thee, whom thou shalt beget, they shall take away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

8And Ezechias said to Isaiah: The word of the Lord, which he hath spoken, is good. And he said: Only let peace and truth be in my days.

Important Verses in Isaiah 39

At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that he had been sick and was recovered.

Isaiah 39:1

And Isaiah said to Ezechias: Hear the word of the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 39:5

And Ezechias said to Isaiah: The word of the Lord, which he hath spoken, is good. And he said: Only let peace and truth be in my days.

Isaiah 39:8

Historical Context

Isaiah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah. Chapter 39 of 66 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Hezekiah and Isaiah appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had…" The chapter ends with: "And Ezechias said to Isaiah: The word of the Lord, which he hath spoken, is good. And he said: Only let peace and truth…" The wider setting of Isaiah is this: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Isaiah around Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

In this 8-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. A pivotal line is verse 1: "At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that he had been sick and was…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 74). Here, Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Isaiah 39 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

Hezekiah8 mentionsIsaiah3 mentions

Reflection for Today

Isaiah Chapter 39, containing 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 854). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands judgment, comfort, and messianic hope.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of living the Gospel in daily work bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 39 about?

Isaiah 39 contains 8 verses. It opens with "At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had…" and closes with "And Ezechias said to Isaiah: The word of the Lord, which he hath spoken, is good. And he said: Only let peace and truth…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 39?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "At that time Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that he had been sick and was recovered." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Isaiah Chapter 39?

This chapter mentions Hezekiah, Isaiah.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Deepen your understanding with these related articles