Isaiah 39:1

Authorized King James Version

At that time Merodach-baladan, 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בָּעֵ֣ת

H6256

At that time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֡יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׁלַ֡ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מְרֹדַ֣ךְ

בַּ֠לְאֲדָן

H4757

Merodachbaladan

merodak-baladan, a babylonian king

בֶּֽן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּלְאֲדָ֧ן

H1081

of Baladan

baladan, the name of a babylonian prince

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

בָּבֶ֛ל

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#10

סְפָרִ֥ים

H5612

letters

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

#11

וּמִנְחָ֖ה

H4503

and a present

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ

H2396

to Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

#14

וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע

H8085

for he had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#15

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

חָלָ֖ה

H2470

that he had been sick

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

#17

וַֽיֶּחֱזָֽק׃

H2388

and was recovered

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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