Isaiah 39:3
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
Original Language Analysis
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
6 of 22
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
מָ֥ה
H4100
מָ֥ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
these men
H582
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
these men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
וּמֵאַ֙יִן֙
and from whence
H370
וּמֵאַ֙יִן֙
and from whence
Strong's:
H370
Word #:
13 of 22
where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence)
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
17 of 22
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
רְחוֹקָ֛ה
from a far
H7350
רְחוֹקָ֛ה
from a far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
19 of 22
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;Jeremiah 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.2 Chronicles 16:7And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.2 Samuel 12:1And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.Isaiah 38:1In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.Isaiah 38:5Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.Joshua 9:6And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.Joshua 9:9And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,2 Chronicles 25:15Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?
Historical Context
Babylon at this time was still under Assyrian dominance but seeking allies for future independence. The visit had political dimensions Hezekiah apparently didn't recognize.
Questions for Reflection
- How does wise counsel use questions to help us recognize our errors?
- What spiritual danger lies in attributing others' actions to our importance rather than their agendas?
- How can we cultivate self-awareness about our motivations and blind spots?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's questions "What said these men? and from whence came they?" probe the encounter's nature. Hezekiah's answer "From a far country are they come unto me, even from Babylon" seems innocent but reveals the problem—he attributes their coming to himself ("unto me") rather than recognizing geopolitical maneuvering. The prophet's questioning technique draws out the king's error gently, giving opportunity for self-awareness. This demonstrates wise pastoral approach—asking questions rather than immediately condemning.