Isaiah 39:7
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Fulfilled 115+ years after Isaiah spoke it, when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem (605-586 BC). Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (renamed Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) were among the first exiles (605 BC, Daniel 1:1-6). The text says they were of 'the king's seed, and of the princes' (Daniel 1:3). Later exiles included King Jehoiachin and his sons (2 Kings 24:12-15). The prophecy's precise fulfillment demonstrates God's sovereignty over history and the serious consequences of pride and faithless political maneuvering.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the fulfillment of this prophecy 115+ years later teach about God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His word?
- How does the irony of Hezekiah's sons serving Babylon (the very nation he tried to impress) illustrate the principle that pride brings humiliation?
- What warning does this give about making alliances, decisions, or displays of strength without first seeking God's counsel?
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Analysis & Commentary
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away—the prophecy targets Hezekiah's descendants specifically. The phrase that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget (אֲשֶׁר יֵצְאוּ מִמְּךָ אֲשֶׁר תּוֹלִיד, asher yetse'u mimmekha asher tolid) emphasizes direct lineage—your own biological offspring. This personally connects judgment to Hezekiah's prideful display.
Shall they take away (יִקָּחוּ, yiqachu)—Babylon will seize them. And they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (וְהָיוּ סָרִיסִים בְּהֵיכַל מֶלֶךְ בָּבֶל, vehayu sarisim beheikhal melekh Bavel)—the ultimate humiliation. Sarisim (eunuchs/court officials) could mean literal castration or high court officials, but the term carries connotations of emasculation and servitude. Royal sons would serve the very king Hezekiah tried to impress.
This was precisely fulfilled in Daniel and his companions (Daniel 1:3-7)—young men of royal/noble descent taken to Babylon, trained in Babylonian ways, given Babylonian names, and made to serve in Nebuchadnezzar's court. The prophecy shows how attempting to secure political advantage through human wisdom apart from God leads to the opposite result: dependence becomes captivity.