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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 39 - Verse 3

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.

Meaning

When Isaiah the prophet approached King Hezekiah and inquired about the visitors from Babylon, he was not simply making small talk. The question held significant meaning in the context of the biblical narrative. The prophet's inquiry was meant to discern the nature of the relationship between the king and the Babylonian envoys. Hezekiah's response revealed that the visitors had come from a far-off land to meet with him, indicating a potential alliance or interaction with a foreign power. The prophet's concern likely stemmed from the historical rivalry and conflict between Babylon and Judah. This interaction ultimately foreshadowed the events that would unfold in the future, as Babylon would eventually conquer Judah and take its people into captivity. Through this verse, readers can gain insight into the political dynamics of the time and the consequences of alliances with foreign nations as depicted in the Bible.

Theological Overview

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