The Exposure of Our Treasures
"Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them." - Isaiah 39:4
In the book of Isaiah, we encounter a pivotal moment in the life of King Hezekiah—a man renowned for his faithfulness and devotion to God. In Isaiah 39:4, we read, "Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them." This simple question and its answer reveal profound truths about transparency, priorities, and the heart of man.
Hezekiah was in a season of vulnerability after his miraculous healing and deliverance from death, a time when his heart could have been either softened towards God or swayed by pride. The context of this interaction lies in the visit of envoys from Babylon, who came to inquire about the miracle of Hezekiah’s recovery. Instead of focusing on the goodness of God, Hezekiah chose to showcase his treasures, the wealth and glory of his kingdom, allowing the visitors to behold everything he had accumulated.
This brings us to an essential contemplation: What do we show to the world? In our lives, we often present a curated version of ourselves—our successes, our achievements, and our material belongings. We may live in a society where external appearances are prized and possessions are a measure of success. Yet, we must reflect on the deeper implications of Hezekiah’s revealing his house and treasures. Here was a king with access to divine knowledge and wisdom, who, in a moment of vulnerability, chose to display his worldly riches instead of the spiritual wealth God had granted him.
The danger in Hezekiah's response lies in what it signifies about the heart. When asked about what was within his house, he replied not with praise for God’s works but with an inventory of his physical possessions. This choice exhibits human nature's tendency to confuse spiritual treasures—like wisdom, courage, and faithfulness—with earthly treasures. Thus, we are prompted to ask: What treasures are we showing to the world? Do we prioritize our status, material wealth, or the richness of our relationship with God?
Hezekiah's display of riches ultimately led to dire consequences. The prophet Isaiah later warned him that because of what he revealed, the Babylonians would one day come back to take those very treasures away (Isaiah 39:6-7). Herein lies a vital lesson: the things we are willing to expose can potentially draw the wrong attention, leading us away from God’s purpose for our lives. We must ask ourselves whether what we share lifts up God's glory or merely our own.
As followers of Christ, we are tasked with embodying a different kind of treasure—one that is not measured by material value but by the spirit. Our greatest riches lie in the fruits of the Spirit, acts of kindness, service to others, and the life-transforming love of Christ. In fact, Jesus exemplified this during His earthly ministry, where He often turned the focus away from materialism and towards the heart's condition. Matthew 6:19-21 emphasizes the need to prioritize heavenly treasures: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
Hezekiah’s story serves as a reminder to be wise stewards of the gifts we hold. We must examine what we showcase in our lives: Are we revealing more of our possessions than our faith? Are we leading others to admire our houses or to witness God’s glory? As we go forth today, let us ensure our treasures reflect God’s love and truth, for when we focus on what truly matters, we not only bless ourselves but also those who behold our lives. Let our lives answer with the treasures of grace, mercy, and truth, revealing the heart of God to a world in need.
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Isaiah 39:4 - "Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them."
"Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them." - Isaiah 39:4
Isaiah 39:5 - "Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:"
"Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:" - Isaiah 39:5
Isaiah 39:8 - "Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days."
Exodus 39:4 - "They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together."
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."
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."
Isaiah 39:1 - "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."
Job 39:4 - "Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them."
1 Chronicles 4:39 - "¶ And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks."
Mark 4:39 - "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
Isaiah 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"
Luke 4:39 - "And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."
Isaiah 39:6 - "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD."
John 4:39 - "¶ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."
Deuteronomy 4:39 - "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else."
Numbers 4:39 - "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
"Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days." - Isaiah 39:8
Psalms 39:4 - "LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am."
Isaiah 40:4
Isaiah 29:4
"They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together." - Exodus 39:4
Isaiah 29:4
"¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying," - Isaiah 38:4
"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." - Mark 4:39
Isaiah 9:1-4
Isaiah 6:4-7
Genesis 39:4 - "And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand."
Ezekiel 39:4 - "Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured."