[:en]When Merodach-Baladan, the son of Babylonian king heard of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery, he sent envoys with gifts to visit him. Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them everything in his storehouses.
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah: “The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babyloon. Nothing will be left. And some of your descendants will be taken away and become eunuch in the palace of the king of Babylon” (vs. 56-7). But Hezekiah didn’t care as long as there will be peace and security in his lifetime. (v. 189)
The king of Babylon used flattery words to win King Hezekiah’s trust. He sent envoys with gifts to boast his pride. He became short-sighted without concern for the future of his people.
Lessons to Ponder:
- Beware of Satan. He uses many ways to tempt us. If he does not succeed the first time, he will come again for another time. So be alert always.
- If you allow pride to takeover, your discernment will disappear.
- Do not give Satan a foothold in your life. “Faithful are the wound of a friend but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6)
[:]