1 At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been ill and had recovered.

2 Hezekiah welcomedtn Heb “was happy with”; NAB, NASB “was pleased”; NIV “received the envoys gladly.” them and showed them his storehouse with its silver, gold, spices, and high-quality olive oil, as well as his whole armory and everything in his treasuries. Hezekiah showed them everything in his palace and in his whole kingdom.tn Heb “there was nothing which Hezekiah did not show them in his house and in all his kingdom.”

3 Isaiah the prophet visited King Hezekiah and asked him, “What did these men say? Where do they come from?” Hezekiah replied, “They come from the distant land of Babylon.”

4 Isaiahtn Heb “he”; the referent (Isaiah) has been specified in the translation for clarity. asked, “What have they seen in your palace?” Hezekiah replied, “They have seen everything in my palace. I showed them everything in my treasuries.”

5 Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to the word of the Lord who commands armies:

6 ‘Look, a time is coming when everything in your palace and the things your ancestorstn Heb “fathers” (so KJV, NAB, NASB, NIV). have accumulated to this day will be carried away to Babylon; nothing will be left,’ says the Lord.

7 ‘Some of your very own descendants whom you fathertn Heb “Some of your sons, who go out from you, whom you father.” will be taken away and will be made eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”

8 Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The Lord’s word which you have announced is appropriate.”tn Heb “good” (so KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB “favorable.” Then he thought,tn Heb “and he said.” The verb אָמַר (’amar, “say”) is sometimes used of what one thinks (that is, says to oneself). “Fortn Or “surely”; cf. CEV “At least.” there will be peace and stability during my lifetime.”