Hezekiah's Treasure

Hedonism is a school of thought that argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good.

 We are in a generation of people that seeks personal pleasure over the good of future generations. Millions of their babies are aborted and millions of people indulge themselves in pleasures including the use of drugs and alcohol. In times of crises the supreme leader is taking a vacation or playing games. People like him keep him in power until a once prosperous nation is destroyed. So what? If it feels good , do it, is their attitude. The Bible speaks fresh to us on every important subject. Listen to this story of a good but selfish king of Judah.

Isa 38:5  Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. 

Isa 38:6  And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city. 

Isa 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, 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.

I friend once advised me to beware of gifts from strangers, for they may want something that will cost you dearly. Another thing to beware of is flattery, there is usually hidden motives from those who flatter.

Prov 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

When an enemy pretends to be your friend? Be careful to not let him get too close to you. Hezekiah was not so wise or discerning; he was glad to be alive for another fifteen years.

Isa 39:2 And Hezekiah was glad of them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.

Just because you have good will towards people, this does not assure that all will seek your good. Satan often comes in unawares to take advantage of your open door. A naive person shares all things to a stranger; some things we should keep to ourselves, especially if it brings temptation to another. Hezekiah was trying to impress the envoys from Babylon. God knows our hearts, so we are to share all things with God, but not with a stranger. Why do we want to impress strangers? Maybe to look good in the eyes of men? What is our greatest treasure? It should be the LORD.

Isa 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.

God sent Isaiah to the king. We all need an Isaiah as a friend who hears from God and sees what we do not see. We need trusted godly friends.

Isa 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 showed them.

What have they seen in your house? In your person, that they desire? In your possessions, that they pretend to be your friend? Hezekiah explains that they have seen all of his treasures. We have had presidents, members of Congress, who were and are given gifts by strangers. The strangers are invited in to see our treasures, of wealth, of commerce, of technology, of military equipment. They see it all and are given access, because the leaders are selfish, covetous and contemptuous to those they represent as well as to God above.

Isa 39:5 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
Isa 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.

All will be taken, Hezekiah. All the treasure of your nation, all the nobility of your nation, will be taken; it would happen in one hundred years. How much time do we have?

Isa 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.

Terrible news; his own grandson's taken as prisoners and made eunuchs. This would be Daniel and his descendants.

Isa 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.

Hezekiah said it is good? A self centered king, only cares that he himself will live in peace the rest of his days. We have leaders like this. Not caring about the future of the sons and daughters of the nation. When all is lost, they have their personal treasures and their selfish lives to live, with no care for what follows because of their foolish behavior. A Christian must be a person of character. He or she should stand for purity and righteousness, leaving a godly inheritance to the children. As good citizens, we should make our communities a better place. Woe to wicked self centered rulers, God sees all. We do not have to be like them. Be the light of truth and righteousness and pray for God's revival in our land. Think about the good of others. JOY, Jesus, Others and then Yourself.