Walter Brueggemann offers what I find to be the most intriguing commentary on our morning scripture. The king of Babylon sends a diplomatic mission to Jerusalem (vv. 1-2). The mission likely intends to establish an alliance in which Judah would be the subservient junior partner, Bruggemann postulates. Judah would function as a “buffer zone” for Babylon against Egypt.
Hezekiah is delighted to receive the ambassadors–what else could he do? He shows to the representatives of Babylon everything that might have been a state secret. He exhibits the finances of his realm and his defense system. What a foolish man Hezekiah is! Showing his enemies his money and military potential!
Enter the prophet Isaiah, the voice of relentless, non-negotiable theological realism (vv. 3-4). Isaiah speaks of a future known only from the rule of God, unknown and unacknowledged by the time-bound, present-tense king, Hezekiah (Brueggemann). Isaiah, in effect, tells Hezekiah that he is one foolish king who has now given away the kingdom to the Babylonian conquerors.
The response of the king is pitiful and wimpish (v. 8a). He says quickly and agreeably to the prophet: “Thanks for the good word.” He concedes the truth of the prophecy with one haunting addendum: There will be peace and security in my days . . .