Hezekiah showed the Babylonians his treasures out of pride and a desire to impress, failing to consult the Lord or consider the consequences of revealing all the wealth and defenses of Judah. This act of vanity resulted in a prophetic warning of future judgment and captivity.
After Hezekiah recovered from a life-threatening illness and God granted him fifteen more years of life (2 Kings 20:6), the king of Babylon sent envoys with letters and a gift:
“At that time Berodach-Baladan… sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick.”
(2 Kings 20:12)
Instead of giving glory to God for his healing or directing attention to the Lord, Hezekiah took the opportunity to show off:
“He showed them all the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory… There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.”
(2 Kings 20:13)
This act was not one of hospitality but of prideful exhibition. The prophet Isaiah confronted him:
“What did they see in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They saw all that is in my house…”
(2 Kings 20:15)
Then Isaiah declared God’s judgment:
“Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house… shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left… And they shall take away some of your sons… and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
(2 Kings 20:17–18)
Though this judgment would not fall during Hezekiah’s lifetime, it was a direct result of his foolish pride and failure to act with discretion and spiritual discernment.
This event teaches that even godly men can falter through self-exaltation. It also warns believers to be vigilant against pride, to give God the glory, and to seek wisdom in every interaction, especially with the world.
