(27) Had.--Or, got. Riches and honour (or, wealth; k?bod).--Comp. 1Chronicles 29:28 (David); 2Chronicles 1:12 (Solomon), 2Chronicles 17:5; 2Chronicles 18:1 (Jehoshaphat). He made himself treasuries.--Comp. 2Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2, where silver and gold and spices are mentioned among the treasures of Hezekiah. Shields.--Comp. Solomon's golden, and Rehoboam's brazen, shields. No doubt the term is here used to suggest arms in general. Kings and Isaiah mention "his armoury." All manner of pleasant jewels.--Literally, all vessels of desire. (Comp. Nahum 2:10, "wealth of every vessel of desire.") Costly implements and utensils of all sorts are included. Verse 27. - If Hezekiah not only began to negotiate, but actually paid the precious metals, etc., with which he offered to buy off the invasion of Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:14-16), he may have become considerably recouped by the presents and gifts subsequently, liberally it would appear, brought to him (see our ver. 23), and it is possible that this may give us some further clue to where it was that his heart strayed, while displaying his wealth and treasures to the messengers of Berodach-Baladan King of Babylon. 32:24-33 God left Hezekiah to himself, that, by this trial and his weakness in it, what was in his heart might be known; that he was not so perfect in grace as he thought he was. It is good for us to know ourselves, and our own weakness and sinfulness, that we may not be conceited, or self-confident, but may always live in dependence upon Divine grace. We know not the corruption of our own hearts, nor what we shall do if God leaves us to ourselves. His sin was, that his heart was lifted up. What need have great men, and good men, and useful men, to study their own infirmities and follies, and their obligations to free grace, that they may never think highly of themselves; but beg earnestly of God, that he will always keep them humble! Hezekiah made a bad return to God for his favours, by making even those favours the food and fuel of his pride. Let us shun the occasions of sin: let us avoid the company, the amusements, the books, yea, the very sights that may administer to sin. Let us commit ourselves continually to God's care and protection; and beg of him never to leave us nor forsake us. Blessed be God, death will soon end the believer's conflict; then pride and every sin will be abolished. He will no more be tempted to withhold the praise which belongs to the God of his salvation.And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches,.... Increased by the spoil of the Assyrian camp, and the presents sent him after that by neighbouring nations, 2 Chronicles 32:21.and honour; both from his subjects, and the nations around him: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels: which were houses both for rich and curious things, and for armour, he showed to the ambassadors of Babylon; see Gill on Isaiah 39:2. |