My House
Reflective Reading: Isaiah 36-39
I discovered a phenomenon in the book of Isaiah that deserves attention. Near the center of the book, Isaiah inserts a historical account of King Hezekiah that is clearly out of place. This is obviously intentional, but after reading numerous commentaries, I have not found anyone addressing this anomaly.
In chapters 1 through 35 the prophet warns Israel about their backslidden condition. Woven throughout however, are promises of deliverance in the midst of judgment and despair. Then in chapter 36, the prophet inserts the historical account of King Hezekiah almost verbatim from that which was written in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. So the question is, why?
This historical account provides an important theme that Israel must understand if they are to experience deliverance. This same theme is equally important today for the children of Israel and the church. The theme is that of setting one’s house in order.
This is the theme that King Hezekiah is presented with after receiving the news that his illness is terminal. Sent by God, the prophet Isaiah confronts the king and says,
“Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.”
After hearing this dreadful news, Hezekiah prayerfully pleads for his life, which results in God giving him an additional 15 years. Can you imagine this happening to you? What would you do if you knew that next week you were going to die, and then suddenly you received the good news that you had another 15 years to live? I would hope I would live those next fifteen years with a sense of extraordinary passion for God and others. Well, let’s see how those extra fifteen years fared for King Hezekiah.
News of his miraculous healing and the sign he received as a guarantee went global. Soon after, the king of Babylon sent ambassadors to Hezekiah to see for themselves. With a desire to know more about the miraculous events, they brought many gifts to gain an audience with the king.
“And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed 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 shewed them not.”
As we see the repeated theme of “house,” we begin to understand why Isaiah inserted this document into his writings. Trying to impress his guests, King Hezekiah is wrapped up in his own prosperity and successes. He talks only about the things of his own house and neglects the primary source for his blessings.
The historical insertion of chapters 36-39 was to help Israel see that they were neglecting the house of God. To heighten this attention, the word house is repeated fourteen times. Because of their neglect, impending judgment on their house was certain. But God in his great mercy, promised that they would return after 70 years. The prophecies of Isaiah would then be a guide to help them remember why they were dispersed in the first place—because they neglected the house of God.
When they return, the reading of Isaiah, especially this historical account of Hezekiah, would be like a red flag being waved to gain their attention. Hopefully they would get the message Isaiah left them. If they understand the message, then their first place of business when they return will be to rebuild the house of God rather than placing the emphasis on the building of their own house.
To further get his message across, the prophet does something else that is unusual. In chapter 38, the last verse reads:
“Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?”
What makes this unusual is that it is chronologically out of place. Hezekiah has already been told what sign will precede his healing. He is aware of it. But to highlight the theme of the “house of the LORD,” Isaiah records this sentence out of order and places it last. With such a repeated emphasis, I have to wonder why so few commentaries comment on this anomaly.
The answer to that question may be found in the New Testament. In Galatians 2:20 we read:
“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This is one of my favorite Bible verses. Jesus lives in me! I can’t explain it, but this fact does have a heavy influence upon how I live my life (though obviously, not always like I should).
In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 we read:
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Being the temple or house of God is serious business. God’s house is a house of prayer, a house of glory, house of praise, a house of holiness, and a house of great joy.
If you are a homeowner, then you are aware of the constant maintenance needed to keep your house in order. Neglecting maintenance will eventually wreak havoc. The same is true in the spiritual realm. There is daily upkeep, fixing, cleaning, removing, dusting, and organizing. In 1 Peter 5:2, 9 we read:
“…ye are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
The emphasis that Isaiah, Paul, and Peter place upon the house of God continues to provide one of the most important themes for Christians today. Our priority is to keep our house (God’s house), sacred, prayerful, worshipful, and joyful. Unlike Hezekiah, when we keep our house fit for the Master’s use, we will be more apt to show others God’s glory rather than our own, leaving no doubt as to Who is responsible for all the glorious blessings they will see.
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
Recommended Reading:
Palace of Deceit (Ages 9+)
Escape from the Eagles Nest book and audio (Ages 12+)
Seven Days Left book and audiobook (Ages 12+)
