Commentary on Isaiah (Super Isaiam)

At that time, etc. Here he sets forth the congratulation of friends, shown in the sending of messengers and gifts; and concerning this he does three things.

First, he sets forth the sending of the messengers: the king of Babylon, who at that time was subject to the Assyrians. "Books" — letters. "He had heard" — but especially on account of the sign which they had seen in the turning back of the sun. Ps. 71: he shall live, and it shall be given to him, etc.

Secondly, he sets forth the elation of Hezekiah himself conceived thereupon: setting forth the joy of the elation, "he rejoiced" — against this is what Job 31 says: if I have rejoiced, etc. — and the manifestation of the elation in deed, in the display of his riches: and "he showed the storehouse of spices," which are called fragrant species. Or, the place where kings were buried; or the lower part of the house of the forest, which was of alabaster, where things of this kind are best preserved. "Storehouses," cellars; "word" — a thing worthy of a word — "in all his dominion," as to those things which were in the temple, which indeed was usurped into the power of the king. Eccl. 11: do not bring in every man, etc.

Thirdly, he sets forth the reprehension of the elation, "he entered in." And first he sets forth the inquiry into the fault and its manifestation, "there was no thing," etc. Prov. 20: as deep water, etc. Secondly he threatens the punishment, "and Isaiah said" — as to the loss of goods: "all that is in the house," etc. Jer. 27: thus says the Lord concerning the vessels. And as to the servitude of the sons, "and of the sons"; which they say was fulfilled in Daniel and his companions, not because they were such in body, but in mind and office. Deut. 28: your sons and your daughters, etc. Thirdly he sets forth the acceptance of the punishment: "and Hezekiah said" — "good," "just," "peace" — from the Assyrians — "truth" — of religion; above, ch. 26: Lord, thou wilt give peace, etc.