Studies have concluded that a daily dose of honey directly raises levels of antioxidants in the blood, which helps fight disease and strengthen the body's immune system. The chemicals that have this effect, called polyphenols, are also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and olive oil. Americans consume about 150 pounds of sugar or artificial sweetener per person per year, so switching some of that to honey could make a healthy difference!
But no amount of honey would have helped King Hezekiah. Chronologically, today's narrative comes before the episode with Sennacherib studied yesterday. It's placed here because it's a good thematic introduction to the second part of Isaiah, and it deals with the coming Babylonian conquest of Judah. Chapters 38 and 39 form a contrast—Hezekiah asking for God's grace out of “wholehearted devotion” to Him versus Hezekiah showing off his treasures to the Babylonian envoys.
In chapter 38, Hezekiah received news that he would die soon, but he was worried about having no son to take the throne after him. So in a remarkable sequence of prophecy-prayer-grace, God granted the king fifteen additional years of life. This answered petition was confirmed by the miraculous sign of a shadow going in reverse. The king's subsequent psalm of praise acknowledged God's loving purpose and rejoiced in His forgiveness and faithfulness.
In chapter 39, Babylon had sent envoys seeking new allies, but Hezekiah would have had to be rather naive not to see the possibility that they were gathering information. When he showed off his treasures, the message to the Babylonians was, “Little kingdom, rich prizes!” In this context, Isaiah's prophecy of conquest addressed Hezekiah's pride. The king's puzzling response (39:8) indicates at worst insensitivity or at best a hope that God might later change His mind.
This reminds us that no one is perfect. We must remember to trust in the Lord and never rely on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6).
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Sunday, June 17, 2007
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