And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy carries a sharp sting: it's not just about future generations, but explicitly states "sons... whom you will father" will suffer this fate. This language highlights Hezekiah's personal responsibility and the direct consequences of his prideful display to the Babylonians, indicating the calamity would fall even on his immediate offspring.
And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Hezekiah proudly showed off his kingdom's riches to messengers from Babylon, the prophet Isaiah confronts him with a severe prophecy. God declares that not only will all of Hezekiah's treasures be plundered and taken to Babylon, but his own descendants will also be taken captive. These royal sons will end up serving as eunuchs in the Babylonian king's palace.
Hezekiah just celebrated a miraculous recovery, but the prophet Isaiah delivers news that would crush him. This verse reveals a future consequence that hits close to home.
Isaiah 39:7 delivers a specific and devastating prophecy: some of Hezekiah's own descendants, born to him, will be taken captive to Babylon and made eunuchs in the king's palace.
This prophecy wasn't just about a distant future; it was a direct consequence of Hezekiah's actions in the preceding verses. His prideful display of his treasures to the Babylonian envoys, born from a desire for earthly prestige, opened the door for this future judgment.
The commentators note that the Hebrew word for 'eunuchs' (sarisim) could also refer to court officials or chamberlains. While not all of them may have been literally eunuchs, the term implies a loss of dignity, autonomy, and a specific role within the royal court – serving a foreign king.
This was a profound blow, especially considering Hezekiah's recent joy over his own recovery and the assurance of peace in his days. The prophecy targets his lineage, the very continuation of his Davidic royal line, highlighting the far-reaching impact of his pride.
Hezekiah thought he had secured peace and prosperity, but this prophecy reveals that true security doesn't come from earthly alliances or displays of wealth.
The context of Isaiah 39 is crucial. Merodach-Baladan of Babylon sent envoys to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery. Instead of focusing on God's deliverance, Hezekiah was puffed up with pride and showed them all his riches and armories.
Isaiah's prophecy of judgment is a stark contrast to Hezekiah's self-congratulatory mood. Hezekiah's response to Isaiah after hearing the prophecy is, 'Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. For there shall be peace and truth in my days.' (Isaiah 39:8).
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While seemingly humble, Hezekiah's focus on his own lifetime ('in my days') reveals a self-centeredness. He found comfort in the fact that the judgment wouldn't happen on his watch. The scholars point out that this desire for personal peace, while understandable, overlooks the broader call to faithfulness and the long-term consequences of his actions.
This verse teaches us that true peace isn't found in securing alliances with powerful nations or in the accumulation of earthly treasures. It's rooted in obedience to God and in trusting Him for the future, not just for the present.
Understand the original words
saris · Hebrew Noun
Male individuals castrated or physically altered; in a royal context, they often served as trusted administrators or attendants in the inner courts of ancient Near Eastern monarchs.
This prophecy directly addresses the consequences of Hezekiah's pride in displaying his wealth to Babylon. It foreshadows the eventual Babylonian exile, a devastating period for Judah, highlighting how pride can lead to future suffering for oneself and one's descendants.
705 BC
Sennacherib's Campaign and Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian king Sennacherib campaigns in Judah, besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah trusts in the Lord and is miraculously delivered.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Tribute and Hezekiah's Illness
Following the failed siege, Hezekiah pays tribute to Assyria. Later, he falls gravely ill, but is miraculously healed by God.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Merodach-Baladan's Embassy
The king of Babylon, Merodach-Baladan, sends envoys to Jerusalem to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery and inquire about the miracle of the sun.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Pride and Isaiah's Rebuke
Hezekiah proudly shows the Babylonian envoys his kingdom's wealth and treasures, leading to a rebuke from the prophet Isaiah.
c. 701 BC
Prophecy of Babylonian Exile
Isaiah declares that Hezekiah's treasures and even his descendants will be taken to Babylon and serve in the king's palace.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and nobility, to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
After a rebellion, Jehoiachin (a descendant of Hezekiah) and many more Judeans, including skilled craftsmen and officials, are deported to Babylon. Some of the royal line are taken into service.
This passage directly parallels Isaiah 39:6-7, showing that the treasures Hezekiah displayed would be taken to Babylon, and his own descendants would become officials in the Babylonian palace. It highlights the immediate consequence of Hezekiah's pride and lack of discernment.
Daniel 1:1-7This passage describes the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, where certain young men, including those of royal lineage ('of the king's seed'), were taken to Babylon and trained to serve in the king's palace, some becoming eunuchs. It vividly illustrates the fate foretold for Hezekiah's descendants.
Jeremiah 20:4-5This prophecy from Jeremiah, though occurring later, echoes the theme of a king's descendants suffering a similar fate of humiliation and captivity in Babylon. It shows a recurring pattern of God's judgment on Judah's kings and their lineage due to their actions.
Psalm 39:9Hezekiah's response in Isaiah 39:8 reveals a remarkable submission to God's word, even when it brings severe judgment. This psalm reflects a similar spirit of humility and acceptance of God's discipline, acknowledging the pain but trusting in God's timing and justice.
barnesIsaiah 39:7: "And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
And of that sons - Thy posterity (see the note at Matthew 1:1 ). That shall issue from thee - Of the royal family. The captivity at Babylon occurred more than a hundred years after this, and of course those who were carried there were somewhat remote descendants of Hezekiah. And they shall be eunuchs - The word used here (סריסים…
pooleIsaiah 39:7: "And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This prophecy carries a sharp sting: it's not just about future generations, but explicitly states "sons... whom you will father" will suffer this fate. This language highlights Hezekiah's personal responsibility and the direct consequences of his prideful display to the Babylonians, indicating the calamity would fall even on his immediate offspring.
After Hezekiah proudly showed off his kingdom's riches to messengers from Babylon, the prophet Isaiah confronts him with a severe prophecy. God declares that not only will all of Hezekiah's treasures be plundered and taken to Babylon, but his own descendants will also be taken captive. These royal sons will end up serving as eunuchs in the Babylonian king's palace.
After Hezekiah proudly showed off his kingdom's riches to messengers from Babylon, the prophet Isaiah confronts him with a severe prophecy. God declares that not only will all of Hezekiah's treasures be plundered and taken to Babylon, but his own descendants will also be taken captive. These royal sons will end up serving as eunuchs in the Babylonian king's palace.
"And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”" — This prophecy carries a sharp sting: it's not just about future generations, but explicitly states "sons... whom you will father" will suffer this fate. This language highlights Hezekiah's personal…
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Last reviewed October 2026