Do the first 39 chapters of Isaiah parallel the 39 books of the Old Testament with a focus on sinfulness, while the last 27 chapters parallel the 27 books of the New Testament with a focus on a Savior? Let’s look at Isaiah 39.
Should a man’s life focus on the emptiness of accumulated wealth?
At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery. Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine olive oil—his entire armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. (Isa 39:1-2 NIV)
What did Isaiah tell Hezekiah about all his accumulated wealth?
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of Yahweh of Armies: ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up until today, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says Yahweh. ‘They will take away your sons who will issue from you, whom you shall father, and they will be eunuchs in the king of Babylon’s palace.’” (Isa 39:3-4 WEB)
Did Hezekiah face any consequences for a life filled with meaningless wealth?
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: ‘The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says the Lord. ‘Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.’” (Isa 39:5-7 NLT)
How selfish was Hezekiah after finding out that the next generation would suffer?
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “This message you have given me from the Lord is good.” For the king was thinking, “At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime.” (Isa 39:8 NLT)
What would Jesus have said about accumulating a wealth of treasures?
Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat 6:19-21 CEB)
Do the first 39 chapters of Isaiah parallel the 39 books of the Old Testament with a focus on sinfulness, while the last 27 chapters parallel the 27 books of the New Testament with a focus on a Savior? You decide!
