The character of Hezekiah is well known. One of the very best of the
kings of Judah (2 Kings xviii. 3-7). Nevertheless even in this
excellent man there were moral weaknesses which were displayed when
his physical malady was removed. The arrival of the Babylonian
ambassadors excited within him hopes of political advantages arising
from alliance with the idolatrous king whom they represented, and in
order to impress the envoys with a sense of his importance, he made
an ostentatious display of his wealth (ver. 2). This displeased the
Lord. Why? 1. Because Hezekiah let slip a favourable opportunity of
making known to the heathen the glory and the goodness of the God of
Israel.[1] 2. Because his ostentation made it plain that pride was
usurping the throne of his heart (2 Chron. xxxii. 26).
But this was not the habitual frame of Hezekiah's mind; he was a good
man, and therefore God lovingly chastened him. If it had been the
wicked Ahab who had done this deed, the Lord might possibly have
taken no notice of it; He might have left that idolatrous sinner to
have followed his own devices. But seeing this evil spirit begin to
show itself in a pious and humble man, the Lord mercifully and
savingly interposes to check it in the beginning (vers. 3-7).