upplication, because the trouble he was under at his supposed death
was not because he was soon to leave the advantages he enjoyed in the
kingdom, nor did he on that account pray that he might have a longer
life afforded him, but in order to have sons, that might receive the
government after him. And God sent Isaiah the prophet, and commanded him
to inform Hezekiah, that within three days' time he should get clear of
his distemper, and should survive it fifteen years, and that he should
have children also. Now, upon the prophet's saying this, as God had
commanded him, he could hardly believe it, both on account of the
distemper he was under, which was very sore, and by reason of the
surprising nature of what was told him; so he desired that Isaiah would
give him some sign or wonder, that he might believe him in what he had
said, and be sensible that he came from God; for things that are beyond
expectation, and greater than our hopes, are made credible by actions of
the like nature. And when Isaiah had asked him what sign he desired to
be exhibited, he desired that he would make the shadow of the sun, which
he had already made to go down ten steps [or degrees] in his house, to
return again to the same place, [5] and to make it as it was before. And
when the prophet prayed to God to exhibit this sign to the king, he saw
what he desired to see, and was freed from his distemper, and went up to
the temple, where he worshipped God, and made vows to him.

2. At this time it was that the dominion of the Assyrians was overthrown
by the Medes; [6] but of these things I shall treat elsewhere. But the
king of Babylon, whose name was Baladan, sent ambassadors to Hezekiah,
with presents, and desired he would be his ally and his friend. So he
received the ambassadors gladly, and made them a feast, and showed them
his treasures, and his armory, and the other wealth he was possessed of,
in precious stones and in gold, and gave them presents to be carried to
Baladan, and sent them back to him. Upon which the prophet Isaiah came
to him, and inquired of him whence those ambassadors came; to which he
replied, that they came from Babylon, from the king; and that he had
showed them all he had, that by the sight of his riches and forces he
might thereby guess at [the plenty he was in], and be able to inform the
king of it. But the prophet rejoined, and said, "Know thou, that, after
a little while, these riches of thine shall be carried away to B