2 Kings 20:13

13. Hezekiah hearkened unto them Many manuscripts and versions here read, was glad of them, or rejoiced over them, ( ישׂמח עליהם ,) as in Isaiah 39:2; but this is no sufficient proof that our text is corrupt. שׁמע is, indeed, seldom construed with על , but examples are to be found in chapter 2 Kings 22:13, and Genesis 41:15. The king hearkened unto the proposal to form an alliance with Merodach-baladan; and to convince them that he was not so feeble and destitute of resources as the king of Assyria might pretend, he showed them his treasures.

House of his precious things Better, as the margin, house of spicery, or spice house. So the word is rendered at Genesis 37:25. Spices were regarded as very precious things.

The spices Rather, the aromatics, or perfumes; all sorts of fragrant plants or spices which create a pleasant smell.

The precious ointment “Not fine olive-oil,” says Keil, “but, according to the rabbies and Movers, the valuable balsam oil which was obtained in the royal gardens; for olive oil, which was obtained in all Judea, was not stored in the treasure-chambers along with the gold, silver, and perfumes, but in special storehouses.” 1 Chronicles 27:28.

House of his armour The armory, or arsenal.

In all his dominion He made known to them the whole extent of his resources, whether of wealth, luxuries, or power.

Those expositors who understand this embassy to have visited Hezekiah after the Assyrian invasion, and after Sennacherib had taken away all the silver of the temple and the palace, (2 Kings 18:15,) are put to it to account for all those treasures of gold and silver and precious things yet in possession of the Jewish king. They argue that Sennacherib took only silver and gold, not spices or arms, and that Hezekiah preferred to strip the doors and pillars of the temple for gold and silver, rather than give up that which was concealed in his treasuries. They also suppose that the treasury of Jerusalem had been replenished by the gifts mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:23. But if, as we have assumed, (2 Kings 20:12, note,) this embassy came before Hezekiah had given all his silver and gold to Sennacherib, this accumulation of treasure is the more easily accounted for.