Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Baladan is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian interactions with the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. He is identified as the father of Merodach-Baladan, a significant Babylonian ruler who sought to assert independence from Assyrian dominance.Biblical References: Baladan is mentioned in the Bible in the context of a diplomatic interaction between Babylon and Judah. The primary references to Baladan are found in 2 Kings 20:12 and Isaiah 39:1. In these passages, Merodach-Baladan, the son of Baladan, sends envoys to King Hezekiah of Judah after hearing of his recovery from illness. 2 Kings 20:12 states: "At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness." Isaiah 39:1 similarly records: "At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about his illness and recovery." Historical Context: Baladan's son, Merodach-Baladan, was a Chaldean prince who became king of Babylon. He is known for his resistance against the Assyrian Empire, particularly during the reign of Sargon II and later Sennacherib. Merodach-Baladan's efforts to establish Babylonian independence were part of the larger geopolitical struggles in the region during the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. The mention of Baladan in the biblical narrative highlights the political intrigue and alliances that characterized the period. The visit of Merodach-Baladan's envoys to Hezekiah is seen as an attempt to forge alliances against the common threat of Assyrian expansion. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the interaction between Hezekiah and the envoys of Merodach-Baladan serves as a narrative that underscores themes of pride, trust, and divine sovereignty. Hezekiah's decision to show the Babylonian envoys all the treasures of his kingdom is later rebuked by the prophet Isaiah, who prophesies that all these treasures will eventually be carried off to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). This prophecy foreshadows the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in the history of Israel. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God rather than political alliances or material wealth. It also illustrates the unfolding of God's plan through historical events, as the rise and fall of nations are depicted as being under divine control. Cultural and Political Implications: The mention of Baladan and his son in the biblical text reflects the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East. The interactions between Judah and Babylon, as well as the broader Assyrian influence, are indicative of the shifting power dynamics of the time. The biblical narrative captures the tension between human political maneuvering and divine providence, a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. In summary, Baladan, though a minor figure in the biblical text, is connected to significant historical and theological themes through his son Merodach-Baladan's interactions with King Hezekiah. These events are part of the larger narrative of God's dealings with His people and the nations surrounding them. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BaladanSmith's Bible Dictionary BaladanEaston's Bible Dictionary He has given a son, the father of the Babylonian king (2 Kings 20:12; Isaiah 39:1) Merodach-baladan (q.v.). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BALADANbal'-a-dan bal'adhan, "He (i.e. Merodach) has given a son": Baladan is said in 2 Kings 20:12 and Isaiah 39:1 to have been the father of Berodach (Merodach)-Baladan, king of Babylon. Some have thought that the Biblical. writer was wrong here, inasmuch as it is said in the inscriptions of Sargon (Annals, 228, 315; Pt., 122), that Merodach-Baladan was the son of Yakin. It is evident, however, from the analogy of Jehu, who is called by the Assyrian kings the son of Omri, that Yakin is to be looked upon as the founder of the dynasty or kingdom, rather than as the father of Merodach-Baladan. The Bith Yakin, over which Merodach-Baladan is said to have been king, corresponds exactly to the phrase Bith Khumria, or House of Omri, over which Jehu is said to have ruled. There is no reason, then, for supposing that there is an error in either case. There is, however, good reason for believing that the Merodach-Baladan of the Book of Kings was the son of another king of the same name. That only the latter part of the father's name is here mentioned may be compared with the Shalman of Hosea 10:14 for the more fully-written Shalmaneser of 2 Kings 17:3; and with the Jareb of Hosea 5:13 and Hosea 10:6, probably for Sennacherib. Such abbreviation of proper names was usual among the Assyrians and Babylonians. See Tallquist, Namenbuch, xiv-xix. Strong's Hebrew 1081. Baladan -- "he has given a son," father of a Bab. king... 1080, 1081. Baladan. 1082 . "he has given a son," father of a Bab. king. Transliteration: Baladan Phonetic Spelling: (bal-ad-awn') Short Definition: Baladan ... /hebrew/1081.htm - 6k 4757. Merodak Baladan -- a king of Babylon 1255. Berodak Baladan -- "he has given a son," a Babylonian king Library How Hezekiah was Sick, and Ready to Die; and How God Bestowed Upon ... Nineveh. Appendices History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Babylonia and Assyria Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) For whom and with what Object Written. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Greater Prophets. Isaiah Thesaurus Baladan (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary He has given a son, the father of the Babylonian king (2 Kings 20:12; Isaiah 39:1) Merodach-baladan (qv). Int. ...BALADAN. ... /b/baladan.htm - 9k Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) Berodach-baladan (1 Occurrence) Merodachbaladan (1 Occurrence) Chaldeans (82 Occurrences) Bal'adan (2 Occurrences) Chaldea (8 Occurrences) Illness (15 Occurrences) Envoys (16 Occurrences) Berodachbaladan (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Chaldeans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Baladan (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 20:12 Isaiah 39:1 Subtopics Related Terms Mero'dach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence) Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence) |
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