Topical Encyclopedia Merodach-baladan, also known as Marduk-apla-iddina II, was a significant historical figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. He was a Chaldean prince who became the king of Babylon and is noted for his interactions with the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah.Historical Context Merodach-baladan ruled Babylon during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian dominance in the region. He first ascended to the throne around 721 BC, taking advantage of the death of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V. His reign was characterized by efforts to resist Assyrian control, and he is known for his persistent opposition to Assyrian kings such as Sargon II and Sennacherib. Despite his initial success, Merodach-baladan's reign was interrupted by Assyrian military campaigns, and he was eventually deposed. Biblical Account The Bible references Merodach-baladan in the context of his diplomatic engagement with King Hezekiah of Judah. This encounter is recorded in 2 Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39:1-8. According to the biblical narrative, Merodach-baladan sent envoys with letters and a gift to Hezekiah after hearing of his recovery from illness. This gesture was likely an attempt to forge an alliance against the common threat of Assyria. 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." Hezekiah, flattered by the attention, showed the Babylonian envoys all the treasures of his house, an act that later drew the rebuke of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah prophesied that this indiscretion would lead to the future Babylonian captivity of Judah, as recorded in Isaiah 39:6-7 : "Behold, the days are coming when everything in your house, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." Significance Merodach-baladan's interaction with Hezekiah is significant for several reasons. It highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where smaller states like Judah navigated the pressures of larger empires. His overture to Hezekiah underscores the strategic alliances sought by regional powers to counter Assyrian hegemony. Furthermore, the biblical account serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. Merodach-baladan's legacy is thus intertwined with both the political history of Babylon and the theological narrative of the Bible, illustrating the complex interplay between divine prophecy and historical events. Concordance Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 39:1 Thesaurus Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence)Mer'odach-bal'adan. Merodach-baladan, Mer'odach-bal'adan. Mero'dach-bal'adan . Multi-Version Concordance Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mer'odach-bal'adan.htm - 6k Mero'dach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence) Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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