Jump to: Hitchcock's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms 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 reigned as king of Babylon during two separate periods, first from 721 to 710 BC and later briefly in 703 BC. He is recognized for his resistance against the Assyrian empire, particularly against the Assyrian king Sargon II. His reign is marked by efforts to assert Babylonian independence and to form alliances with other nations to counter Assyrian dominance. Biblical References Merodach-baladan is mentioned in the Bible in 2 Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39:1-8. In these passages, he is depicted as sending envoys with letters and a gift to King Hezekiah of Judah after hearing of Hezekiah's illness and recovery. This gesture was likely an attempt to secure an alliance with Judah against the Assyrian threat. 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." This visit is significant as it highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time, with Babylon seeking allies in its struggle against Assyria. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the interaction between Merodach-baladan and Hezekiah serves as a narrative that underscores themes of pride, trust, and divine sovereignty. Hezekiah's decision to show the Babylonian envoys all his treasures and the wealth of his kingdom is met with a prophetic rebuke from Isaiah. Isaiah warns that all the treasures will eventually be carried off to Babylon, and some of Hezekiah's descendants will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:17-18). This prophecy foreshadows the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Israel's history, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of misplaced trust and pride. Hezekiah's actions, influenced by the visit of Merodach-baladan, illustrate the dangers of relying on human alliances rather than trusting in God's protection and provision. Cultural and Political Impact Merodach-baladan's reign and his interactions with neighboring kingdoms reflect the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East. His attempts to forge alliances and resist Assyrian control demonstrate the persistent struggle for power and influence among the regional powers of the time. His legacy is intertwined with the broader narrative of Babylon's rise and its eventual role in the history of Israel and Judah. In summary, Merodach-baladan is a figure whose actions had significant implications for the biblical narrative and the historical context of the ancient Near East. His interactions with Hezekiah provide insight into the political and spiritual challenges faced by the kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Merodach-Baladanbitter contrition, without judgment Easton's Bible Dictionary Merodach has given a son, (Isaiah 39:1), "the hereditary chief of the Chaldeans, a small tribe at that time settled in the marshes at the mouth of the Euphrates, but in consequence of his conquest of Babylon afterwards, they became the dominant caste in Babylonia itself." One bearing this name sent ambassadors to Hezekiah (B.C. 721). He is also called Berodach-baladan (2 Kings 20:12; 2 Chronicles 20:31). (see HEZEKIAH.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MERODACH-BALADANme-ro'-dak-bal'-a-dan, mer'-o-dak-b. (mero'dhakh bal'adhan; Marodach Baladan): The son of Baladan, is mentioned in Isaiah 39:1, as a king of Babylon who sent an embassy to Hezekiah, king of Judah, apparently shortly after the latter's illness, in order to congratulate him on his recovery of health, and to make with him an offensive and defensive alliance. This Merodach-baladan was a king of the Chaldeans of the house of Yakin, and was the most dangerous and inveterate foe of Sargon and his son Sennacherib, kings of Assyria, with whom he long and bitterly contested the possession of Babylon and the surrounding provinces. Merodach-Baladan seems to have seized Babylon immediately after the death of Shalmaneser in 721 B.C.; and it was not till the 12th year of his reign that Sargon succeeded in ousting him. From that time down to the 8th campaign of Sennacherib, Sargon and his son pursued with relentless animosity Merodach-Baladan and his family until at last his son Nabushumishkun was captured and the whole family of Merodach-Baladan was apparently destroyed. According to the monuments, therefore, it was from a worldly point of view good politics for Hezekiah and his western allies to come to an understanding with Merodach-Baladan and the Arameans, Elamites, and others, who were confederated with him. From a strategical point of view, the weakness of the allied powers consisted in the fact that the Arabian desert lay between the eastern and western members of the confederacy, so that the Assyrian kings were able to attack their enemies when they pleased and to defeat them in detail. Strong's Hebrew 4757. Merodak Baladan -- a king of Babylon... a king of Babylon. Transliteration: Merodak Baladan Phonetic Spelling: (mer-o-dak' bal-aw-dawn') Short Definition: Merodach-baladan. ... Merodach-baladan. ... /hebrew/4757.htm - 6k Library 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. The Ambassadors from Babylon Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Greater Prophets. Isaiah Thesaurus Merodachbaladan (1 Occurrence)... worldly point of view good politics for Hezekiah and his western allies to come to an understanding with Merodach-Baladan and the ...Merodachbaladan (1 Occurrence ... /m/merodachbaladan.htm - 9k Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) Baladan (2 Occurrences) Chaldeans (82 Occurrences) Chaldea (8 Occurrences) Sargon (1 Occurrence) Sennacherib (13 Occurrences) Illness (15 Occurrences) Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence) Hezekiah (124 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Chaldeans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences)2 Kings 20:12 Isaiah 39:1 Subtopics Merodach-Baladan: Sends Congratulatory Letters and a Present to Hezekiah Related Terms |
    |