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 ContextMerodach-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 ReferencesMerodach-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 SignificanceFrom 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 ImpactMerodach-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 inIsaiah 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.
R. Dick Wilson
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.
...Library
Nineveh.
... At Babylon a prince namedMerodach Baladan had set himself up against
Sennacherib, and sought the friendship of Hezekiah. When the...
Appendices
... Meli-sipak, 15 years.Merodach-baladan I., his son, 13 years. Zamama-sum-iddin,
1-year. Bel-sum-iddin, 3 years. THE DYNASTY OF ISIN, BC1229....
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8
... The upheaval of the entire Eastern world on the accession of Sennacherib -- Revolt
of Babylon: return ofMerodach-baladan and his efforts to form a coalition...
Babylonia and Assyria
... One of them,Merodach-baladan, succeeded in making himself master of Babylonia,
and from that time forward the Kalda became so integral a part of the...
Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... in Pinches' Canon by three kings who are said to have reigned as follows: Sennacherib,
two years; Marduk-zakir-shumu, one month;Merodach-baladan, nine months....
For whom and with what Object Written.
... See also Sayce's art. in Hastings' DB onMerodach-Baladan, where M. seems identified
with Bel; also art. Merodach. [66] Daniel, Oxf. 1792, p. 40....
The Ambassadors from Babylon
... Their king,Merodachbaladan, upon learning that this miracle had been wrought as
a sign to the king of Judah that the God of heaven had granted him a new lease...
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon,Merodach-baladan and Elam"The kingdom
of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's...
The Greater Prophets.
... invasion and overthrow; of Hezekiah's sickness and miraculous recovery, and of his
sin in connection with the mission ofMerodach-baladan's servants....
Isaiah
... This is followed by another prophecy of the Babylonian exile, occasioned by an embassy
sent to Hezekiah byMerodach Baladan, king of Babylon (xxxix.)....
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
...Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences)
...Merodachbaladan,Merodach-baladan. Mer'odach-bal'adan . Easton's Bible Dictionary...
Merodachbaladan,Merodach-baladan. Mer'odach-bal'adan . Reference Bible
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....
Chaldeans (82 Occurrences)
... Chaldaioi): 1. Geographical Position Seats of the Chaldeans 2. Originally
Sumero-Akkadian 3. History of the Chaldean Tribes 4.Merodach-baladan and Sargon...
Chaldea (8 Occurrences)
... Chaldaioi): 1. Geographical Position Seats of the Chaldeans 2. Originally
Sumero-Akkadian 3. History of the Chaldean Tribes 4.Merodach-baladan and Sargon...
Sargon (1 Occurrence)
...Merodach-baladan of Kaldu, who paid tribute to previous rulers, on the change of...
In 710 BC Sargon directed his attention toMerodachbaladan, who no longer...
Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)
... by name. He ruled only a month, having been driven out by the irrepressible
Merodach-baladan, who again appeared on the scene. In...
Illness (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time,Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent letters with an offering to Hezekiah, because he had news that Hezekiah...
Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence)
Mer'odach-bal'adan.Merodach-baladan, Mer'odach-bal'adan. Mero'dach-bal'adan ....
(See RSV).Merodach-baladan, Mer'odach-bal'adan. Mero'dach-bal'adan ....
Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)
... in 2 Kings 20:1, 2 Chronicles 32:24, Isaiah 38:1. Various ambassadors came to
congratulate him on his recovery, and among themMerodach-baladan, the viceroy of...
Resources
What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Chaldeans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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