Merodach-baladan

Biblical Account

Merodach-baladan is introduced as "the son of Baladan, king of Babylon" (Isaiah 39:1). In 2 Kings 20:12 his name is spelled "Berodach-baladan." When he heard that Hezekiah, king of Judah, had recovered from a mortal illness, he sent envoys bearing letters and a present. Hezekiah welcomed the envoys and showed them everything in his palace and throughout his realm, including his treasure houses and his armory (2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2).

Afterward the prophet Isaiah came to Hezekiah, asked what the envoys had seen, and prophesied that the day would come when everything in the palace, along with some of the king's descendants, would be carried away to Babylon (Isaiah 39:5–7). Hezekiah answered in effect, "There shall be peace and truth in my days" (Isaiah 39:8). 2 Chronicles 32:31 records that the Babylonian ambassadors came to inquire about the wonder that had been done in the land, and it adds that God left Hezekiah in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart. However, 2 Chronicles does not name the king.

Significance in Scripture

This episode is the first in Scripture in which Babylon becomes directly involved in the future of Judah, even though the great power threatening Judah at the time was Assyria. Isaiah's prophecy is read as looking ahead to the later Babylonian exile. In the Book of Isaiah, this chapter (chapter 39) is immediately followed by chapter 40, which turns to words of comfort for the time after the Babylonian exile. For this reason, many interpreters regard chapter 39 as a hinge linking the two parts of the book. The New Testament does not mention Merodach-baladan.

Interpretations and Debates

• Historical figure: He is generally identified with Marduk-apla-iddina II, a king of Babylon who appears in Assyrian records. He came from a Chaldean tribe and is known to have seized the Babylonian throne twice in opposition to Assyria. The first element of his name, "Merodach," refers to the Babylonian god Marduk; the same form also appears in Jeremiah 50:2. Scholars give slightly differing dates for his reign.
• Purpose of the embassy: Scripture presents the embassy as a gesture of concern over the king's illness and as an expression of interest in the wonder. Scholars further suggest that it likely had a diplomatic aim as well: seeking an alliance against Assyria. This is a historical interpretation that the text does not state directly.
• Hezekiah's fault: Many commentators connect the episode with 2 Chronicles 32:25, "his heart was lifted up," and understand Hezekiah as relying on wealth and foreign powers rather than on God. Interpretations of his response in Isaiah 39:8 differ. Some see it as complacency that gave no thought to his descendants, while others see it as a humble acceptance of the word of judgment.

In the Korean Church

Merodach-baladan is mentioned chiefly in sermons on the story of Hezekiah. In such sermons the episode often serves as an illustration warning against pride, boasting, and seeking the world's approval after receiving great grace. In Sunday school, it receives relatively little attention compared with the stories of Hezekiah's prayer and the extension of his life.