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. At that timeThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The timing is crucial as it follows Hezekiah's miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness, as described earlier in the chapter. Historically, this period is marked by Assyrian dominance in the region, and the Babylonian interest in Judah reflects the shifting power dynamics. The phrase underscores the divine orchestration of events, reminding us that God's timing is perfect and purposeful. Merodach-baladan
Merodach-baladan, also known as Marduk-apla-iddina II, was a historical figure who ruled Babylon intermittently during the late 8th century BC. His name, invoking the Babylonian god Marduk, highlights the polytheistic culture of Babylon, contrasting with the monotheistic faith of Judah. His interactions with Hezekiah suggest political maneuvering, as he sought alliances against the Assyrian empire. This reminds believers of the constant spiritual and political battles faced by God's people. son of Baladan
This designation identifies Merodach-baladan's lineage, emphasizing the importance of heritage and legacy in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It reflects the biblical theme of generational influence, where the actions and faith of one generation impact the next. For Christians, this serves as a reminder of the responsibility to pass down a legacy of faith and righteousness. king of Babylon
Babylon, a city synonymous with pride and opposition to God throughout Scripture, represents worldly power and idolatry. The mention of its king reaching out to Hezekiah is significant, as it foreshadows the future Babylonian captivity of Judah. This highlights the tension between God's kingdom and earthly kingdoms, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their allegiance to God. sent letters and a gift
The act of sending letters and a gift was a diplomatic gesture, indicating a desire for alliance or favor. In the ancient world, such exchanges were common among rulers seeking to establish or strengthen political ties. Spiritually, this can be seen as a test of Hezekiah's discernment and faithfulness to God, reminding Christians to be wary of worldly enticements that may lead them away from God's will. to Hezekiah
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is a central figure in this narrative. Known for his faithfulness and reforms, he is a model of godly leadership. However, his interactions with Babylon reveal his vulnerability to pride and the temptation to rely on human alliances rather than divine protection. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain humble and dependent on God. for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness
The news of Hezekiah's illness and subsequent recovery had spread, reaching even distant lands like Babylon. This highlights the impact of God's miraculous works, which serve as a testimony to His power and faithfulness. It reminds Christians that their lives are a witness to others, and God's interventions in their lives can draw others to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. Merodach-baladanHe was the son of Baladan and the king of Babylon. Known for his ambition and political maneuvering, he sought alliances to strengthen his position against Assyria. 2. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship. He had recently recovered from a life-threatening illness, which was widely known. 3. BabylonA significant city-state in Mesopotamia, known for its cultural and political influence. At this time, it was a rising power seeking to assert itself against Assyria. 4. Hezekiah’s IllnessA pivotal event in Hezekiah's life, where he was miraculously healed by God after fervent prayer, as recorded earlier in 2 Kings 20. 5. The Letters and GiftSent by Merodach-baladan to Hezekiah, these were likely diplomatic gestures intended to establish a political alliance or express goodwill. Teaching Points The Dangers of PrideHezekiah's openness to the Babylonian envoys can be seen as an act of pride, showing off his wealth and achievements. Believers should be cautious of pride, which can lead to spiritual downfall. Discernment in AlliancesThe visit from Babylon was a political maneuver. Christians should seek God's wisdom in forming alliances and partnerships, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose. God's Sovereignty in HealingHezekiah's recovery from illness was a testament to God's power and mercy. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and seek Him in times of need. The Importance of HumilityHezekiah's account reminds us of the importance of humility before God. Acknowledging our dependence on Him keeps us grounded and aligned with His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Babylonian envoys reflect his spiritual state at that time, and what can we learn from it about the dangers of pride? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in forming alliances or partnerships in our personal and professional lives? 3. How does Hezekiah's healing demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this encourage us in our own times of illness or difficulty? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility in our daily walk with God, and how does this account illustrate the importance of humility? 5. How does the account of Hezekiah's interaction with Babylon connect with the broader biblical account of God's people and their relationship with surrounding nations? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 39This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in 2 Kings 20:12, offering additional insights into Hezekiah's response to the Babylonian envoys. 2 Chronicles 32This passage highlights Hezekiah's pride and the subsequent testing by God, providing a broader context for understanding his interactions with Babylon. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the dangers of pride, which is relevant to Hezekiah's actions following his recovery and the visit from Babylon. People Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, ManassehPlaces Ararat, Assyria, BabylonTopics Babylon, Baladan, Bal'adan, Berodach, Berodachbaladan, Berodach-baladan, Envoys, Gift, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hezekiah's, Ill, Illness, Letter, Letters, Merodach-baladan, Mero'dach-bal'adan, News, Offering, Present, SickDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 20:12 5325 gifts
7735 leaders, political 2 Kings 20:12-13 5307 envoy
5976 visiting 2 Kings 20:12-19 4215 Babylon
6701 peace, search for Library An Old-Fashioned Home
TEXT: "What have they seen in thy house?"--2 Kings 20:15. If you will tell me what is in your own house by your own choice I will tell you the story of your home life and will be able to inform you whether yours is a home in which there is harmony and peace or confusion and despair. Let me read the names of the guests in your guest book, allow me to study the titles of the books in your library in which you have special delight, permit me to scan your magazines which you particularly like, allow …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotSennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 God's Sovereignty Defined
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11). The Sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. Each and all of Its Parts Governed by his Providence.
1. Even the wicked, under the guidance of carnal sense, acknowledge that God is the Creator. The godly acknowledge not this only, but that he is a most wise and powerful governor and preserver of all created objects. In so doing, they lean on the Word of God, some passages from which are produced. 2. Refutation of the Epicureans, who oppose fortune and fortuitous causes to Divine Providence, as taught in Scripture. The sun, a bright manifestation of Divine Providence. 3. Figment of the Sophists as …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Kingdom of Judah.
II K. 18-25; II Chron. 28-36. Note: This period covers the time from the fail of Israel to the fall of Judah. It begins in the sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, whose name is given as the first king of the period since most of his reign was in this instead of the former period. The Kings of this Period. 13. Hezekiah, 2 K. 18:1-20-21; 2 Chron. 29:1-32:33. Reigned 29 years and died. 14. Manasseh, 2 K. 21:1-18; 2 Chron. 33:1-20. Reigned 55 year and died. 15. Amon, 2 K. 21:19-26; 2 Chron. 33:20-25. …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
1. Here it is advised--that afflictions should only be expected.--2. That the righteous hand of God should be acknowledged in them when they come.--3. That they should be borne with patience.--4. That the divine conduct in them should be cordially approved.--5. That thankfulness should be maintained in the midst of trials.--6. That the design of afflictions should be diligently inquired into, and all proper assistance taken in discovering it.--7. That, when it is discovered, it should humbly be complied …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
O most righteous Judge, yet in Jesus Christ my gracious Father! I, wretched sinner, do here return unto thee, though driven with pain and sickness, like the prodigal child with want and hunger. I acknowledge that this sickness and pain comes not by blind chance or fortune, but by thy divine providence and special appointment. It is the stroke of thy heavy hand, which my sins have justly deserved; and the things that I feared are now fallen upon me (Job iii. 25.) Yet do I well perceive that in wrath …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 20:12 NIV2 Kings 20:12 NLT2 Kings 20:12 ESV2 Kings 20:12 NASB2 Kings 20:12 KJV
2 Kings 20:12 Commentaries
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