Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Mero'dach-bal'adan, also known as Merodach-baladan, is a historical figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. His name means "Marduk has given a son," reflecting the Babylonian deity Marduk. Mero'dach-bal'adan was a Chaldean prince who became king of Babylon and is noted for his interactions with the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Biblical References: Mero'dach-bal'adan is mentioned in two primary biblical passages: 2 Kings 20:12-19 and Isaiah 39:1-8. These passages describe his diplomatic engagement with King Hezekiah of Judah. Historical Context: Mero'dach-bal'adan ruled Babylon during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian dominance in the region. He first seized the throne of Babylon around 721 BC, taking advantage of the death of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V. His reign was characterized by efforts to resist Assyrian control, aligning with other regional powers to challenge Assyrian hegemony. Interaction with Hezekiah: In 2 Kings 20:12-13 , it is recorded: "At that time Mero'dach-bal'adan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness." This visit was likely a strategic move to form alliances against the Assyrian empire. Hezekiah, having recovered from a life-threatening illness, welcomed the envoys and showed them all the treasures of his kingdom. The prophet Isaiah later rebuked Hezekiah for this act, foretelling the future Babylonian captivity of Judah. Isaiah 39:6-7 states: "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: Mero'dach-bal'adan's interaction with Hezekiah is significant for several reasons. It highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the Near East during the late 8th century BC, illustrating the constant struggle for power and influence among emerging and established empires. His visit to Hezekiah also serves as a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy, foreshadowing the eventual Babylonian exile of the Jewish people. Legacy: Mero'dach-bal'adan's legacy is intertwined with the broader narrative of Babylon's rise and the eventual downfall of Judah. His attempts to resist Assyrian control and his engagement with Hezekiah are remembered as part of the complex history of the ancient Near East, where shifting alliances and prophetic warnings played crucial roles in shaping the destinies of nations. Concordance Mero'dach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 20:12 Thesaurus Mero'dach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence)Mero'dach-bal'adan. Mer'odach-bal'adan, Mero'dach-bal'adan. Merom . Multi-Version Concordance Mero'dach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mero'dach-bal'adan.htm - 6k Mer'odach-bal'adan (1 Occurrence) Merom (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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