◄ 2 Kings 20:12 ►
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.
Study Bible
At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The events occur during the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, after his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. This period is marked by political upheaval and shifting alliances in the ancient Near East.

Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon
Merodach-baladan was a historical figure known for his opposition to Assyrian dominance. He ruled Babylon intermittently and was a significant political player. His name, meaning "Marduk has given a son," reflects the Babylonian practice of naming individuals after their gods. His interactions with Hezekiah highlight the geopolitical tensions of the time, as Babylon sought allies against Assyria.

sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah
The sending of letters and gifts was a common diplomatic practice in the ancient world, often used to establish or strengthen alliances. This gesture from Merodach-baladan could be seen as an attempt to court Hezekiah's favor and possibly secure Judah as an ally against Assyria. The gifts may have been intended to flatter Hezekiah and express goodwill.

for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness
Hezekiah's illness and subsequent recovery were well-known events, possibly due to their miraculous nature. The news of his recovery would have spread quickly, especially given the political significance of a king's health. This phrase suggests that Merodach-baladan's actions were motivated by the news of Hezekiah's illness, possibly seeing an opportunity to engage with a king who had experienced divine intervention. This also sets the stage for the subsequent events where Hezekiah's pride leads to a prophetic warning about Babylonian captivity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Merodach-baladan
He 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. Hezekiah
The 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. Babylon
A 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 Illness
A 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 Gift
Sent by Merodach-baladan to Hezekiah, these were likely diplomatic gestures intended to establish a political alliance or express goodwill.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Pride
Hezekiah'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 Alliances
The 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 Healing
Hezekiah'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 Humility
Hezekiah'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 39
This 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 32
This passage highlights Hezekiah's pride and the subsequent testing by God, providing a broader context for understanding his interactions with Babylon.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the dangers of pride, which is relevant to Hezekiah's actions following his recovery and the visit from Babylon.
Sermons
A House and a Soul ComparedJ. R. Starey.2 Kings 20:1-19
Attachment to LifeCharles Lamb.2 Kings 20:1-19
Hezekiah's Prayer AnsweredMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 20:1-19
Set Thy House in Order -- a New Year's SermonE. D. Griffin, D. D.2 Kings 20:1-19
The Blessing of SicknessDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 20:1-19
The House in OrderThomas Spurgeon.2 Kings 20:1-19
DeathD. Thomas 2 Kings 20:1-21
Dangerous Love of DisplayL. A. Banks.2 Kings 20:12-13
Hezekiah and the Ambassadors, or Vainglory RebukedSpurgeon, Charles Haddon2 Kings 20:12-13
Royal Congratulations and National OstentationF. Hastings.2 Kings 20:12-13
The Babylonian EmbassyJ. Orr 2 Kings 20:12-19
Hezekiah and the AmbassadorsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 20:12-21
People
Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Manasseh
Places
Ararat, Assyria, Babylon
Topics
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, Sick
Dictionary 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 Iscariot

Sennacherib (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

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