Introduction:
Berodach-baladan, also known as Merodach-baladan, was a significant historical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. He was a king of Babylon during the late 8th century BC, known for his interactions with the kingdom of Judah. His name, which can be translated as "Marduk has given a son," reflects the Babylonian practice of naming individuals in honor of their deities, in this case, Marduk, the chief god of Babylon.

Biblical References:
Berodach-baladan is primarily mentioned in two passages of the Bible: 2 Kings 20:12 and Isaiah 39:1. In these accounts, he is depicted as a king who sought to establish diplomatic relations with Hezekiah, the king of Judah.

2 Kings 20:12 :
"At that time Berodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness."

Isaiah 39:1 :
"At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been ill and had recovered."

Historical Context:
Berodach-baladan ruled Babylon during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian dominance in the region. He is known to have been a persistent adversary of Assyria, striving to maintain Babylonian independence. His reign is characterized by efforts to forge alliances with other nations, including Judah, to resist Assyrian control.

Interaction with Hezekiah:
The biblical narrative highlights Berodach-baladan's diplomatic overtures to Hezekiah. Upon hearing of Hezekiah's illness and subsequent recovery, Berodach-baladan sent envoys with letters and gifts to the Judean king. This gesture was likely an attempt to secure an alliance against the common threat of Assyria. Hezekiah, flattered by the attention from a distant and powerful ruler, showed the Babylonian envoys all the treasures of his house, an act that later drew the rebuke of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 39:2-4).

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the account of Berodach-baladan serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and misplaced trust. Hezekiah's decision to display his wealth to the Babylonian envoys is seen as a lapse in judgment, leading to Isaiah's prophecy of future Babylonian captivity for Judah (Isaiah 39:5-7). This interaction underscores the biblical theme of reliance on God rather than foreign alliances or material wealth.

Conclusion:
While Berodach-baladan's direct impact on biblical history is limited, his interactions with Hezekiah provide insight into the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East and serve as a narrative vehicle for conveying important theological lessons. His account is a reminder of the transient nature of political power and the enduring call to faithfulness and humility before God.Berodach-Baladan

the son of death

The king of Babylon who sent a friendly deputation to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:12). In Isaiah 39:1 he is called Merodach-baladan (q.v.). BERODACH-BALADAN

be-ro'-dak-bal'-a-dan.

See MERODACH-BALADAN.

1255. Berodak Baladan -- "he has given a son," a Babylonian king
... "he has given a son," a Babylonian king. Transliteration: Berodak Baladan Phonetic
Spelling: (ber-o-dak' bal-ad-awn') Short Definition: Berodach-baladan. ...
/hebrew/1255.htm - 6kBerodachbaladan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BERODACH-BALADAN. be-ro'-dak-bal'-a-dan. See
MERODACH-BALADAN. Multi-Version Concordance Berodachbaladan (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/berodachbaladan.htm - 7k

Berodach-baladan (1 Occurrence)
Berodach-baladan. Berodachbaladan, Berodach-baladan. Beroea . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Berodachbaladan, Berodach-baladan. Beroea . Reference Bible.
/b/berodach-baladan.htm - 7k

Berodach (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time BerodachBaladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had ...
/b/berodach.htm - 6k

Beroea (4 Occurrences)

/b/beroea.htm - 11k

Envoys (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time BerodachBaladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had ...
/e/envoys.htm - 11k

Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences)
... He is also called Berodach-baladan (2 Kings 20:12; 2 Chronicles 20:31). (see
HEZEKIAH.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MERODACH-BALADAN. ...
/m/merodach-baladan.htm - 9k

Merodachbaladan (1 Occurrence)
... He is also called Berodach-baladan (2 Kings 20:12; 2 Chronicles 20:31). (see
HEZEKIAH.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MERODACH-BALADAN. ...
/m/merodachbaladan.htm - 9k

Bal'adan (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent a letter and a present unto Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had ...
/b/bal'adan.htm - 6k

Baladan (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time BerodachBaladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had ...
/b/baladan.htm - 9k

Hezekiah's (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon,
sent a letter and a present unto Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had ...
/h/hezekiah's.htm - 9k

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