merodach-baladan Summary and Overview

Merodach has given a son, (Isa. 39:1), "the hereditary chief of the Chaldeans, a small tribe at that time settled in the marshes at the mouth of the Euphrates, but in consequence of his conquest of Babylon afterwards, they became the dominant caste in Babylonia itself." One bearing this name sent ambassadors to Hezekiah (B.C. 721). He is also called Berodach-baladan (2 Kings 20:12; 2 Chr. 20:31). (See HEZEKIAH T0001771.)

(worshipper of Baal) is mentioned as king of Babylon in the days of Hezekiah both in the second hook of Kings, ch. #2Ki 20:12| and in Isaiah. ch. #Isa 39:1| In the former place he is called Berodach-baladan. The name of Merodach-baladan has been recognized in the Assyrian inscriptions. It appears there were two reigns of this king, the first from B.C. 721 to B.C. 709, when he was deposed; and the second after his recovery of the throne in B.C. 702, which lasted only half a year. There is some doubt as to the time at which he went his ambassadors to Hezekiah, for the purpose of inquiring as to the astronomical marvel of which Judea had been the scene, #2Ch 32:31| but it appears to have been B.C. 713.

MERO'DACH-BAL'ADAN (Merodach, Worshipper of Baal), a king of Babylon, b.c. 721, who sent ambassadors to Hezekiah. 2 Chr 32:31; Isa 39:1. In 2 Kgs 20:12 he is called Berodach-baladan.