2 Kings 20:12

KJV

¶ At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

KJV (with Strong's)

At that time {H6256} Berodachbaladan {H1255}, the son {H1121} of Baladan {H1081}, king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, sent {H7971} letters {H5612} and a present {H4503} unto Hezekiah {H2396}: for he had heard {H8085} that Hezekiah {H2396} had been sick {H2470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

B'rodakh-Bal'adan the son of Bal'adan, king of Bavel, heard that Hizkiyahu had been ill, so he sent a letter and a gift to him.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 20:12 introduces a pivotal diplomatic encounter during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, immediately following his miraculous recovery from a terminal illness. This verse sets the stage for a critical test of Hezekiah's faith and wisdom, as a seemingly benevolent embassy from Babylon's king, Berodachbaladan, masks deeper political motives that will ultimately expose Hezekiah's pride and lead to a significant prophetic declaration concerning Judah's future exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the narrative of King Hezekiah. It directly follows the miraculous account of his divinely granted healing and the sign of the sun's shadow moving backward on the sundial, as detailed in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1-11 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery"). The preceding verses emphasize God's direct intervention in Hezekiah's life, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant with David. Immediately after the Babylonian embassy's arrival, the narrative swiftly moves to Hezekiah's ill-advised display of his treasures to the envoys in [2 Kings 20:13](/2_kings/20-13 "2 Kings 20:13 - Hezekiah Displays His Treasures"), which then precipitates the prophet Isaiah's stern rebuke and the dire prophecy of Judah's future captivity in Babylon, found in [2 Kings 20:14-19](/2_kings/20-14-19 "2 Kings 20:14-19 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Exile"). The parallel account in [Isaiah 39](/isaiah/39 "Isaiah 39 - Merodach-Baladan's Embassy and Isaiah's Prophecy") underscores the theological significance of this event.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this event (late 8th century BC), the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East was the Assyrian Empire, which had recently laid siege to Jerusalem, only to be miraculously defeated by divine intervention, as recorded in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the LORD Destroys the Assyrian Army"). Babylon, though not yet the undisputed world power it would become, was a rising force and a persistent challenger to Assyrian hegemony. Berodachbaladan (also known as Merodach-Baladan II) was a prominent Chaldean prince who frequently rebelled against Assyrian rule, seeking to forge alliances with other nations to counter their common enemy. His stated reason for sending envoys and gifts to Hezekiah—to congratulate him on his recovery—was a polite diplomatic pretense. The underlying motive was undoubtedly political: to assess Judah's military and economic strength, and to potentially enlist Hezekiah as an ally in a broader anti-Assyrian coalition. Gift-giving and diplomatic correspondence were standard practices in ancient Near Eastern international relations, often serving as veiled intelligence-gathering missions or overtures for strategic partnerships.

* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple verse introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Diplomacy and Alliances**, showcasing the complex web of international relations and the strategic maneuvering of kings in the ancient world, where political expediency often overshadowed divine counsel. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Intervention and Human Response**. Hezekiah had just experienced an extraordinary demonstration of God's power and grace in his healing, yet this visit presents a new test of his faith and dependence on God. Will he continue to trust in the Lord, or will he succumb to the temptation of human glory and worldly alliances? Thirdly, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **Testing of Faith and Pride**. What appears to be an act of goodwill becomes an occasion for Hezekiah to reveal the true condition of his heart, leading to a display of pride in [2 Kings 20:13](/2_kings/20-13 "2 Kings 20:13 - Hezekiah Displays His Treasures") that contrasts sharply with his earlier humility. Finally, and most significantly, this encounter serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing of Exile**. This seemingly innocuous visit from Babylon directly precedes Isaiah's prophecy of Judah's future captivity in that very land, making it a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and judgment, as seen in [2 Kings 20:17-18](/2_kings/20-17-18 "2 Kings 20:17-18 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity") and [Isaiah 39:6-7](/isaiah/39-6-7 "Isaiah 39:6-7 - Prophecy of Exile to Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Berodachbaladan (Hebrew, _Bᵉrôʼdak Balʼădân'_):** This name, also rendered as Merodach-Baladan in [Isaiah 39:1](/isaiah/39-1 "Isaiah 39:1 - Merodach-Baladan's Embassy") and [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - Merodach-Baladan's Embassy"), refers to a significant historical figure, a Chaldean prince who ruled Babylon as king on two occasions (722–710 BC and 703 BC). His name is a theophoric compound, likely meaning "Merodach has given a son," linking him to the chief Babylonian deity, Marduk. His repeated challenges to Assyrian dominance made him a notable figure in the geopolitical landscape, and his interest in Hezekiah, who had recently defied Assyria, was purely strategic.
* **present (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** The term "present" (מִנְחָה, _minchâh_) signifies a gift or tribute. While a _minchâh_ could be a grain offering in a cultic context, here it denotes a diplomatic offering, a customary gesture in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy to establish or strengthen relations. These were not merely tokens of goodwill but instruments of statecraft, designed to initiate dialogue, gather intelligence, and potentially forge alliances.
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** The verb חָלָה (_châlâh_) means "to be sick," "to be weak," or "to be ill." This phrase explicitly links the Babylonian embassy to the preceding narrative of Hezekiah's miraculous recovery. While presented as the reason for the visit, it served as a convenient and polite pretext for Berodachbaladan to initiate contact and assess Hezekiah's kingdom, particularly after Judah's recent resilience against Assyria.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ At that time":** This temporal marker firmly connects the events to the miraculous healing of Hezekiah described in the preceding verses. It indicates that the Babylonian embassy arrived shortly after Hezekiah's recovery, highlighting the immediate context of God's recent powerful intervention in the king's life.
* **"Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon":** This identifies the sender of the embassy. The full title emphasizes his royal authority and the significant power base from which he operates. His identity as "king of Babylon" signals the rising prominence of this city-state, which would eventually become the instrument of God's judgment against Judah.
* **"sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah":** This describes the diplomatic action taken by the Babylonian king. The sending of both written communication and a tangible gift signifies a formal and significant overture, typical of inter-state relations in the ancient world, designed to convey respect and initiate a relationship.
* **"for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick":** This clause provides the stated reason for the Babylonian embassy. While ostensibly an act of sympathy and congratulation, this reason served as a diplomatic cover for Berodachbaladan's true political agenda: to gauge Judah's strength and potential as an ally against Assyria, especially given Hezekiah's recent miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib's siege.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative employs several literary devices that enrich its theological and narrative impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the stated reason for the Babylonian visit—Hezekiah's illness—masks the true, politically motivated agenda of Berodachbaladan. This creates a subtle tension, hinting that not all appearances are as they seem. The verse also functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. What appears to be a benign diplomatic exchange sets the stage for a catastrophic future event: the Babylonian exile. The very nation sending "gifts" will later be the instrument of Judah's judgment. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Juxtaposition**, placing Hezekiah's recent, divinely orchestrated healing and deliverance (a testament to God's faithfulness) immediately before this encounter, which will tragically expose Hezekiah's human pride and lack of complete trust in the Lord. This contrast highlights the ongoing test of faith, even in times of blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The arrival of Berodachbaladan's embassy, ostensibly an act of kindness, serves as a crucial theological test for King Hezekiah. Having just experienced a profound demonstration of God's grace and power in his healing and the deliverance from Assyria, Hezekiah is now confronted with a temptation to trust in human alliances and worldly displays of wealth rather than remaining solely dependent on the Lord. This moment underscores the biblical principle that moments of great blessing can also be times of significant spiritual vulnerability, where pride and a desire for human affirmation can subtly displace divine reliance. The seemingly innocent visit from Babylon ultimately exposes a flaw in Hezekiah's heart, leading to a prophetic pronouncement that reveals God's sovereign hand in history, even in the judgment of His people. It highlights that God's people are called to be distinct, not to seek security in the fleeting powers of this world, but to place their trust entirely in Him.

* [Isaiah 39:1-8](/isaiah/39-1-8 "Isaiah 39:1-8 - Merodach-Baladan's Embassy and Isaiah's Prophecy")
* [2 Chronicles 32:31](/2_chronicles/32-31 "2 Chronicles 32:31 - God Tests Hezekiah")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Berodachbaladan's embassy to Hezekiah serves as a profound cautionary tale for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual tests often come not in times of overt crisis, but in moments of peace, prosperity, or even after significant blessings. Hezekiah had just witnessed God's miraculous power, yet he allowed himself to be swayed by the flattery and political overtures of a foreign king, displaying his treasures and strength rather than giving glory to the Lord who had healed and delivered him. This passage challenges us to cultivate humility, especially after experiencing God's favor. It urges us to discern the true motives behind seemingly benevolent gestures, recognizing that worldly recognition or alliances can subtly lead us away from complete dependence on God. Our possessions, achievements, and influence are gifts from God, to be stewarded for His glory, not for personal boasting or for forging worldly connections that compromise our faith. We are called to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting in God's provision and guidance, even when the path of worldly wisdom seems more appealing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to display your "treasures" or accomplishments for human validation, rather than acknowledging God as the source?**
* **How do you discern between genuine goodwill and ulterior motives in relationships or opportunities that arise, especially after a period of blessing?**
* **What does it mean to truly trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when worldly alliances or strategies seem more practical or secure?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude, ensuring that God's blessings lead to deeper dependence on Him, not pride?**

### FAQ
**Who was Berodachbaladan and why was his visit to Hezekiah so significant?**

Answer: Berodachbaladan, also known as Merodach-Baladan, was a Chaldean king of Babylon who reigned intermittently during the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. He was a persistent adversary of the powerful Assyrian Empire, which dominated the ancient Near East at the time. His visit to Hezekiah, ostensibly to congratulate him on his recovery from illness, held profound political and prophetic significance. From a political standpoint, Berodachbaladan was likely seeking to form an alliance with Hezekiah against their common Assyrian foe, especially after Judah's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian siege, as recounted in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat"). Theologically, this visit became a pivotal test for Hezekiah. Instead of giving God the glory for his recovery and Judah's deliverance, Hezekiah succumbed to pride and displayed all his kingdom's treasures to the Babylonian envoys, as described in [2 Kings 20:13](/2_kings/20-13 "2 Kings 20:13 - Hezekiah Displays His Treasures"). This act of displaying his wealth and strength, rather than relying solely on God, led to the prophet Isaiah's dire prophecy that all these treasures, and even Hezekiah's descendants, would one day be carried away to Babylon ([2 Kings 20:16-18](/2_kings/20-16-18 "2 Kings 20:16-18 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")). Thus, this seemingly benign diplomatic exchange served as a critical foreshadowing of Judah's future exile to Babylon, highlighting the consequences of human pride and misplaced trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's lapse in judgment following his miraculous healing, as evidenced by his prideful display of treasures to the Babylonian envoys, starkly contrasts with the perfect humility and unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah, even after experiencing divine intervention, succumbed to the temptation to boast in earthly riches and seek human alliances, Christ, though possessing all the treasures of heaven, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not seek the favor of earthly kings or display worldly power, but rather came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Hezekiah's failure foreshadows the need for a perfect King who would not lead His people into exile through pride, but would deliver them from the ultimate exile of sin and death through His perfect obedience. Jesus is the true King who perfectly trusts His Father, even unto death on the cross, demonstrating that true security and glory are found not in earthly possessions or alliances, but in humble submission to God's will. He is the ultimate "present" sent from God, not to assess our strength, but to offer us eternal life and reconciliation, a treasure far surpassing any earthly wealth that can be carried away ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 32:31

Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.

Isaiah 39:1

¶ At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

Isaiah 39:8

Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days.

Isaiah 14:4

¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Genesis 10:10

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Isaiah 13:1

¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.