### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Balʼădân**, represented by `{{H1081}}`, is the proper name of a Babylonian prince. Its definition, "Bel (is his) lord," establishes a direct connection to Babylonian religion. This name is rare, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the biblical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1081}}` is mentioned exclusively to identify the father of a Babylonian king who initiated contact with King Hezekiah `{{H2396}}`. This king, named Merodachbaladan `{{H4757}}` in one account and Berodachbaladan `{{H1255}}` in another, sent `{{H7971}}` letters `{{H5612}}` and a present `{{H4503}}` to Hezekiah. The reason for this diplomatic mission was that the Babylonian king had heard `{{H8085}}` that Hezekiah had been sick `{{H2470}}` and had recovered `{{H2388}}` ([[Isaiah 39:1]]; [[2 Kings 20:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Baladan:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes the identity of **Balʼădân** as the father of the Babylonian king who sent the envoy. He is referred to as "the **son** of Baladan" [[Isaiah 39:1]].
* `{{H4757}}` **Mᵉrôʼdak Balʼâdân** (Merodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king): This is the full name of Baladan's son, the king `{{H4428}}` of Babylon `{{H894}}` who sent the present to Hezekiah [[Isaiah 39:1]]. A variant spelling, Berodachbaladan `{{H1255}}`, is used in [[2 Kings 20:12]].
* `{{H2396}}` **Chizqîyâh** (Hezekiah): The king of Judah who was the recipient of the letters and present. The entire event is framed by his sickness `{{H2470}}` and subsequent recovery [[2 Kings 20:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1081}}` is derived entirely from its context rather than from any action of the individual himself.
* **Pagan Royal Lineage:** The name **Balʼădân**, meaning "Bel (is his) lord," immediately identifies the royal house of Babylon `{{H894}}` with foreign worship, creating a contrast with Hezekiah, the king of Judah.
* **Intersection with Divine Action:** The mission from Baladan's son is a direct worldly response to a divine act. The envoy was sent specifically because word had spread that Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` was sick `{{H2470}}` and then recovered `{{H2388}}`, an event attributed to the LORD's intervention.
* **Historical Marker:** The name serves as a historical marker, anchoring the interaction between the rising power of Babylon and the kingdom of Judah at a specific moment in Hezekiah's reign.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1081}}` **Balʼădân** is a minor but specific name in the Old Testament, mentioned only to establish the parentage of the Babylonian King Merodach-baladan. His importance lies in the event his name is tied to: a diplomatic mission to King Hezekiah. This places the house of Babylon `{{H894}}`, with its pagan-derived names, in direct contact with the king of Judah, framing a key moment in Israel's international relations [[Isaiah 39:1]].
TRV