The Hebrew name Bᵉrôʼdak Balʼădân, represented by H1255, is the name of a Babylonian king. The name is noted as a variation of another name, Merodach-baladan. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a specific moment of contact between the kingdoms of Babylon and Judah.
The single appearance of H1255 occurs in 2 Kings 20:12. In this passage, at a particular time H6256, Berodachbaladan H1255, identified as the son H1121 of Baladan H1081 and the king H4428 of Babylon H894, initiated contact with King Hezekiah H2396. The action was a diplomatic one: he sent H7971 both letters H5612 and a present H4503 to Hezekiah. The stated reason for this gesture was that he had heard H8085 that Hezekiah had been sick H2470.
Several related words provide context for this historical event:
- H1081 Balʼădân (Bel (is his) lord; Baladan): This is the name of Berodach-baladan's father, establishing his lineage. He is mentioned in both 2 Kings 20:12 and the parallel account in Isaiah 39:1.
- H2396 Chizqîyâh (Hezekiah): The king of Judah who received the Babylonian envoy. The name means "strengthened of Jah," and the dossier shows he was sick H2470 "unto death" Isaiah 38:1 before his recovery.
- H894 Bâbel (Babylon): The kingdom ruled by Berodach-baladan, defined as "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire." It is often depicted as a major world power Daniel 1:1.
- H4503 minchâh (gift, oblation, present): This describes what was sent to Hezekiah. The term can refer to a tribute or a sacrificial offering, but here it functions as a diplomatic gift 2 Kings 20:12.
- H7971 shâlach (to send away, for, or out): The verb describing Berodach-baladan's action. This word is often used for sending messengers, prophets, or even God's own word (Isaiah 55:11, Psalms 107:20).
The significance of this name is tied entirely to the political and spiritual context of its single appearance.
- Political Recognition: The act of sending H7971 letters H5612 and a gift H4503 by the king H4428 of a powerful empire like Babylon H894 was a significant diplomatic event. It used Hezekiah's personal crisis as an opportunity for state-level communication 2 Kings 20:12.
- Intersection of Human and Divine Affairs: The catalyst for the visit was that the Babylonian king had heard H8085 of Hezekiah's sickness H2470. The broader context reveals this was no ordinary illness, as God had promised to heal H7495 Hezekiah and add years to his life (2 Kings 20:5, Isaiah 38:5). This diplomatic mission, therefore, intersects directly with an act of divine intervention.
- Foreshadowing Future Events: The presence of an envoy from Babylon H894 in Jerusalem is significant. Babylon is later portrayed as the instrument of God's judgment and the place of Judah's exile Jeremiah 25:9. This seemingly positive diplomatic exchange foreshadows the much more consequential and destructive relationship between the two nations.
In summary, Bᵉrôʼdak Balʼădân H1255 is a name that marks a singular, yet pivotal, moment in biblical history. While mentioned only once, this Babylonian king's diplomatic mission to Hezekiah H2396 illustrates the intersection of international politics, personal trial, and divine power. The event, prompted by Hezekiah's sickness H2470, sets the stage for the complex and ultimately fateful relationship between the kingdoms of Judah and Babylon H894.
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