### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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}}`.
TRV