of foreign derivation; Merodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king; Merodach-baladan. Compare מְרֹדָךְ.
Transliteration:Mᵉrôʼdak Balʼâdân
Pronunciation:mer-o-dak' bal-awdawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מְרֹאדַךְ בַּלְאָדָן (Mᵉrôʼdak Balʼâdân), Strong's H4757, is a proper noun of foreign, specifically Babylonian, derivation. It refers exclusively to a historical figure, Merodach-Baladan, a king of Babylon. The name itself is a composite, likely incorporating the name of the Babylonian chief deity, Merodach (also known as Marduk), as indicated by the comparison to `{{H4756}}` (מְרֹדָךְ). The "Baladan" component is often interpreted as "Marduk has given a son" or "Marduk is lord," signifying a royal or divine lineage. As a proper noun, its semantic range is exceptionally narrow, pointing only to this specific individual and his historical role.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Merodach-Baladan appears in two parallel biblical accounts: [[2 Kings 20:12]] and [[Isaiah 39:1]]. In both instances, he is identified as "the son of Baladan, king of Babylon." His appearance in the narrative is immediately after King Hezekiah's miraculous recovery from a terminal illness and the sign of the sun dial. Merodach-Baladan sends envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, ostensibly to congratulate him on his recovery.
The biblical text, however, subtly reveals the true nature of this diplomatic overture. It states in [[2 Kings 20:13]] and [[Isaiah 39:2]] that "Hezekiah was pleased with them and showed them all his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine oil, his armory—and everything found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them." This act of displaying his wealth and military strength is presented as a moment of pride and a lapse in Hezekiah's trust in Yahweh. The context suggests Merodach-Baladan's true intent was to ascertain Judah's strength and potentially forge an alliance against the dominant Assyrian Empire, a common geopolitical strategy of the time for smaller states seeking to resist Assyrian hegemony. This encounter directly precipitates Isaiah's prophecy of future Babylonian exile and the plundering of Judah's treasures, a judgment directly linked to Hezekiah's ill-advised display.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H4756}}` (מְרֹדָךְ - Merodach), the name of the chief deity of Babylon, whose name forms the first part of Merodach-Baladan's name. This connection highlights the polytheistic religious context from which this king emerged, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic faith of Judah. Conceptually, Merodach-Baladan's appearance is intertwined with themes of international diplomacy, political alliances, and the geopolitical struggles between the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. His interaction with Hezekiah also brings to the forefront the theological concepts of human pride, the temptation to trust in earthly power and wealth rather than divine providence, and the prophetic warnings concerning future judgment and exile. Key figures related to this narrative include King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, whose warnings punctuate the account.
### Theological Significance
Merodach-Baladan, though a pagan king, serves a profound theological purpose in the biblical narrative. His visit to Hezekiah acts as a divine test and a catalyst for prophetic revelation. Hezekiah's response to the Babylonian envoys—displaying all his kingdom's treasures—is presented not merely as a diplomatic blunder but as a spiritual failing. It reveals a heart that, despite having recently experienced miraculous divine intervention and healing, still harbored pride and a reliance on material wealth and human alliances rather than absolute trust in Yahweh.
Through Merodach-Baladan's visit, God uses a foreign king to expose the spiritual state of His chosen king, Hezekiah. This exposure leads directly to Isaiah's pronouncement of judgment: "Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left" [[2 Kings 20:17]]; [[Isaiah 39:6]]. Thus, Merodach-Baladan, a historical figure, becomes an instrument in God's sovereign plan, setting the stage for the future Babylonian captivity, which would serve as a severe chastisement for Judah's unfaithfulness. The episode underscores the danger of pride, the consequences of compromising trust in God, and God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, using even those who do not know Him to accomplish His purposes.
### Summary
Merodach-Baladan (H4757) is a proper noun referring to a specific historical Babylonian king. His appearances in [[2 Kings 20:12]] and [[Isaiah 39:1]] are pivotal, as his diplomatic visit to King Hezekiah serves as a divine test. Hezekiah's subsequent display of his kingdom's treasures reveals his pride and misplaced trust, prompting the prophet Isaiah to deliver a dire prophecy of future Babylonian exile and the plundering of Judah's wealth. Theologically, Merodach-Baladan's role highlights the themes of human pride, divine judgment, and God's sovereignty over all nations, using even pagan kings to fulfill His redemptive-historical purposes. He represents a historical touchpoint that underscores the consequences of a divided heart and reliance on earthly power rather than on the living God.
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