### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word **Mᵉrôdâk**, represented by `{{H4781}}`, refers to **Merodach**, a Babylonian idol. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole mention is in the context of a divine judgment pronounced against Babylon and its false gods.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H4781}}` is in a prophecy declaring the fall of **Babylon** `{{H894}}`. The command is given to **declare** `{{H5046}}` this news among the **nations** `{{H1471}}` and to **set up** `{{H5375}}` a **standard** `{{H5251}}` so all can see. The prophecy explicitly states that Babylon is **taken** `{{H3920}}`, **Bel** `{{H1078}}` is **confounded** `{{H3001}}`, and **Merodach** is **broken in pieces** `{{H2865}}`, demonstrating the complete humiliation of Babylon's chief deities [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the judgment against Merodach:
* `{{H1078}}` **Bêl** (Bel): Another primary Babylonian deity, mentioned alongside Merodach. The name means "Bel, the Baal of the Babylonians." Both are prophesied to be **confounded** `{{H3001}}` and shamed in the fall of Babylon [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* `{{H894}}` **Bâbel** (Babylon): The Babylonian empire, the center of Merodach worship. Its definition is "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon)." The city's capture is the event that leads to the downfall of its idols [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* `{{H6091}}` **ʻâtsâb** (idol): This word, meaning "an (idolatrous) image," is the general category to which Merodach belongs. Scripture describes the **idols** of the **heathen** `{{H1471}}` as mere silver and gold, the work of men's hands [[Psalms 135:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4781}}` is found entirely in its defeat.
* **The Powerlessness of Idols:** The prophecy highlights the futility of trusting in false gods. Merodach, a chief idol of a world empire, is shown to be utterly helpless, destined to be **broken in pieces** `{{H2865}}` by a higher power [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* **Judgment on False Worship:** The fall of Merodach is presented as a direct consequence of divine judgment. It is linked with Babylon's other **idols** `{{H6091}}` and **images** `{{H1544}}`, which are also **confounded** `{{H3001}}` and defeated [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* **Public Declaration of God's Sovereignty:** The context of the prophecy is a command to **publish** `{{H8085}}` and not **conceal** `{{H3582}}` the news. The destruction of Merodach is intended as a public sign to the **nations** `{{H1471}}` that the God of Israel reigns supreme over the gods of empires [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4781}}` serves a specific and powerful role in its single biblical mention. As Merodach, a prominent Babylonian idol, its prophesied destruction in [[Jeremiah 50:2]] is not just a historical prediction but a theological statement. It exemplifies the ultimate failure of all idols and stands as a testament to the supreme authority and power of God over the false deities of the nations.
TRV