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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_kings/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a> At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiah&#8217s illness. <a href="/nlt/2_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Soon after this, Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent Hezekiah his best wishes and a gift, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been very sick. <a href="/esv/2_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/bsb/2_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness. <a href="/kjv/2_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/nkjv/2_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> At that time Berodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/nasb_/2_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> At that time Berodach-baladan, a son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, because he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/nasb/2_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> At that time Berodach-baladan a son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/nasb77/2_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> At that time Berodach-baladan a son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/lsb/2_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> At that time Berodach-baladan a son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/amp/2_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> At that time Berodach-baladan a son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/csb/2_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah since he heard that he had been sick. <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah since he heard that he had been sick. <a href="/asv/2_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/cev/2_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan, was now king of Babylonia. And when he learned that Hezekiah had been sick, he sent messengers with letters and a gift for him. <a href="/erv/2_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> At that time Baladan's son, King Merodach Baladan of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah because he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> About that same time the king of Babylonia, Merodach Baladan, the son of Baladan, heard that King Hezekiah had been sick, so he sent him a letter and a present. <a href="/isv/2_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Some time later, Berodach-baladan, the son of King Baladan of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, because he had heard that Hezekiah had been ill. <a href="/msb/2_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah?s illness. <a href="/net/2_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah was ill. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> At that time Marduk-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick, and had recovered. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/web/2_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> At that time Berodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> At that time Berodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, has sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick; <a href="/ylt/2_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> At that time hath Berodach-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick; <a href="/slt/2_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In that time Berodach-Baladan son of Baladan, king of Babel, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah was sick.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> At that time Berodach Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of the Babylonians, sent letters and presents to Ezechias: for he had heard that Ezechias had been sick. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> At that time, Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, the king of the Babylonians, sent letters and gifts to Hezekiah. For he had heard that Hezekiah had been ill. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> At that time, Berodach-baladan, son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and gifts to Hezekiah when he heard that he had been ill. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> At that time King Merodach-baladan son of Baladan of Babylon sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> At that time Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick and was healed. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> At that time Merudak Baladan, son of Baladan, King of Babel, sent a letter and an offering to Hezekiah when he heard that Hezekiah was ill and he survived.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent a letter and a present unto Hezekiah; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. <a href="/sep/2_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> At that time Marodach Baladan, son of Baladan king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Ezekias, because he had heard that Ezekias was sick. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/20-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=7178" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/20.htm">Hezekiah Shows His Treasures</a> 12<a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hî (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">At that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: bā·‘êṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">time</a> <a href="/hebrew/1255.htm" title="1255: bal·’ă·ḏān (N-proper-ms) -- He has given a son, a Bab. king (the same as NH4757). A variation of Mro'dak Bal'adan; Berodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king.">Merodach-baladan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1081.htm" title="1081: bal·’ă·ḏān (N-proper-ms) -- He has given a son, father of a Bab. king. From Bel and 'adown; Bel lord; Baladan, the name of a Babylonian prince.">of Baladan</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">of Babylon</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/1255.htm" title="1255: bə·rō·ḏaḵ (Prep) -- He has given a son, a Bab. king (the same as NH4757). A variation of Mro'dak Bal'adan; Berodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: sə·p̄ā·rîm (N-mp) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">letters</a> <a href="/hebrew/4503.htm" title="4503: ū·min·ḥāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. Bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering.">and a gift</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2396.htm" title="2396: ḥiz·qî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Yah has strengthened, a king of Judah, also several other Isr. ">Hezekiah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">he had heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">about</a> <a href="/hebrew/2396.htm" title="2396: ḥiz·qî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Yah has strengthened, a king of Judah, also several other Isr. ">Hezekiah’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: ḥā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">illness.</a> 13And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1-8</a> At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. / And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. / Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came to me from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” ... <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">2 Chronicles 32:31</a> And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart. <a href="/2_kings/18-15.htm">2 Kings 18:15-16</a> Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. / At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. <a href="/2_kings/24-13.htm">2 Kings 24:13</a> As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD. <a href="/2_kings/25-13.htm">2 Kings 25:13-17</a> Moreover, the Chaldeans broke up the bronze pillars and stands and the bronze Sea in the house of the LORD, and they carried the bronze to Babylon. / They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes, and all the articles of bronze used in the temple service. / The captain of the guard also took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver. ... <a href="/jeremiah/50-2.htm">Jeremiah 50:2</a> “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ <a href="/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple. <a href="/daniel/1-1.htm">Daniel 1:1-2</a> In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. / And the Lord delivered into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the house of God. He carried these off to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, where he put them in the treasury of his god. <a href="/daniel/5-2.htm">Daniel 5:2</a> Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33-34</a> Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. <a href="/acts/7-43.htm">Acts 7:43</a> You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Romans 1:23</a> and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.A.<a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1-8</a> At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered… king.<a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">2 Chronicles 32:31</a> Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.Babylon.<a href="/genesis/10-10.htm">Genesis 10:10</a> And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.<a href="/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9</a> Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.<a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Isaiah 13:1,19</a> The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see… sent letters.<a href="/2_samuel/8-10.htm">2 Samuel 8:10</a> Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:<a href="/2_samuel/10-2.htm">2 Samuel 10:2</a> Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.for he had heard.<a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1</a> At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/34-9.htm">An</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-30.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Baladan</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">Envoys</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-8.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-5.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-10.htm">Hezekiah</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-10.htm">Hezeki'ah</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-5.htm">Hezekiah's</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-14.htm">Illness</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-1.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Merodach-Baladan</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-15.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-31.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-16.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">An</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-14.htm">Babylon</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Baladan</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">Envoys</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-24.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-11.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-13.htm">Hezekiah</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-13.htm">Hezeki'ah</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-20.htm">Hezekiah's</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-15.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-12.htm">Illness</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-1.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Merodach-Baladan</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-12.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/22-6.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-17.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 20</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/20-1.htm">Hezekiah, having received a message of death, by prayer has his life lengthened.</a> 8. <a href="/2_kings/20-8.htm">The sun goes ten degrees backward for a sign of that promise.</a> 12. <a href="/2_kings/20-12.htm">Berodach-baladan sending to visit Hezekiah has notice of his treasures.</a> 14. <a href="/2_kings/20-14.htm">Isaiah understanding thereof, foretells the Babylonian captivity.</a> 20. <a href="/2_kings/20-20.htm">Manasseh succeeds Hezekiah.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>At that time This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The events occur during the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, after his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness. This period is marked by political upheaval and shifting alliances in the ancient Near East.Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon Merodach-baladan was a historical figure known for his opposition to Assyrian dominance. He ruled Babylon intermittently and was a significant political player. His name, meaning "Marduk has given a son," reflects the Babylonian practice of naming individuals after their gods. His interactions with Hezekiah highlight the geopolitical tensions of the time, as Babylon sought allies against Assyria.sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah The sending of letters and gifts was a common diplomatic practice in the ancient world, often used to establish or strengthen alliances. This gesture from Merodach-baladan could be seen as an attempt to court Hezekiah's favor and possibly secure Judah as an ally against Assyria. The gifts may have been intended to flatter Hezekiah and express goodwill.for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness Hezekiah's illness and subsequent recovery were well-known events, possibly due to their miraculous nature. The news of his recovery would have spread quickly, especially given the political significance of a king's health. This phrase suggests that Merodach-baladan's actions were motivated by the news of Hezekiah's illness, possibly seeing an opportunity to engage with a king who had experienced divine intervention. This also sets the stage for the subsequent events where Hezekiah's pride leads to a prophetic warning about Babylonian captivity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/merodach-baladan.htm">Merodach-baladan</a> He was the son of Baladan and the king of Babylon. Known for his ambition and political maneuvering, he sought alliances to strengthen his position against Assyria. 2. <a href="/topical/h/hezekiah.htm">Hezekiah</a> The king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship. He had recently recovered from a life-threatening illness, which was widely known. 3. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> A significant city-state in Mesopotamia, known for its cultural and political influence. At this time, it was a rising power seeking to assert itself against Assyria. 4. <a href="/topical/h/hezekiah's_illness.htm">Hezekiah’s Illness</a> A pivotal event in Hezekiah's life, where he was miraculously healed by God after fervent prayer, as recorded earlier in <a href="/bsb/2_kings/20.htm">2 Kings 20</a>. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_letters_and_gift.htm">The Letters and Gift</a> Sent by Merodach-baladan to Hezekiah, these were likely diplomatic gestures intended to establish a political alliance or express goodwill.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_pride.htm">The Dangers of Pride</a> Hezekiah's openness to the Babylonian envoys can be seen as an act of pride, showing off his wealth and achievements. Believers should be cautious of pride, which can lead to spiritual downfall. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_alliances.htm">Discernment in Alliances</a> The visit from Babylon was a political maneuver. Christians should seek God's wisdom in forming alliances and partnerships, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_healing.htm">God's Sovereignty in Healing</a> Hezekiah's recovery from illness was a testament to God's power and mercy. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and seek Him in times of need. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a> Hezekiah's account reminds us of the importance of humility before God. Acknowledging our dependence on Him keeps us grounded and aligned with His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 20</a> <a href="/q/why_did_babylon_conquer_judah.htm">What led to Babylon's conquest of Judah?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_extra-biblical_proof_of_his_visit.htm">2 Kings 20:12–18: If Merodach-Baladan’s visit is historically accurate, why don’t extra-biblical sources confirm these events? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahaz's_idolatry_less_condemned.htm">Why doesn't 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz's actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_merodach-baladan's_visit.htm">Isaiah 39:1–2: Is there credible historical or archaeological evidence verifying Merodach-Baladan’s visit to Hezekiah in Jerusalem? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>THE EMBASSY OP MERODACH-BALADAN(<a href="/context/2_kings/20-12.htm" title="At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.">2Kings 20:12-19</a>).(12) At that time Berodach-baladan.--As to the name, Berodach is a transcriber's error for Merodach (<a href="/jeremiah/1-2.htm" title="To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.">Jeremiah 1:2</a>). Some MSS. of Kings, and the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, as well as <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm" title="At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.">Isaiah 39:1</a>, and the Talmud, spell the name with m, a letter easily confused with b in Hebrew. Above all, the cuneiform inscriptions present Marduk (or, Maruduk)-abla-iddina ("Me-rodaeh gave a son"). A king of this name occupied the throne of Chaldea at intervals, during the reigns of the four Assyrian sovereigns Tiglath Pileser, Shalma-neser, Sargon, and Sennacherib. He is called in the inscriptions "son of Yakin," an expression which, like "Jehu son of Omri," is territorial rather than genealogical. Bit- Yakin was the name of the tribal domain of the "sons of Yakin," just as Bit-Humria was that of the territory of which Jehu was king. He is further designated as king of "the land of the sea" (mat tihamtim), i.e., the country at the head of the Persian Gulf, and of "the land of Chaldea" (mat Kaldi). He did homage to Tiglath Pileser in 731 B.C. In the first year of Sargon, Merodach-baladan established himself as king of Babylon, and was eventually recognised as such by the Assyrian sovereign. He reigned about twelve years contemporaneously with Sargon, who in 710 and 709 B.C. defeated and captured him, and burnt his stronghold D-r-Yakin. On the death of Sargon, Merodach-baladan once more gained possession of the throne of Babylon; and perhaps it was at this time (so Schrader) that he sent his famous embassy to seek the alliance of Hezekiah and other western princes. After a brief reign of six months, he was defeated by Sennacherib, and driven back to his old refuge in the morasses of South Chaldea. Belibus was made Assyrian viceroy of Babylon. These events belong to the beginning of Sennacherib's reign. (He says, ina ris sarrutiya, "in the beginning of my sovereignty.") There was yet another outbreak before Merodach-bala-dan was finally disheartened; and later still Esarhaddon mentions that he slew Nabu-zir-napisti-sutesir, son of Mardak-abla-iddina, and made his brother Na'id-Maruduk king of "the land of the sea" in his stead.Son of Baladan.--The name of Merodach-baladan's father is not mentioned in the cuneiform inscriptions.He had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.--The ostensible business of the embassy was to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery, and to inquire about the sign that had been vouchsafed him (sec <a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm" title="However, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent to him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.">2Chronicles 32:31</a>, and Note); but the Assyrian records make it pretty clear that the real object was to ascertain the extent of Hezekiah's resources, and to secure his alliance against the common enemy. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 12-19. - The embassy of Merodach-Baladan. Soon after his recovery, Hezekiah received an embassy from a new quarter. Hitherto Babylon and Judaea had been isolated from one another, and had perhaps scarcely known of each other's existence. Assyria had stood between them, and Babylonia had been for the most part an Assyrian dependency. But recently Babylonia had asserted herself. In B.C. 722, on the death of Shalmaneser, a native Chaldean named Meredach-Baladan had made himself king of the country, and maintained his independence against all the efforts of Sargon to reduce him. His position, however, was precarious, and it was probably in the hope of concluding an alliance with Hezekiah also an enemy of Sargon's (see the comment on ver. 6) - that he sent his embassy. He had two excuses for it. A neighboring king might well congratulate his brother monarch on his recovery; and a Chaldean prince might well inquire into an astronomical marvel (2 Chronicles 33:31). The date of the embassy appears to have been B.C. 712, the year following on Hezekiah's illness. Verse 12. - At that time Berodach-Baladan. Isaiah gives the name more correctly as "Merodach-Baladan" (<a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Isaiah 39:1</a>). The native form is Marduk-pal-iddin, i.e. "Mere-dacha son has given." This king makes his first appearance in an inscription of Tiglath-pileser's, where he is one of many chieftains among whom Babylonia is divided. Subsequently he is mentioned as revolting from Sargon in the latter's first year, B.C. 722 ('Records of the Past,' vol. 7. p. 29), and holding the throne of Babylon for twelve years (ibid., p. 41), when Sargon conquered him, deposed him, and took the kingdom (ibid., p. 48). This twelve-years' reign is acknowledged by Ptolemy in his Canon, but the name of the king is given as Mardoc-Empadus. On the death of Sargon, in B.C. 705, Merodach-Baladan again revolted, and reigned for six months, when he was driven out of the country by Sennacherib, B.C. 704. He continued, however, to give trouble even after this ('Records of the Past,' vol. 7. p. 63); and his sons and grandsons were pretenders to the Babylonian throne in the reigns of Esar-haddon and his successor, Asshur-bani-pal (see 'Ancient Monarchias,' vol. 2. pp. 469 and 490). The son of Baladan. In the Assyrian inscriptions Merodach-Baladan is always called "the son of Yakin" ('Records of the Past,' vol. 7. p. 40; vol. 9. p. 13, etc.). Yakin, however, may have been his grandfather, as Nimshi was the grandfather of Jehu, and Baladan (Bel-dash?) his father. King of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah. Thus opening diplomatic communication. It has been almost universally felt that the object of the embassy must have been to conclude, or at any rate to pave the way for, an alliance. So Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 10:2. § 2), Ewald, Von Gerlach, Thenius, Keil, Bahr, and others. Assyria menaced both countries, and the common danger produced naturally a mutual attraction. But it was prudent to disguise this motive. For he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Assyria could not take umbrage at an embassy of congratulation, nor at one for scientific purposes (2 Chronicles 33:31). So these two objects were paraded. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/20-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>At that הַהִ֡יא (ha·hî) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time בָּעֵ֣ת (bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when Merodach-baladan בַּ֠לְאֲדָן (bal·’ă·ḏān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1255.htm">Strong's 1255: </a> Berodach-baladan -- 'he has given a son', a Babylonian king son בֶּֽן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Baladan בַּלְאֲדָ֧ן (bal·’ă·ḏān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1081.htm">Strong's 1081: </a> Baladan -- 'he has given a son', father of a Babylonian king king מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Babylon בָּבֶ֛ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city sent שָׁלַ֡ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out letters סְפָרִ֥ים (sə·p̄ā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> A missive, document, writing, book and a gift וּמִנְחָ֖ה (ū·min·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4503.htm">Strong's 4503: </a> A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Hezekiah, חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ (ḥiz·qî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2396.htm">Strong's 2396: </a> Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israelites for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he had heard שָׁמַ֔ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently about כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Hezekiah’s חִזְקִיָּֽהוּ׃ (ḥiz·qî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2396.htm">Strong's 2396: </a> Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israelites illness. חָלָ֖ה (ḥā·lāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> To be weak or sick <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/20-12.htm">2 Kings 20:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-12.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodach Baladan the son (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/20-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 20:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 20:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/20-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 20:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 20:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>