Merodach-baladan
Son of Baladan, in the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. Named in scripture at 2 Kings 20:12.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleThe Babylonian king who sent envoys with letters and a gift to Hezekiah after his illness — an embassy Isaiah warned against.
2 Kings 20:12; Isaiah 39:1
Wikimedia Commons — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
ArchaeologyHe is Marduk-apla-iddina II, a Chaldean prince named repeatedly in Assyrian records as a rival of Sargon and Sennacherib for Babylon's throne.
Marduk-apla-iddina II (Chaldean of Bit-Yakin); named as rival for Babylon's throne in the annals of Sargon II (RINAP 2, G. Frame, 2021) and Sennacherib (RINAP 3, Grayson & Novotny, 2012-14) and in the Babylonian Chronicle (ABC 1); depicted on his kudurru (land-grant boundary stone), Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin.
Where in scripture
2 KingsIsaiahAt 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.
2 Kings 20:12
At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered.
Isaiah 39:1
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.