Merodach-Baladan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Merodach-Baladan in the Bible?
Merodach-Baladan II was a Chaldean king of Babylon who contested the throne with the Assyrian emperors Sargon II and Sennacherib, seizing power in 721 BC following the death of Shalmaneser V.
SIGNIFICANCE
His diplomatic correspondence with King Hezekiah of Judah provides historical context for the political alliances and geopolitical tensions described in 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 39.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Merodach-Baladan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Merodach-Baladan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Merodach-Baladan clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Merodach-Baladan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/merodachbaladan/