M
Illustrated portrait to come
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.