2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 12
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.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 18
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֡יא
H1931
הַהִ֡יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שָׁלַ֡ח
sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֡ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בֶּֽן
the son
H1121
בֶּֽן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּבֶ֛ל
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֛ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
9 of 18
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
סְפָרִ֥ים
letters
H5612
סְפָרִ֥ים
letters
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
וּמִנְחָ֖ה
and a present
H4503
וּמִנְחָ֖ה
and a present
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
11 of 18
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
חִזְקִיָּֽהוּ׃
that Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּֽהוּ׃
that Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
13 of 18
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he had heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
15 of 18
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
16 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.