Isaiah 39:1
At that time Merodach-baladan, 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.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֡יא
H1931
הַהִ֡יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 17
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 17
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 17
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 17
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
סְפָרִ֥ים
letters
H5612
סְפָרִ֥ים
letters
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
10 of 17
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 17
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
13 of 17
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע
for he had heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֕ע
for he had heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
14 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Merodach-baladan (Marduk-apla-iddina II) ruled Babylon 721-710 and 704-703 BC, constantly rebelling against Assyria. This embassy sought Judean alliance against their common enemy, but God had forbidden such treaties (Isaiah 30:1-2).
Questions for Reflection
- When has apparent 'friendship' from worldly powers led you toward spiritual compromise?
- How do you discern between legitimate relationships and spiritually dangerous alliances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Babylonian envoy's timing (during Hezekiah's recovery) appears friendly but masks strategic intelligence-gathering for future conquest. This teaches that Satan often attacks through flattery and friendship when frontal assault fails. Merodach-baladan's anti-Assyrian alliance seemed politically wise but led to spiritual compromise and eventual judgment.