Mero'dach-bal'adan. (worshipper of Baal). Merodach-baladan is mentioned as king of Babylon, in the days of Hezekiah, both, in the Second Book of Kings, 2 Kings 20:12, and in Isaiah, Isaiah 39:1. In the former place, he is called Berodach-baladan.
The name of Merodach-baladan has been recognized in the Assyrian inscriptions. It appears, there were two reigns of this king, the first from B.C. 721 to B.C. 709, when he was deposed; and the second, after his recovery of the throne in B.C. 702, which lasted only half a year.
There is some doubt as to the time at which, he sent his ambassadors to Hezekiah, for the purpose of inquiring as to the astronomical marvel, of which Judea had been the scene, 2 Chronicles 32:31, but it appears to have been B.C. 713.