Isaiah 39:1

Isaiah 39:1. Merodach-baladan— Merodach was the name of an idol worshipped by the Babylonians, and Bel another; add these two idols, with the addition of אדן Adan or Adon, which signifies Lord, gave name to this king. Baladan is generally supposed to be the same person who is called Belesis or Belesus, and Nabonassarus; from whom the famous computation of time, called AEra Nabonassari, took its name. He is called, 2 Kings 20:12, Berodach-Baladan. One reason for his sending this embassy, as appears from 2 Chronicles 32:31, was, to satisfy himself with regard to the miracle of the shadow's going backward on the king's recovery; for the Babylonians were, from all antiquity, famous for their astronomical knowledge.