The Embassy to Hezekiah
Prof. S. R. Driver, D. D. Isaiah 39:1-8 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah… was in all probability one of those undertaken by Merodach-Baladan for the purpose of providing himself with allies. Inasmuch now as there was at this time in Judah a party straining its utmost to combine all elements antagonistic to Assyria, there is nothing unreasonable in supposing that some understanding was arrived at between the ambassadors from Babylon and Judah. Upon this view of the circumstances of the occasion, Hezekiah's motive in displaying his treasures will have been to satisfy the embassy that he had resources at his disposal; and Isaiah's rebuke gains in significance and force. (Prof. S. R. Driver, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: At that time Merodachbaladan, 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. WEB: At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered.