John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 39:1

"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 was recovered." — Isaiah 39:1 (ASV)

At that time. Some think that this was the first king of the Chaldean nation, for his father, Baladin, had held the government over the Babylonians without the title of king. This Merodach, therefore, after having reigned twelve years, subdued the Assyrians and made them tributaries to the Chaldeans. It is a mistake to suppose that the war was begun by Nebuchadnezzar. It is indeed possible that he completed their subjugation, but it is probable that they were already half subdued, so that nothing else remained but to establish the royal power gained by the victory of his predecessor.

Sent letters and a present to Hezekiah. Although the Prophet simply relates that messengers were sent, it is important to observe that this was done craftily by the Babylonian to flatter and cajole Hezekiah. He was at this time threatening the Assyrians, whom he knew the Jews justly disliked because of their continual wars; and therefore, to secure Hezekiah as an ally and partisan in the war he was then waging, he endeavored to obtain his friendship by indirect methods. The mind of the good king was corrupted by ambition, so that he too eagerly accepted the false blandishments of the tyrant and swallowed the bait.

The pretext was to congratulate Hezekiah on having recovered from his disease. Yet sacred history seems to assign another reason: that Merodach was induced by a miracle (2 Chronicles 32:31). There is certainly no doubt that the report of that prodigy, which took place when the sun went back, was very widely spread and might have produced an impression on many nations.

Nevertheless, it can hardly be believed that a heathen king had any other object in view than to draw Hezekiah into his net. Since God had shown by a remarkable sign that He cared for Hezekiah’s safety—and wicked men commonly apply all proofs of God’s favor to a base purpose—Merodach thought that if he could obtain Hezekiah’s alliance, he would wage war under the protection and favor of heaven.

Consequently, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with presents to express his goodwill, for he wished to obtain his favor, believing that his friendship would be useful and advantageous to him. His intention was to use him later against the Assyrians, toward whom he knew well that the Jews harbored a deadly hatred. Such are the designs of kings and princes: to conduct their affairs with fraud and craftiness and by some means to gain as many allies as possible, that they may employ their efforts against their enemies.