Career
Marduk-apla iddina II was known as one of the kings who maintained Babylonian independence in the face of Assyrian military supremacy for more than a decade. After the death of Sargon, Marduk-apla-iddina II briefly recaptured the throne from a native Babylonian nobleman. He reigned nine months (703 British Columbia – 702 British Columbia).
He returned from Elam and ignited rebellion in Babylonia.
He was able to enter Babylon and be declared king again. Nine months later he was defeated near Kish by the Assyrians, but managed to flee to Elam.
He died in exile a couple of years later. Merodach-baladan is mentioned as king of Babylon in the days of Hezekiah both in 2 Kings 20:12 (here called Berodach-baladan) and in Isaiah 39:1.
In both passages he sends Hezekiah a letter of concern because of his illness.
