That is, the country of Babylonia. The Bible uses the same term for the country as for the capital city. Merodach-baladan, a Chaldean from the south of Babylonia, did not at this time hold the city of Babylon, for the Assyrians had placed another vassal king there; he was in exile, possibly in Elam, though he probably still had many supporters in Babylonia. At this time Babylon, subject to Assyria, was regarded as a weak, insignificant nation, so far distant that it would never be a threat. But already it was becoming a subject of prophetic attention (Isa. 13; 14:1-23; 43:14; 46:1, 2; 47:1-15; Micah 4:10). Soon Babylon and not Assyria would be the great enemy, and the power that would ultimately effect Judah’s downfall.

 If Hezekiah had entered into any formal agreement with Merodach-baladan, he was probably, by this statement, endeavoring to belittle the effects of such a pact. Joshua considered it proper to enter into a league with the Gibeonites on the consideration that they were from a “very far country” (Joshua 9:9-15). Hezekiah may also have felt that the distance of Babylonia from Judah would excuse his entering into friendly relations with Merodach-baladan. Through Isaiah the Lord had urged His people not to associate themselves with foreign powers but put their trust in God (Isa. 8:9-13; 30:1-7; 31:1-5).

Hezekiah had made a serious mistake that endangered the safety of his nation, and the prophet was sent to call this to his attention.