The contradiction perhaps springs from the double character of this divinity, who, as Saturn, is the father, but, as Hercules, the son of Jupiter.
BEL-MERODACH.
Bel-Merodach is, beyond all doubt, the planet Jupiter, which is still called Bel by the Mendaeans.

The name Merodach is of uncertain etymology and meaning.

It has been compared with the Persian _Mardak,_ the diminutive of _mard,_ "a man," and with the Arabic _Mirrich,_ which is the name of the planet Mars.

But, as there is every reason to believe that the term belongs to the Hamitic Babylonian, it is in vain to have recourse to Arian or Semitic tongues for its derivation.

Most likely the word is a descriptive epithet, originally attached to the name Bel, in the same way as _Nipru,_ but ultimately usurping its place and coming to be regarded as the proper name of the deity.