Topical Encyclopedia E'vil-Mer'odach, also known as Amel-Marduk, was a king of Babylon who reigned from approximately 562 to 560 BC. He was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar II, one of the most prominent kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. E'vil-Mer'odach's reign is noted in the Bible primarily for his act of kindness towards Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah.Biblical Account: The primary biblical reference to E'vil-Mer'odach is found in 2 Kings 25:27-30 and Jeremiah 52:31-34. According to these passages, in the year that E'vil-Mer'odach ascended to the throne, he released Jehoiachin from prison. Jehoiachin had been held captive in Babylon for 37 years following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows: "In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year E'vil-Mer'odach became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. And the king provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life." (2 Kings 25:27-30) This act of clemency is significant as it highlights a moment of mercy and favor towards the Davidic line, even in exile. E'vil-Mer'odach's decision to elevate Jehoiachin above other captive kings and provide for him daily suggests a level of respect or political strategy, possibly to maintain stability or favor with the Judean exiles. Historical Context: E'vil-Mer'odach's reign followed the long and prosperous rule of his father, Nebuchadnezzar II, who had expanded the Babylonian Empire and undertaken extensive building projects, including the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. However, E'vil-Mer'odach's rule was short-lived, lasting only two years. Historical records outside the Bible, such as the Babylonian Chronicles, suggest that his reign may have been marked by internal strife and dissatisfaction among the Babylonian nobility. His release of Jehoiachin might have been part of a broader policy to secure alliances or stabilize his rule by showing leniency to subjugated peoples. However, his reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by his brother-in-law, Neriglissar, who then seized the throne. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, E'vil-Mer'odach's release of Jehoiachin can be seen as a demonstration of God's continued providence and faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, even during the period of exile. The elevation of Jehoiachin serves as a reminder of the enduring hope for the restoration of the Davidic line, which is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, a descendant of David. E'vil-Mer'odach's actions, though politically motivated, align with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people. Concordance E'vil-Mer'odach (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 52:31 Thesaurus E'vil-Mer'odach (1 Occurrence)E'vil-Mer'odach. Evil-merodach, E'vil-Mer'odach. Evil-mero'dach . Multi-Version Concordance E'vil-Mer'odach (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah ... /e/e'vil-mer'odach.htm - 6k Evil-merodach (2 Occurrences) Evil-mero'dach (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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