Jump to: Hitchcock's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Nergal-sharezer, also known as Neriglissar, is a historical figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. He is identified as one of the high-ranking officials in the Babylonian army during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II.Biblical References: Nergal-sharezer is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, which provides an account of the Babylonian siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah 39:3 , it is recorded: "Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer the Rab-mag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon." This passage highlights Nergal-sharezer's presence during a significant moment in biblical history—the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The mention of his title, "Rab-mag," suggests a high-ranking position, possibly as a chief magician or a high official in the Babylonian court. Historical Context: Nergal-sharezer's historical identity is often associated with Neriglissar, who later became king of Babylon after the death of Nebuchadnezzar II. His reign is dated from approximately 560 to 556 BC. As a king, Neriglissar is known for his military campaigns and building projects, continuing the legacy of Babylonian strength and architectural achievement. Role in the Babylonian Conquest: The presence of Nergal-sharezer during the siege of Jerusalem underscores the organized and formidable nature of the Babylonian military. His role, along with other officials, was crucial in executing the strategies that led to the capture of the city, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people to Babylon—a pivotal event in Jewish history known as the Babylonian Captivity. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Nergal-sharezer and the Babylonian officials in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah. The fall of Jerusalem is seen as a divine judgment upon the people of Judah for their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant. Nergal-sharezer's involvement in this event highlights the use of foreign nations as instruments of God's judgment, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Cultural and Religious Influence: Nergal-sharezer's Babylonian background is rooted in a culture rich with religious and mythological traditions. The name "Nergal" itself is derived from a Babylonian deity associated with war and the underworld, reflecting the syncretic nature of Babylonian religion. This cultural backdrop provides insight into the religious and political environment of the time, which often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of the Israelites. In summary, Nergal-sharezer is a significant figure in the biblical account of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, representing the might and influence of the Babylonian Empire during a critical period in biblical history. His role as a high-ranking official underscores the fulfillment of prophetic judgment and the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency in the biblical narrative. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Nergal-SharezerEaston's Bible Dictionary Nergal, protect the king! (1.) One of the "princes of the king of Babylon who accompanied him in his last expedition against Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 39:3, 13). (2.) Another of the "princes," who bore the title of "Rabmag." He was one of those who were sent to release Jeremiah from prison (Jeremiah 39:13) by "the captain of the guard." He was a Babylonian grandee of high rank. From profane history and the inscriptions, we are led to conclude that he was the Neriglissar who murdered Evil-merodach, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, and succeeded him on the throne of Babylon (B.C. 559-556). He was married to a daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. The ruins of a palace, the only one on the right bank of the Euphrates, bear inscriptions denoting that it was built by this king. He was succeeded by his son, a mere boy, who was murdered after a reign of some nine months by a conspiracy of the nobles, one of whom, Nabonadius, ascended the vacant throne, and reigned for a period of seventeen years (B.C. 555-538), at the close of which period Babylon was taken by Cyrus. Belshazzar, who comes into notice in connection with the taking of Babylon, was by some supposed to have been the same as Nabonadius, who was called Nebuchadnezzar's son (Dan. 5:11, 18, 22), because he had married his daughter. But it is known from the inscriptions that Nabonadius had a son called Belshazzar, who may have been his father's associate on the throne at the time of the fall of Babylon, and who therefore would be the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. The Jews had only one word, usually rendered "father," to represent also such a relationship as that of "grandfather" or "great-grandfather." International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NERGAL-SHAREZERnur-gal-sha-re'-zar (nereghal-shar'etser, Hebrew form of Assyrian Nergal-sar-usur, "O Nergal, defend the prince"): A Babylonian officer, the "Rab-mag," associated with Nebushazban in the care of Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:3, 13). According to Hommel (article "Babylon," Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (five volumes)) and Sayce (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible, under the word), Nergal-sharezer is to be identified with Neriglissar who succeeded Evil-merodach on the throne of Babylon (compare Cheyne and Johns, Encyclopedia Biblica, under the word). Strong's Hebrew 5371. Nergal Sharetser -- a Bab. court official... Nergal-sharezer. From Nergal and Shar'etser; Nergal-Sharetser, the name of two Babylonians -- Nergal-sharezer. see HEBREW Nergal. see HEBREW Shar'etser. ... /hebrew/5371.htm - 6k Library The Last Agony How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ... Appendices Babylonia and Assyria Thesaurus Nergal-sharezer (2 Occurrences)... Nergalsharezer, Nergal-sharezer. Ner'gal-share'zer . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... Nergalsharezer, Nergal-sharezer. Ner'gal-share'zer . Reference Bible. /n/nergal-sharezer.htm - 9k Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) Rabmag (2 Occurrences) Rab-mag (2 Occurrences) Samgar-nebo (1 Occurrence) Samgarnebo (1 Occurrence) Nergal-sar-ezer (2 Occurrences) Ner'gal-share'zer (2 Occurrences) Sharezer (5 Occurrences) Nergal-sarezer (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Nergal-sharezer (2 Occurrences)Jeremiah 39:3 Jeremiah 39:13 Subtopics Nergal-Sharezer: The Name of a Senior officer With Nebuchadnezzars Army Related Terms |