Evilmerodach, also known as Amel-Marduk, was a Babylonian king who reigned from 562 to 560 BC. He was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar II, one of the most prominent kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Evilmerodach's reign is noted in the Bible for his act of kindness towards Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to Evilmerodach is found in 2 Kings 25:27-30 and Jeremiah 52:31-34. According to these passages, in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, Evilmerodach showed favor to Jehoiachin by releasing him from prison. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Evil-merodach 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."

This act of clemency is significant as it marked a change in the treatment of the exiled Judean king, who had been in captivity since the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. Evilmerodach's decision to elevate Jehoiachin's status and provide for him daily is seen as an act of mercy and political diplomacy.

Historical Context:

Evilmerodach'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, Evilmerodach's rule was short-lived, lasting only two years. Historical records outside the Bible suggest that his reign may have been marked by internal strife and dissatisfaction among the Babylonian nobility.

The name "Evilmerodach" is derived from the Akkadian "Amel-Marduk," meaning "man of Marduk," the chief deity of Babylon. This reflects the common practice of Babylonian kings associating themselves with their gods to legitimize their rule.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Evilmerodach's release of Jehoiachin can be seen as a demonstration of God's continued providence and faithfulness to His covenant people, even during their exile. The elevation of Jehoiachin serves as a reminder of the hope for restoration and the eventual return of the Jewish people to their homeland, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets.

Evilmerodach'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. This episode in the biblical narrative underscores the belief in God's overarching plan and His care for His chosen people, despite their circumstances.Evilmerodach

(the fool of Merodach), (2 Kings 25:27) the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar. He reigned but a short time, having ascended the throne on the death of Nebuchadnezzar in B.C. 561, and being himself succeeded by Neriglissar in B.C. 559. He was murdered by Neriglissar.

Merodach's man, the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah 52:31, 34). He seems to have reigned but two years (B.C. 562-560). Influenced probably by Daniel, he showed kindness to Jehoiachin, who had been a prisoner in Babylon for thirty-seven years. He released him, and "spoke kindly to him." He was murdered by Nergal-sharezer=Neriglissar, his brother-in-law, who succeeded him (Jeremiah 39:3, 13). EVIL-MERODACH

e-vil-me-ro'-dak; -mer'-o-dak 'ewil merodhakh; Septuagint Eueialmarodek; so B in K, but B in Jeremiah, and A and Q in both places much corrupted:

The name of the son and immediate successor of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon. The Babylonian form of the name is Amelu-Marduk, that is, "man of Marduk." About 30 contract tablets dated in this reign have been found. They show that Evil-merodach reigned for two years and about five months. He is said by Berosus to have conducted his government in an illegal and improper manner, and to have been slain by his sister's brother, Nergalshar-ucur, who then reigned in his stead. Evil-merodach is said in 2 Kings 25:27-30 and in the parallel passage in Jeremiah 52:31-34 to have taken Jehoiachin, king of Judah, from his prison in Babylon, where he seems to have been confined for 37 years, to have clothed him with new garments, to have given him a seat above all the other kings, and to have allowed him to eat at the king's table all the days of his life. It is an undesigned coincidence, that may be worthy of mention, that the first dated tablet from this reign was written on the 26th of Elul, and Jeremiah 52:31 says that Jehoiachin was freed from prison on the 25th of the same month.

R. Dick Wilson

What Lasts, and what Passes Away.
... II. Evilmerodach, king of Babylon, was wroth with Daniel, because he denied that
Bel was a god. ... Then Evilmerodach had them all slain. Now, my brethren! ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxii what lasts and what.htm

Book 1.
... begun to build the forementioned wall, fell sick, and departed this life, when he
had reigned forty-three years; whereupon his son Evilmerodach obtained the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

Evilmerodach (2 Occurrences)
... the same month. R. Dick Wilson. Multi-Version Concordance Evilmerodach
(2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:27 It happened in the seven and ...
/e/evilmerodach.htm - 9k

Thirtieth (9 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/t/thirtieth.htm - 10k

Twelfth (20 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/t/twelfth.htm - 14k

Freed (32 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/f/freed.htm - 15k

Twentieth (34 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/t/twentieth.htm - 18k

Evil-merodach (2 Occurrences)
Evil-merodach. Evilmerodach, Evil-merodach. E'vil-Mer'odach . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Evilmerodach, Evil-merodach. E'vil-Mer'odach . Reference Bible.
/e/evil-merodach.htm - 9k

Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/j/jehoiachin.htm - 19k

Released (52 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/r/released.htm - 21k

Graciously (24 Occurrences)
... and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth
month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of ...
/g/graciously.htm - 13k

Evilly (4 Occurrences)

/e/evilly.htm - 7k

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