Topical Bible: Nebo-sarsekim

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Nebo-sarsekim is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. His name is of Babylonian origin, reflecting the polytheistic culture of ancient Babylon. The name "Nebo-sarsekim" can be translated to mean "Nebo, protect the prince," with Nebo being a Babylonian deity associated with wisdom and writing.

Biblical Reference:
Nebo-sarsekim is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3, which describes the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and took seats 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."

Historical Context:
The mention of Nebo-sarsekim occurs during a pivotal moment in Jewish history—the siege and subsequent fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. to the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound significance for the Jewish people.

Role and Title:
Nebo-sarsekim is identified as the "Rab-saris," a title that indicates a high-ranking official or chief eunuch in the Babylonian court. The role of a Rab-saris would have involved significant administrative responsibilities, possibly overseeing the king's household or serving as a senior advisor.

Archaeological Corroboration:
In 2007, a clay cuneiform tablet was discovered in the British Museum that mentions a figure named Nebo-sarsekim. The tablet, dated to the tenth year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, records a transaction involving Nebo-sarsekim, confirming his historical existence and high status within the Babylonian administration. This discovery provides external validation of the biblical account and offers insight into the historical context of the period.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Nebo-sarsekim in the biblical narrative underscores the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah regarding the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to the people's disobedience to God. The presence of Babylonian officials in Jerusalem symbolizes the shift of power and the consequences of turning away from the covenant with Yahweh.

Conclusion:
Nebo-sarsekim's brief appearance in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual realities faced by the people of Judah during the Babylonian conquest. His role as a Babylonian official highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play and the fulfillment of divine prophecy as recorded in the Scriptures.

Concordance

Nebo-sarsekim (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 39:3
and come in do all the heads of the king of Babylon, and they sit at the middle gate, Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, chief of the eunuchs, Nergal-Sharezer, chief of the Mages, and all the rest of the heads of the king of Babylon.
(See NIV)

Thesaurus

Nebo-sarsekim (1 Occurrence)
Nebo-sarsekim. Nebo, Nebo-sarsekim. Nebuchadnezzar . Multi-Version
Concordance Nebo-sarsekim (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah ...
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