Nergal-sar-ezer, also known as Neriglissar, is a historical figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He was a high-ranking official in the Neo-Babylonian Empire and is identified as one of the princes of Babylon. His name, of Akkadian origin, means "Nergal, protect the king," with Nergal being a deity associated with war and the underworld in Mesopotamian mythology.

Biblical References:

Nergal-sar-ezer is mentioned in the context of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah 39:3 , he is listed among the officials who entered Jerusalem after the city fell to the Babylonians: "Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sar-ezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon."

In this passage, Nergal-sar-ezer is identified with two titles: "of Samgar" and "the Rab-mag." The term "Rab-mag" is believed to denote a high-ranking position, possibly a chief of the magi or a high official in the Babylonian court. The dual mention of Nergal-sar-ezer in this verse has led some scholars to suggest that there may have been two individuals with the same name, or it could refer to the same person with different titles or roles.

Historical Context:

Nergal-sar-ezer's presence in the biblical narrative aligns with the historical accounts of the Neo-Babylonian Empire's expansion and dominance in the ancient Near East. The fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC was a significant event, marking the destruction of the First Temple and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile for the people of Judah. Nergal-sar-ezer, as a Babylonian official, played a role in the administration and control of the conquered territories.

Outside the biblical text, Nergal-sar-ezer is identified with Neriglissar, who later became king of Babylon, reigning from 560 to 556 BC. He succeeded Amel-Marduk (Evil-Merodach), the son of Nebuchadnezzar II, and was known for his building projects and military campaigns. His reign, though relatively short, was marked by efforts to stabilize and strengthen the empire.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Nergal-sar-ezer in the Bible underscores the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets regarding the consequences of Judah's disobedience to God. The Babylonian conquest and the subsequent exile were seen as divine judgment, and figures like Nergal-sar-ezer were instruments in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

The presence of foreign officials in the biblical narrative also highlights the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers. Despite the apparent power and might of empires like Babylon, the biblical text consistently affirms that God is ultimately in control of history and uses even pagan nations to accomplish His purposes.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration:

Archaeological findings and historical records from the Neo-Babylonian period provide additional context for understanding the role and significance of figures like Nergal-sar-ezer. Cuneiform inscriptions and Babylonian chronicles offer insights into the political and military activities of the time, corroborating the biblical account of Babylon's dominance and the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem.

In summary, Nergal-sar-ezer is a notable figure within the biblical and historical narrative of the Babylonian Empire's interaction with the kingdom of Judah. His role as a Babylonian official during a pivotal moment in Israel's history serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine providence and human agency.5371. Nergal Sharetser -- a Bab. court official
... Nergal Sharetser. 5372 . a Bab. court official. Transliteration: Nergal Sharetser
Phonetic Spelling: (nare-gal' shar-eh'-tser) Short Definition: Nergal-sar-ezer ...
/hebrew/5371.htm - 6kNergal-sar-ezer (2 Occurrences)
Nergal-sar-ezer. Nergal-sarezer, Nergal-sar-ezer. Nergalsharezer .
Multi-Version Concordance Nergal-sar-ezer (2 Occurrences). ...
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Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences)

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Nergal-sarezer (2 Occurrences)
Nergal-sarezer. Nergal, Nergal-sarezer. Nergal-sar-ezer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Nergal, Nergal-sarezer. Nergal-sar-ezer . Reference Bible.
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