Rab-saris is a title mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. The term "Rab-saris" is derived from the Akkadian language, where "rab" means "chief" or "great," and "saris" is often translated as "eunuch" or "official." Thus, Rab-saris can be understood as "chief eunuch" or "chief officer," indicating a high-ranking position within the royal court.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 18:17 · The title Rab-saris appears during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian king Sennacherib sent a delegation to Jerusalem, which included the Rab-saris, along with the Tartan and the Rabshakeh. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rab-saris, and the Rabshakeh from Lachish with a great army to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced and came to Jerusalem, and they took their position by the aqueduct of the upper pool, which is on the road to the Washerman’s Field."

2. Jeremiah 39:3 · The title is also mentioned in the context of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. When the city fell, several Babylonian officials entered, including the Rab-saris. The BSB records: "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."

3. Jeremiah 39:13 · Further mention of the Rab-saris occurs when the Babylonian officials, including Nebo-sarsekim the Rab-saris, were involved in the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall. The BSB notes: "So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer the Rab-mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The role of the Rab-saris was significant in the ancient Near Eastern courts, particularly in Assyria and Babylon. As a high-ranking official, the Rab-saris would have been entrusted with considerable authority and responsibilities, often serving as an advisor or administrator. The presence of the Rab-saris in military and diplomatic missions, as seen in the biblical accounts, underscores the importance of this position in executing the king's orders and managing state affairs.

In the Assyrian context, the Rab-saris was part of a delegation sent to intimidate and negotiate with King Hezekiah, demonstrating the Assyrian strategy of psychological warfare and diplomacy. In the Babylonian context, the Rab-saris was involved in the capture and administration of conquered territories, such as Jerusalem, highlighting the role of Babylonian officials in consolidating power and control over subjugated regions.

Theological Implications:

The mention of the Rab-saris in the biblical narrative serves to illustrate the fulfillment of prophetic warnings against Judah for their disobedience to God. The presence of foreign officials in Jerusalem symbolizes the consequences of turning away from the covenant with Yahweh. The accounts involving the Rab-saris also reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers, as He uses even foreign powers to accomplish His divine purposes and bring about His judgments.

Overall, the figure of the Rab-saris in the Bible provides insight into the political and administrative structures of ancient empires and serves as a reminder of the historical realities faced by the people of Judah during times of crisis and divine judgment.Rab-Saris

chief of the eunuchs

Rab-Saris

An officer sent with Rabshakeh and Tartan, to summon Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:17 Jeremiah 39:3. It signifies "the chief of the eunuchs." Such officers, high in honor and in trust, are found on the mural tablets of Nineveh so wonderfully preserved to this day; and in the Ottoman Porte of our own times the Kislar Aga, or chief of the black eunuchs, is one of the highest dignitaries. See SHALMANEZER.

RAB-SARIS

rab'-sa-ris (rabh-caric): As with Rab-mag, which is not regarded as a name, but a title, so this is to be regarded as a descriptive title for the person whose name precedes it (see RAB-MAG). The first part, rabh, signifies "great" or "chief," the second, caric, is the title for eunuch or chamberlain. The translation then would be chief eunuch or the chief of the eunuchs (or chamberlains).

The oriental custom was for the king to surround himself with a number of eunuchs, who performed varied kinds of services, both menial and dignified. They usually had charge of his harem; sometimes they occupied court positions. Frequently they superintended the education of the youth. The term itself was sometimes used to designate persons in places of trust who were not emasculated. The above title describes the highest or chief in rank of these eunuchs.

See EUNUCH.

The full title is used 3 times, once in connection with the titles of other important officers who were sent by the king of Assyria with a large army to demand the surrender of Jerusalem. The passage would be translated properly, `And the king of Assyria sent the Tartan and the Rab-saris (the chief eunuch) and the Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah' (2 Kings 18:17). Again, it refers to a Babylonian whose real name was Sarsechim, who with the other Babylonian princes sat in the middle gate during the capture of Jerusalem. This event is described as having occurred in the 11th year of Zedekiah, king of Judah (Jeremiah 39:3). The third use is in connection with the name Nebushazban, who, with the other chief officers of the king of Babylon, sent and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard and committed him to Gedaliah, who was to take him home to dwell with his own people (Jeremiah 39:13).

Thus, it is seen that based upon this accepted theory the three titles would be in their connections as follows:

(1) simply "the chief eunuch,"

(2) Sarsechim, the Rab-saris (or chief eunuch), and

(3) Nebushazban, the Rab-saris (or chief eunuch).

See also ASSYRIA, sec. X.

Walter G. Clippinger

7249. Rab-saris -- perhaps "chief eunuch," an official of the ...
Rab-saris. 7248, 7249. Rab-saris. 7250 . perhaps "chief eunuch," an
official of the Assyr. and Bab. kings. Transliteration: Rab ...
/hebrew/7249.htm - 6k

The Last Agony
... up.3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle
gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the last agony.htm

How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ...
... names of these generals who ravaged and subdued Jerusalem, if any one desire to
know them, were these: Nergal Sharezer, Samgar Nebo, Rabsaris, Sorsechim, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how the king.htm

How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What
... with great forces, to destroy Jerusalem. The names of the two other
commanders were Tartan and Rabsaris. 2. Now as soon as they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how sennacherib made.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... saki, Rab-shakeh, or vizier, who ranked a little below him, was the head of the
civil officials; besides him we hear of the Rab-sa-resi or Rabsaris, "the chief ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Rabsaris (3 Occurrences)
... eunuch), and (3) Nebushazban, the Rab-saris (or chief eunuch). See also ASSYRIA,
sec. X. Walter G. Clippinger. Multi-Version Concordance Rabsaris (3 Occurrences ...
/r/rabsaris.htm - 10k

Rab-saris (3 Occurrences)
Rab-saris. Rab'saris, Rab-saris. Rabshakeh . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia RAB-SARIS. rab'-sa-ris (rabh-caric): As with ...
/r/rab-saris.htm - 9k

Rab'saris (3 Occurrences)
Rab'saris. Rabsaris, Rab'saris. Rab-saris . Multi-Version Concordance Rab'saris
(3 Occurrences). ... Rabsaris, Rab'saris. Rab-saris . Reference Bible.
/r/rab'saris.htm - 7k

Rab-mag (2 Occurrences)
... Nebushazban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the chief officers
of the king of Babylon; (See JPS ASV WBS NAS). Rabmag, Rab-mag. Rabsaris . ...
/r/rab-mag.htm - 8k

Rabmag (2 Occurrences)
... captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, (the) Rab-saris, and Nergal ... middle gate,
to wit, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer ...
/r/rabmag.htm - 9k

Rabshakeh (15 Occurrences)
... word, the first part, rabh, indicating "head" or "chief" (see RAB-MAG; RAB-SARIS). ...
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, with the Tartan and the Rabsaris to demand ...
/r/rabshakeh.htm - 14k

Nebushazban (2 Occurrences)
... the Rab-saris, and all the captains of the king of Babylon. (BBE). Jeremiah 39:13
So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and ...
/n/nebushazban.htm - 8k

Samgar-nebo (1 Occurrence)
... nebo is correct, the first Nergal-sharezer "should perhaps be dropped; we would
then read: "Samgar-nebo the Sarsechim, Nebushazban the Rab-saris (compare 39:13 ...
/s/samgar-nebo.htm - 8k

Samgarnebo (1 Occurrence)
... See RAB-MAG; RAB-SARIS. ... of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate,
to wit, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer ...
/s/samgarnebo.htm - 8k

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