Samgar-nebu
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Samgar-nebu is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. His name appears in Jeremiah 39:3, which is part of the narrative describing the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. The verse reads: "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." (Jeremiah 39:3).

Historical Context

The context of Samgar-nebu's mention is the Babylonian siege and eventual conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of Judah, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, laid siege to Jerusalem, and after a prolonged period, the city fell. The capture of Jerusalem was a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, who had foretold the consequences of Judah's persistent disobedience to God.

Role and Identity

Samgar-nebu is listed among the officials of the king of Babylon who entered Jerusalem after its fall. The name "Samgar-nebu" is somewhat enigmatic, as it appears only once in the biblical text, and there is limited information about his specific role or title. The name itself is of Babylonian origin, with "Nebu" likely referring to the Babylonian god Nabu, a deity associated with wisdom and writing. The prefix "Samgar" is less clear, but it may denote a place or a title.

The presence of Samgar-nebu among the Babylonian officials underscores the organized and hierarchical nature of the Babylonian administration. These officials were responsible for overseeing the conquered territories and ensuring the implementation of Babylonian policies. Their presence in Jerusalem signified the transfer of power and the imposition of Babylonian authority over the city and its inhabitants.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the mention of Samgar-nebu and the other Babylonian officials in Jeremiah 39 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. The fall of Jerusalem was not merely a political or military event but a divine judgment against Judah for its idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The presence of foreign officials in the holy city highlighted the consequences of turning away from God and the reality of divine retribution.

The narrative also emphasizes the theme of God's control over the nations. Despite the apparent triumph of Babylon, the biblical text consistently affirms that God is the ultimate ruler of history, using even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes. The fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile were part of God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for the eventual return and restoration of His people.

Conclusion

While Samgar-nebu is a minor figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the context of Jerusalem's fall provides insight into the historical and theological dimensions of this pivotal event. His presence among the Babylonian officials serves as a testament to the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan in the history of His people.
Strong's Hebrew
5562. Samgar Nebo -- a Bab. officer
... a Bab. officer. Transliteration: Samgar Nebo Phonetic Spelling: (sam-gar' neb-o')
Short Definition: Samgar-nebu. ... officer NASB Word Usage Samgar-nebu (1). ...
/hebrew/5562.htm - 5k
Thesaurus
Samgar-nebu (1 Occurrence)
Samgar-nebu. Sam'gar-ne'bo, Samgar-nebu. Sami . Multi-Version
Concordance Samgar-nebu (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 39:3 ...
/s/samgar-nebu.htm - 6k

Magian (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 39:3 and all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the
middle gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebu, Sarsechim, chief chamberlain, Nergal ...
/m/magian.htm - 7k

Sami

/s/sami.htm - 6k

Sam'gar-ne'bo (1 Occurrence)
Sam'gar-ne'bo. Samgar-nebo, Sam'gar-ne'bo. Samgar-nebu . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Samgar-nebo, Sam'gar-ne'bo. Samgar-nebu . Reference Bible
/s/sam'gar-ne'bo.htm - 6k

Chamberlain (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 39:3 and all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the
middle gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebu, Sarsechim, chief chamberlain, Nergal ...
/c/chamberlain.htm - 14k

Resources
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Concordance
Samgar-nebu (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 39:3
and all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebu, Sarsechim, chief chamberlain, Nergal-sharezer, chief magian, and all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.
(DBY NAS)

Subtopics

Samgar-nebu

Related Terms

Samgar-nebu (1 Occurrence)

Samis

Sabi

Shimon (1 Occurrence)

Samgar-Nebo: At the Siege of Jerusalem
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