Sarsechim is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as one of the officials of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar during the siege of Jerusalem. The reference to Sarsechim is found in Jeremiah 39:3, which states: "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" .

Historical Context

The mention of Sarsechim occurs during a pivotal moment in the history of Judah. The Babylonian Empire, under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II, was expanding its influence and power across the ancient Near East. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, was under siege as part of Nebuchadnezzar's campaign to subdue rebellious vassal states. The capture of Jerusalem in 586 BC marked a significant event, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile for the Jewish people.

Role and Title

Sarsechim is referred to as the "Rab-saris," a title that indicates a high-ranking official or chief officer. The term "Rab-saris" is of Akkadian origin, with "Rab" meaning "chief" or "great," and "saris" often translated as "eunuch" or "court official." This title suggests that Sarsechim held a significant position within the Babylonian administration, likely involved in military or governmental affairs.

Significance in Scripture

The presence of Sarsechim and other Babylonian officials in Jerusalem signifies the complete control and authority that Babylon had over the city at this time. The mention of these officials sitting in the Middle Gate symbolizes the transfer of power and the establishment of Babylonian rule. This event fulfills the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets about the consequences of Judah's disobedience to God.

Archaeological Insights

In recent years, archaeological discoveries have provided additional context to the biblical account of Sarsechim. A clay tablet from the Babylonian period, discovered in the British Museum's collection, mentions a figure named Nebo-sarsekim, who served as a chief officer under Nebuchadnezzar. This finding corroborates the biblical narrative and offers tangible evidence of the historical accuracy of the events described in Jeremiah.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Sarsechim and the fall of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The Babylonian conquest is seen as divine judgment upon Judah for its idolatry and failure to heed the warnings of the prophets. Yet, it also sets the stage for the eventual restoration and return of the Jewish people, highlighting God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of redemption.

In summary, Sarsechim's mention in the Bible, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that underscores the historical and spiritual lessons of the Babylonian Exile. His role as a Babylonian official during the siege of Jerusalem is a testament to the fulfillment of prophetic warnings and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan in history.Sarsechim

master of the wardrobe

Sarsechim

(prince of the eunuchs), one of the generals of Nebuchadnezzar's army at the taking of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 39:3) (B.C. 588.)

SARSECHIM

sar'-se-kim, sar-se-kim (sarckhim): A prince of Nebuchadnezzar, present at the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in the 11th year of Zedekiah (Jeremiah 39:3). The versions with their various readings-"Nabousachar" "Nabousarach," "Sarsacheim"-point to a corrupt text. The best emendation is the reading "Nebhoshazibhon" (= Nabusezib-anni, "Nebo delivers me"); this is based on the reading in Jeremiah 39:13.

8310. Sarsekim -- one of Nebuchadnezzar's princes
... Sarsekim. 8311 . one of Nebuchadnezzar's princes. Transliteration: Sarsekim Phonetic
Spelling: (sar-seh-keem') Short Definition: sarsechim. ... Sarsechim. ...
/hebrew/8310.htm - 6k

The Last Agony
... name preceding it; while its second part, Nebo, is regarded as the first element
in a new name obtained by reading shashban instead of Sarsechim, and attaching ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the last agony.htm

Sarsechim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SARSECHIM. sar'-se-kim, sar ... 39:13.
Multi-Version Concordance Sarsechim (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 39 ...
/s/sarsechim.htm - 7k

Rab-saris (3 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/r/rab-saris.htm - 9k

Rabsaris (3 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/r/rabsaris.htm - 10k

Samgar-nebo (1 Occurrence)
... Nebo (nabu) is there joined with the following Sarsechim to agree with
Nebushazban of Jeremiah 39:13. If the name Samgar-nebo is ...
/s/samgar-nebo.htm - 8k

Samgarnebo (1 Occurrence)
... Nebo (nabu) is there joined with the following Sarsechim to agree with
Nebushazban of Jeremiah 39:13. If the name Samgar-nebo is ...
/s/samgarnebo.htm - 8k

Rabmag (2 Occurrences)
... of the text should be, "All the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat
in the middle gate, to wit, Nergal-sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, (the) Rab ...
/r/rabmag.htm - 9k

Rab-mag (2 Occurrences)
... of the text should be, "All the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat
in the middle gate, to wit, Nergal-sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, (the) Rab ...
/r/rab-mag.htm - 8k

Sar'sechim (1 Occurrence)
Sar'sechim. Sarsechim, Sar'sechim. Saruch . Multi-Version Concordance Sar'sechim
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Sarsechim, Sar'sechim. Saruch . Reference Bible
/s/sar'sechim.htm - 6k

Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences)
... 39:3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate,
even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer ...
/n/nergalsharezer.htm - 9k

Nergal-sharezer (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 39:3 that all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the
middle gate, 'to wit', Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris ...
/n/nergal-sharezer.htm - 9k

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