Nergal-sar-ezer נֵרְגַּל שַׁרְאֶ֫צֶר
Babylonian official at Jerusalem's fall
Who is Nergal-sar-ezer in the Bible?
Nergal-sar-ezer was a Babylonian official and Rab-mag (a high-ranking officer) who entered Jerusalem following the city's fall to King Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC, as recorded in Jeremiah 39:3 and 39:13. His name, meaning "Nergal, protect the king," reflects the Babylonian god of war and pestilence, though the Bible provides no specific details about his particular duties or role in the conquest. He appears to have been sent by Nebuchadnezzar as either a military officer or government representative to oversee the captured city. The mention of Nergal-sar-ezer among the Babylonian officials underscores the historical reality of the fall of Jerusalem and the foreign dominion that marked the beginning of the Jewish exile.
Biography
Nergal-sar-ezer , the Rag-mag (a title for an officer) is named among the Babylonian officials who entered Jerusalem after the Babylonians breached the city walls in 587 BC (Jer.39.3). The name Nergal-sar-ezer means "Nergal, protect the king!" Nergal was the Babylonian god of war and pestilence. No title or specific role is given for this official. He may have been a military officer or government representative sent by King Nebuchadnezzar. This Nergal-sar-ezer is likely the same individual mentioned later in the same chapter (Jer.39.13), who also has the title Rab-mag.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentJeremiah 2 verses
- Jeremiah 39:3
"Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon."
Study Jeremiah → - Jeremiah 39:13
"So Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon"
Study Jeremiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | נֵרְגַּל שַׁרְאֶ֫צֶר |