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Nergal-Sharezer

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âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Nergal-sharezer, identified as the Babylonian title Rab-mag, is recorded in Jeremiah 39:3 and 56 as an official who received Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem. Historical analysis identifies this individual as Neriglissar, who reigned as King of Babylon from 560 to 556 BC, succeeding Evil-merodach.

What is the meaning of Nergal-Sharezer in the Bible?

Nergal-sharezer, identified as the Babylonian title Rab-mag, is recorded in Jeremiah 39:3 and 56 as an official who received Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem. Historical analysis identifies this individual as Neriglissar, who reigned as King of Babylon from 560 to 556 BC, succeeding Evil-merodach.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing Nergal-sharezer as Neriglissar provides historical context for the political stability of the Babylonian empire during the early exile period and clarifies the status of Jeremiah's detention under a high-ranking military administrator rather than a common prisoner.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nergal-Sharezer reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Nergal-Sharezer in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Nergal-Sharezer clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Jeremiah 39:3

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

"Nergal-Sharezer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nergalsharezer/
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