Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Delve into the historical verification of Nebuchadnezzar’s officials as mentioned in the Bible. This article examines the roles of Nergal-sharezer, Nebushazban, and Nebuzaradan, blending biblical accounts with archaeological evidence to reveal a vivid picture of the Babylonian Empire’s impact on biblical history.

In the annals of biblical history, the fall of Jerusalem in 587–586 B.C.E. is a pivotal event, detailed in the Book of Jeremiah and 2 Kings. This period marks the Babylonian conquest under King Nebuchadnezzar, a time when several high-ranking officials played critical roles. The biblical text provides specific names of these officials, and recent archaeological discoveries have remarkably corroborated their historical existence. This article delves into the identities and roles of three key Babylonian officials: Nergal-sharezer, Nebushazban, and Nebuzaradan, as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures and confirmed by archaeological evidence.

Nergal-sharezer: The Prominent Prince Nergal-sharezer, or Nerʹgal-shar·eʹzer in Hebrew, meaning “May Nergal Protect the King,” was a prominent prince in Nebuchadnezzar’s forces. He is distinguished in the biblical account as the Rabmag, a title that indicates a high-ranking position, during the overthrow of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 39:3, 13-14). This official played a part in the release of the prophet Jeremiah, showcasing his significant authority within the Babylonian hierarchy.

Some scholars have linked Nergal-sharezer with Neriglissar (the Greek form of his name), who is believed to have succeeded King Evil-merodach (Awil-Marduk). This connection is based on the striking resemblance of the name Nergal-sharezer to Nergal-shar-usur found in Babylonian inscriptions, as noted in “Ancient Near Eastern Texts” edited by J. Pritchard (1974).

Nebushazban: The Chief Court Official Nebushazban, also known as Neb·u·shazʹban, meaning “O Nebo, Deliver Me!” in Akkadian, served as the Rabsaris, or chief court official, in Nebuchadnezzar’s army. He was instrumental in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E. and was among the officials who directed Jeremiah’s release (Jeremiah 39:13-14). The title Rabsaris suggests a senior position, indicating Nebushazban’s significant role in the Babylonian administration.

The variant spelling of his name, Nebusarsechim or Nebushasban, appears in Jeremiah 39:3. This official is either referred to by his title or another individual also called Rabsaris, indicating the presence of multiple high-ranking officials during the capture of Jerusalem.

Nebuzaradan: The Chief of the Bodyguard Nebuzaradan, or Neb·uʹzar·adʹan, meaning “Nebo Has Given Offspring” in Babylonian, was the chief of the bodyguard and a principal figure in the actual destruction of Jerusalem. He directed the Babylonian operations from outside the city, which included looting temple treasures and destroying the city walls (2 Kings 25:8-20; Jeremiah 39:8-10; 52:12-26). His arrival in Jerusalem, about a month after the initial siege, marked the beginning of the city’s final destruction.

Nebuzaradan’s role extended beyond destruction; he also released Jeremiah and appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining people in the land (2 Kings 25:22; Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:1-7). His actions five years later, in 602 B.C.E., led to the exile of additional Jews, highlighting his continued involvement in the affairs of the conquered territory (Jeremiah 52:30).

Archaeological Corroboration The historical existence of these officials is remarkably supported by archaeological findings. A Babylonian cuneiform tablet, dating to 605–562 B.C.E., references an official named Nabu-sharrussu-ukin, identical to Nebusarsechim in Jeremiah 39:3. This tablet, housed in the British Museum (BM 114789), details a transaction involving gold, confirming the official’s high status.

The tablet, now in the British Museum (BM 114789), reads:

(Regarding) 1.5 minas of gold, the property of Nabu-sharrussu-ukin, the chief eunuch, which he sent via Arad-Banitu the eunuch to [the temple] Esanglia: Arad-Banitu has delivered [it] to Esanglia. In the presence of Bel-usat, son of Aplaya, the royal bodyguard, [and of] Nadin, son of Marduk-zer-ibni. Month XI, day 18, year 10 [of] Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. (translation from BritishMuseum.org)

BM 114789 Tablet Nebushazban (Nabu-sharrussu-ukin) Description: Clay tablet with six and one and four lines of inscription; Late Babylonian; administrative. The tablet gives the name and title of a high-ranking Babylonian officer who, according to Jeremiah, was present at the historic siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC with King Nebuchadnezzar II himself.

Babylonian-Column-VI-2 Nebuchadnezzar II’s Prism (E S 7834) The Nebuchadnezzar II prism EŞ 7834 (Istanbul Archaeological Museum) is an unusual royal inscription. It refers to the building works to enlarge the Old Palace at Babylon, and it is stylistically related to the Nebuchadnezzar building inscription preserved on cylinder C34. But EŞ 7834 also contains long lists of provincial and imperial officials, which can be used as a base to study the administrative structures of the Neo-Babylonian state. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/za-2013-0013/html?lang=en)

Furthermore, a prism discovered in Babylon, now in Istanbul, lists court officials of Nebuchadnezzar, including Nabuzeriddinam and Nergalsharusur. These names correspond to Nebuzaradan and Nergal-sharezer, as mentioned in the biblical account (ANET, 307–8). – Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament. Edited by J. B. Pritchard. 2nd ed. Princeton, 1994.

Here’s a bit more context and detail that might enrich your understanding:

Nebuchadnezzar’s Reign and Historical Context: Nebuchadnezzar II, who reigned from approximately 605-562 B.C.E., is one of the most prominent kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His reign was marked by significant military campaigns, the most famous being the conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 587/586 B.C.E. This period was critical in Jewish history, leading to the Babylonian Exile.

Role of High Officials: In ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, high-ranking officials like Nergal-sharezer, Nebushazban, and Nebuzaradan played crucial roles. They were not only military leaders but also key administrators, often tasked with implementing the king’s policies, managing conquered territories, and overseeing important state affairs.

Archaeological Insights: The archaeological findings, like the cuneiform tablet and the prism listing Babylonian officials, provide invaluable insights into the administration and governance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. They also highlight the historical accuracy of certain biblical accounts.

Nergal-sharezer’s Possible Kingship: The identification of Nergal-sharezer with Neriglissar, who succeeded Nebuchadnezzar’s son Amel-Marduk (Evil-merodach), is significant. If this identification is accurate, it shows a direct connection between the military leadership present at the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent line of Babylonian kings.

Cultural and Religious Context: The names of these officials, invoking gods like Nergal and Nebo, reflect the polytheistic religious environment of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. This context is important for understanding the interactions between Babylonian and Judean societies, especially in religious and cultural exchanges during the Exile.

Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, these officials’ roles in the events leading to the Babylonian Exile are seen as part of a divine plan, as prophesied by prophets like Jeremiah. This viewpoint underscores the sovereignty of God in biblical narrative, even in the midst of political and military upheaval.

Comparative Ancient Records: While the Bible provides a Judeo-centric view of these events, comparing these accounts with Babylonian and other Near Eastern texts can offer a more rounded historical perspective. However, much of this comparative literature is fragmentary or yet to be fully understood.

In summary, while the biblical and archaeological records provide substantial information about these officials, understanding their roles fully also involves considering the broader historical, cultural, and religious context of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign and the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Conclusion The convergence of biblical and archaeological records in confirming the existence of these Babylonian officials is striking. Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem, a significant event in biblical history, is thus not only a narrative of faith but also a chapter in the annals of ancient Near Eastern history. The roles of Nergal-sharezer, Nebushazban, and Nebuzaradan, as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, are substantiated by tangible historical evidence, bridging the worlds of biblical scholarship and archaeological discovery.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).