Nergal Sharezer
Summary
Nergal-sharezer was a Babylonian prince who was present at the fall of Jerusalem and later became king of Babylon by murdering his brother-in-law Evil-merodach.
☩At the Fall of Jerusalem
Two persons named Nergal-sharezer appear among the princes of the king of Babylon who accompanied Nebuchadnezzar at the siege and capture of Jerusalem. One held the title of Rab-mag (chief priest or chief of the magi), and this distinguished officer, by command of Nebuchadnezzar, released Jeremiah from prison.
☩King of Babylon
The Nergal-sharezer who bore the title Rab-mag is identified with the king called Neriglissar by historians, who murdered Evil-merodach (Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor) and took the throne. He had married a daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. His reign lasted from about 559 to 556 BC, after which his young son Laborosoarchod reigned briefly before being murdered.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Nergal-sharezer," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Nergalsharezer," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).