Jeremiah 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, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

And all the princes {H8269} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} came in {H935}, and sat {H3427} in the middle {H8432} gate {H8179}, even Nergalsharezer {H5371}, Samgarnebo {H5562}, Sarsechim {H8310}, Rabsaris {H7249}, Nergalsharezer {H5371}, Rabmag {H7248}, with all the residue {H7611} of the princes {H8269} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}.

All the officers of the king of Bavel entered and sat at the Middle Gate - Nergal-Sar'etzer, Samgar-N'vo, Sars'khim the Rav-Saris, Nergal-Sar'etzer the Rav-Mag and all the other officers of the king of Bavel.

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.

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, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 39:3 details the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonian forces, specifically identifying key officials who asserted control over the conquered city. This verse serves as a historical marker, confirming the complete subjugation of Judah as foretold by the prophet Jeremiah.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during the climatic moment of Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC, after an 18-month siege. The Babylonian army, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, had finally breached the city walls (as described in Jeremiah 39:2). The arrival of these high-ranking officials signifies the full establishment of Babylonian authority. The "middle gate" was a crucial strategic point within the city's defenses, possibly between the outer and inner walls, and their sitting there symbolized their total victory and administrative takeover of the once-proud capital of Judah.

Key Figures and Titles

  • Nergalsharezer: This name appears twice, suggesting either two distinct individuals or perhaps a title and a personal name. One Nergalsharezer is identified as the "Rabmag." Historically, a Nergalsharezer (Neriglissar) later became king of Babylon, indicating his high status at this time.
  • Samgarnebo: Likely a personal name, though its exact meaning or office is less clear than the others.
  • Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Rabmag: These are not personal names but rather important Babylonian court and military titles.
    • Sarsechim: Often interpreted as "chief of the eunuchs."
    • Rabsaris: Means "chief of the officials" or "chief eunuch."
    • Rabmag: Refers to the "chief of the magicians" or "chief official." These titles highlight the sophisticated administrative and military structure of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment Fulfilled: The presence and authority of these Babylonian officials underscore the fulfillment of God's prophecies regarding Jerusalem's fall due to Judah's persistent sin and disobedience. This event marks a significant turning point, leading to the Babylonian exile.
  • Irreversible Conquest: Their immediate occupation of a strategic point like the "middle gate" signifies the completeness and irreversibility of Babylon's conquest. There was no hope of resistance left for Jerusalem.
  • Historical Accuracy: The detailed listing of names and titles lends historical credibility to the biblical account, aligning with what is known from ancient Near Eastern records regarding Babylonian administration and military campaigns.

Linguistic Insights

The titles like Rabsaris and Rabmag are transliterations from Akkadian, the language of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. They are compound words indicating high rank and specialized functions within the royal court and military. Their inclusion in the biblical text provides authentic detail, reinforcing the historical veracity of the narrative.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 39:3, though a historical account of conquest, reminds us of the consequences of persistent rebellion against God's will. For ancient Judah, it was the loss of their land and sovereignty. For believers today, it serves as a sober reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's word. It also highlights God's sovereignty, as He uses nations and rulers, even those who do not know Him, to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His prophecies (compare with Isaiah 45:1 for Cyrus). The detailed nature of the prophecy's fulfillment should build confidence in the reliability of God's promises and warnings.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 21:4

    Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

  • Jeremiah 38:17

    Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

  • Jeremiah 1:15

    For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

  • Jeremiah 39:13

    So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;

  • 2 Kings 17:30

    And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back