### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **ʼĔvîyl Mᵉrôdak**, represented by `{{H192}}`, identifies a specific Babylonian king whose name is thought to mean "soldier of Merodak." It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, and in both instances, it refers to the same historical figure and his singular recorded action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H192}}` is mentioned in nearly identical accounts in 2 Kings and Jeremiah. His only recorded act is releasing Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, from imprisonment in Babylon. This event is precisely dated to the thirty-seventh **year** `{{H8141}}` of the **captivity** `{{H1546}}` of **Jehoiachin** `{{H3078}}`. **Evilmerodach** `{{H192}}` performs this act of clemency in the very **year** `{{H8141}}` he began to **reign** `{{H4427}}` as **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Babylon** `{{H894}}`, where he "did **lift up** the **head**" of Jehoiachin out of **prison** (`{{H1004}}`, `{{H3608}}`) ([[2 Kings 25:27]], [[Jeremiah 52:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Evil-Merodach's action:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is central to the account, as **Evilmerodach** `{{H192}}`, the **king** of **Babylon** `{{H894}}`, acts upon **Jehoiachin** `{{H3078}}`, the captive **king** of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` [[2 Kings 25:27]].
* `{{H1546}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity): The narrative is framed by the long duration of Jehoiachin's **captivity** `{{H1546}}`, which had lasted for thirty-seven years prior to his release [[Jeremiah 52:31]].
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift): This verb describes the act of favor shown by Evil-Merodach. To "**lift up**" `{{H5375}}` someone's **head** `{{H7218}}` was a figurative expression for showing favor and restoring their status [[2 Kings 25:27]].
* `{{H3608}}` **keleʼ** (a prison): This word denotes the place of confinement from which Jehoiachin was released, highlighting the transition from punishment to grace [[2 Kings 25:27]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H192}}` is tied directly to his specific action:
* **Royal Clemency:** The primary role of **Evilmerodach** `{{H192}}` in scripture is to demonstrate royal clemency. His decision to release Jehoiachin from **prison** (`{{H1004}}`, `{{H3628}}`) marks a significant moment of grace toward the exiled king of Judah [[Jeremiah 52:31]].
* **Historical Turning Point:** The action is presented as a noteworthy event, occurring in the first **year** `{{H8141}}` of Evil-Merodach's **reign** `{{H4438}}`. This signals a change in Babylonian policy toward the captured Davidic line [[Jeremiah 52:31]].
* **Initiator of Restoration:** By lifting up Jehoiachin's **head** `{{H7218}}`, Evil-Merodach initiates a partial restoration of the Judean king's honor after decades of **captivity** `{{H1546}}` [[2 Kings 25:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H192}}` **ʼĔvîyl Mᵉrôdak** is not a theological term but the name of a historical figure whose brief appearance in the biblical record is highly significant. As the Babylonian **king** `{{H4428}}` who freed **Jehoiachin** `{{H3078}}` from a long imprisonment, his action represents a pivotal moment of favor and a turning point in the narrative of Judah's exile. Though mentioned only twice, his act of clemency is a memorable detail in the history of the relationship between Babylon and the people of Judah.
TRV