The word Nᵉbûwshazbân, represented by H5021, is a name of foreign derivation. It refers to a specific individual, Nebushazban, identified as Nebuchadnezzar's chief eunuch. This name is exceedingly rare in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.
The sole appearance of Nᵉbûwshazbân is in Jeremiah 39:13. In this verse, he is listed among several high-ranking officials of the king H4428 of Babylon H894. The passage states that Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, sent H7971 a contingent of officials that included Nebushasban H5021, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all of the king's princes H7227. This places him directly within the Babylonian leadership executing orders following the conquest of Jerusalem.
Several other names and titles appear alongside H5021, providing context for his role and the power structure of the Babylonian empire:
- H5018 Nᵉbûwzarʼădân: A Babylonian general who held the title of captain H7227 of the guard H2876 and gave the order to send the princes Jeremiah 39:13.
- H7249 Rab-Çârîyç: A title meaning "chief chamberlain" held by a Babylonian official listed in the same company as Nebushazban Jeremiah 39:13.
- H7248 Rab-Mâg: The title for the "chief Magian," another Babylonian official mentioned in the list of princes Jeremiah 39:13.
- H894 Bâbel: The Hebrew name for Babylon, the empire these officials served. The king of Babylon is identified as the ultimate human authority behind the actions in this passage Jeremiah 39:13.
While Nᵉbûwshazbân himself is not a figure of theological discussion, his presence in scripture is part of a larger theme concerning God's sovereignty over nations.
- Instruments of Divine Judgment: The Babylonian officials, including Nebushazban, were agents in the fall of Jerusalem, an event which is described as an evil pronounced by the LORD upon the place Jeremiah 40:2.
- God's Use of Foreign Powers: His inclusion in the narrative illustrates how God utilizes gentile empires to accomplish His purposes. The LORD explicitly refers to the king of Babylon as "my servant," demonstrating that this foreign power was an instrument in His hand Jeremiah 25:9.
- The Reach of Babylon: The listing of specific, high-ranking officials like Nᵉbûwshazbân H5021, Rabsaris, and Rabmag underscores the organized and formidable nature of the Babylonian empire that God used to enact His judgment Jeremiah 39:13.
In summary, H5021 Nᵉbûwshazbân is a minor historical figure, a Babylonian official mentioned only once in the Bible. His significance is not in his individual actions but in his context. He is named as part of the Babylonian leadership present at the fall of Jerusalem Jeremiah 39:13, representing the gentile power that the LORD used as an instrument of judgment against Judah, thereby illustrating the theme of God's ultimate authority over all world empires.
TRV