### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser**, represented by `{{H5371}}`, identifies two Babylonian individuals mentioned in scripture. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses**, indicating its specific role within the historical narrative. The name is derived from "Nergal" and "Sharetser" and is used to name these officials from Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5371}}` appears exclusively in the book of Jeremiah during the account of Babylon's conquest of Jerusalem. **Nergalsharezer** is listed as one of the **princes** `{{H8269}}` of the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Babylon** `{{H894}}` who entered Jerusalem and **sat** `{{H3427}}` in the middle **gate** `{{H8179}}`, signifying the city's fall [[Jeremiah 39:3]]. He is mentioned again as one of the **king** of **Babylon's** **princes** `{{H7227}}` who was **sent** `{{H7971}}` by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard [[Jeremiah 39:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and titles clarify the context of Nergal-sharezer's position and actions:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (prince): This title defines his rank as a head person or ruler under the king's authority. He is explicitly named among the **princes** of the king of Babylon who took control of the city [[Jeremiah 39:3]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word establishes the ultimate authority Nergal-sharezer served. His actions were carried out as an official of the **king** of Babylon [[Jeremiah 39:3]].
* `{{H7248}}` **Rab-Mâg** (Rab-Mag, a Babylonian official): This identifies a specific title for a chief Magian, one of the officials listed alongside **Nergalsharezer**. His inclusion in this group of high-ranking individuals highlights the organized nature of the Babylonian leadership [[Jeremiah 39:13]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5371}}` is primarily historical, grounding the biblical account of judgment in specific events and figures.
* **Historical Specificity:** The inclusion of named Babylonian officials like **Nergalsharezer**, Samgar-nebo, and Sarsechim provides a detailed, historical texture to the narrative of Jerusalem's fall [[Jeremiah 39:3]].
* **Instruments of Judgment:** As one of the princes **sent** `{{H7971}}` by the Babylonian leadership, **Nergalsharezer** acts as an agent in the execution of God's judgment upon Jerusalem, as foretold by the prophets [[Jeremiah 39:13]].
* **Imperial Power:** The presence of a contingent of high-ranking officials, including **princes** `{{H8269}}` like **Nergalsharezer**, demonstrates the organized military and political power of the Babylonian empire `{{H894}}`, the instrument used to conquer Judah.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5371}}` is more than just a foreign name within the text. It serves as a historical marker, identifying a specific Babylonian prince involved in the pivotal event of Jerusalem's capture. The mention of **Nergalsharezer** alongside other officials like **Rabmag** `{{H7248}}` and **Rabsaris** `{{H7249}}` underscores the authenticity of the account and illustrates the formidable, structured power of the Babylonian kingdom that acted as the agent of divine judgment.
TRV