from נֵרְגַּל and שַׁרְאֶצֶר; Nergal-Sharetser, the name of two Babylonians; Nergal-sharezer.
Transliteration:Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser
Pronunciation:nare-gal' shar-eh'-tser
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma נֵרְגַּל שַׁרְאֶצֶר (Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser), Strong's number `{{H5371}}`, is a compound proper noun, representing a personal name of Babylonian origin. Its meaning is derived from its two constituent elements. The first part, נֵרְגַּל (Nergal), refers to a major Mesopotamian deity, the god of the underworld, pestilence, and war, worshipped extensively in Babylonia and Assyria. The second part, שַׁרְאֶצֶר (Sharʼetser), is likely composed of שַׂר (sar), meaning "chief" or "prince," and אֶצֶר (etser), possibly related to "treasury" or "protect." Thus, the full name can be interpreted as "Nergal, protect the king/prince" or "Nergal, prince of the treasury." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals within the biblical narrative, primarily functioning as a marker of identity and historical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser appears twice in the book of Jeremiah, specifically in chapter 39, detailing the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
1. [[Jeremiah 39:3]]: "Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came in 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." Here, two distinct individuals bearing this name are mentioned. One is identified as "Nergal-sharezer of Samgar," a title or place of origin, indicating his specific role or lineage. The other is "Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag," a title denoting a high-ranking military or administrative official, possibly "chief of the magicians" or "chief executioner." This verse establishes their presence among the leading Babylonian figures during the capture of Jerusalem.
2. [[Jeremiah 39:13]]: "Now Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, and Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag sent and took Jeremiah from the court of the guard and entrusted him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to bring him out to his house. So he dwelt among the people." In this verse, "Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag" is again mentioned, alongside other prominent Babylonian officials like Nebuzaradan `{{H5019}}` and Nebushazban `{{H5020}}`, as one of those responsible for the care and release of the prophet Jeremiah. This demonstrates their direct involvement in the administration of the conquered territory and their specific orders regarding Jeremiah, highlighting their authority.
These occurrences place Nergal-sharezer firmly within the historical context of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, portraying him as a significant figure in Nebuchadnezzar's court and military command. His presence underscores the foreign, pagan power that God used as an instrument of judgment against His disobedient people.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, direct synonyms for Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser are not applicable. However, several related words and concepts illuminate its significance:
* **Babylonian Officials:** The name is intrinsically linked to the high-ranking officials of the Babylonian Empire, such as Nebuzaradan `{{H5019}}` (captain of the guard), Nebushazban `{{H5020}}` (Rabsaris), and Nebo-sarsekim `{{H5021}}` (Rabsaris). These individuals collectively represent the executive power of Babylon.
* **Pagan Deities:** The inclusion of "Nergal" in the name directly points to the polytheistic religious system of Babylon, which stands in stark opposition to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Other Babylonian deities, like Nebo (found in names like Nebuchadnezzar and Nebo-sarsekim), further highlight this contrast.
* **Ancient Near Eastern Naming Conventions:** The practice of incorporating divine names or royal titles into personal names was common across the ancient Near East, reflecting religious devotion and social status. This contrasts with Israelite names that often incorporated elements of Yahweh (e.g., "Jeho-" or "-iah") or El (e.g., "-el").
* **Exile and Judgment:** The figures bearing this name are directly involved in the events leading to and during the Babylonian exile, a period of divine judgment upon Judah for its unfaithfulness.
* **Babylon:** The empire itself, `{{H894}}`, is the overarching context for these individuals and their actions.
### Theological Significance
The presence and actions of individuals named Nergal-sharezer, though seemingly minor details, carry profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The most striking theological implication is the demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Despite their pagan allegiances (evidenced by the name "Nergal"), these Babylonian officials are instruments in God's hand. They fulfill His purposes of judgment against Judah and, remarkably, His providence in protecting His prophet Jeremiah. Their actions, though driven by their own imperial objectives, ultimately serve the Lord's plan for His people.
* **Contrast of Worship:** The very name "Nergal-sharezer" serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual chasm between the idolatrous worship of Babylon and the covenantal worship of Yahweh. It underscores the spiritual battle between the true God and the false gods of the nations, a central theme in the prophetic books.
* **Authenticity of Prophecy and Historical Veracity:** The specific mention of these historically attested Babylonian officials lends strong historical grounding and authenticity to the biblical narrative, particularly Jeremiah's prophecies. It grounds the theological message in verifiable historical events, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the biblical account.
* **God's Care for His Servants:** Even amidst the devastation of Jerusalem and the captivity of its people, God's specific care for His prophet Jeremiah is evident. The orders given by these powerful foreign officials to ensure Jeremiah's safety and well-being illustrate God's faithfulness to His chosen servants, even when they are seemingly at the mercy of their enemies.
### Summary
Nêrᵉgal Sharʼetser (`{{H5371}}`) is a compound Babylonian proper noun, likely meaning "Nergal, protect the king/prince." It identifies two high-ranking Babylonian officials, one specifically "the Rabmag," who played a direct role in the siege and aftermath of Jerusalem's fall as recorded in [[Jeremiah 39:3]] and [[Jeremiah 39:13]]. These figures, with names invoking a pagan deity, serve as powerful testaments to God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their leaders. Their involvement in the judgment of Judah and, notably, in the providential care for Jeremiah, highlights the Lord's ability to use even foreign, polytheistic powers as instruments of His divine will. The name itself underscores the stark contrast between the idolatry of Babylon and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, while its historical precision reinforces the authenticity of the biblical narrative.
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