of foreign origin; Samgar-Nebo, a Babylonian general; Samgar-nebo.
Transliteration:Çamgar Nᵉbôw
Pronunciation:sam-gar' neb-o'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma סַמְגַּר נְבוֹ (Çamgar Nᵉbôw), transliterated as Samgar-Nebo (`{{H5562}}`), is a proper noun of foreign, specifically Babylonian, origin. As a personal name, its semantic range is inherently limited to the individual it designates. The name is a compound, with "Nebo" (נְבוֹ) referring to the Babylonian deity Nabu, the god of wisdom and writing, often associated with the planet Mercury and considered the son of Marduk. Names incorporating "Nebo" were common in Babylonian royalty and aristocracy, signifying devotion to or protection by this deity. While the precise meaning of "Samgar" is less certain, its combination with "Nebo" firmly places the name within the religious and cultural context of ancient Babylon, indicating a person of significant standing or religious affiliation within that pagan system.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Samgar-Nebo (`{{H5562}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Jeremiah 39:3]]. This verse details the high-ranking Babylonian officials who entered Jerusalem after its capture by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. The text states: "Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the other officials of the king of Babylon."
In this singular occurrence, Samgar-Nebo is listed alongside other prominent figures such as Nergal-sharezer (`{{H5219}}`), Sarsechim (`{{H8272}}`), Rab-saris (`{{H7262}}`, a title meaning "chief eunuch"), and Rab-mag (`{{H7260}}`, a title meaning "chief magus"). His inclusion in this elite group indicates that he was a significant military or administrative officer in Nebuchadnezzar's court, likely involved in the final stages of the siege and the subsequent administration of conquered Jerusalem. His presence underscores the complete and overwhelming nature of the Babylonian victory and the fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning Judah's judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Samgar-Nebo is contextually and linguistically related to several key concepts:
* **Nebo (Babylonian Deity):** The latter part of the name directly invokes the Babylonian god Nabu. This connects Samgar-Nebo to the broader polytheistic religious system of Babylon, which stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Other biblical names incorporating "Nebo" include Nebuchadnezzar (`{{H5019}}`) and Nebuzaradan (`{{H5018}}`).
* **Babylonian Officials and Titles:** Samgar-Nebo is listed with other high-ranking Babylonian figures, including Nergal-sharezer (`{{H5219}}`), Sarsechim (`{{H8272}}`), Rab-saris (`{{H7262}}`), and Rab-mag (`{{H7260}}`). These individuals represent the apparatus of imperial power and conquest.
* **The Fall of Jerusalem and the Exile:** Samgar-Nebo's presence is intrinsically linked to the pivotal historical event of Jerusalem's destruction and the subsequent exile of Judah. This event is a central theme in the book of Jeremiah and throughout the prophetic literature.
* **Divine Judgment:** The actions of Samgar-Nebo and his fellow officers were instruments of God's righteous judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience.
### Theological Significance
Though a pagan official, Samgar-Nebo's singular mention in the biblical narrative carries profound theological significance, primarily highlighting the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and human affairs.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Empires:** Samgar-Nebo, as a powerful agent of the Babylonian Empire, unwittingly served as an instrument in the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. His presence in Jerusalem's Middle Gate signifies that even the mightiest foreign powers and their leaders are ultimately subservient to the divine will of Yahweh. God used a pagan king and his officials to execute judgment upon His own people, demonstrating that His dominion extends beyond Israel to the entire world.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The specific naming of individuals like Samgar-Nebo lends historical precision and authenticity to the prophetic narratives. Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem were not vague predictions but detailed accounts, even identifying key figures involved in the conquest. This reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's Word.
3. **God's Use of Unbelievers:** Samgar-Nebo was a worshiper of foreign gods, yet he was an integral part of God's plan for Israel. This illustrates a consistent biblical theme: God can and does use individuals outside the covenant community to accomplish His purposes, often without their knowledge or consent.
4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The presence of Samgar-Nebo and the other Babylonian officials in Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Their arrival symbolized the complete collapse of Judah's kingdom and the bitter fruit of prolonged rebellion against God.
### Summary
Samgar-Nebo (`{{H5562}}`) is a unique Babylonian proper name, appearing only once in [[Jeremiah 39:3]]. As a high-ranking official in Nebuchadnezzar's army, his presence in Jerusalem during its fall signifies the complete and devastating nature of the Babylonian conquest. The name itself reflects its Babylonian origin, incorporating the deity Nabu. Theologically, Samgar-Nebo's brief appearance powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, His meticulous fulfillment of prophecy, and His use of even pagan individuals as instruments to achieve His divine purposes, particularly in executing judgment upon a disobedient Judah.
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