### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Rab-Çârîyç**, represented by `{{H7249}}`, is a title for a **chief chamberlain** or a Babylonian official. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**. The term is a compound word, derived from `{{H7227}}` **rab**, meaning great or chief, and a foreign word for a eunuch, designating a high-ranking officer in the court of a foreign king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7249}}` is used exclusively to identify powerful gentile officials acting against Israel. An individual with the title **Rabsaris** was sent by the **king** of Assyria as part of a great military host to Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah [[2 Kings 18:17]]. Later, in the book of Jeremiah, the title appears twice in reference to Babylonian officials. A **Rabsaris** is listed among the **princes** of the **king** of Babylon who entered and occupied Jerusalem [[Jeremiah 39:3]], and again as one of the officials carrying out the king of Babylon's commands after the city's fall [[Jeremiah 39:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of authority and rank associated with this title:
* `{{H7227}}` **rab** (captain, great, officer, prince): This word, forming the first part of the title, signifies "chief" or "great" status. It is used to describe the "great multitude" [[2 Chronicles 20:15]] and for other high-ranking titles like the "**captain** of the guard" [[Jeremiah 39:13]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (captain, chief, prince, ruler): This term defines a **head person** or **prince**. The Rabsaris is explicitly listed among the **princes** of the king of Babylon, confirming his high station within the imperial hierarchy [[Jeremiah 39:3]].
* `{{H7248}}` **Rab-Mâg** (chief Magian): This is the title of another Babylonian official who appears alongside **Rabsaris** in both Jeremiah accounts, indicating they held comparable, high-ranking positions in the Babylonian court ([[Jeremiah 39:3]], 13).
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This word is essential to understanding the role of the Rabsaris, who is always depicted as an agent acting under the direct authority of a foreign **king**, whether of Assyria or Babylon [[2 Kings 18:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7249}}` is found in its consistent association with gentile power and its role in the history of Israel.
* **Instrument of Foreign Kings:** The Rabsaris is always portrayed as an agent of a foreign **king** `{{H4428}}`, specifically those of Assyria and Babylon. He is part of the command structure sent to execute the will of these empires against Jerusalem [[2 Kings 18:17]].
* **Symbol of Gentile Dominion:** The presence of the **Rabsaris**, along with other officials like the **Rab-Mag** `{{H7248}}` and various **princes** `{{H8269}}`, in the conquered city of Jerusalem marks the culmination of Babylon's power over Judah [[Jeremiah 39:3]].
* **Official Rank and Hierarchy:** The title itself, combining **rab** (chief) with a term for a court official, demonstrates the organized and hierarchical nature of the empires that God used as instruments of judgment in the biblical narrative.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7249}}` is not a personal name but a specific and important title for a high-ranking official in the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. Its appearances in scripture are exclusively in contexts of military and political actions directed against the kingdom of Judah. The term illustrates the structured authority of the gentile powers that played a pivotal role in Israel's history, acting as emissaries and officers for foreign kings.
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