Nebu'zarad'an, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as a high-ranking Babylonian official during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II. His name, which can be translated as "Nebo has given offspring," reflects the Babylonian practice of naming individuals in honor of their deities, in this case, the god Nebo.

Role and Historical Context

Nebu'zarad'an served as the captain of the guard, a position of significant authority within the Babylonian military hierarchy. His role is most notably documented during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, an event that marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. This conquest, which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 B.C., was a fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets regarding the consequences of Judah's persistent disobedience to God.

Biblical References

Nebu'zarad'an is mentioned in several passages within the books of 2 Kings, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In 2 Kings 25:8-12 , it is recorded: "On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebu'zarad'an the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem."

Jeremiah 39:9-10 further details his actions: "Then Nebu'zarad'an the captain of the guard carried away into exile to Babylon the remnant of the people who remained in the city, along with those who had gone over to him, and the rest of the people. But Nebu'zarad'an the captain of the guard left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people, who owned nothing; and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields."

Significance in Biblical Narrative

Nebu'zarad'an's actions were instrumental in the fulfillment of God's judgment upon Judah. His role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of its inhabitants underscores the severity of divine retribution for the nation's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Despite the devastation, the biblical narrative also highlights God's continued sovereignty and the hope of eventual restoration for His people.

In Jeremiah 40:1-4 , Nebu'zarad'an's interaction with the prophet Jeremiah is recorded: "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebu'zarad'an the captain of the guard had released him at Ramah, when he had taken him bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, 'The LORD your God decreed this disaster on this place, and now the LORD has brought it about; He has done just as He said. Because you people sinned against the LORD and did not obey His voice, this thing has happened to you. But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. Look, the whole land is before you; go wherever it seems good and right to you.'"

Legacy and Theological Implications

Nebu'zarad'an's presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the historical reality of God's judgments and the instruments He uses to accomplish His purposes. His interactions with Jeremiah also illustrate the recognition of God's sovereignty even among foreign powers. The account of Nebu'zarad'an challenges readers to reflect on the themes of judgment, mercy, and the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even amidst the darkest periods of Israel's history.Nebu'zarad'an (14 Occurrences)

2 Kings 25:8
Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 25:11
And the residue of the people that were left in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away captive.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 25:20
And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:9
And the remnant of the people who are left in the city, and those falling who have fallen to him, and the remnant of the people who are left, hath Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, removed 'to' Babylon.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:10
And of the poor people, who have nothing, hath Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, left in the land of Judah, and he giveth to them vineyards and fields on the same day.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:11
And Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon giveth a charge concerning Jeremiah, by the hand of Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 39:13
And Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners sendeth, and Nebushazban, chief of the eunuchs, and Nergal-Sharezer, chief of the Mages, and all the chiefs of the king of Babylon;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 40:1
The word that hath been unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, after Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, hath sent him from Ramah, in his taking him -- and he a prisoner in chains -- in the midst of all the removal of Jerusalem and of Judah, who are removed to Babylon.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 41:10
And Ishmael taketh captive all the remnant of the people who 'are' in Mizpah, the daughters of the king, and all the people who are left in Mizpah, whom Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, hath committed 'to' Gedaliah son of Ahikam, and Ishmael son of Nethaniah taketh them captive, and goeth to pass over unto the sons of Ammon.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:12
And in the fifth month, in the tenth of the month -- it 'is' the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon -- come hath Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners; he hath stood before the king of Babylon in Jerusalem,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:15
And of the poor of the people, and the remnant of the people who are left in the city, and those who are falling away, who have fallen unto the king of Babylon, and the remnant of the multitude, hath Nebuzar-Adan chief of the executioners, removed;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:16
and of the poor of the land hath Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, left for vine-dressers and for husbandmen.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:26
and Nebuzar-Adan, chief of the executioners, taketh them, and bringeth them unto the king of Babylon to Riblah,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:30
in the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadrezzar, hath Nebuzar-Adan chief of the guard removed of Jewish souls, seven hundred forty and five; all the souls 'are' four thousand and six hundred.
(See RSV)

Nebu'zarad'an (14 Occurrences)
Nebu'zarad'an. Nebuzaradan, Nebu'zarad'an. Nebuzar-adan . Multi-Version
Concordance Nebu'zarad'an (14 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:8 ...
/n/nebu'zarad'an.htm - 10k

Nebuzar-adan (14 Occurrences)
Nebuzar-adan. Nebu'zarad'an, Nebuzar-adan. Necessaries . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Nebu'zarad'an, Nebuzar-adan. Necessaries . Reference
/n/nebuzar-adan.htm - 11k

Nebuzaradan (16 Occurrences)

/n/nebuzaradan.htm - 13k

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