Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness to Nebuzaradan

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of kindness to the poor is a recurring motif that underscores the moral and ethical obligations of God's people. One notable instance of kindness, though not directly involving the poor, is the interaction between Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard of Babylon, and the prophet Jeremiah. This event, while not directly addressing the poor, reflects the broader biblical principle of showing mercy and kindness, which can be extended to the treatment of the impoverished and marginalized.

Context and Background

Nebuzaradan was a high-ranking officer in the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. He played a pivotal role during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., which led to the destruction of the city and the temple, and the subsequent exile of many Israelites to Babylon. The fall of Jerusalem was a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the end of the Davidic kingdom and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity.

Jeremiah's Release

In the midst of this national calamity, the prophet Jeremiah, who had been imprisoned by King Zedekiah for his prophecies of Jerusalem's fall, found favor in the eyes of Nebuzaradan. The account of this interaction is recorded in the Book of Jeremiah:

"Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, 'Take him and look after him; do not let any harm come to him, but do for him whatever he says.' So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him home. So he remained among his own people." (Jeremiah 39:11-14)

Significance of Kindness

The kindness shown by Nebuzaradan to Jeremiah is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the sovereignty of God in using even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes and to protect His servants. Despite the destruction and chaos, God ensured Jeremiah's safety through the unexpected kindness of a Babylonian officer.

Secondly, this act of kindness serves as a reminder of the biblical call to show mercy and compassion, even to those who may be considered outsiders or enemies. While Nebuzaradan was an agent of the conquering force, his treatment of Jeremiah exemplifies the potential for acts of kindness to transcend cultural and national boundaries.

Application to the Poor

While the specific interaction between Nebuzaradan and Jeremiah does not directly address the poor, it reflects the broader biblical principle of kindness and mercy that is applicable to all, including the impoverished. The Scriptures consistently call for the care and protection of the poor, emphasizing that acts of kindness are a reflection of God's character and a requirement for His people.

In Proverbs, the call to kindness is clear: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done." (Proverbs 19:17). This verse underscores the divine mandate to care for the poor, viewing such acts as service to God Himself.

Conclusion

The kindness of Nebuzaradan to Jeremiah, while not directly related to the poor, serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical principle of mercy and compassion. It encourages believers to extend kindness to all, including the poor, as an expression of their faith and obedience to God's commands.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Basil as Archbishop.
... Podandus, a poor little town at the foot of Mt ... conjectured [168] that possibly the
act of kindness of the ... chief of the imperial kitchen, the Nebuzaradan, as the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/vi basil as archbishop.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... prisoner, who had forgotten Joseph's kindness in explaining ... He therefore sent
Nebuzaradan, the captain of the ... Jehoiachin's captivity, save only the poor of the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... found preserved among us, on which the poor live ... cannot even contain, even though
in kindness to man ... with their tongues; the chief cook Nebuzaradan, [4492] who ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... and to Nebuzaradan, who is also described as a proselyte ... is known also to do works
of kindness - such as ... Rabbi was distributing his gifts to the poor at night ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... [4255] "The mountains labour; a poor mouse is born.". ... The age is therefore limited,
so that those only may receive the food of the poor who can no longer work. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm