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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 39 - Verse 13

39:13
So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;

Meaning

Following the conquest of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, King Nebuchadnezzar appointed Nebuzaradan as the captain of the guard to oversee the capture and exile of the Israelites. In this verse, Nebuzaradan, along with other Babylonian officials such as Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes, are mentioned. These officials played significant roles in the administration and governance of the Babylonian empire, particularly in relation to military operations and the management of captured territories. Nebuzaradan, as the captain of the guard, was responsible for executing the orders of King Nebuchadnezzar, which included carrying out the deportation of the Israelites and overseeing the destruction of Jerusalem's temple. The mention of these officials highlights the organized and hierarchical structure of the Babylonian empire and the meticulous planning that went into the conquest and subjugation of foreign lands. This verse provides historical context for understanding the events leading up to the exile of the Israelites and the eventual fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Jeremiah mentions several important figures within the Babylonian hierarchy during the time of the captivity of the Israelites. Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, is the one who sent the individuals mentioned in the verse. Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, and Rabmag were all high-ranking officials in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Each of these officials held a specific position of authority within the Babylonian government and played a role in the administration of the conquered territories, such as Judah. The mention of these individuals serves as a reminder of the power and influence of Babylon over the people of Israel during this period of exile. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the sovereignty of God in allowing these events to occur as part of his plan for the redemption and restoration of his chosen people.

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