The first of the two people called Nergal-sar-ezer inJeremiah 39:3is either "of Samgar" (an unknown place) or is "a Simmagir" (a high rank). His name is likely to be a version of Neriglissar, the person of Simmagir rank who usurped the throne from the son of Nebuchadnezzar II, Amel-Marduk (Evil-Merodach in (Jeremiah 52:31;2 Kings 25:27). At this time, he was merely a representative of King Nebuchadnezzar. Ironically, the name Nergal-shar-ezer means "Nergal, protect the king!" referring to the Babylonian god of war, Nergal. Nergal-shar-ezer and the other officials took up residence in the Middle Gate of Jerusalem. They likely oversaw the destruction of the city, the burning of the temple, and the deportation of captives (2 Kings 25:8-21).
Nergal-sar-ezer
EnglishA man from Babylon living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.39.3a.