Babylonian captain of the guard during Jerusalem's fall.
Nebuzaradan
Named in 15 verses across 2 books, first in 2 Kings 25:8.
נְבוּזַרְאֲדָןNebuzaradan
About Nebuzaradan Written by AI
Nebuzaradan was a high-ranking Babylonian military officer who served as the captain of the guard under King Nebuchadnezzar II. He played a significant role in the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Judeans to Babylon in 586 BC. According to 2 Kings 25:8 to 12 and Jeremiah 52:12 to 16, Nebuzaradan arrived in Jerusalem approximately one month after the city had been captured by the Babylonian army. He was responsible for overseeing the destruction of the city, including the burning of the temple, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan also directed the demolition of the city walls, effectively ending Jerusalem's ability to defend itself. Under Nebuzaradan's command, the majority of the population of Jerusalem was exiled to Babylon (2 Kings 25:11; Jeremiah 39:9). He carried away the treasures and valuable items from the temple and the royal palace, as well as the skilled craftsmen and artisans (2 Kings 25:13 to 17; Jeremiah 52:17 to 23). Only the poorest of the land were left behind to work as vinedressers and farmers (2 Kings 25:12; Jeremiah 39:10). Nebuzaradan was also involved in the fate of several prominent figures in Jerusalem. He executed Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the second priest, and other officials, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:18 to 21 and Jeremiah 52:24 to 27. However, he showed favor to the prophet Jeremiah, releasing him from confinement and offering him the choice to either go to Babylon or remain in Judah (Jeremiah 39:11 to 14). In the years following the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuzaradan returned to Judah and carried out additional deportations to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:30). He also played a role in the events surrounding Gedaliah, the appointed governor of Judah, and the assassination plot against him (Jeremiah 41:10). As the captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan was a powerful and influential figure in the Babylonian military hierarchy. His actions in Jerusalem, including the destruction of the city, the exile of its inhabitants, and the treatment of key individuals, had a profound impact on the history of Judah and the Jewish people. His role in the biblical narrative serves to illustrate the severity of God's judgment against Judah and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
“the captain of the guard,” in rank next to the king, who appears prominent in directing affairs at the capture of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:8-20; Jer. 39:11; 40:2-5). He showed kindness toward Jeremiah, as commanded by Nebuchadnezzar (40:1). Five years after this he again came to Jerusalem and carried captive seven hundred and forty-five more Jews.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 2 Kings 25:8
On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 25:11
Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the population.
- 2 Kings 25:20
Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
- Jeremiah 39:9
Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away to Babylon the remnant of the people who had remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to him.
- Jeremiah 39:10
But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields.
- Jeremiah 39:11
Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, saying,
- Jeremiah 39:13
So Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, Nebushazban the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the captains of the king of Babylon
- Jeremiah 40:1
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had released him at Ramah, having found him bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon.
- Jeremiah 41:10
Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people of Mizpah—the daughters of the king along with all the others who remained in Mizpah—over whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set off to cross over to the Ammonites.
- Jeremiah 43:6
the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and everyone whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as well as Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah.
- Jeremiah 52:12
On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem.
- Jeremiah 52:15
Then Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried into exile some of the poorest people and those who remained in the city, along with the deserters who had defected to the king of Babylon and the rest of the craftsmen.
- Jeremiah 52:16
But Nebuzaradan captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields.
- Jeremiah 52:26
Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah.
- Jeremiah 52:30
in Nebuchadnezzar’s twenty-third year, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard carried away 745 Jews. So in all, 4,600 people were taken away.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.