Nebuzaradan was Nebuchadnezzar’s chief officer and commander at Jerusalem’s capture. He directed the city’s destruction, the deportation of its people, and the treatment of Jeremiah and those left in the land.
Definition
Nebuzaradan was a high Babylonian officer and Nebuchadnezzar’s general at the capture of Jerusalem. As captain of the guard, he directed the city’s destruction, the deportation of its inhabitants, and the administration of those left in the land. He also carried out Nebuchadnezzar’s instructions concerning Jeremiah.
Biblical Usage
Nebuzaradan appears in the accounts of Jerusalem’s fall and the Babylonian exile. He showed kindness to Jeremiah, released him from confinement, carried the leading people to the king at Riblah, and later deported additional Jews.
Historical Background
His title, Rab-tabbachim, is rendered “captain of the guard” or chief of the slaughterers. He returned to the region several years later and carried away more captives after campaigns east of the Jordan and in Egypt.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
“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.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(chief whom Nebo favors), the Rab-tabbachim i.e. chief of the slaughterers (Authorized Version “captain of the guard”), a high officer in the court of Nebuchadnezzar. On the capture of Jerusalem he was left by Nebuchadnezzar in charge of the city. Comp. (Jeremiah 39:11) He seems to have quitted Judea when he took down the chief people of Jerusalem to his master at Riblah. (2 Kings 25:18-20) In four years he again appeared. (Jeremiah 52:30) Nebuchadnezzar in his twenty-third year made a descent on the regions east of Jordan, including the Ammonites and Moabites, who escaped when Jerusalem was destroyed. Thence he proceeded to Egypt, and, either on the way thither or on the return, Nebuzaradan again passed through the country and carried off more captives. (Jeremiah 52:30)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>neb-u-zar-a'-dan, -zar'-a-dan (nebhuzar'adhan equals Assyrian Nabu-zara-iddina, "Nebo has given seed"; Nebouzardan): Nebuchadnezzar's general at the siege of Jerusalem (2Ki 25:8,11,20; Jer 52:12,15,26; 39:9,10,11,13). Under the title of "captain of the guard," he commanded the army, and, after the fall of the city, carried out his master's policy with regard to the safety of Jeremiah, the transport of the exiles, and the government of those who were left in the land.</p>
