Jeremiah 39:13
So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
רַבֵּ֥י
princes
H7227
רַבֵּ֥י
princes
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 15
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טַבָּחִ֗ים
of the guard
H2876
טַבָּחִ֗ים
of the guard
Strong's:
H2876
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)
וּנְבֽוּשַׁזְבָּן֙
and Nebushasban
H5021
וּנְבֽוּשַׁזְבָּן֙
and Nebushasban
Strong's:
H5021
Word #:
5 of 15
nebushazban, nebuchadnezzar's chief eunuch
שַׂרְאֶ֖צֶר
and Nergalsharezer
H5371
שַׂרְאֶ֖צֶר
and Nergalsharezer
Strong's:
H5371
Word #:
9 of 15
nergal-sharetser, the name of two babylonians
וְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The involvement of multiple high-ranking officials suggests careful execution of Nebuchadnezzar's orders, likely intended to send a political message to the remaining Jewish population that cooperation with Babylonian authority would be rewarded. The coordination also ensured there would be no 'accidents' or misunderstandings resulting in harm to Jeremiah, whom the king had specifically commanded to protect.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the collective effort to protect Jeremiah demonstrate God's ability to orchestrate multiple human wills toward His purposes?
- What does the honor shown to Jeremiah by pagans reveal about true spiritual authority?
- How does this multi-official rescue foreshadow God's mobilization of Persian officials to restore Jerusalem (Ezra/Nehemiah)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag—The repetition of these high officials (cf. v. 3) emphasizes the extraordinary honor shown to Jeremiah. Multiple princes collaborated in his release, demonstrating that this was no minor administrative matter but a coordinated royal command. All the king of Babylon's princes (כָּל־רַבֵּי מֶלֶךְ־בָּבֶל, kol-rabbei melekh-bavel)—The collective leadership involved in freeing one prophet underscores God's providential orchestration.
These same officials who sat in judgment at the middle gate (v. 3) now execute mercy toward God's messenger. The verb 'sent' (שָׁלַח, shalach) often denotes official delegation—this was formal, authorized action. While Jerusalem's nobility faced execution (v. 6), its faithful prophet received honor from the conquerors themselves.