Nebuzaradan
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: Captain of the guard for the king of Babylon
- Family: Servant of Nebuchadnezzar
- Key Books: 2 Kings, Jeremiah
Biography
Nebuzaradan was the captain of the guard who came to Jerusalem in the service of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He burned the house of the LORD, the king’s house, and all the great houses of the city, and his army broke down the walls of Jerusalem round about. He carried away the remnant of the people into captivity, leaving only the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen. Yet by the king’s command he dealt kindly with Jeremiah, freeing him and granting him liberty to remain in the land.
Key Events
- Burning of Jerusalem and the temple — Nebuzaradan destroys the city and carries Judah captive (2 Kings 25:8-11).
- Release of Jeremiah — he frees the prophet and offers him provision and freedom (Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:1-5).
Relationships
- Nebuchadnezzar — the king he served as captain of the guard
- Jeremiah — the prophet to whom he showed kindness
- Gedaliah — to whom Jeremiah was committed
Important Verses
- 2 Kings 25:9 — Nebuzaradan burns the house of the LORD and the king’s house.
- Jeremiah 39:12 — He is charged to look well to Jeremiah and do him no harm.
Cross-References
Notes
As the instrument of Jerusalem’s fall he fulfilled the prophets’ warnings, yet his mercy toward Jeremiah shows God’s care for His servant even amid judgment on Jerusalem.