Nergal-sharezer in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

(See NERGAL; BABYLON.) Sharezer, in Zend, would mean "prince of fire." Two are mentioned (Jeremiah 39:3; Jeremiah 39:13) as accompanying Nebuchadnezzar at the capture of Jerusalem, and as releasing Jeremiah: one has the title (for it is not a distinct person) Rubmag, "chief priest." On Babylonian bricks he is called Nergal-shar-uzar, Rubuemga; the same as Neriglissar (Josephus, Ap. 1:20) who murdered his brother-in- law, Evil Merodach, Nebuchadnezzar's son, and succeeded to the throne as having married Nebuchadnezzar's daughter. Intemperance, lawlessness, and his elevation of Jehoiachin above the other kings at Babylon, disgusted the Babylonians, so that they deposed Evil Merodach. Nergal- sharezer reigned three or four years, 559-556 B.C., and was succeeded by his son Laborosoarchod, who was murdered after reigning nine months. The palace of Nergal-sharezer is the only large building discovered on the Euphrates' right bank. The bricks state he was "son of Belzikkariskun, king of Babylon," possibly the "chief Chaldaean" (Berosus) who kept the throne for Nebuchadnezzar at Nabopolassar's death, until his arrival at Babylon.

Read More