While listing the names of Babylonian officials, Jeremiah highlights Nebu-sar-sekim and Nergal-sar-ezer by their specific titles, "Rab-saris" (chief of eunuchs) and "Rab-mag" (chief of magicians). This detail underscores that the fall of Jerusalem wasn't just a military conquest, but also a spiritual and political takeover, with figures representing earthly power and occult knowledge asserting dominance.
Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sar-ezer of Samgar, Nebu-sar-sekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, with all the rest of the officers of the king of Babylon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jerusalem has fallen, and the Babylonian army has breached the city walls. In the wake of this conquest, the high-ranking officials of the Babylonian king enter the city and establish a presence in a strategic location known as the "middle gate." This moment signifies not just a military occupation but also the impending capture of King Zedekiah and the final destruction of Jerusalem.
Why would the conquering generals stop at a specific gate instead of pushing further into the city?
The Babylonian princes didn't just wander into Jerusalem; they strategically occupied the 'middle gate.' This wasn't a random spot. Think of it as the central command post.
A Position of Control
The verse lists several names. Do these names mean anything more than just labels for people?
The names of these Babylonian officials weren't just random; they often reflected the religious and political landscape of their empire, blending pagan deities with titles of authority.
Gods and Rulers
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This scene marks a devastating moment for Jerusalem. What does it teach us about Zedekiah's choices?
The arrival of the Babylonian princes in the middle gate wasn't just a military event; it was the stark, undeniable fulfillment of God's warnings and King Zedekiah's tragic folly.
The Prophet's Word vs. The King's Will
The specific names and titles of the Babylonian officials in this verse highlight the organized, high-level military and administrative structure of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, underscoring the gravity of Jerusalem's fall as a deliberate act of imperial conquest.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar becomes King
Nebuchadnezzar II ascended to the throne of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, initiating a period of significant military expansion and rebuilding.
605-562 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Reign
During this time, Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, deported many of its people, and destroyed Jerusalem in 587/586 BC. Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during this turbulent era.
c. 560 BC
Reign of Neriglissar (Nergal-sar-ezer)
One of the princes mentioned, Nergal-sar-ezer (known historically as Neriglissar), later became king of Babylon, succeeding his father-in-law Nebuchadnezzar.
556-539 BC
Reign of Nabonidus
The last native king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Nabonidus, whose reign saw the empire's eventual fall to the Persians. Some of the officials mentioned in Jeremiah 39 may have served under him as well.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian army, led by Nebuzaradan, breached Jerusalem's walls, sacked the city, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the remaining population. This event marks the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies.
c. 587/586 BC
Babylonian Officials Enter Jerusalem
Key officials of the Babylonian king entered the city through the middle gate, signifying the complete subjugation of Jerusalem and the assertion of Babylonian authority.
This passage mentions the Rab-saris (chief eunuch) by title, similar to how the Babylonian officials are described in Jeremiah 39:3 with their office titles.
Isaiah 46:1This verse mentions the Babylonian god Nebo, and names like 'Samgar-nebo' and 'Nebu-sar-sekim' in Jeremiah 39:3 likely derive from this deity, reflecting Babylonian religious influence.
Jeremiah 39:13This verse also mentions Nebu-shasban as a Rab-saris (chief eunuch), highlighting the consistent role and titles of these high-ranking Babylonian officials.
Daniel 4:30This passage indirectly references Nebuchadnezzar's pride and authority, fitting the context of his princes (mentioned in Jeremiah 39:3) asserting dominance over Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 39:6-7These verses immediately follow the account of the princes entering the gate and describe Zedekiah's capture and blinding, showing the direct consequence of the Babylonian occupation described in verse 3.
barnesJeremiah 39:3: "And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon."
These princes were four: (1) Nergal, Sharezer, i. e., Nirgal-sar-usur (May Nergal protect the king); (2) Samgar-Nebo (Be gracious, O Nebo); (3) Sarsechim. No explanation is given at present of this name. He was Rab-saris, i. e., chief of the eunuchs (2 Kings 18:17…
calvinJeremiah 39:3-4: "And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon."
And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Et ingressi sunt omnes duces regis Ba…
While listing the names of Babylonian officials, Jeremiah highlights Nebu-sar-sekim and Nergal-sar-ezer by their specific titles, "Rab-saris" (chief of eunuchs) and "Rab-mag" (chief of magicians). This detail underscores that the fall of Jerusalem wasn't just a military conquest, but also a spiritual and political takeover, with figures representing earthly power and occult knowledge asserting dominance.
Jerusalem has fallen, and the Babylonian army has breached the city walls. In the wake of this conquest, the high-ranking officials of the Babylonian king enter the city and establish a presence in a strategic location known as the "middle gate." This moment signifies not just a military occupation but also the impending capture of King Zedekiah and the final destruction of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem has fallen, and the Babylonian army has breached the city walls. In the wake of this conquest, the high-ranking officials of the Babylonian king enter the city and establish a presence in a strategic location known as the "middle gate." This moment signifies not just a military occupation but also the impending capture of King Zedekiah and the final destruction of Jerusalem.
"Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and sat in the middle gate: Nergal-sar-ezer of Samgar, Nebu-sar-sekim the Rab-saris, Nergal-sar-ezer the Rab-mag, with all the rest of the officers of the king of Babylon." — While listing the names of Babylonian officials, Jeremiah highlights Nebu-sar-sekim and Nergal-sar-ezer by their specific titles, "Rab-saris" (chief of eunuchs) and "Rab-mag" (chief of magicians). Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
