Amel-Marduk

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Amel-Marduk (d. 560 BC), called Evil-merodach in the Hebrew Bible, was the son and successor of Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon. He reigned only two years (562 - 560 BC). According to the Biblical Book of Kings, he pardoned and released Jehoiachin, king of Judah, who had been a prisoner in Babylon for thirty-seven years. (2 Kings 25:27) Allegedly because Amel-Marduk tried to modify his father's policies, he was murdered by Nergal-sharezer (Neriglissar), his brother-in-law, who succeeded him.

Preceded by
Nebuchadnezzar
King of Babylon
562–560 BC
Succeeded by
Neriglissar

[edit] Other Historians

Some historians assign a greater period to Amel-Marduk's rule. Polyhistor assigns 12 years; Jospehus once assigns 18 years, but elsewhere assigns 2 years[1]; the Talmud assigns 23 years. Some biblical chronologers suggest that Amel-Marduk's reign must have been longer than that generally assigned to support their interpretations of the length of the Jew's captivity in Babylon.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Josephus, Against Apion
  • Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897