Bible Dictionary
Rabmag
Rabmag was a high official or title in the Babylonian court, possibly connected with the chief magi or chief physician. The title is associated with Nergal-sharezer in the account of Jerusalem’s fall.
Definition
Rabmag was a powerful official title in the Babylonian court, probably meaning chief of the magi. It was borne by Nergal-sharezer.
Biblical Usage
Rabmag appears in the account of Jerusalem’s fall as a title held by Nergal-sharezer, one of the Babylonian officials named in connection with the city’s capture.
Historical Background
The office was one of great power and dignity at the Babylonian court and may have given its holder special opportunity to gain the throne. Another supplied explanation connects the title with “chief physician.”
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Assyrian Rab-mugi, “chief physician,” “who was attached to the king (Jer. 39:3, 13), the title of one of Sennacherib’s officers sent with messages to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17-19:13; Isa. 36:12-37:13) demanding the surrender of the city. He was accompanied by a “great army;” but his mission was unsuccessful.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Jeremiah 39:3,13) a title borne by Nergal-sharezer, probably identical with the king called by the Greeks Neriglissar. [NERGAL-SHAREZER] (it probably means chief of the magi ; at all events it was “an office of great power and dignity at the Babylonian court, and probably gave its possessor special facilities for gaining the throne.”)