Merodach’s man, the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon ([2 Kings 25:27](/2kgs#2Kgs.25.27); [Jer. 52:31](/jer#Jer.52.31), [34](/jer#Jer.52.34)). He seems to have reigned but two years (B.C. 562-560). Influenced probably by Daniel, he showed kindness to Jehoiachin, who had been a prisoner in Babylon for thirty-seven years. He released him, and “spoke kindly to him.” He was murdered by Nergal-sharezer=Neriglissar, his brother-in-law, who succeeded him ([Jer. 39:3](/jer#Jer.39.3), [13](/jer#Jer.39.13)).