Who is…
Evil-Merodach

also known as: Amel-Marduk, Amēl-Marduk, Nabu-shum-ukin

Hebrew: אֱוִיל מְרֹדַךְ

Meaning: Merodach’s man

Evil-Merodach is the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah 52:31, 34). His original name was Nabu-shum-ukin.

He seems to have reigned but 2 years (562-560 BC).

Influenced probably by Daniel, he showed kindness to Jehoiachin, who had been a prisoner in Babylon for 37 years. He released him, and “spoke kindly to him.”

Evil-Merodach was murdered by Nergal-Sharezer = Neriglissar, his brother-in-law, who succeeded him (Jeremiah 39:3, 13).

Queen Vashti was the granddaughter of King Amel-Marduk, according to the Jewish Midrash. Esther (Hadassah) succeeded her as Queen of Persia.