And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; (2 Kings 25:27)
The end of the Babylonian year, in the spring, just before the new-year festivities, would be a suitable time for the release of political prisoners.
Evil-merodach.
Called Amel-Marduk in secular history. He was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, and came to the throne early in October, 562 B.C., and reigned till August, 560 B.C.
The year that he began to reign.
Literally, “in the year when he was [or became] king.” On the interpretation of this clause, see p. 161.
Lift up the head.
That is, Evil-merodach released Jehoiachin from prison (cf. Gen. 40:13, 20).