Nebuchadnezzar's death was followed by a steady weakening of the regime. His successor, Amel-Marduk ("Evil-Merodach" of 2 Kings 25:27; Jeremiah 52:3 1), ruled but two years and was replaced in 560 B.C. after an army coup by the commander in chief, Neriglissar (Nergal-Sharezer of Jeremiah 39:3), son-in-law of Nebuchanezzer. After frequent absences from active service, he was, in turn, ousted, and his weak son Labashi-Marduk lasted only a few months before another coup d'etat brought Nabonidus to the throne...