Evil-merodach (Babylonian, Amel-marduk, meaning "man of Marduk") took over after Nebuchadnezzar II died and ruled briefly from 561 to 560 BC.
he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin: Babylonian records detail the food Jehoiachin received in prison. The mention of Jehoiachin living comfortably might suggest hope that God would protect and bring back a repentant people to their land (see 1 Kings 8:46–53; Isaiah 35:8–10; 51:11; Jeremiah 29:10–14; Zephaniah 3:20).