Nebuchadnezzar
| Nebuchadnezzar (Nebuchadnezzar II) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth to death | 630 BC–562 BC |
| Occupation(Features) | The second king of Neo-Babylonian Empire |
| Reign | 605 BC–562 BC |
| Major achievements | Western campaign, Conquest of Judah, Egyptian campaign, various construction projects |
Nebuchadnezzar II was the second king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the son of Nabopolassar, its founding king. His name means “Nebo, protect the boundary.”[1] He expanded Babylon’s dominion by conquering regions west of the Euphrates River—including the Levant, Egypt, Southern Kingdom of Judah, and Tyre—establishing Babylon as a great power.
Nebuchadnezzar is particularly remembered for the complete destruction of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people to Babylon, a period known as the Babylonian Captivity. The book of Daniel in the Bible recounts Nebuchadnezzar’s achievements, his prophetic dream, and Daniel’s interpretation of it.
Historical Background
During the late 7th century BC, in the Euphrates region, the decline of the Assyrian Empire paved the way for the emergence of new powers, including Babylon and Egypt under the 26th Dynasty (Sais Dynasty). Nabopolassar, initially a governor in southern Babylon, declared independence after the death of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, ultimately consolidating his rule over Babylonian territory. After destroying Assyria, Babylon rose as a major power in West Asia.[2]
By the early 6th century BC, Babylon had solidified a marriage alliance with the Median Empire to the east while frequently clashing with Egypt in the west over control of the Levant. These conflicts were part of a broader struggle for dominance in the western Euphrates region.[3] During this period, the Southern Kingdom of Judah paid tribute to Babylon’s hegemony.
Major Achievements of Nebuchadnezzar
Work of Conquest
| Time | Nebuchadnezzar’s Conquest | Bible Verses |
|---|---|---|
| Before Enthronement | Northern Babylon Campaign | 2 Ch 35:20 |
| Conquest of Syria (Aram) | Jer 49:23–27 | |
| Invasion of Judah and the 1st Exile (606 BC) | Da 1:1–4 | |
| Victory at the Battle of Carchemish (605 BC) | Jer 46:2, 13 | |
| After Enthronement | Conquest of the Philistia | Jer 47:2–7 |
| 2nd Invasion of Judah (598 BC) | 2 Ki 24:1–16 | |
| 2nd Exile of Judah (597 BC) | Jer 37:1; Eze 17:12–20 | |
| Appointment of Zedekiah as King of Judah | 2 Ch 36:10–11 | |
| 3rd Invasion of Judah and Exile (588 BC–586 BC) | 2 Ki 25:6–11 | |
| Fall of Judah (586 BC) | Jer 52:13–19 | |
| Egypt Campaign | Eze 29:19–20 |
- Northern Babylon Campaign
- Crown Prince Nebuchadnezzar is first mentioned in the Babylonian Chronicles[4] (BM 22047, housed in the British Museum) in connection with his military campaign in the northern mountainous regions of Babylon. After Nabopolassar, the first king of Babylon, successfully defeated Assyria, he launched a campaign north of Haran with his son, Nebuchadnezzar. While Babylon focused on these northern regions, Egypt seized the opportunity created by the Assyrian fall, deploying its forces in the Levant during the power vacuum.[5]
- Conquest of Syria and the 1st Invasion of Judah
- After completing the northern campaign, Babylon shifted its focus to reclaim control over the Levant. In response, Egypt seized Kimuhu, a strategic region in the heartland of the Babylonian army. Following the loss of Kimuhu, Babylon successfully conquered several Syrian cities, including Sunadiri, Elammu, and Dahammu,[6] expanding its influence by invading Judah and taking captives in the first Babylonian exile. Once Babylon had driven out Egypt and secured control over Syria and Judah, King Jehoiakim of Judah became a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar and paid tribute for three years.[7]
- Battle of Carchemish
This is the message against the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: . . . “The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame, handed over to the people of the north. . . . I will hand them over to those who seek their lives, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers.”
- In the Levant, Nebuchadnezzar’s army was positioned at Quramati, while Egyptian troops fortified themselves at Carchemish on the Syrian border, where they engaged in conflict.[8] Around 605 BC, Crown Prince Nebuchadnezzar advanced toward Carchemish and achieved a decisive victory in the Battle of Carchemish. The defeated Egyptian forces retreated southward to Hamath, but they were again defeated.[9] As a result of the Battle of Carchemish, Babylon gained control of Palestine and Syria, territories previously occupied by Egypt.[10]
- Nebuchadnezzar’s Ascension and the Conquest of Philistia
- After the death of King Nabopolassar around 605 BC, Crown Prince Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon from Riblah and ascended to the throne. Immediately following his accession, Nebuchadnezzar captured Ashkelon, effectively destroying Philistia, which had been under Egyptian influence.[11] He then launched a campaign into the Hatti region (modern-day Syria, extending from Carchemish to Riblah), ultimately gaining control over the entire Levant. During this time, all the kings of the Hatti region submitted to Nebuchadnezzar and paid tribute.[12]
- War With Egypt and the 2nd Invasion of Judah
- Around 601 BC, Nebuchadnezzar marched southward toward the Egyptian frontier, reaching the land of Canaan. The ensuing war lasted nearly a year, causing significant damage on both sides but ultimately ending without a decisive victor. Babylon’s failure to secure a clear victory at Egypt’s borders emboldened King Jehoiakim of Judah, who, in the eighth year of his reign (600 BC), stopped paying tribute to Babylon.[13] In response, Egypt advanced northward and captured Gaza, further strengthening its control over Philistia.[14]
At that time the officers of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon advanced on Jerusalem and laid siege to it . . . Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his officials all surrendered to him. . . . Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the leading men of the land. The king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand craftsmen and artisans. . . . He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.
- In 598 BC, Nebuchadnezzar assembled his army and marched back into the land of Canaan. He viewed the cessation of tribute from Judah as an act of rebellion and laid siege to Jerusalem. At the start of the siege, King Jehoiakim died, and his son Jehoiachin ascended to the throne.[15] Nebuchadnezzar then replaced Jehoiachin with Mattaniah, whom he renamed Zedekiah. Around 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin, along with the people of Jerusalem, including leaders, soldiers, and skilled craftsmen, into the second exile. As a result, Judah lost all its military strength.[16]
- Suppression of the Elamite Rebellion[17]
- In 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar completed his western military campaign, taking the second group of captives from Judah. During this time, the nations of Judah, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon secretly met in Jerusalem and formed an alliance.[18] Given the growing anti-Babylonian sentiment among the Levantine nations, Elam rebelled around 596 BC. In response, Nebuchadnezzar crossed the Tigris River and launched an attack on Elam to suppress the revolt.[19]
- Fall of Judah (3rd Invasion)[17]
- While Babylon was engaged in dealing with Elam, Psamtik II, the Pharaoh of Egypt, attended religious events in Judah. This move was politically and militarily significant for Judah, which was under Babylonian control. Around the same time, Nebuchadnezzar took a break from his western campaign. Zedekiah, the king of Judah, believing in potential Egyptian support and the distance from Babylon, stopped paying the annual tribute and rebelled.[20] In 588 BC, Nebuchadnezzar marched toward Jerusalem with his army to suppress the rebellion. Meanwhile, Psamtik II, who had promised support to Judah, died, and Hophra[21] (Wahibre, also known as Apries) succeeded him as Pharaoh. As the siege of Jerusalem began, Egypt sent an army to Palestine, but Babylon temporarily lifted the siege, causing Egypt to withdraw its forces. Taking advantage of this, Babylon resumed the siege,[22] and by 586 BC, Jerusalem fell, leading to the destruction of Judah. Zedekiah was captured and taken to Nebuchadnezzar in Riblah, while the majority of the population was exiled in what became known as the third Babylonian exile.
This is how Jerusalem was taken: In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army and laid siege to it. And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city wall was broken through. . . . But the Babylonian army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him. . . . The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
- During this time, the prophet Jeremiah urged the people to surrender to Babylon, which eventually led to Nebuchadnezzar releasing him and allowing him to live with the newly appointed governor, Gedaliah.[23][24]
- Pacification of Palestine and the Egypt Campaign[25]
- As Judah was collapsing, Babylon laid siege to Tyre for 13 years[26] and, by 582 BC, subdued Syria, Moab,[27] and Ammon.[28] Egypt instigated a rebellion in southern Judah and many other countries along the western Euphrates against Babylon, which Nebuchadnezzar saw as a major issue. In response, he launched two campaigns in Egypt.[29] As a result, hundreds of Jews who had taken refuge in Ammon, Moab, and Egypt were taken captive to Babylon.[30][31]
Architectural Achievements
Babylonian kings often left official inscriptions about their grand construction endeavors on clay cylinders or bricks used in buildings. Excavations along Babylon’s Processional Street have uncovered clay cylinders specifically detailing Nebuchadnezzar’s projects. The bricks used for building palaces and temples were inscribed with phrases like, “Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, provider for Esagila and Ezida, eldest son of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon.”[32]
An architectural hallmark of Nebuchadnezzar’s time was the extensive use of fired bricks. Since baking bricks required a kiln and fuel, which were costly, sun-dried bricks were more commonly used in earlier periods.[33] Thus, the use of baked bricks in large buildings demonstrates Babylon’s wealth during his reign.
Nebuchadnezzar showcased his majesty by constructing a grand and magnificent city using the spoils and labor of slaves acquired during his western campaigns. Key constructions include the Southern Citadel’s terraced palace,[34] the Etemenanki ziggurat,[35] and the Processional Street. Other notable projects involved the completion of the Esagila (the temple of Marduk) and the reconstruction of the Ninurta and Ishtar temples. The Ishtar Gate and Processional Street were adorned with enameled animal reliefs, showcasing exceptional artistry.
Nebuchadnezzar employed Babylon’s remarkable architectural skills to reinforce the city’s defenses. He rebuilt the walls on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River and constructed defensive barriers from the Euphrates to the Tigris. Additionally, grand canals like the Libil-hegalla were built to channel water into and around the city, enhancing both defense and irrigation. The water flowing out of the fortress served as a moat, making the city even safer.[36] Furthermore, he constructed the first stone bridge over the Euphrates, as well as other bridges across the Libil-hegalla canal, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.[37]
Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible
Nebuchadnezzar is the king who appears most frequently in the Bible among pagan kings.[38] King Nebuchadnezzar’s name is mentioned in various places in the Old Testament such as books of 2 Kings 24–25, 2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah, and Daniel.
Servant of God
In Ezekiel and Jeremiah in the Bible, the expression “My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon” appears. This shows that God called Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument to judge the people of Judah who sinned.
- Judgment on Egypt
In Ezekiel chapters 29 to 32, the prophet Ezekiel declares God’s judgment on Egypt, stating that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, will be the instrument of this judgment. Ezekiel 29:19 says, “I [LORD God] am going to give Egypt into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.” This indicates that Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Egypt was part of God’s divine plan.
Following the fall of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor of Judah. However, after Gedaliah was murdered by some of the Jews, the remaining people sought refuge in Egypt, hoping to escape Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath. At this time, the prophet Jeremiah warned them, declaring that “My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon will attack Egypt,” urging the people not to flee to Egypt as it would not protect them from God’s judgment.[39][40]
- Judgment on Tyre
Around 586 BC, God revealed to the prophet Ezekiel that He would use Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to judge Tyre. Ezekiel 29:18 states, “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon drove his army in a hard campaign against Tyre; every head was rubbed bare and every shoulder made raw. Yet he and his army got no reward from the campaign he led against Tyre.” This indicates the difficulty and hardship of the siege, which lasted for about fifteen years, but despite the intense effort, Nebuchadnezzar’s army did not gain immediate spoils or victory from the campaign. Tyre managed to withstand the siege for a prolonged period, enduring Babylonian pressure for many years before eventually falling.[41]
- Judgment on Southern Judah
Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them . . . and an everlasting ruin. . . . these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt,” declares the LORD, “and will make it desolate forever.
God diligently sent His prophets to proclaim His will many times, but the people of Judah did not turn away from their evil deeds and continued to worship idols. God then called for Nebuchadnezzar, my servant, the king of Babylon, and prophesied that He would attack the earth and completely destroy it,[42] and that the people of Judah would have to serve the king of Babylon for 70 years.
Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel
- Chapter 1: First Babylonian Captivity and Daniel
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
- During his western campaign into Judah, Nebuchadnezzar captured several young men who were exceptionally talented, intending to educate them and use their skills to help govern the vassal states. Among those taken were Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego). Recognizing their wisdom, understanding, and potential, Nebuchadnezzar kept them close, offering them positions in his administration.
- Chapter 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of Statue and Daniel’s Interpretation
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. . . . but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these: . . . “You looked, O king, and there before you stood a large statue--an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance.”
- In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream but could not remember it. He summoned the Chaldean magicians, demanding that they both recount the dream and provide its interpretation. However, when they failed, the king became enraged and ordered the execution of all the wise men in Babylon, including Daniel and his friends. At that moment, God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel. The dream involved a statue made of various metals—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—and symbolized future kingdoms and events. After Daniel accurately recounted and interpreted the dream, Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before him, honoring him with great gifts and praising God for His wisdom and revelation.
- Chapter 3: Nebuchadnezzar’s Command to Worship a Golden Statue
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King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. . . . “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” . . . “But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon--Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego--who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
- Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden statue on the plains of Dura and summoned all the provincial officials for its dedication. He decreed that everyone must bow down to the statue when the music played, and anyone who refused would be thrown into a blazing furnace. When Daniel’s three friends refused to worship the statue, the king, in a furious rage, ordered them to be thrown into a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. Miraculously, they were unharmed by God’s protection. Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and praised their God.
- Chapter 4: King Nebuchadnezzar’s Seven Years of Living Like an Animal
“You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
- Nebuchadnezzar had a dream in which he saw a large, strong tree that was cut down by a Holy One, leaving only the stump, which was drenched with dew and destined to dwell among animals for seven years. Daniel interpreted the dream, explaining that the tree represented King Nebuchadnezzar himself. He foretold that the king would be driven from human society and live like an animal for seven years until he recognized that God is sovereign over all kingdoms and gives them to whomever He pleases. Despite Daniel’s warning, Nebuchadnezzar arrogantly declared that he had built the great Babylon by his own power and authority. As a result, the prophecy came true, and the king was struck with a form of madness, living like an animal for seven years. After this period, Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity was restored, and he praised and acknowledged God, declaring His sovereignty. Records of this strange affliction are preserved on tablets housed in the British Museum.[43]
See also
References
- ↑ Nebuchadnezzar, Biblical Training
- ↑ Warfare and Culture in World History, Second Edition, Wayne E. Lee, NYU Press, 2020
- ↑ Nebuchadnezzar II, Joshua J. Mark, World History Encyclopedia, November 7, 2018
- ↑ A series of clay tablets recording the history from the era of Nabonassar in ancient Babylon to the Parthian period in cuneiform script. These tablets are currently the most important resources for studying the formation of the Babylonian Empire.
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 35:20".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 49:23–27".
- ↑ "2 Kings 24:1".
- ↑ Nebuchadnezzar II, Britannica
- ↑ "Jeremiah 46:13".
- ↑ "2 Kings 24:7".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 47:4–7".
- ↑ Neco, Jewish Virtual Library
- ↑ "2 Kings 24:1".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 47:1".
- ↑ "2 Kings 24:1–6".
- ↑ How Bad Was the Babylonian Exile?, Laurie E. Pearce, The BAS Library, 2016
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 "I Overwhelmed the King of Elam": Remembering Nebuchadnezzar I in Persian Babylonia, John Nielsen, SBL Press, 2015
- ↑ "Jeremiah 27:3".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 49:34–38".
- ↑ "2 Kings 24:20".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 44:30".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 37:7–11".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 39:11–14".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 40:1–6".
- ↑ NEBUCHADNEZZAR, Jewish Encyclopedia
- ↑ "Ezekiel 29:18".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 48:1–10".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 49:1–6".
- ↑ "Ezekiel 29:19–20".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 52:30".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 44:12–14".
- ↑ Nebuchadnezzar II Brick, Wheaton College
- ↑ A Short History of Babylon, Karen Radner, Bloomsbury Academic, 2020
- ↑ Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Britannica
- ↑ Etemenanki (the "Tower of Babel"), Livius.org
- ↑ Babylon, Joshua J. Mark, World History Encyclopedia, October 14, 2022
- ↑ Builders of Ancient Babylon: Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II, Jack R. Lundbom, Interpretation, Vol. 72 no. 2, International Universities Press, 2017, pg. 160-162
- ↑ Nebuchadnezzar, Bible Hub
- ↑ "Jeremiah 43:10".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 46:26".
- ↑ PHENICIA, Jewish Encyclopedia
- ↑ "Jeremiah 27:6–8".
- ↑ The Madness of King Nebuchadnezzar, Bible Reading Archeology