 Nebuchadnezzar,
born about 630 B.C., was the king of the Neo-Babylonian
(or Chaldean) Empire. The most powerful monarch of his dynasty, Nebuchadnezzar
is best known for the magnificence of his capital (Babylon), his military
conquests (uniting the Median and Babylonian dynasties), and his role in
Bible history and prophecy. His own words are recorded in Daniel
4:4-18 (NKJV).
Around 586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar conquered the southern kingdom of Judah.
(The northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered a century earlier by
the Assyrians.) His forces devastated Jerusalem, looted and burned the
original Temple built by Solomon, and took the people away into what became
known as the "Babylonian Exile." (2
Kings 24:13-14; 2 Kings 25:1-17 NKJV). Among the Jews who were deported
from Judah to Babylon was Daniel. Daniel was given the name Belteshazzar.
Nebuchadnezzar died around 562 BC at age 68.
Narrative sources: Daily Bible Studies: King
Nebuchadnezzar and Nebuchadnezzar
II of Babylon
Graphics source: Glazed brick frieze from the reconstructed
Ishtar Gate, Babylon. Lion detail. ca. 575 B.C. Vorderasiatisches Museum,
Berlin. |
