Topical Encyclopedia Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, is a prominent figure in biblical history, particularly noted for his conquests of Jerusalem. His reign, which lasted from approximately 605 to 562 BC, marked a period of significant expansion for the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar's interactions with Jerusalem are documented in several books of the Bible, including 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Daniel.First Siege of Jerusalem (605 BC) The initial encounter between Nebuchadnezzar and Jerusalem occurred in 605 BC, during the early years of his reign. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 24:1, where it is noted that Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, became a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar for three years. The prophet Daniel, along with other young nobles, was taken to Babylon during this time, as described in Daniel 1:1-4: "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the house of God." Second Siege of Jerusalem (597 BC) The second siege took place in 597 BC, following Jehoiakim's rebellion against Babylonian rule. After Jehoiakim's death, his son Jehoiachin ascended to the throne, only to face Nebuchadnezzar's forces shortly thereafter. 2 Kings 24:10-12 recounts this event: "At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Then Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his officials, and his eunuchs surrendered to the king of Babylon." During this siege, Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, deported King Jehoiachin, and took many of the city's inhabitants, including skilled craftsmen and warriors, to Babylon. He also plundered the treasures of the temple and the royal palace, as noted in 2 Kings 24:13-14. Third Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) The most devastating of Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Jerusalem occurred in 586 BC. Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar had installed as a puppet king, rebelled against Babylonian authority, prompting a severe response. The siege lasted approximately eighteen months, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem. 2 Kings 25:1-2 describes the beginning of this siege: "So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it." The city was eventually breached, and Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed the temple, the city walls, and much of Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:8-10: "On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned down the house of the Lord, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building." Aftermath and Exile The destruction of Jerusalem marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal period in Jewish history. Many inhabitants were deported to Babylon, leaving only the poorest in the land to tend to the vineyards and fields (2 Kings 25:12). The prophet Jeremiah, who had warned of these events, remained in Judah, offering guidance and hope to the remnant left behind. Nebuchadnezzar's conquests of Jerusalem fulfilled the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah and other prophets, who had called the people of Judah to repentance. These events underscore the themes of divine judgment and sovereignty, as well as the hope of eventual restoration, which are woven throughout the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 24:1In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 25:1 1 Chronicles 6:15 2 Chronicles 36:5-21 Ezra 1:7 Jeremiah 39:1 Library The End The Attack on the Scriptures Palestine under Pagan Kings. Questions. Book 9 Footnotes The Roman Power. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4} The Servant of the Lord. Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Resources Summary of the Book of Daniel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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