Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Nebuchadnezzar, Commanding to Destroy the Wise Men

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Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Daniel. His reign is marked by significant achievements and expansions of the Babylonian Empire, yet his actions often reflect the characteristics of a ruler who is both powerful and tyrannical. One of the most notable instances of his wickedness is his command to destroy the wise men of Babylon, as recorded in the Book of Daniel.

The context of this decree is found in Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that none of his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, or astrologers could interpret. The king's demand was not only for the interpretation of the dream but also for the wise men to recount the dream itself, a task they found impossible. In his fury and frustration, Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree to execute all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel 2:12-13 states, "This response made the king so furious with anger that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued, and the wise men were about to be executed; they also sought Daniel and his friends to kill them."

Nebuchadnezzar's command to destroy the wise men highlights several aspects of his character and reign. Firstly, it underscores his absolute authority and the fear he instilled in his subjects. His word was law, and his anger could lead to the death of many. Secondly, it reveals his impulsive nature and the potential for cruelty in his leadership. The decree was not only harsh but also unjust, as it condemned many innocent men to death without cause.

The narrative continues with Daniel, a young Hebrew captive, who intervenes by seeking time from the king to provide the interpretation. Daniel's faith in God and his subsequent revelation of the dream and its meaning not only save the wise men but also lead to his elevation in the Babylonian court. Daniel 2:19-23 records Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving to God for revealing the mystery, emphasizing the divine wisdom and power that contrast with Nebuchadnezzar's earthly authority.

Nebuchadnezzar's actions in this episode serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for leaders to act wickedly when driven by pride and anger. His reliance on human wisdom and his failure to recognize the sovereignty of God ultimately lead to his downfall, as further detailed in the subsequent chapters of Daniel.

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Daniel 2:1-13
And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, with which his spirit was troubled, and his sleep broke from him.
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Library

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... 4:6, 8; 15:8. Yet it makes Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned ... begins with a forcible
exhortation to the rulers of the ... fortunes of the righteous and the wicked of past ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... The great king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, was humbled when ... to equip and defend
ourselves against his wicked devices ... We are the learned, the wise rulers of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... at meeting thee: all the mighty ones, the rulers of the ... as of an eagle," he meant
that Nebuchadnezzar the king ... And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when Nebuchadnezzar set up ... meekness, to refuse
to obey the wicked laws which ... seats there, and like the chief rulers in the ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... love will seem like the image in Nebuchadnezzar's vision,"the ... Woe unto the wicked;
it shall be ill with him ... impressions he made was that of commanding power. ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... which, thanks to the good government of its rulers and the ... the sea, and the
stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ... up and to break down, and to destroy and ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm