Topical Encyclopedia Nebuchadnezzar II, the illustrious king of Babylon, is a prominent figure in biblical history, particularly noted for his role in the siege and eventual conquest of Jerusalem. His reign, which spanned from approximately 605 to 562 BC, marked a period of significant expansion and consolidation for the Babylonian Empire. Nebuchadnezzar is often remembered for his military prowess, architectural achievements, and his interactions with the people of Judah, as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures.Historical Context Nebuchadnezzar ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Nabopolassar, the founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Under Nebuchadnezzar's leadership, Babylon reached the zenith of its power, becoming the dominant force in the ancient Near East. His military campaigns extended Babylonian influence over much of the region, including the conquest of Assyria and the subjugation of Egypt. Siege of Jerusalem The biblical narrative highlights Nebuchadnezzar's involvement with Jerusalem, beginning with his initial siege in 605 BC. This event is recorded in the Book of Daniel, where it is noted that "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it" (Daniel 1:1). This initial siege resulted in the subjugation of Judah and the deportation of some of its nobility, including Daniel and his companions, to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar's interactions with Jerusalem did not end there. In 597 BC, he besieged the city again, leading to the capture of King Jehoiachin and the deportation of a significant portion of the population, including the prophet Ezekiel. The biblical account in 2 Kings 24:10-14 describes this event: "At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege... Nebuchadnezzar deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land." The most devastating siege occurred in 586 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, an event that marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The Book of 2 Kings 25:8-10 recounts this destruction: "On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, 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." Nebuchadnezzar's Legacy Nebuchadnezzar's legacy is multifaceted. On one hand, he is remembered as a formidable ruler who expanded Babylon's influence and left a lasting mark on the ancient world through his architectural projects, including the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon. On the other hand, his role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian Exile is a significant theme in biblical literature, symbolizing divine judgment and the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The Book of Daniel also provides insight into Nebuchadnezzar's character and his encounters with the God of Israel. Notably, Daniel 4 describes a period of humbling for the king, where he acknowledges the sovereignty of the Most High God after experiencing a divinely induced madness. This narrative underscores the biblical theme of God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers. Nebuchadnezzar's interactions with Jerusalem and the Jewish people are pivotal in understanding the historical and theological context of the Babylonian Exile, a period that profoundly shaped Jewish identity and religious thought. His reign, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a testament to the interplay between divine providence and human history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 24:10,11At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Four Captive Children. The Captivity. 'As Sodom' The End The Last Agony Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... An Enumeration of the High Priests. The Restoration of the Jews. Faith of Sinners in Prayer Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Resources Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Chaldeans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Babylon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Babylon was Called: Desert of the Sea Babylon was Called: Lady of Kingdoms Babylon was Called: Land of Merathaim Babylon was Called: Land of Shinar Babylon was Called: Land of the Chaldeans Babylon with Media and Persia Divided by Darius 120 Provinces Babylon: Ambassadors of, Sent to Hezekiah Babylon: As a Power Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance on Other Nations Babylon: As a Power Was: Arrogant Babylon: As a Power Was: Covetous Babylon: As a Power Was: Cruel and Destructive Babylon: As a Power Was: Grand and Stately Babylon: As a Power Was: Oppressive Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Babylon the Great Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Beauty of Chaldees Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the City of Merchants Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Glory of Kingdoms Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Golden City Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Enlarged by Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Its Antiquity Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Surrounded With a Great Wall and Fortified Babylon: Babylon the Chief Province of Babylon: City of Built by Nimrod Babylon: City of Capital of the Kingdom of Babylon Babylon: City of in the Land of Shinar Babylon: City of Peter Writes From Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Babylon: Composed of Many Nations Babylon: Destroyed by the Medes Babylon: Empire of a Limited Monarchy Babylon: Empire of Armies of, Invade Ancient Canaan Babylon: Empire of At the Time of Ahasuerus Babylon: Empire of Called Land of Shinar Babylon: Empire of Colonists From, Sent to Samaria Babylon: Empire of Conquest of Egypt By Babylon: Empire of Divisions of Babylon: Empire of Extent of, at the Time of Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod Babylon: Empire of Jews Carried To Babylon: Empire of Prophecies of Conquests By Babylon: Empire of Prophetic Denunciations Against Babylon: Formerly a Part of Mesopotamia Babylon: Founded by the Assyrians, and a Part of Their Empire Babylon: Inhabitants of Addicted to Magic Babylon: Inhabitants of Idolatrous Babylon: Inhabitants of Profane and Sacrilegious Babylon: Inhabitants of Wicked Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged and Took Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Burned Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Jehoiakim Tributary Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Zedekiah King Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Rebelled Against by Zedekiah Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled and Burned the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Jehoiachin Captive to Babylon Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Zedekiah Captive to Babylon Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Captivity of the Jews By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Conquests By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Perpetual Desolation of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Preaching of the Gospel In Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Presidents Placed Over Babylon: Remarkable For: Antiquity Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce Babylon: Remarkable For: Manufacture of Garments Babylon: Remarkable For: Military Power Babylon: Remarkable For: National Greatness Babylon: Remarkable For: Naval Power Babylon: Remarkable For: Wealth Babylon: Remarkable For: Wisdom of Senators Babylon: Represented by a Great Eagle Babylon: Represented by a Head of Gold Babylon: Represented by a Lion With Eagle's Wings Babylon: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Babylon: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Babylon: The Gospel Preached In Babylon: The Jews Exhorted to be Subject To, and Settle In Babylon: Treatment of the Jews In Babylon: Watered by the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris Related Terms Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) |
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