|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nebuchadnezzar Inscription |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| THE BIBLE in Daniel chapter 4 states that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a dream that troubled him. So he called in the prophet Daniel to interpret his dream. Daniel told him that the following would happen to the king because of his pride.: |
| "this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen ...., and seven times (seasons) shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses..... your kingdom shall be returned to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules." |
| Daniel 4:24-26 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| One year later as Nebuchadnezzar was walking about his royal palace the dream became reality: |
| The Bible records in Daniel 4:30 that the king spoke with great pride saying: "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" |
| While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! ..... and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar." |
| A similar quote of Nebuchadnezzar has been found outside the bible that is almost identical to his statement in Daniel 4:30. The inscription known as The East India House inscription, records Nebuchadnezzar's building activities in Babylon and states the following: |
| "A magnificient Prince thou hast made me and the empire over multitudes of people. . . Thy power have I extended on high over Babylon . . . No city of the land have I exalted as was exalted . . ." |
| In another inscription, his Cylinder Barrel artifact, Nebuchadnezzar shows his pride when he states: "I am Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, the great, the mighty, the favorite of Marduk, the powerful prince . . . the wise lord, the darling and the joy of the heart of the great gods." He then goes on to boast of his great building projects within Babylon. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The greatness of Babylon was also mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus, who traveled to Babylon some ninety years after the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. In his writings he said that he was overwhelmed by the large quantity of gold amassed in Babylon. He said many of the walls of Babylon were covered with gold overlay. Nebuchadnezzar believed that it was by his own hand that he created such a magnificent city and that he reigned supreme. But God caused this mighty ruler to go insane for seven seasons to teach him the lesson that GOD reigns Supreme. |
| Actual Babylonian records from Nebuchadnezzar himself, also record the seven seasons period of his insanity: |
| "For four years my kingdom in the city . . .gave me no joy. During this time, not one building of any importance did I issue to be built; the precious treasures of my kingdom I did not lay out . . . I did not sing praises to Merodach, my god, nor did I provide his sacrificial table with offerings, nor did I clean any of the waterways." |
|
| Note: In Babylon they counted only two seasons, Summer and Winter. Thus (7 seasons) equals 3 1/2 years. And Nebuchadnezzar stated he did not delight in his kingdom for 4 years. Wow! |
|
| Another inscription located in the British Museum may also record his insanity, and his effort to humble himself in prayer before the false god whom he worshipped, not yet knowing the one true God worshipped by Daniel. The artifact states: |
| "[Nebu]chadnezzar considered His life which appeared of no value to [him, ......] |
| And (the) Babylon(ian) speaks bad counsel to (his son ) Evil-merodach [....] |
| Then he gives an entirely different order but [. . .] |
| He (his son) does not heed the word from his lips, no do his cour[tier(s) - - -] |
| He does not show love to son and daughter [. . .] |
| ... his family and clan do not exist [. . .] |
| His attention was not directed towards promoting the welfare of Esagil [and Babylon] |
| He prays to the lord of lords, he raised [his hands (in supplication) (. . .)] |
| He weeps bitterly to Marduk, the g[reat] gods [......] |
| His prayers go forth to [......] BM34113 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nebuchadnezzar finally learned to humble himself before God, as his dad, Nabopolassar, had learned before him. Nabopolassar, speaking on his humble beginnings recorded: "As to my origins, I was born the son of a nobody . . . In my opinion, I was considered to be the least desirable among men, being held as unimportant in the eyes of others." |
|
| THE GREATEST STATEMENT MADE BY |
| NEBUCHADNEZZAR KING OF BABYLON |
| |
| "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. |
| All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"..... |
| Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. Daniel 4:34-37 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| This article is a chapter from our 3 volume book series "Bible Believer's Archaeology" which can be downloaded for your ebook reader or mobile device by visiting our resource download page by Clicking Here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photo Links to Artifacts Mentioned in this Article |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nabopolassar Cylinder Nabopolassar mentions his humble beginnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| East India House Inscription mentions Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his building activities in Babylon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nebuchadnezzar |
| Cylinder where Nebuchadnezzar proudly mentions his greatness |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sources: |
|
| The Revell Bible Dictionary, Fleming H Revell Co., |
| ISBN 0-8007-1594-2 Pg.276 Prayer of Nabonidus photograph |
| Pg.172 Nebuchadnezzar's brick |
| |
| Illustration of "Nebuchadnezzar - Artifact from 'History of the World - Vol.1', Jones Brothers Publishing Co. |
| image © 2002-(current year) www.jupiterimages.com |
| |
| Smith's Bible Dictionary, Author: William Smith |
| ISBN 0-8407-5542-2 |
| Pg.437(Illustration:"Inscribed brick of Nebuchadnezzar") |
| |
| Archaeology and Bible History, Author:J.P. Free and Howard Vos. ISBN 0-310-47961-4 Pg.196 Quote from Nebuchadnezzar: "I ....stablished the name of my reign forever." |
|
| Halley's Bible Handbook, Author: Henry H. Halley |
| ISBN 0-310-25720-4 Pg.344 Quote from Nebuchadnezzar: "For four years the residence of my kingdom did not delight my heart." |
| |
| Dare to be a Daniel, Author: David Hocking |
| Vol.I Pg.32 (Herodotus,remarks concerning the gold of Babylon) |
| Pg.75-76 (Nabopolassar quote), |
| Pg.74-75 (Prayer of Nabonidus). |
| |
| The Best of Josh Mcdowell A Ready Defense |
| ISBN 0-89840-281-6 Pg.96 (Quote of Nabopolassar), |
| Pg.97 (Quote of Nebuchadnezzar) |
|
| A Nebuchadnezzar Cylinder by Edgar J. Banks |
| Nebuchadnezzar Cylinder Inscription - Nebuchadnezzar show his prdie when he states: "I am Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, the great, the mighty, the favorite of Marduk, the powerful prince . . . the wise lord, the darling and the joy of the heart of the great gods." He then goes on to boast of his great building projects within Babylon. |
|
| East India House Inscription, Column 9 : |
| "A magnificient Prince thou hast made me and the empire over multitudes of people. . . Thy power have I extended on high over Babylon . . . No city of the land have I exalted as was exalted . . ." |
|
| Nabopolasar Cylinder 1921.131 located in the Carlos Museum, Emry University. Atlanta Georgia: Nabupolasar mentions his humble beginnings. |
|
| The History of Herodutus: A New English version edited with Copious Notes and Appendices . . . , Volume 2 |
| Author George Rawlinson, Assisted by Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, John Gardener Wilkinson |
| pg.487 Note A,: Account of Nebuchadnezzar's works at Borsippa: "Four years the seat of my kingdom in the city . . .did not rejoice my heart. In all my dominions I did not build a high place of power; the precious treasures of my kingdom I did not lay out. . . . I did not sing it's praises, I did not finish the altars, nor did I clear out the canals." |
|
| British Museum Artifact BM 34133 may also be evidence of his insanity. |
| Translation in A. K. Grayson's work , Babylonian Historical-Literary Texts. "Toronto Semitic Texts and Studies," No. 3 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1975), pp. 87-92.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
