Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Nabuchodonosor, more commonly known as Nebuchadnezzar II, was a prominent king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from approximately 605 to 562 BC. He is a significant figure in the Bible, particularly in the books of Daniel, Jeremiah, and 2 Kings. His reign is marked by military conquests, architectural achievements, and interactions with the Jewish people, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile. Historical Context: Nabuchodonosor was the son of Nabopolassar, the founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He ascended to the throne after his father's death and quickly established himself as a powerful ruler. His military campaigns expanded Babylonian influence across the Near East, including the defeat of the Egyptian forces at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC, which solidified Babylon's dominance over the region. Biblical Accounts: 1. Conquest of Jerusalem: Nabuchodonosor is most famously known for his conquest of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 24:10-14 , it is recorded that he besieged Jerusalem, leading to the capture of King Jehoiachin and the deportation of many Jews to Babylon. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple occurred in 586 BC, as described in 2 Kings 25:8-10 . 2. Dreams and Daniel: The Book of Daniel provides a detailed account of Nabuchodonosor's interactions with the prophet Daniel. In Daniel 2, Nabuchodonosor has a troubling dream of a great statue, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy of successive kingdoms, with Babylon as the head of gold. This interpretation highlights the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the sovereignty of God over human history. In Daniel 4, Nabuchodonosor experiences a humbling period of madness, living like an animal, as a divine judgment for his pride. After acknowledging God's sovereignty, his sanity and kingdom are restored. This narrative emphasizes the theme of divine authority and the need for humility before God. 3. The Fiery Furnace: Another significant event involving Nabuchodonosor is the account of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3. The king erects a massive golden statue and commands all to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish men, refuse to bow down, resulting in their being thrown into a blazing furnace. Miraculously, they are unharmed, and Nabuchodonosor acknowledges the power of their God, declaring, "There is no other god who can deliver in this way" (Daniel 3:29). Character and Legacy: Nabuchodonosor is portrayed as a complex character in the Bible. He is a powerful and ambitious ruler, yet he is also depicted as a man who encounters the true God through extraordinary events. His interactions with Daniel and the Jewish exiles reveal a journey from pride to a recognition of divine authority. Historically, Nabuchodonosor is remembered for his contributions to Babylonian architecture, including the construction of the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the expansion of the city of Babylon. Theological Significance: Nabuchodonosor's account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers. His experiences illustrate the biblical principle that God humbles the proud and exalts those who acknowledge His authority. The narratives involving Nabuchodonosor also underscore the faithfulness of God to His people, even in times of exile and hardship, and the ultimate triumph of His purposes in history. Smith's Bible Dictionary Nabuchodonosor[NEBUCHADNEZZAR, OR NEBUCHADREZZAR] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NABUCHODONOSORnab-u-ko-don'-o-sor (Nabouchodonosor): Septuagint and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) form of "Nebuchadnezzar" ("Nebuchadrezzar") found in the King James Version of the Apocrypha in 1 Esdras 1:40, 41, 45, 48; 2:10; 5:07; 6:26; Additions to Esther 11:4; Baruch 1:9, 11, 12. It is the form used in the King James Version of the Apocrypha throughout. In the Revised Version (British and American) of Judith and Tobit 14:15, the form "Nebuchadnezzar" is given. Library At this Period of Time, Nabuchodonosor Elated with Prosperity... At that Time, Nabuchodonosor had a Dream Marvelous for that ... After Nabuchodonosor, the Kingdom Fell to his Son, whom I Find ... You See How Daniel Interpreted to Nabuchodonosor the Dominion of ... How Agreeable all virtues are to God. To this Series of Events it Will be Right that I Should Append an ... Fragment xiii. 1. Up to the Time of the Olympiads There is no ... But Having Now done with this Account of the Consummation... The Triumph of Humility. Meanwhile Sedechias, the King of the Useless Multitude, Although ... Thesaurus Nabuchodonosor... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NABUCHODONOSOR. nab-u-ko-don'-o-sor (Nabouchodonosor): Septuagint and Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible ... /n/nabuchodonosor.htm - 6k Ahasbai (1 Occurrence) Naboth's (5 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Nachon (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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