Nebuchadnezzar

• ANCIENT SOURCES: see Nebuchadnezzar (sources)
• SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Nebuchadnezzar (subject)

Nebuchadnezzar was King of Babylon, from 605 to 562 BCE.

Overview

Nebuchadnezzar was the son of Nabopolassar, who had freed Babylon from its dependence on Assyria and destroyed Niniveh.

Nebuchadnessar's military campaigns led to the formation of a vast empire that included Syria and Phoenicia and extended to the borders of Egypt. Babylon was turned into a beautiful capital, adorned of temples, palaces, and gardens, where the subdued kings (and gods) were taken as hostages at the court of the King.

Nebuchadnezzar was succeeded by his son Evil-merodach (Amel-Marduk).

Nebuchadnezzar and the Jews

In 597 BCE Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and ruled over Judah ever since. He deposed the Davidic king Jehoiachin, took him and his court captives to Babylon, and replaced him in Jerusalem with his uncle Zedekiah. Ten years later, in 587 BCE, following Zedekiah's attempt to rebel, destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, killed Zedekiah and his sons, and deported portion of the population to Babylon. Jehoiachin remained captive in Babylon, still bearing the official title of king of Judah.

Related categories

• Babylonian Kings

References

• Nebuchadnezzar / Matthias Henze / In: The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism (2010 Collins / Harlow), edited volume, 992-993

External links

• Wikipedia