Category:Nebuchadnezzar (subject)

From 4 Enoch: : The Online Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, and Christian and Islamic Origins
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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.

Later Jewish traditions

Later Jewish tradition (see Book of Daniel and Book of Judith) made Nebuchadnezzar the type of the evil king.

Nebuchadnezzar in ancient sources

Nebuchadnezzar in literature & the arts

Nebuchadnezzar in scholarship

As a villain in Jewish history and a character in the Book of Daniel is a frequent subject in the arts. Famous artists, such as Giuseppe Verdi and Benjamin Britten, has given powerful portraits of him.

Related categories

References

External links

Pages in category "Nebuchadnezzar (subject)"

The following 52 pages are in this category, out of 52 total.

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