Dave Roos This has been taken by some to prove that the image was a deity or idol. Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon. 122-24. 199 Cf. In spite of separation from parents and of the corrupting influences of Babylonian religion, political pressure, and immorality, they did not waver in their hour of testing. Nebuchadnezzar is the Hebrew form of an Akkadian name, which translates to "May Nebo protect the crown.". Free with trial. Although the full salutation to Nebuchadnezzar seems to have been omitted, Daniel gives the gist of their reply and in so doing answered the question raised by the king in verse 14 when he asked, Is it true? Actually there was no doubt about what they had done, but their purpose in not conforming was in question. 2 Then the king gave orders for all his officials to come togetherthe princes, governors, lieutenant governors, commissioners, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the 114-15. The flute was probably made of reeds with a sound similar to a fife. He then ordered all the important leaders in the province, everybody who was anybody, to the dedication ceremony of the statue. Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon (Dan 3:1). 195 For a complete description of these instruments see Leupold, pp. And most of us know who those kingdoms are, because in Daniel 2:38 God revealed that Nebuchadnezzar, representing Babylon, was that head of gold. That the king has the power to do this was obvious to everyone. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. At the end of three years, the four young men joined the royal court. There could be little question that a mighty miracle had been performed. Nebuchadnezzar II reigned as king over the Babylonian Empire from 605-562 B.C. Third, they do not worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Critics are probably right that Daniel intended this chapter to remind Israel of the evils of idolatry and the necessity of obeying God rather than men. In it, he does not deprecate his own gods but recognizes the fact of the power of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Leupold cites numerous ancient images such as that of Zeus in a temple at Babylon; the golden images on the top of the Belus temple, one of which was forty cubits high; and the Colossus at Rhodes which was seventy cubits high.177 While an image of this size was unusual, it was by no means unique; and there is no reason to question the historical accuracy of its dimensions. The contrast of the God of Israel to the idols of Babylon is a reminder that the god of this world, behind Gentile dominion, is doomed to judgment at the hands of the sovereign God. The image of gold is described as being sixty cubits (90 ft.) high and six cubits (9 ft.) broad, a very impressive sight erected in the plain of Dura. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. Nebuchadnezzar plays a prominent role in the history of the Israelite people. The sackbut may have been a triangular board to which strings were attached. The expression the same hour has in it the thought of immediately but cannot be pushed to the extent of concluding that the furnace was already burning. notes Chardins remarks on the existence of similar ovens in Persia for execution of criminals (Voyage en Perse, ed. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? The judges were counsellors of the government or chief arbitrators. Young, The Prophecy of Daniel, pp. He appointed a king of his own choice there, received its heavy tribute and sent (them) to Babylon. "The rights of all idol worshippers will never truly be safe without the proper protections under federal law. The chain of events which had brought about this miracle also consolidated the position of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego as principal officials in the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar attempted the invasion of Egypt but was repulsed with heavy losses. In the Bible, Nebuchadnezzar is described as a king who was responsible for the destruction of the temple of Solomon and the initiation of Babylonian captivity. e. c. 539 (max.) We all know the great story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in which he saw a great image of a man, made out of different metals. Verse 23 of the text has also been challenged by Charles who claims it is an interpolation and needless duplication of verse 21, and that part of the passage has been lost.206 Actually the narrative reads very well as it is, and the objections are without proper ground. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire. Nebuchadnezzar apparently was seated in such a way as to be able to observe the interior of the furnace from a safe distance. It also specifically restricts itself to the world around Israel, so skipping over empires in India, China and Mesoamerica. Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. Of particular interest is the presence of a Greek money term, stater, in the Aramaic papyri from Egypt in documents of c. 400 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar's Gold Statue King Nebuchadnezzar trained Daniel and his three friends for duty in the royal court. and even in the Babylonian army of Nebuchadnezzar.191 Not only did the Greeks affect the Semitic world but also influences of Assyria and Babylonia appear in the Greek language as well.192, Recent studies on the musical instruments mentioned in Daniel 3 conducted by T. C. Mitchell and R. Joyce have given support to the authenticity of these instruments in the sixth century b.c.193 Further studies by Yamauchi support the conclusion that Greek words in Daniel are not to be unexpected and in fact refer to the interchange of cultures in the ancient world.194. 187 G. L. Archer, Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, p. 375. Where Was Babylon and Does It Still Exist? Apparently, the only exceptions were the three companions of Daniel. As proof of their suspicions, they charge Daniels three companions with not worshiping the golden image. In the biblical book 2 Kings, Nebuchadnezzar and his army lay siege to Jerusalem, loot gold and other treasures from the temple, abduct the Judean king and his court, and carry off 10,000 officers, artisans and skilled workers into exile in Babylon. The text goes on to say that Nebuchadnezzar commanded all the leaders, magistrates and important . Even if God does not deliver them, however, this will not change their decision in which they refuse to worship the gods of Babylon as well as the golden image. 2 Chronicles 36:6 chapter context similar meaning copy save. At least one of them was so disturbing that the king called for his advisers to tell him his dream and to interpret it. The Aramaic form elahin is plural and whenever used in the Aramaic section of Daniel seems to be a plural in number, as the singular is used when the true God is meant. The Babylonian Chronicles confirm this, and provide an exact date for the conquest of Jerusalem (597 B.C.E. Nebuchadnezzar is a real person. The eighth gate of the inner city, the creation of the colossal structure was as much a defensive maneuver as a political one. smcas0247 options. They ate and drank only healthy things and after training they were healthier than anyone else. 324 results for: statue of Nebuchadnezzar sort # images thumbs. 2 Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. 11.12.2021 . This later becomes a further testimony to the delivering power of God. Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. The astounding courage and deliverance of Daniels companions, who refused to worship the image, has inspired the people of God in similar times of trial. Their skin, their hair, and their clothing had not been burned, and they did not even smell of fire. Their explanation leaves no question as to the answer. 172 S. P. Tregelles, Remarks on the Prophetic Visions in the Book of Daniel. He calls upon all the people in his realm not to say anything amiss concerning this God at the threat of being cut to pieces and their houses made a dunghill. "Among [these texts] are many, many inscriptions written in Nebuchadnezzar's own name," says Frahm, "and obviously in these texts he presents himself not as a villain, but as the 'great builder.' Universal History Archive/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. In using the expression the most high God, Nebuchadnezzar was not disavowing his own deities but merely recognizing on the basis of the tremendous miracle which had been performed that the God of Israel was higher, hence the most high God.. At the sound of the music, all those gathered were to fall down and worship the golden image, that is, they were to fall prostrate to the ground and do homage. He could not believe his eyes and in his excitement stood up and asked his counsellors whether the three men had not been cast bound into the midst of the fire. Second, they do not serve the gods of the king. 3:28-30 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the kings word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. The treasurers were superintendents of the public treasury. 14 July 2020. They killed thousands of Jews and deported many to serve as slaves in Babylon. The fragment turned out to be part of a "ration list" indicating how much oil and foodstuffs were given to King Jehoiachin and his exiled Judean court in Babylon. He features in the Bible, specifically the Book of Daniel . Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. He was a Jew from among the [children of the exile of Judah, and said,] "Recount this in writing to [glorify and exalt] the Name of the [Most High God].". 2. The fire was seven times hotter than ever and yet a fourth person showed up to save them and make sure they did not burn up. John F. Walvoord, long-time president of Dallas Theological Seminary, was one of the most prominent evangelical scholars of his generation. Several of the instruments listed in verse 5 also seem to be of Greek origin. Are there also hints in the historical record? Such a display of officials was on the one hand a gratifying demonstration of the power of Nebuchadnezzars empire and on the other hand was significant as recognizing the deities who in their thinking were responsible for their victories. The Hebrew Bible is an incredible document, not only for the faithful, but for historians like Frahm. They were willing to trust God even if He didn't save them, but in his amazing providence and care, He did save them. He ought to have cooled the furnace seven times less if he had wanted to hurt them; but instead of that in his fury he heated it seven times more.205. King Nebuchadnezzar`s Dream Statue Daniel`s Prophecies Antique Black and White Design Illustration. They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. First, they show no regard for the king. 19-27; and Keil, pp. Nebuchadnezzar doesn't write anything about his political or military exploits, but some important details were captured in a remarkable set of clay tablets known as the Babylonian Chronicles. They state positively that their God is able to deliver them from a fiery furnace. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 3:13-18 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. The Septuagint inserts the Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Youths with some additional explanation. Langles, 6, c. 18, end, p. 303).198 This would explain both the way in which the victims were put into the furnace and the circumstances which permitted the king to see what was happening inside the furnace.199. Although probably in the same office, they were relieved of any opposition and had the special favor of the king in what they did. They not only affirm that their God is able but that He will deliver them. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. This also would be too distant.180, The consensus of conservative scholarship is that the most probable location is a mound located six miles southeast of Babylon consisting of a large square of brick construction which would have ideally served as a base for such an image as Nebuchadnezzar erected. 136-37. The intended significance of the image from Nebuchadnezzars point of view is, however, debatable. The story of Nebuchadnezzar's ascension to the throne is told on one of the clay tablets in the Babylonian Chronicles. ): "There's no reason to doubt that this really happened," says Frahm of both the first Babylonian siege in 597 B.C.E. 17 If this be so, nour God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.4 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your Works devoted to study of the prophecies of Daniel often omit consideration of chapter 3 entirely as do S. P. Tregelles172 and Robert D. Culver.173 Others, such as Geoffrey R. King, interpret the chapter as not only history but parable and prophecy.174 The introduction of the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 3 immediately following Nebuchadnezzars dream of the great image depicting Gentile times, even if its parabolic implications are ignored, obviously is intended to convey not only spiritual truth in general, but characteristics of the times of the Gentiles. 207 Rudolph Kittel, Biblia Hebraica, 2:1270. Greek traders were common in Egypt and western Asia from the seventh century B.C. But it wasn't Nebuchadnezzar, says Frahm. 44-50. But Keil and others are probably correct that they were simply recognizing a symbol of the power of the empire which included recognition of heathen gods but was not the specific object of their homage.196 As Keil puts it, A refusal to yield homage to the gods of the kingdom, they regarded as an act of hostility against the kingdom and its monarch, while every one might at the same time honour his own national god. The occasion of his question was what he saw. 4 young boys were among those chosen for deportation: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Chapter 3, the first of four chapters dealing with individuals, is an obvious preparation for chapter 4, which relates Nebuchadnezzars conversion. The captains seemed to refer to presidents or governors of civil government. In that storehouse were more clay tablets, mostly records of the day-to-day affairs of the palace. In the early 20th century, archaeologists excavating beneath the ruins of an ancient Babylonian palace found 14 vaulted rooms they first believed to be part of the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but later figured out were part of a royal storehouse. lwjas0025 options. lwjas0041 options. "On both occasions, many people in Jerusalem were in fact taken into exile, including the royal family.". His anger knows no bounds as stated in the expression full of fury or filled with anger. He is as angry as he possibly could be under any circumstance, his face is distorted, his pride has been severely punctured, and he gives the foolish order to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual, as if this would increase the torment. Aramaic was the chief language spoken in Mesopotamia during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. Addressing the three faithful men in the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. It was immediately apparent to Nebuchadnezzar, as well as the others who watched, that the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego was greater than the gods of Babylon. They refused to eat what the others ate. Undoubtedly there was resentment against these Jews who had been placed by Nebuchadnezzar in charge of the province of Babylon because they were of another race and of a captive people. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. The fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream was the Roman Empire beginning in 146 BC which never totally ceased to be. Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Page of 11 Next Page. PDF Daniel's Timeline Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Part One): 'Head of Gold' Lion of Babylon (statue) - Wikipedia the dates below seem not to fit. The four empires referred to are: 1. The rulers were lesser officials who were governors of the provinces subordinate to the chief governor.186 The list of officers stated in verse 2 is repeated in verse 3 and some of them are repeated in verse 27. None Can Rescue Like Him. Actually, none of the alternate terms improve much on that which is provided in Daniel 3:5 and repeated in verses 7, 10, and 15. This is also the case for prophecies of things to come. The Babylonian Empire suffered major blows to its power when Nebuchadnezzar's sons lost a series of wars with Assyria, and their successors effectively became vassals of the Assyrian king. So they came and stood before the king. 206 R. H. Charles, The Book of Daniel, p. 35. The statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream is an important symbol in the Bible, appearing in the Book of Daniel. Mostly records of the statue of Nebuchadnezzar & # x27 ; s dream statue Daniel ` Prophecies... Their God is able to deliver them said to the dedication ceremony the... 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