Babylon's City Gate of Nebuchadnezzar II, Perfectly preserved in Archaeology. Today in Berlin.
Daniel 1:17-21
17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.
When we read Jeremiah, the First Chapter does something 1 Corinthians 14 tells us we should long for in God's Love: Proclaim the outcome - Prophesy.
Jeremiah 1
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
8 Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.”
Daniel is not going to be erased. We know Daniel who was part of Nebuchadnezzar II's Chaldean Babylonian Dynasty. So Daniel is alive in 600 B.C. 2,600 years later , we know quite a lot about Daniel.
Daniel is going to go far in God Himself.
How did Daniel survive the furnace from Nebuchadnezzar's gold 60 cubits, 90 foot Statue? Good question. Daniel was given an "exile" name, Belteshazzar, the largest god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire. So, this must have carried Daniel past that particular Drama. Later, with the next ruler, this escape didn't happen and the Lions occurred. God stepped in to miraculously save Daniel.
Inscription on the Gate of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar II is a very interesting spiritual person.
We don't see his reign go smoothly. In 2,600 years, there are some clues in the footnotes of the Scriptures and Babylonian Chronicles which mirror the Scriptures themselves. Nebuchadnezzar II is very invested in God Himself. He sees Isaiah 13 as written about himself. He is very probably exactly correct. Nebuchadnezzar invests in his people and sees to their welfare. We know the Hanging Gardens were built for his wife, Amytis of Media. Nebuchadnezzar made a marriage alliance with a neighboring nation and leaves behind a tale of the love found in their marriage 2,600 years later. He was a very interesting spiritual person.
Nebuchadnezzar not only has his dreams interpreted by Daniel, he has a time he becomes a mental werewolf for his pride according to Scriptures. When Historical records describe Babylon, build by this Emperor, we find an incredible city surrounded by an impenetrable wall. Repelling invaders from the two rivers running through Babylon, the lush city, and mentioned in the Garden of Eden in Genesis. Nebuchadnezzar has built an incredible Architecture and city.
Without clear flow, we find Daniel 5
5 King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand.
2 Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
5 Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lampstand. And the king saw the hand as it wrote. 6 Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. 7 The king called loudly to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king declared to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and shows me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king the interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, and his color changed, and his lords were perplexed.
10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, 12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”
Daniel Interprets
13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king answered and said to Daniel, “You are that Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom the king my father brought from Judah. 14 I have heard of you that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me to read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not show the interpretation of the matter. 16 But I have heard that you can give interpretations and solve problems. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. 19 And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. 21 He was driven from among the children of mankind, and his mind was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdom of mankind and sets over it whom he will. 22 And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 23 but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored.
24 “Then from his presence the hand was sent, and this writing was inscribed. 25 And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. 26 This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; 27 Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting; 28 Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
So who is King Belshazzar?
It's an alternative spelling to Daniel's Belteshazzar, the largest god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire. In History this is quite common. So who is this King sitting in Nebuchadnezzar's place? Nebuchadnezzar's son is Amel-Marduk. Meaning 'man of Marduk', Marduk - another very large god of the Chaldean Babylonian Empire.
It really wouldn't do to inherit Nebuchadnezzar's throne and be the second god when Daniel has been wowing everyone as Nebuchadnezzar's advisor as the major god namesake Belshazzar (the god Belteshazzar). Scriptures say King Belshazzar is either Amel-Marduk, renaming himself - extremely likely. Or his predecessor - which is a very interesting History. The best quasi guess of this ancient history follows the Book of Jeremiah and Babylonian History. Tying into the Book of Daniel and reflecting as accurate.
We know Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II had 7 years of mental extreme issues when he praised himself for all of his successes. Like Herod did in the New Testament. And seven years is not going to end an Emperor.
History tells us Amel-Marduk is politically murdered by people in the court. And History also records he is killed by his sister, Princess Nitocris of Babylon's, husband. Nergal-sharezer or Neriglissar is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:13 and is the Chaldean Empire's go to ex-Royal. Very definitely a deal has been made to marry the extremely popular Princess Nitocris to the dark "Nergal." In fact, History tells us Nitocris, called a temporary queen, made the city of Babylon grow and expanded upon the safety of the city wall. Princess Nitocris is seen in ancient history as a rare, successful woman queen. And History records she overthrows her evil husband, probably "King Belshazzar". Very Possibly that very night! Many advances occur during her reign, but ultimately Emperor Nebuchadnezzar returns telling everyone without his son, he knows the Chaldean Empire Dynasty will fall to another. Usually Emperors don't predict the downfall of their work.
Who is Darius?
Darius promises to return all 'exiles' other nations would call slaves. And at the base of his mosaic he praises God as his Helper. Who is Darius? It's difficult to tell, there are a lot of Kings named Darius with various numbers behind their name. The really famous one is going to be from another Dynasty. We could probably be safe to guess this is the husband of Nitocris. Helping her reign and being recorded in Scriptures.
Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede is the same nationality as Nitocris' mother. So probably her mother made a second marriage match for Princess Nitocris. The Babylonian Chaldeans are conquerors of the Medes, so it's unlikely Darius is "the" Ruler.
Because the Next King is the 3rd King promising to return the Children of Israel to Judah.
Fitting nicely into Jeremiah explaining 70 years of exile. (Israel was split in half almost immediately after King Solomon died due to the arrogance of his only son. And Judah or Judea will exist until 70 A.D. the natural time of death of Jesus, from the Tribe of Judah.)
Daniel
Now very interesting - very interesting, you have the King after Nebuchadnezzar using Daniel's given "exile" name. Daniel is seen as such a threat, he is fed to lions. Darius can be explained using Babylonian History plus protecting the reputation of the popular Princess Nitocris of Babylon from lion to Daniel tampering. Then Cyrus. One of the most unique portions in this time frame of History is the attention those in power given to what we today call "Human Rights." Nebuchadnezzar wanted the Priests of the Temple to have a private home. Nebuchadnezzar wanted the "exiles" to worship their God. He encouraged their culture to blend into what he considered to be the best and most wonderful place on earth.
Now consider Cyrus.
Archaeology has been kind to this area with extreme goodness!
The Cylinder of Cyrus was found with about six hundred pieces of inscribed terracottas.
An introduction reviling Nabonidus, (Nergal-sharezer or Neriglissar is also recorded as Nabonidus and is very hated for taking over in a murderous coupe from, basically Nebuchadnezzar II. Best to look like the Winner over evil.) the previous king of Babylon, and associating Cyrus with the god Marduk;
Lines 20–22: detailing Cyrus's royal titles and genealogy, and his peaceful entry to Babylon;
Lines 22–34: a commendation of Cyrus's policy of restoring Babylon;
Lines 34–35: a prayer to Marduk on behalf of Cyrus and his son Cambyses;
Lines 36–37: a declaration that Cyrus has enabled the people to live in peace and has increased the offerings made
The Cylinder of Cyrus is Human Rights. Now consider who was interested in Human Rights:
Daniel
Daniel Chapter 10, Daniel's Terrifying Vision of a Man. When we consider we can find statues in Egypt speaking of Joseph Vizier of Egypt, we might consider Daniel is still being spoken of and in political adversarial roles of some significance - well past his time advising Nebuchadnezzar. Cyrus might be influenced by Daniel - in the Word of God - as Nebuchadnezzar was.
Definitely a Wonder of God to Consider!
After all, it's Cyrus who allows The Children of Israel to return to burned out Jerusalem. Life has been so good to the "exiles" many will stay on in this Empire to become the Jews in The Book of Esther.
Another really amazing and God Centered point bringing King Cyrus and God into focus:
Psalm 18:29
New International Version
With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
New Living Translation
In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
English Standard Version
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II, Princess Nitocris and even Nergal proclaimed their own success and bragged about the impenetrable wall they'd invented around Babylon. King Cyrus simply used the wide wall as the highway into Babylon. The walls circled the City State using the wall as a "High" way. The River was flooded, or in time of Flood, simply took the troops to the top of the wall.
What God had said over and over in the Book of Daniel about pride was true. And when we trace the History of the Babylonian Chaldean Empire we find Scripture is accurate;
God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.
Abba, Father God,
You are the Way, Truth and Life!
In the footprints of Your Living Word we find this:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow (all You have Written)
all the days of life,
and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
You interweave all things for Good. When we are called according to Your Purpose.
Thank You, Abba, Holy Father, our Father God,
For all Your Word. Great is Your Word.
You are merciful to Your Children, You call Beloved.
From the small blessings to the great ones,
help us to reason to our thanksgiving, being grateful.
Help us to express our gratitude and thanks.
Be our way, truth and Life to let our lives be living
testaments to the Good You have Willingly Given.
We ask you to put the Name of Jesus Christ upon us and we are Blessed of God.
Jesus Christ, pray for us, Speak Your Word, bring more Heaven to earth.
To Rejoice in all of Your world.
We ask Your Abundant and Flowing Blessings upon us.
Keep us safe from disasters, quieten storms and keep the Oceans safe.
Help us to seek You first and Your Kingdom.
To Live Love, Joy and Peace. Uphold those we Love. We Trust You.
We ask for the virus to end and Joy in Recovery.
We pray for Your Healing Word to be Spoken.
Your Help for a vaccine.
Jesus Son of God Himself Bless, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump,
Vice President Pence,
Governor Abbott and these 50 United States Governors and Legislatures.
The Administration Coronavirus Response Team,
Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Robert Redfield
Jesus Christ Live in us. Amen!
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment