Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

Nebuchadnezzara character study by Jeff S. SmithIntroductionNebuchadnezzar is another in the long line of political foils in Bible history, a series of wicked men thatbegins with Egypt’s pharaohs and finishes with Rome’s caesars. The most noteworthy thing they share incommon is that God used their wicked intentions to further his own cause for good, employing theiropposition to truth as something for the people of truth to rally against. The Nebuchadnezzar of the Bibleis the second king of Babylon to go by that name, which is sometimes rendered a bit differently asNebuchadrezzar. This powerful monarch terrifies Judah at a momentous time in its history, as moral andreligious decline have gone unabated despite the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah. It isNebuchadnezzar who stands at the ready to invade, conquer and destroy, but also to play a role in God’splan to maintain a remnant of people to return one day and rebuild.DiscussionI. His CharacterA. His Name and Faith1. Nebuchadnezzar means servant of Nebo, the Babylonian deity of literature and science, who wasthought to be the omniscient designer of every man’s fate (cf. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) 8a. Nebo was Babylon’s preeminent deity in the years before its decline, and his worship wasdenounced by Isaiah (cf. 46:1) many years before (cf. Encyclopædia Britannica) 9b. other Bible characters whose names derive from Nebo include his father, Nabopolassar, andpossibly Abed-Nego, who lost his Hebrew name Azariah when he was sent with Daniel to Babylon as partof the remnant2. in spite of anything that transpires in his life, and despite all the contact he has with worshipers ofthe true God, Nebuchadnezzar remains a devoted servant of Nebo throughout his life3. the key seems to be this penchant for polytheism, the belief that there are many gods and thateven one who claims to be the only true and living God is really but one of manya. Nebuchadnezzar was a very religious man, deeply interested in all the deities of his land andthat around itb. “His larger inscriptions usually contain two hymns and always close with a prayer. Mentionis frequently made of the offerings of precious metals, stones and woods, of game, fish, wine, fruit, grain,and other objects acceptable to the gods.” 10B. Family1. Nabopolassar was a Chaldean prince and the father of an even greater leader in Nebuchadnezzar,but his mother’s name is nowhere mentioned2. historians and archeologists take note of two wives and three sons, the most notable being hissuccessor, Evil-Merodach (cf. Second Kings 25:27, Jeremiah 52:31)C. His Battles1. Nebuchadnezzar led the Babylonian army as a young prince in defeating Egypt’s Pharaoh Nechoat Carchemish by the Euphrates in 605 B.C. (2 Chronicles 35:20-25)2. fresh from the success that accompanied Josiah’s death, Nebuchadnezzar drove Necho from Asiaand began dealing with matters in Syria and Palestine, but he was recalled to Babylon on the occasion ofhis father’s death where he ascended to the throne3. from this point on, Nebuchadnezzar is the most powerful man among the Jews, much morepowerful than their own weak kings and generals, and he begins the process of fleecing Judah for all of itsworth (Daniel 1:1-7)4. seven years later, he struck again, capturing Jerusalem and its king Jehoiakim, whom heimprisoned (2 Chronicles 36:5-7)5. his successor, Jehoiachin, fared little better (2 Chronicles 36:9-10)6. Zedekiah took his place and showed more backbone, if not more brains (2 Chronicles 36:11-20and Jeremiah 52:8-11)Character Studies! 115