Nebuchadnezzar

Also known as: Nebuchadrezzar / Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon / king Nebuchadnezzar / king of Babylon · Family: Babylon · Role: king of Babylon · First appears: Jeremiah 21

In Jeremiah, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon was appointed by God to bring destruction against Judah and the surrounding nations, with the lands and beasts given into his hand to serve him. He carried Jeconiah captive to Babylon, besieged Jerusalem, and captured Zedekiah, whom he judged at Riblah before blinding, chaining, and taking him to Babylon; he also slew Zedekiah’s sons and Judah’s nobles. Ahab and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah were delivered into his hand and roasted in the fire, while Seraiah and Zephaniah were brought before him and put to death. He commanded Nebuzaradan concerning Jeremiah, and Babylon’s armies defeated Pharaohnecho at Carchemish.

Nebuchadrezzar was described as God’s servant: “Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant.” He was sent against Egypt and Tyrus, where his forces attacked, killed, and destroyed, and Egypt was given to him as compensation for his army’s service against Tyrus. God also declared that Babylon and its king would later be punished.

In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, received Jehoiakim and sacred vessels into his power, and ordered Ashpenaz to bring Israelite royal and princely children into service. After Daniel revealed his dream and its interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar worshipped him, promoted him over Babylon, and employed Shadrach, Mishael, and Azariah. He later commanded those three to be cast into the fiery furnace for refusing his golden image, but after their deliverance he promoted them and blessed God. Daniel then interpreted a decree that Nebuchadnezzar would lose his kingdom and live among beasts; after this occurred, his understanding and kingdom were restored, with added majesty. Belshazzar is identified as his son, and later ordered the vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple brought to his feast.