King Nebuchadnezzar Essay

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Nebuchadnezzar’s Vanity By Josh King Nebuchadnezzar had quite a valid reason to boast of power, splendor and greatness. He reigned from 605-582 BC; during his reign, he ruled the world. The kingdom of Babylon was beautiful and fortified. Located at the banks of the Euphrates River, it was the trade center and capitol of the empire. King Nebuchadnezzar surveyed the greatness of the city and kingdom and was satisfied. Sixty miles of stone wall encircled the massive city; Temples overshadowed the wide thoroughfares. An intricate water system with aqueducts and elaborate collection pools snaked through the city and quenched the thirst of all the citizens. But the most impressive feature and landmarks were probably the royal palaces and temples built to the Babylonian gods. Not far from Nebuchadnezzar’s personal palace, was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; a complicated building filled with assorted plants hanging from multitiered roofing. Pride, wealth, and power accompanied by the citizens calling king Nebuchadnezzar “god”, led to Nebuchadnezzar thinking too highly of himself. God warned the prideful king that his wealth and power was affecting him adversely, and if he did not turn from his self flattering lifestyle, dire consequences would result through a dream. Nebuchadnezzar called his magicians and astrologists to interpret the vision. They could not discern what it meant, so the king summoned Daniel to explain the dream. Interestingly, the king’s vision involved a tree. The tree was cut and only a stump remained. Daniel explicated that it meant that the tree was Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom and that it, yes, resembling the tree, would be cut and only a stump would remain. God would be merciful to the Nebuchadnezzar but only if he repented. Soon after Nebuchadnezzar “repented”, he was back in his vain ways. He boasted of his power and the city

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