Nebuchadnezzar

Introduction

Nebuchadnezzar was known as a great builder (the hanging gardens of Babylon, for example) and a fierce conqueror.
Jeremiah 52:4, 10-16 – Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and took some of the people back to Babylon, leaving only the poor in the land.
Jeremiah 25:8-12 – God used Nebuchadnezzar to punish Israel.

Daniel 2:3, 26, 46-49 – Nebuchadnezzar glorified God and blessed Daniel and his friends.
Daniel 3:1, 6, 14, 19-21, 28-30 – Nebuchadnezzar set up an idol and tried to force others to worship it.
Daniel 4:29 – Nebuchadnezzar is back with more pride!
II Corinthians 12:21
Have I truly repented of my sin?
It is time to die to sin (Romans 6:2)!

Daniel 4:1-3 – Nebuchadnezzar calls God “the most high God.” See also Daniel 3:26. Although this is a correct term, it seems that Nebuchadnezzar might have thought of God as just being the highest of many gods.
Daniel 4:8-9, 18
Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his friends:
- Jewish names:
  - Daniel: God is my judge
  - Hananiah: Who is what God is?
  - Azariah: Yahweh has helped
- Babylonian names:
  - Belteshazzar: Bel protect the prince
  - Shadrach: Command of Aku
  - Meshach: Who is like Aku?
  - Abed-nego: Servant of Nebo
Daniel 5:11 – He never got rid of the other “magicians” even though he made Daniel chief of the magicians.
Acts 17:23-24, 31
Acts 4:12 – Salvation is in no else!
Matthew 16:18
Ephesians 4:4-6 – There is one God.