Combining the cylinder with this tablet, we can conclude that Nabonidus (1st) and Belshazzar (2nd) were co-regents. Notably, he went to Arabia for the last 10 years of his life, leaving his son, to rule Babylon in his place. It records the activities of King Nabonidus.
Sometime prior to 1879, the Nabonidus Chronicle tablet was discovered. (The Bible in the British Museum 18) A Discovery So Darius the Mede received the kingdom, making Belshazzar the last king of Babylon. But the Bible says “That same night Belshazzar was slain. “…historians believed that the book of Daniel was written in the 2nd century BC and redacted back to the 6th century BC and included a “legendary” king, Belshazzar.
In fact, all artifacts and records, including Heroditus’ writing 100 years later, had pointed to Nabonidus as the last king of Babylon. Why did Belshazzar offer Daniel 3rd position in the kingdom? Why not 2nd? Why does this even matter? Because some critics of the Bible had pointed to “Belshazzar” a name unknown to historians as a reason to doubt the authenticity of the book of Daniel, claiming the facts were wrong. It is ending, and will be given to the Medes and the Persians.” That night Belshazzar was killed and the Medes took over Babylon. Daniel gave the interpretation, paraphrased, “Your kingdom has been numbered and weighed and found wanting. Belshazzar turned to the prophet Daniel, now an old man, and promised the royal treatment including elevation to a position of “3rd in the kingdom” if he could explain the meaning. “Mene, Tekel and Peres” No one could figure out their significance. Belshazzar threw a great feast and during the party, a mysterious hand wrote three words on the wall. Remember the “Writing on the Wall” king? In 539 BC, King Nebuchadnezzer, had died, and his heir Belshazzar had become king. The story of King Belshazzer in Chapter 5 has been used to support this erroneous view. Some have discounted prophesies in Daniel claiming the book was written centuries later with the content changed to match the actual history. (kingdoms of Babylon and Persia during Daniel’s lifetime, and kingdoms of Greece in the 3rd century BC, and Rome in the 2nd century BC). The book of Daniel, a largely a prophetic book, was written in the 6th century BC, and contains details about current and future world kingdoms. He rose to the level of a statesman, but never denied his Hebrew God, who gifted him with the ability to interpret dreams and make prophesies. He was a specially chosen young man, for the purpose of training/brainwashing in Babylonian ways in order to help assimilate the Jews into the culture.
Danielĭaniel was a devout young Hebrew who was deported to Babylon during the “70 year captivity” period of Israel (605-536 BC). I love digging in to historical details, so it fascinated me, so I’m sharing here for those who are interested in such things. The section about King Belshazzar reminded me of something I saw in the British Museum during my trip to England in 2016. A few weeks ago, when reading the book of Daniel, I came across something that prompted my curiosity. I’m allowing myself time to take the side roads, occasionally stopping to investigate a detail. Please let our sponsors know you appreciate their support of this community event the next time you do local business.I’ve been slowly working my way through the Bible chronologically. Proceeds benefit Youth Arts and Athletic Programs at our local schools. Thank you to everyone for supporting the festival. The Sunland-Tujunga Shadow Hills Community Fund May you have a very happy and safe 4th this year! We will be working hard with you to ensure the Family Fireworks Festival in 2021 is a tremendous success. The Committee is saddened to officially announce that the 2020 Family Fireworks Festival is postponed to July 4th, 2021. It has been a roller coaster of waiting for the “all clear” so that the event could continue. Unfortunately, our whole world has been changed by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Family Fireworks Festival Committee volunteers have been working for almost a year to bring another memorable July 4th event to Verdugo Hills High School.