Before talking about the Old Kingdom and the Neo-Babylonian empires, I think it is beneficial to talk about the beginning of another nation, Israel. Typically we think of Israel starting with Abraham of the Bible, however we could even go back to Noah and Shem in Genesis. Now, there is a good reason I point this out. Many times in ancient cultures we see similarities and I think it is paramount to know which comes first. Abraham lived around 2166-1991 BC. This of course is an approximate date; it could have been a little before or after this date. We know from Genesis 11:31 that Abraham was from the ancient city of Ur. According to Walter Kaiser and Paul Wegner, Ur came to be a significant place of power in ancient Mesopotamia. The ruler at the time was Ur-Nammu (ca. 2112-2095 BC). He is known to have established a law code for just and fair laws to run the government. Also Ur created a tax system, a standing army and established a coin and weight system for merchants. (A History of Israel, Kaiser and Wegner). It should be noted that Ur would later be a part of the Babylonian Empire.
Now the Old Babylonian kingdom had several rulers, but the one that stands out is Hammurabi (ca. 1792-1750 BC). He was the greatest ruler of this era and is known for the Code of Hammurabi, which was 300 laws to govern the empire. Ironically, shortly after the death of Hammurabi, the empire went into decline.
After Hammurabi, the Kassites repeatedly attacked the Babylonians and conquered them. And for several centuries Babylon was a place of chaos, putting an end to their development of science and art. The Kassite reign is very similar to the Semitic Hyksos reign that overtook Egypt for a season of time. Later the Babylonians came under the control of the Assyrians until the rise of the Medes. Nabopolassar freed Babylonia and began the second great Babylonian empire about 625 BC. This is known as the Neo-Babylonian empire. And the height of this empire came very quickly under the son of Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar II. And yes, most of us have heard of this king because he is the same great king of the book of Daniel. Now, I have given this short history to give a clear picture before demonstrating height of the Babylonian empire, which definitely occurred during the time of Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC). There is little doubt this king was the greatest of the Neo-Babylonian empire. King Nebuchadnezzar spent much time building up the city of Babylon. The hanging gardens of Babylon, built during this time, are considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was surrounded by a brick wall that was 22 feet thick. An inner wall was built that was 25 feet thick. And inside the inner wall there was another wall 12 feet thick. In addition, Nebuchadnezzar rebuild the palace including the famous Ishtar Gate that was 15 feet wide and had an arched passageway. The city also included a famous ziggurat, known as the “House of the Foundation of Heaven and Earth.” This structure was 300 feet high that included a temple at the top dedicated to Marduk, the Babylonia god. The temple had a triple staircase made of brick colored bright blue to represent the heavens. He also expanded the empire and just as the Bible tells us he defeated Judah and it became a Babylonian territory. Through Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns against Judah, he captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple that Solomon built. He also deported and took captive members of royal and noble families. Daniel was one of these who were exiled to Babylon. Interestingly enough Daniel 1:1 is the first year of king Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian rule. And as the book of Daniel states, Daniel and other young Jews served in the Babylonian government after a 3-year training program.
I think it is important to understand that the Jews were in exile, however, King Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel in a very high position in his kingdom (Daniel 2:48). In looking at the bigger picture we realize that the Neo-Babylonian empire, one of the greatest of world history is colored with Jewish leaders. God’s people were again given high ranking positions (like Joseph) in a powerful gentile kingdom. What shall we make of this?
Are God’s people the factor that makes king’s or nations great? I don’t know if there is an easy answer to this, but we definitely can see the principles at work. When Daniel interprets the king’s dream in Daniel 2, he tells Nebuchadnezzar he is the head of gold. Then, Daniel mentions three other kingdoms. We must ask ourselves what is the driving force behind world kingdoms? What causes the rise and fall of nations? I think we can say that the rise seems to be related to God’s people. Now, to clarify, I don’t think that means God’s people must be in exile, but I do believe that God’s blessing rests on his people and a nation or government can receive that blessing as God wills. Put another way, the rise of God’s people does translate to the rise or success of what the people of God are involved in, whether that is government, business or religion. The proximity of the good and righteous to authority figures and leaders does matter. There is an effect. It actually can make or break an organization, city or nation. Righteous leaders make a difference. God’s people matter and should be sought out by leaders. The Bible and history clearly teach us this lesson. So, the rise of a nation can be either directly or indirectly connected to the righteous. The takeaway for leaders is to always be looking for a Daniel, a Joseph or an Esther. Ultimately, God will place his people in the right position at the right time according to his perfect will.
Now, as we consider the rise, we also should consider the fall of a nation. This is much harder to identify. What contributed to the fall of Babylon? Again, I believe it is related to God and his people. Do you remember what happens in Daniel 4? Daniel interprets another dream of the king, but this time it is a warning. “Break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.” (Daniel 4:27) Twelve months later judgment falls on the king when he arrogantly proclaims, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws. Daniel 4:30-33
By the same principle when leaders claim the place of God by saying they have done great things for a people or a nation, when it is God who has done them, will they not suffer the judgment of God Almighty. And when we come to Daniel 5, we see the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In fact, after King Nebuchadnezzar’s death there were several leaders before Belshazzar (Daniel 5), but essentially the empire went into decline and by the end of chapter 5, the Medes and Persians take it over. And when you read Daniel chapter 5, you realize what Belshazzar did as well. He took the vessels of gold and silver which King Nebuchadnezzar took from the Jerusalem temple, and he and his lords and concubines drank from the vessels and praised their Babylonian gods. The text of Daniel tells us that immediately the fingers of a human hand appear and write on the wall of the palace. Immediately, God judged not only the king, Belshazzar, but the nation. Daniel is brought in to interpret the writing, which stated God was bringing the kingdom to an end. That very night Belshazzar was killed and the Medio-Persian empire took over Babylon.
So, what is the common thread when taking about the falling of kings or nations? Rebellion against God Almighty by leaders! It is the failure to practice righteousness and justice, and not honoring the true God of heaven and earth. By the way, Daniel lived on and served in the Persian Empire. Righteousness wins…period!
So why do nations rise and fall? First and foremost it is because of a holy God. He rules and reigns, he places kings in authority and puts them on worldly thrones. And yet, he is always using his people. And his people who possess his Holy Spirit, bring blessing to governments and nations.
So, what principles have we learned about God, his people and nations?
1) God is sovereign and mysterious. He may allow kings to rule for a season, but he also sends his people and places them in the right place at the right time. He also will allow his people to suffer and be in exile, however, his people also carry his Spirit and blessing, and that extends to those around them. This includes cities, states and nations!
2) God rewards righteousness. And furthermore, if he sends his Daniels to you, he expects you to move in step with his will. When King Nebuchadnezzar was not doing that, God first warned him before passing judgment. Ultimately, the rise and fall of nations is dependent upon God. But he uses his people to execute his plans and his kingdom. Remember, Daniel and friends won over the king more than once. Why? So Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon could turn from their paganism to the One, true God. God’s purpose is always to bless, restore and draw all people to himself. When leaders fail to work in this direction, an immediate decline is often seen. And God moves on and works out his plans through other people and through other means. His plans are never thwarted.
The rise and fall of nations is dependent upon:
· God’s sovereign authority
· God’s people
· The righteousness or rebellion of leaders
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