Cuneiform tablet: Atra-hasis, Babylonian flood myth

Cuneiform tablet: Atra-hasis, Babylonian flood myth

Artist: Date: ca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Accession Number: 86.11.378a

Date: ca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Medium: Clay

Accession: 86.11.378a

On view in: Gallery 406

Cuneiform prism describing the restoration of Babylon by Esarhaddon, stamped with Assyrian
hieroglyphic inscription

Artist: Date: ca. 676-672 B.C.

Accession Number: 86.11.283

Date: ca. 676-672 B.C.

Medium: Clay

Accession: 86.11.283

On view in: Gallery 406

Corner fragment of inscribed prism (kudurru)

Artist: Date: ca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Accession Number: 86.11.280

Date: ca. 7th–6th century B.C.

Medium: Clay

Accession: 86.11.280

On view in: Gallery 404

Cuneiform cylinder with inscription of Nebuchadnezzar II, describing the rebuilding of Ebabbar, the
temple of the sun-god Shamash at Sippar

Artist: Date: ca. 604–562 B.C.

Accession Number: 85.15

Date: ca. 604–562 B.C.

Medium: Clay

Accession: 85.15
On view in: Gallery 402

According to Daniel, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar suffers from a mental illness, and lives
isolated for seven years, until he acknowledges the power of the one God. From cuneiform texts,
nothing is known about Nebuchadnezzar's mental health. The original story must have centered on
another royal patient: Nabonidus, about whom rumors like this did circulate (see the Verse Account).
Moreover, several details return in the Prayer, where Nabonidus is the sad hero: the period of seven
years, the isolation, the ultimate recognition of the power of the supreme God. Since the authors of
Daniel consistently avoid mentioning Nabonidus, it is likely that one of them is responsible for the
change of names.

l on the Madness of Nebuchadnezzar

[4.29] At the end of the twelve months Nebuchadnezzar was walking about the royal palace of Babylon.

[4.30] The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my
mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?"

[4.31] While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to
you it is spoken: "The kingdom has departed from you!"

[4.32] And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They
shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most
High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."

[4.33] That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and
ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers
and his nails like birds' claws.
[4.34] And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding
returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him Who lives forever: for His
dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

[4.35] All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army
of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What
have You done?"

[4.36] At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and
splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and
excellent majesty was added to me.

[4.37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are
truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
THE BIBLE in Daniel chapter 4 states that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a dream that troubled
him. So he called in the prophet Daniel to interpret his dream. Daniel told him that the following would
happen to the king because of his pride.:

"this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my
lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they
shall make you eat grass like oxen ...., and seven times (seasons) shall pass over you, till you know that
the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses..... your kingdom shall
be returned to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules."

Daniel 4:24-26

One year later as Nebuchadnezzar was walking about his royal palace the dream became reality:

The Bible records in Daniel 4:30 that the king spoke with great pride saying: "Is not this great
Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?"

While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you
it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! ..... and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the
field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that
the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." That very hour the
word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar."

A similar quote of Nebuchadnezzar has been found outside the bible that is almost identical to his
statement in Daniel 4:30. The inscription known as The East India House inscription, records
Nebuchadnezzar's building activities in Babylon and states the following:

"A magnificient Prince thou hast made me and the empire over multitudes of people. . . Thy power
have I extended on high over Babylon . . . No city of the land have I exalted as was exalted . . ."

In another inscription, his Cylinder Barrel artifact, Nebuchadnezzar shows his pride when he states: "I
am Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, the great, the mighty, the favorite of Marduk, the powerful prince
. . . the wise lord, the darling and the joy of the heart of the great gods." He then goes on to boast of his
great building projects within Babylon.

The greatness of Babylon was also mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus, who traveled to
Babylon some ninety years after the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. In his writings he said that he was
overwhelmed by the large quantity of gold amassed in Babylon. He said many of the walls of Babylon
were covered with gold overlay. Nebuchadnezzar believed that it was by his own hand that he
created such a magnificent city and that he reigned supreme. But God caused this mighty ruler to go
insane for seven seasons to teach him the lesson that GOD reigns Supreme.
 Actual Babylonian records from Nebuchadnezzar himself, also record the seven seasons period of his
insanity:

"For four years my kingdom in the city . . .gave me no joy. During this time, not one building of any
importance did I issue to be built; the precious treasures of my kingdom I did not lay out . . . I did not
sing praises to Merodach, my god, nor did I provide his sacrificial table with offerings, nor did I clean any
of the waterways."

Note: In Babylon they counted only two seasons, Summer and Winter. Thus (7 seasons) equals 3 1/2
years. And Nebuchadnezzar stated he did not delight in his kingdom for 4 years. Wow!

Another inscription located in the British Museum may also record his insanity, and his effort to
humble himself in prayer before the false god whom he worshipped, not yet knowing the one true God
worshipped by Daniel. The artifact states:

"[Nebu]chadnezzar considered His life which appeared of no value to [him, ......]

And (the) Babylon(ian) speaks bad counsel to (his son ) Evil-merodach [....]

Then he gives an entirely different order but [. . .]

He (his son) does not heed the word from his lips, no do his cour[tier(s) - - -]

He does not show love to son and daughter [. . .]

... his family and clan do not exist [. . .]

His attention was not directed towards promoting the welfare of Esagil [and Babylon]

He prays to the lord of lords, he raised [his hands (in supplication) (. . .)]

He weeps bitterly to Marduk, the g[reat] gods [......]

His prayers go forth to [......] BM34113

Nebuchadnezzar finally learned to humble himself before God, as his dad, Nabopolassar, had learned
before him. Nabopolassar, speaking on his humble beginnings recorded: "As to my origins, I was born
the son of a nobody . . . In my opinion, I was considered to be the least desirable among men, being held
as unimportant in the eyes of others."
THE GREATEST STATEMENT MADE BY

NEBUCHADNEZZAR KING OF BABYLON

"And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding
returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His
dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of
heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What
have You done?".....

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth,
and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. Daniel 4:34-3