Continue with A WARRIOR KING BUILDS AN EMPIRE

Nebuchadnezzar also conquered Tyre by laying siege to the city-a siege that lasted 13 years.  In the course of the siege, the heads of his soldiers were "made bald" from the chaffing of their helmets, and their shoulders were "rubbed bare" from carrying materials used in the construction of the siegeworks.  (Ezekiel 29:18)  Finally, Tyre capitulated to Babylonian forces.

The Babylonian king evidently  was a brilliant military strategist.  Some literary references, particularly of Babylonian origin, also described him as a just king.  While the Scriptures  do not specifically say that Nebuchadnezzar was just, the prophet Jeremiah said that even though Zedekiah had rebelled, the would be treated fairly "if he would go out to the princes of the king of Babylon.'  (Jeremiah 38:17, 18) And after the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar treated Jeremiah respectfully.  Concerning Jeremiah, the king commanded:  "Take him and keep your own eyes set upon him, and do not do to him anything at all.  But just as he may speak to you, so do with him." -Jeremiah 39:11, 12; 40:1-4. 

As an administrator, Nebuchadnezzar was quick to recognize the qualities and abilities of Daniel and his three companions-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-whose Hebrew names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  The king therefore used them in responsible positions in his kingdom. -Daniel 1:6, 7, 19-21; 2:49. 

Next time: Conclusion of A WARRIOR  KING BUILDS AN EMPIRE

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999