Chapter LIII (1)

Anu and Vul, the great gods, my Lords, let them consign his name to perdition; let them curse him with an irrevocable curse; let them cause his sovereignty to perish; let them pluck out the stability of the throne of his empire; let not offspring survive him in the kingdom;[1] let his servants be broken; let his troops be defeated; let him fly vanquished before his enemies. May Vul in his fury tear up the produce of his land. May a scarcity of food and of the necessaries of life afflict his country. For one day may he not be called happy. May his name and his race perish in the land.

In the month of _Kuzallu_[2] on the 29th day, in the High-Priesthood of _Ina-iliya-hallik,_ (entitled) _Rabbi-turi._

[Footnote 1: Doubtful and faulty in text.]

[Footnote 2: Chisleu.]

THE REVOLT IN HEAVEN

TRANSLATED BY H. FOX TALBOT, F.R.S.

This curious narrative is found on a cuneiform tablet in the British Museum. The original text is published in Plate 42 of Delitzsch's work, "_Assyrische Lesestucke_." I gave a translation of it in the "Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archæology," Vol. IV, pp. 349-362.

This tablet describes the revolt of the gods or angels against their Creator. It seems to have been preceded by an account of the perfect harmony which existed in heaven previously. And here I would call to mind a noble passage in Job, chap, xxxviii, which deserves particular attention, since it is not derived from the Mosaic narrative but from some independent source, namely, that when God laid the foundations of the world, "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." By "the sons of God" in this passage are to be understood the angels. In the beginning, therefore, according to this sacred author, all was joy and harmony and loyalty to God. But this state of union and happiness was not to last. At some unknown time, but before the creation of man, some of the angels ceased to worship their Creator: thoughts of pride and ingratitude arose in their hearts, they revolted from God, and were by his just decree expelled from heaven. These were the angels of whom it is said in the book of Jude that "they kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation." [Footnote: Jude 6.] The opinions of the fathers and of other religious writers on this mysterious subject it were useless to examine, since they admit that nothing can be certainly known about it. The opinion that one-third of the heavenly host revolted from their Creator is founded on Rev. xii. 3, where it is said: "And there appeared a dragon in heaven, having seven heads ... and his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels. And prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out--he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him,"

The Revelation of St. John was written in the first century, but some of the imagery employed may have been far more ancient, and for that reason more impressive to the religious mind of the age.

The war between Michael and the dragon bears much resemblance to the combat of Bel and the dragon recounted on a Chaldean tablet. [Footnote: See G. Smith, p. 100 of his Chaldean Genesis.] And it is not unworthy of remark that the Chaldean dragon had seven heads, like that spoken of in the Revelation. [Footnote: See 2 R 19, col. ii. 14, and my Assyrian Glossary, No. 108.]

At the creation harmony had prevailed in heaven. All the sons of God, says Job, shouted for joy. What caused the termination of this blissful state? We are not informed, and it would be in vain to conjecture. But the Babylonians have preserved to us a remarkable tradition, which is found in the tablet of page 42, and has not, I believe, been hitherto understood. It is unlike anything in the Bible or in the sacred histories of other countries. While the host of heaven were assembled and were all engaged in singing hymns of praise to the Creator, suddenly some evil spirit gave the signal of revolt. The hymns ceased in one part of the assembly, which burst forth into loud curses and imprecations on their Creator. In his wrath he sounded a loud blast of the trumpet and drove them from his presence never to return.

THE REVOLT IN HEAVEN

(The first four lines are broken. They related, no doubt, that a festival of praise and thanksgiving was being held in heaven, when this rebellion took place.)

5 The Divine Being spoke three times, the commencement of a psalm. 6 The god of holy songs, Lord of religion and worship 7 seated a thousand singers and musicians: and established a choral band 8 who to his hymn were to respond in multitudes ... 9 With a loud cry of contempt they broke up his holy song 10 spoiling, confusing, confounding, his hymn of praise. 11 The god of the bright crown [1] with a wish to summon his adherents 12 sounded a trumpet blast which would wake the dead, 13 which to those rebel angels prohibited return, 14 he stopped their service, and sent them to the gods who were his enemies.[2] 15 In their room he created mankind.[3] 16 The first who received life dwelt along with him. 17 May he give them strength, never to neglect his word, 18 following the serpent's voice, whom his hands had made. 19 And may the god of divine speech [4] expel from his five thousand [5] that wicked thousand 20 who in the midst of his heavenly son, had shouted evil blasphemies! 21 The god Ashur, who had seen the malice of those gods who deserted their allegiance 22 to raise a rebellion, refused to go forth with them.

(The remainder of the tablet, nine or ten lines more, is too much broken for translation.)

[Footnote 1: The Assyrian scribe annotates in the margin that the same god is meant throughout, under all these different epithets.]

[Footnote 2: They were in future to serve the powers of evil.]

[Footnote 3: It will be observed that line 15 says that mankind were created to fill up the void in creation which the ungrateful rebellion of the angels had caused. A friend has supplied me with some striking evidence that the mediæval church also held that opinion, though it was never elevated to the rank of an authorized doctrine.]

[Footnote 4: See note 4. This is another epithet.]

[Footnote 5: The total number of the gods is, I believe, elsewhere given as 5,000.]

THE LEGEND OF THE TOWER OF BABEL

TRANSLATED BY W. ST. CHAD BOSCAWEN

This legend is found on a tablet marked K, 3,657, in the British Museum. The story which the tablet contains appears to be the building of some great temple tower, apparently by command of a king. The gods are angry at the work, and so to put an end to it they confuse the speech of the builders. The tablet is in a very broken condition, only a few lines being in any way complete.

The late Mr. George Smith has given a translation of the legend in his work on Chaldean Genesis, and I have published the text and translation in the fifth volume of "Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archæology."

LEGEND OF THE TOWER OF BABEL

COLUMN I

1 ...[1] them the father. 2 (The thoughts) of his heart were evil 3 ...[1] the father of all the gods[2] he turned from. 4 (The thoughts) of his heart were evil[3] 5 ...[1] Babylon corruptly to sin went and 6 small and great mingled on the mound.[4] 7 ...[1] Babylon corruptly to sin went and 8 small and great mingled on the mound.

[Footnote 1: Lacunæ.]

[Footnote 2: A title of Anu.]

[Footnote 3: Refers to the king who caused the people to sin.]

[Footnote 4: The verb used here is the same as in Gen. xi. 7, [Hebrew: bll].]

COLUMN II

1 The King of the holy mound[1] ...[2] 2 In front and Anu lifted up ...[2] 3 to the good god his father..,[2] 4 Then his heart also ...[2] 5 which carried a command ...[2] 6 At that time also ...[2] 7 he lifted it up ...[3] 8 Davkina. 9 Their (work) all day they founded 10 to their stronghold[4] in the night 11 entirely an end he made. 12 In his anger also the secret counsel he poured out 13 to scatter (abroad) his face he set 14 he gave a command to make strange their speech[5] 15 ...[6] their progress he impeded 16 ...[6]the altar

(Column III is so broken only a few words remain, so I have omitted it.)

[Footnote 1: A title of Anu.]

[Footnote 2: Lacunæ.]

[Footnote 3: All these broken lines relate to council of gods?]

[Footnote 4: The tower.]

[Footnote 5: "Uttaccira--melic-su-nu," "make hostile their council."]

[Footnote 6: Lacunæ.]

COLUMN IV [Footnote: Relates to the destruction of the tower by a storm.]

1 In (that day) 2 he blew and ...[1] 3 For future time the mountain ...[1] 4 Nu-nam-nir[2] went ...[1] 5 Like heaven and earth he spake ...[1] 6 His ways they went ...[1] 7 Violently they fronted against him [3] 8 He saw them and to the earth (descended) 9 When a stop he did not make 10 of the gods ...[1] 11 Against the gods they revolted 12 ...[1] violence ...[1] 13 Violently they wept for Babylon[4] 14 very much they wept. 15 And in the midst

(The rest is wanting.)

[Footnote 1: Lacunæ.]

[Footnote 2: The god of "no rule," or lawlessness.]

[Footnote 3: The builders continued to build.]

[Footnote 4: Lamentations of the gods for the Babylonians.]

AN ACCADIAN PENITENTIAL PSALM

TRANSLATED BY REV. A.H. SAYCE, M.A.

The following psalm for remission of sins is remarkable alike for its deeply spiritual tone and for its antiquity. As it is written in Accadian, its composition must be referred to a date anterior to the seventeenth century B.C., when that language became extinct. An Assyrian interlinear translation is attached to most of the lines; some, however, are left untranslated. The tablet is unfortunately broken in the middle, causing a lacuna in the text. Similarities will be noticed between the language of the psalm and that of the Psalms of the Old Testament, and one passage reminds us strongly of the words of Christ in St. Matthew xviii. 22. Seven, it must be remembered, was a sacred number among the Accadians. Accadian poetry was characterized by a parallelism of ideas and clauses; and as this was imitated, both by the Assyrians and by the Jews, the striking resemblance between the form of Accadian and Hebrew poetry can be accounted for.

Some of the lines in the middle of the psalm have been previously translated by Mr. Fox Talbot, in the "Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archæology," Vol. II, p. 60, and Prof. Schrader in his "_Hollenfahrt der Istar_," pp. 90-95.

A copy of the text is given in the fourth volume of the "Cuneiform Inscriptions of Western Asia," plate 10.

AN ACCADIAN PENITENTIAL PSALM

OBVERSE OF TABLET

1 The heart of my Lord[1] was wroth: to his place may he return. 2 From the man that (sinned) unknowingly to his place may (my) god return. 3 From him that (sinned) unknowingly to her place may (the) goddess return. 4 May God who knoweth (that) he knew not to his place return. 5 May the goddess[2] who knoweth (that) he knew not to her place return. 6 May the heart of my god to his place return. 7 May the heart of my goddess to his place return. 8 May my god and my goddess (unto their place) return. 9 May god (unto his place) return. 10 May the goddess (unto her place return). 11 The transgression (that I committed my god) knew it. 12 The transgression (that I committed my goddess knew it). 13 The holy name (of my god I profaned?). 14 The holy name (of my goddess I profaned?).

(The next three lines are obliterated.)

18 The waters of the sea (the waters of my tears) do I drink. 19 That which was forbidden by my god with my mouth I ate. 20 That which was forbidden by my goddess in my ignorance I trampled upon. 21 O my Lord, my transgression (is) great, many (are) my sins. 22 O my god, my transgression (is) great, my sins (are many). 23 O my goddess, my transgression (is) great, my sins (are many). 24 O my god that knowest (that) I knew not, my transgression (is) great, my sins (are many). 25 O my goddess, that knowest (that) I knew not, my transgression (is) great, my sins (are many). 26 The transgression (that) I committed I knew not. 27 The sin (that) I sinned I knew not. 28 The forbidden thing did I eat. 29 The forbidden thing did I trample upon. 30 My Lord in the wrath of his heart has punished me. 31 God in the strength of his heart has overpowered me. 32 The goddess upon me has laid affliction and in pain has set me. 33 God who knew, (though) I knew not, hath pierced me. 34 The goddess who knew (though) I knew not hath caused darkness. 35 I lay on the ground and no man seized me by the hand.[3] 36 I wept,[4] and my palms none took.

[Footnote 1: Literally, "of my lord his heart."]

[Footnote 2: The Accadian throughout has the word "mother" before "goddess."]

[Footnote 3: Accadian, "extended the hand."]

[Footnote 4: Accadian, "in tears [water of the eye] I dissolved myself."]

REVERSE OF TABLET

1 I cried aloud; there was none that would hear me. 2 I am in darkness (and) trouble:[1] I lifted not myself up. 3 To my god my (distress) I referred; my prayer I addressed. 4 The feet of my goddess I embraced. 5 To (my) god, who knew (though) I knew not, (my prayer) I addressed. 6 To (my) goddess, who knew (though I knew not, my prayer) I addressed.

(The next four lines are lost.)

11 How long O my god (shall I suffer?). 12 How long O my goddess (shall I suffer?). 13 How long O my god, who knewest (though) I knew not, shall (thy) strength (oppress me?). 14 How long O my goddess, who knewest (though) I knew not, shall thy heart (be wroth?). 15 Of mankind thou writest the number and there is none that knoweth. 16 Of mankind the name (that) is fully proclaimed how can I know? 17 Whether it be afflicted or whether it be blessed there is none that knoweth. 18 O Lord, thy servant thou dost not restore.[2] 19 In the waters of the raging flood seize his hand. 20 The sin (that) he has sinned to blessedness bring back. 21 The transgression he has committed let the wind carry away. 22 My manifold affliction like a garment destroy. 23 O my god, seven times seven (are my) transgressions, my transgressions are before (me). 24 (To be repeated) 10 times.[3] O my goddess, seven times seven (are my) transgressions. 25 O god who knowest (that) I knew not, seven times seven (are my) transgressions. 26 O goddess who knowest (that) I knew not, seven times seven (are my) transgressions. 27 My transgressions are before (me): may thy judgment give (me) life. 28 May thy heart like the heart of the mother of the setting day to its place return. 29 (To be repeated) 5 times.[4] Like the mother of the setting day (and) the father of the setting day to its place (may it return). 30 For the tearful supplication of my heart 65 times let the name be invoked of every god.[4] 31 Peace afterward. 32 _(Colophon)_ Like its old (copy) engraved and written. 33 Country of Assur-bani-pal King of multitudes, King of Assyria.

[Footnote 1: Or more literally, "hiding." The verb that follows means "to lift self up so as to face another."]

[Footnote 2: In the Assyrian "quiet."]

[Footnote 3: A rubrical direction.]

[Footnote 4: A rubrical direction.]

THE BLACK OBELISK INSCRIPTION OF SHALMANESER II

TRANSLATED BY REV. A.H. SAYCE, M.A.

This inscription is engraved on an obelisk of black marble, five feet in height, found by Mr. Layard in the centre of the Mound at Nimroud, and now in the British Museum. Each of its four sides is divided into five compartments of sculpture representing the tribute brought to the Assyrian King by vassal princes, Jehu of Israel being among the number. Shalmaneser, whose annals and conquests are recorded upon it, was the son of Assur-natsir-pal, and died in 823 B.C., after a reign of thirty-five years. A translation of the inscription was one of the first achievements of Assyrian decipherment, and was made by Sir. H. Rawlinson; and Dr. Hincks shortly afterward (in 1851) succeeded in reading the name of Jehu in it. M. Oppert translated the inscription in his "_Histoire des Empires de Chaldée et d'Assyrie_," and M. Ménant has given another rendering of it in his "_Annales des Rois d'Assyrie_" (1874). A copy of the text will be found in Layard's "Inscriptions in the Cuneiform Character" (1851).

BLACK OBELISK OF SHALMANESER

FACE A

1 Assur, the great Lord, the King of all 2 the great gods; Anu, King of the spirits of heaven 3 and the spirits of earth, the god, Lord of the world; Bel, 4 the Supreme, Father of the gods, the Creator; 5 Hea, King of the deep, determiner of destinies, 6 the King of crowns, drinking in brilliance; 7 Rimmon, the _crowned_ hero, Lord of canals;[1] the Sun-god 8 the Judge of heaven and earth, the urger on of all; 9 (Merodach), Prince of the gods, Lord of battles; Adar, the terrible, 10 (Lord) of the spirits of heaven and the spirits of earth, the exceeding strong god; Nergal, 11 the powerful (god), King of the battle; Nebo, the bearer of the high sceptre, 12 the god, the Father above; Beltis, the wife of Bel, mother of the (great) gods; 13 Istar, sovereign of heaven and earth, who the face of heroism perfectest; 14 the great (gods), determining destinies, making great my kingdom. 15 (I am) Shalmaneser, King of multitudes of men, prince (and) hero of Assur, the strong King, 16 King of all the four zones of the Sun (and) of multitudes of men, the marcher over 17 the whole world; Son of Assur-natsir-pal, the supreme hero, who his heroism over the gods 18 has made good and has caused all the world[2] to kiss his feet;

[Footnote 1: Or, "fertility."]

[Footnote 2: Or, "the countries the whole of them."]

FACE B

19 the noble offspring of Tiglath-Adar 20 who has laid his yoke upon all lands hostile to him, and 21 has swept (them) like a whirlwind. 22 At the beginning of my reign; when on the throne 23 of royalty mightily I had seated myself, the chariots 24 of my host I collected. Into the lowlands[1] of the country of 'Sime'si 25 I descended. The city of Aridu, the strong city 26 of Ninni, I took. In my first year 27 the Euphrates in its flood I crossed. To the sea of the setting sun[2] 28 I went. My weapons on the sea I rested. Victims 29 for my gods I took.[3] To mount Amanus [4] I went up. 30 Logs of cedar-wood and pine-wood I cut. To 31 the country of Lallar I ascended. An image of my Royalty in the midst (of it) I erected. 32 In my second year to the city of Tel-Barsip I approached. The cities 33 of Akhuni the son of Adin I captured. In his city I shut him up. The Euphrates 34 in its flood I crossed. The city of Dahigu, a choice city of the Hittites 35 together with the cities which (were) dependent upon it I captured. In my third year Akhuni 36 the son of Adin, from the face of my mighty weapons fled, and the city of Tel-Barsip,

[Footnote 1: Or, "the descendings."]

[Footnote 2: That is, the Mediterranean.]

[Footnote 3: Namely, in sacrifice.]

[Footnote 4: "Khamanu" in Assyrian.]

FACE C

37 his royal city, he fortified. The Euphrates I crossed. 38 The city unto Assyria I restored. I took it. (The town) which (is) on the further side 39 of the Euphrates which (is) upon the river 'Sagurri, which the Kings 40 of the Hittites call the city of Pitru,[1] 41 for myself I took. At my return 42 into the lowlands of the country of Alzi I descended. The country of Alzi I conquered. 43 The countries of Dayaeni (and) Elam, (and) the city of Arzascunu, the royal city 44 of Arame of the country of the Armenians, the country of Gozan (and) the country of Khupuscia. 45 During the eponymy of Dayan-Assur from the city of Nineveh I departed. The Euphrates 46 in its upper part I crossed. After Akhuni the son of Adin I went. 47 The heights on the banks of the Euphrates as his stronghold he made. 48 The mountains I attacked, I captured. Akhuni with his gods, his chariots, 49 his horses, his sons (and) his daughters I carried away. To my city Assur 50 I brought (them). In that same year the country of Kullar I crossed. To the country of Zamua 51 of Bit-Ani I went down. The cities of Nigdiara of the city of the Idians 52 (and) Nigdima I captured. In my fifth year to the country of Kasyari I ascended. 53 The strongholds I captured. Elkhitti of the Serurians (in) his city I shut up. His tribute 54 to a large amount I received. In my sixth year to the cities on the banks of the river Balikhi

[Footnote 1: Pethor in the Old Testament.]

FACE D

55 I approached. Gi'ammu, their Governor, I smote. 56 To the city of Tel-abil-akhi I descended. 57 The Euphrates in its upper part I crossed. 58 The tribute of the Kings of the Hittites 59 all of them I received. In those days Rimmon-idri[1] 60 of Damascus, Irkhulina of Hamath, and the Kings 61 of the Hittites and of the sea-coasts to the forces of each other 62 trusted, and to make war and battle 63 against me came. By the command of Assur, the great Lord, my Lord, 64 with them I fought. A destruction of them I made. 65 Their chariots, their war-carriages, their war-material[2] I took from them. 66 20,500 of their fighting men with arrows I slew. 67 In my seventh year to the cities of Khabini of the city of Tel-Abni I went. 68 The city of Tel-Abni, his stronghold, together with the cities which (were) dependent on it I captured. 69 To the head of the river, the springs of the Tigris, the place where the waters rise,[3] I went. 70 The weapons of Assur in the midst (of it) I rested. Sacrifices for my gods I took. Feasts and rejoicing 71 I made. An image of my Royalty of large size I constructed. The laws of Assur my Lord, the records 72 of my victories, whatsoever in the world I had done, in the midst of it I wrote. In the middle (of the country) I set (it) up.

[Footnote 1: This is the Ben-hadad of Scripture whose personal name seems to have been Rimmon-idri.]

[Footnote 2: Or, "furniture of battle."]

[Footnote 3: Or, "the place of the exit of the waters situated." The tablet is still to be seen near the town of Egil.]

FACE A, _base_

73 In my eighth year, Merodach-suma-iddin King of Gan-Dunias[1]
74 did Merodach-bila-yu'sate his _foster_-brother against him
rebel;
75 strongly had he fortified (the land). To exact punishment[2]
76 against Merodach-suma-iddin I went. The city of the
waters of the Dhurnat[3] I took.
77 In my ninth campaign a second time to the land of Accad
I went.
78 The city of Gana-nate I besieged. Merodach-bila-yu'sate
exceeding fear
79 of Assur (and) Merodach overwhelmed, and to save his life
to
80 the mountains he ascended. After him I rode.
Merodach-bila-yu'sate
(and) the officers
81 the rebels[4] who (were) with him (with) arrows I slew.
To the great fortresses
82 I went. Sacrifices in Babylon, Borsippa, (and) Cuthah I
made.
83 Thanksgivings to the great gods I offered up. To the
country of Kaldu [5] I descended. Their cities I captured.
84 The tribute of the Kings of the country of Kaldu I received.
The greatness of my arms as far as the sea overwhelmed.
85 In my tenth year for the eighth time the Euphrates I
crossed. The cities of 'Sangara of the city of the Carchemishians
I captured.
86 To the cities of Arame I approached. Arne his royal city
with 100 of his (other) towns I captured.
87 In my eleventh year for the ninth time the Euphrates I
crossed. Cities to a countless number I captured. To the
cities of the Hittites
88 of the land of the Hamathites I went down. Eighty-nine
cities I took. Rimmon-idri of Damascus (and) twelve of
the Kings of the Hittites
89 with one another's forces strengthened themselves. A destruction
of them I made. In my twelfth campaign for the
tenth time the Euphrates I crossed.
90 To the land of Pagar-khubuna I went. Their spoil I carried
away. In my thirteenth year to the country of Yaeti I
ascended.
91 Their spoil I carried away. In my fourteenth year the
country I assembled; the Euphrates I crossed. Twelve
Kings against me had come.
92 I fought. A destruction of them I made. In my fifteenth
year among the sources of the Tigris (and) the Euphrates
I went. An image
93 of my Majesty in their hollows I erected. In my sixteenth
year the waters of the Zab I crossed. To the country of
Zimri
94 I went. Merodach-mudammik King of the land of Zimru
to save his life (the mountains) ascended. His treasure
95 his army (and) his gods to Assyria I brought. Yan'su
son of Khanban to the kingdom over them I raised.[6]

[Footnote 1: That is, Chaldea.]

[Footnote 2: Or, "to return benefits."]

[Footnote 3: The Tornadotus of classical geographers.]

[Footnote 4: Or, "the Lord of sin."]

[Footnote 5: This is the primitive Chaldea. The Caldai or Chaldeans afterward overran Babylonia and gave their name to it among classical writers.]

[Footnote 6: Or, "I made."]

FACE B, _base_

96 In my seventeenth year the Euphrates I crossed. To the land of Amanus I ascended. Logs 97 of _cedar_ I cut. In my eighteenth year for the sixteenth time the Euphrates I crossed. Hazael 98 of Damascus to battle came. 1,221 of his chariots, 470 of his war-carriages with 99 his camp I took from him. In my nineteenth campaign for the eighteenth[1] time the Euphrates I crossed. To the land of Amanus 100 I ascended. Logs of cedar I cut. In my 20th year for the 20th time the Euphrates 101 I crossed. To the land of Kahue I went down. Their cities I captured. Their spoil 102 I carried off. In my 21st campaign, for the 21st time the Euphrates I crossed. To the cities 103 of Hazael of Damascus I went. Four of his fortresses I took. The tribute of the Tyrians, 104 the Zidonians (and) the Gebalites I received. In my 22d campaign for the 22d time the Euphrates 105 I crossed. To the country of Tabalu[2] I went down. In those days (as regards) the 24 106 Kings of the country of Tabalu their wealth I received. To conquer 107 the mines of silver, of salt and of stone for sculpture I went. In my 23d year 108 the Euphrates I crossed. The city of Uetas, his strong city, 109 (which belonged) to Lalla of the land of the Milidians I captured. The Kings of the country of Tabalu 110 had set out. Their tribute I received. In my 24th year, the lower Zab 111 I crossed. The land of Khalimmur I passed through. To the land of Zimru 112 I went down. Yan'su King of the Zimri from the face 113 of my mighty weapons fled and to save his life 114 ascended (the mountains). The cities of 'Sikhisatakh, Bit-Tamul, Bit-Sacci 115 (and) Bit-Sedi, his strong cities, I captured. His fighting men I slew. 116 His spoil I carried away. The cities I threw down, dug up, (and) with fire burned. 117 The rest of them to the mountains ascended. The peaks of the mountains 118 I attacked, I captured. Their fighting men I slew. Their spoil (and) their goods 119 I caused to be brought down. From the country of Zimru I departed. The tribute of 27 Kings 120 of the country of Par'sua[3] I received. From the country of Par'sua I departed. To 121 the strongholds of the country of the Amadai,[4] (and) the countries of Arazias (and) Kharkhar I went down. 122 The cities of Cua-cinda, Khazzanabi, Ermul, 123 (and) Cin-ablila with the cities which were dependent on them I captured. Their fighting men

[Footnote 1: The King counts his passage of the river on his return from Syria the seventeenth time of his crossing the Euphrates.]

[Footnote 2: The Tubal of the Old Testament, and Tibareni of classical geographers.]

[Footnote 3: The Parthia of classical authors.]

[Footnote 4: These seem to be the Madai or Medes of later inscriptions. This is the first notice that we have of them. It will be observed that they have not yet penetrated into Media but are still eastward of the Parthians.]

FACE C, _base_

124 I slew. Their spoil I carried away. The cities I threw
down, dug up (and) burned with fire. An image of my
Majesty
125 in the country of Kharkhara I set up. Yan'su son of
Khaban with his abundant treasures
126 his gods, his sons, his daughters, his soldiers in large numbers
I carried off. To Assyria I brought (them). In my
25th campaign
127 the Euphrates at its flood I crossed. The tribute of the
Kings of the Hittites, all of them, I received. The country
of Amanus
128 I traversed. To the cities of Cati of the country of the
Kahuians I descended. The city of Timur, his strong
city
129 I besieged, I captured. Their fighting men I slew. Its
spoil I carried away. The cities to a countless number I
threw down, dug up,
130 (and) burned with fire. On my return, the city of Muru,
the strong city of Arame the son of Agu'si,
131 (as) a possession for myself I took. Its entrance-space
I marked out. A palace, the seat of my Majesty, in the
middle (of it) I founded.
132 In my 26th year for the seventh time the country of the
Amanus I traversed. For the fourth time to the cities
of Cati
133 of the country of the Kahuians I went. The city of Tanacun,
the strong city of Tulca I approached. Exceeding
fear
134 of Assur my Lord overwhelmed him and (when) he had
come out my feet he took. His hostages I took. Silver,
gold,
135 iron, oxen, (and) sheep, (as) his tribute I received. From
the city of Tanacun I departed. To the country of
Lamena
136 I went. The men collected themselves. An inaccessible
mountain they occupied. The peak of the mountain I
assailed,
137 I took. Their fighting men I slew. Their spoil, their
oxen, their sheep, from the midst of the mountain I
brought down.
138 Their cities I threw down, dug up (and) burned with
fire. To the city of Khazzi I went. My feet they took.
Silver (and) gold,
139 their tribute, I received. Cirri, the brother of Cati to the
sovereignty over them
140 I set. On my return to the country of Amanus I ascended.
Beams of cedar I cut,
141 I removed, to my city Assur[1] I brought. In my 27th
year the chariots of my armies I mustered. Dayan-Assur
142 the Tartan,[2] the Commander of the wide-spreading army,
at the head of my army to the country of Armenia I
urged,
143 I sent. To Bit-Zamani he descended. Into the low
ground to the city of Ammas he went down. The river
Arzane he crossed.
144 'Seduri of the country of the Armenians heard, and to
the strength of his numerous host
145 he trusted; and to make conflict (and) battle against me
he came. With him I fought.
146 A destruction of him I made. With the flower of his
youth [3] his broad fields I filled. In my 28th year
147 when in the city of Calah I was stopping news had been
brought (me, that) men of the Patinians
148 Lubarni their Lord had slain (and) 'Surri (who was) not
heir to the throne to the kingdom had raised.
149 Dayan-Assur the Tartan, the Commander of the wide-spreading
army at the head of my host (and) my camp[4]
150 I urged, I sent. The Euphrates in its flood he crossed.
In the city of Cinalua his royal city
151 a slaughter he made. (As for) 'Surri the usurper, exceeding
fear of Assur my Lord
152 overwhelmed him, and the death of his destiny he went.[5]
The men of the country of the Patinians from before the
sight of my mighty weapons

[Footnote 1: The Ellasar of Genesis, now Kalah Shergat.]

[Footnote 2: "Turtanu" ("chief prince") in Assyrian.]

[Footnote 3: Or, "the chiefs of his young warriors."]

[Footnote 4: The word properly means "baggage." and sometimes signifies "standard," which may be the translation here.]

[Footnote 5: That is, he died as was fated.]

FACE D, _base_

153 fled, and the children of 'Surri together with the soldiers,
the rebels, (whom) they had taken they delivered to me.
154 Those soldiers on stakes I fixed. 'Sa'situr of the country
of Uzza my feet took. To the kingdom
155 over them I placed (him). Silver, gold, lead, bronze,
iron, (and) the horns of wild bulls to a countless number
I received.
156 An image of my Majesty of great size I made. In the
city of Cinalua his royal city in the temple of his gods I
set it up. In
157 my 29th year (my) army (and) camp I urged, I sent.
To the country of Cirkhi[1] I ascended. Their cities I
threw down,
158 dug up, (and) burned with fire. Their country like a
thunderstorm I swept. Exceeding
159 fear over them I cast. In my 30th year when in the city
of Calah I was stopping, Dayan-Assur
160 the Tartan, the Commander of the wide-spreading army
at the head of my army I urged, I sent. The river Zab
161 he crossed. To the midst of the cities of the city of
Khupuscã he approached. The tribute of Datana
162 of the city of the Khupuscians I received. From the midst
of the cities of the Khupuscians
163 I departed.[2] To the midst of the cities of Maggubbi of
the country of the Madakhirians he approached. The
tribute
164 I received. From the midst of the cities of the country
of the Madakhirians he departed. To the midst of the
cities of Udaci
165 of the country of the Mannians he approached. Udaci of
the country of the Mannians from before the sight of my
mighty weapons
166 fled, and the city of Zirta, his royal city, he abandoned.
To save his life he ascended (the mountains).
167 After him I pursued. His oxen, his sheep, his spoil, to
a countless amount I brought back. His cities
168 I threw down, dug up, (and) burned with fire. From the
country of the Mannians[3] he departed. To the cities of
Sulu'sunu of the country of Kharru
169 he approached. The city of Mairsuru, his royal city, together
with the cities which depended on it he captured.
(To) Sulu'sunu
170 together with his sons mercy I granted. To his country
I restored him. A payment (and) tribute of horses I imposed.
171 My yoke upon him I placed. To the city of Surdira he
approached. The tribute of Arta-irri
172 of the city of the Surdirians I received. To the country
of Par'sua[4] I went down. The tribute of the Kings
173 of the country of Par'sua I received. (As for) the rest
of the country of Par'sua which did not reverence Assur,
its cities
174 I captured. Their spoil, their plunder to Assyria I
brought. In my 31st year, the second time, the cyclical-feast
175 of Assur and Rimmon I had inaugurated.[5] At the time
while I was stopping in the city of Calah, Dayan-Assur
176 the Tartan, the Commander of my wide-spreading army,
at the head of my army (and) my camp I urged, I sent.
177 To the cities of Datâ of the country of Khupuscä he approached.
The tribute I received.
178 To the city of Zapparia, a stronghold of the country of
Muzatsira, I went. The city of Zapparia together with
179 forty-six cities of the city of the Muzatsirians I captured.
Up to the borders of the country of the Armenians
180 I went. Fifty of their cities I threw down, dug up (and)
burned with fire. To the country of Guzani[6] I went down.
The tribute
181 of Upu of the country of the Guzanians, of the country
of the Mannians, of the country of the Buririans, of the
country of the Kharranians,[7]
182 of the country of the Sasganians, of the country of the
Andians,[8] (and) of the country of the Kharkhanians,
oxen, sheep, (and) horses
183 trained to the yoke I received. To the cities of the country
of ... I went down. The city of Perria
184 (and) the city of Sitivarya, its strongholds, together with
22 cities which depended upon it, I threw down, dug up
185 (and) burned with fire. Exceeding fear over them I cast.
To the cities of the Parthians he went.
186 The cities of Bustu, Sala-khamanu (and) Cini-khamanu,
fortified towns, together with 23 cities
187 which depended upon them I captured. Their fighting-men
I slew. Their spoil I carried off. To the country of
Zimri I went down.
188 Exceeding fear of Assur (and) Merodach overwhelmed
them. Their cities they abandoned. To
189 inaccessible mountains they ascended. Two hundred and
fifty of their cities I threw down, dug up (and) burned
with fire.
190 Into the lowground of Sime'si at the head of the country
of Khalman I went down.

[Footnote 1: The mountainous country near the sources of the Tigris.]

[Footnote 2: That is in the person of his commander-in-chief, Dayan-Assur.]

[Footnote 3: The modern Van.]

[Footnote 4: Parthia.]

[Footnote 5: This refers to his assuming the eponymy a second time after completing a reign of thirty years. At this period the Assyrian kings assumed the eponymy on first ascending the throne, and the fact that Shalmaneser took the same office again in his thirty-first year shows that a cycle of thirty years was in existence.]

[Footnote 6: The Gozan of the Old Testament.]

[Footnote 7: Haran or Harran in the Old Testament; called Carrhæ by the classical geographers.]

[Footnote 8: Andia was afterward incorporated into Assyria by Sargon.]

THE EPIGRAPHS ACCOMPANYING THE SCULPTURES

I The tribute of 'Su'a of the country of the Guzanians:
silver, gold, lead, articles of bronze, sceptres for the King's
hand, horses (and) camels with double backs: I received.
II The tribute of Yahua[1] son of Khumri[2]: silver, gold,
bowls of gold, vessels of gold, goblets of gold, pitchers
of gold, lead, sceptres for the King's hand, (and) staves:
I received.
III The tribute of the country of Muzri[3]: camels with double
backs, an ox of the river 'Saceya,[4] horses, _wild asses,
elephants_, (and) apes: I received.
IV The tribute of Merodach-pal-itstsar of the country of the
'Sukhians[5]: silver, gold, pitchers of gold, tusks of the
wild bull, staves, antimony, garments of many colors,
(and) linen: I received.
V The tribute of Garparunda of the country of the Patinians:
silver, gold, lead, bronze, gums, articles of bronze, tusks
of wild bulls, (and) _ebony_[6]: I received.

[Footnote 1: Jehu.]

[Footnote 2: Omri.]

[Footnote 3: This is the Armenian Muzri, not Egypt.]

[Footnote 4: This would seem from the sculpture to mean a rhinoceros. Lenormant, however, identifies it with the Yak.]

[Footnote 5: Nomadic tribes in the southwest of Babylonia.]

[Footnote 6: The word means literally "pieces of strong wood."]

INSCRIPTION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

TRANSLATED BY REV. J.M. RODWELL, M.A.

Babylonian inscriptions are by no means so replete with interest as the Assyrian. The latter embrace the various expeditions in which the Assyrian monarchs were engaged, and bring us into contact with the names and locality of rivers, cities, and mountain-ranges, with contemporary princes in Judea and elsewhere, and abound in details as to domestic habits, civil usages, and the implements and modes of warfare. But the Babylonian inscriptions refer mainly to the construction of temples, palaces, and other public buildings, and at the same time present especial difficulties in their numerous architectural terms which it is often impossible to translate with any certainty. They are, however, interesting as records of the piety and religious feelings of the sovereigns of Babylon, and as affording numerous topographical notices of that famous city; while the boastful language of the inscription will often remind the reader of Nebuchadnezzar's words in Dan. iv. 30: "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" Compare column vii, line 32.

The reign of Nebuchadnezzar extended from B.C. 604 to 561. In B.C. 598 he laid siege to Jerusalem (2 Kings xxiv.) and made Jehoiachin prisoner, and in 588 again captured the city, and carried Zedekiah, who had rebelled against him, captive to Babylon (2 Kings xxv.). Josephus gives an account of his expeditions against Tyre and Egypt, which are also mentioned with many details in Ezek. xxvii.-xxix.

The name Nebuchadnezzar, or more accurately Nebuchadrezzar (Jer. xxi. 2, 7, etc.), is derived from the Jewish Scriptures. But in the inscriptions it reads Nebo-kudurri-ussur, _i.e.,_ "may Nebo protect the crown"; a name analogous to that of his father Nebo(Nabu)-habal-ussur. ("Nebo protect the son") and to that of Belshazzar, _i.e.,_ "Bel protect the prince." The phonetic writing of Nebuchadnezzar is _"An-pa-sa-du-sis,"_ each of which syllables has been identified through the syllabaries. The word "_kudurri_" is probably the [Hebrew: kether] of Esther vi. 8, and the [Greek: kidaris] of the Greeks. The inscriptions of which a translation follows was found at Babylon by Sir Harford Jones Bridges, and now forms part of the India House Collection. It is engraved on a short column of black basalt, and is divided into ten columns, containing 619 lines.

It may be worth while to remark that in the name given to the prophet Daniel, Belteshazzar, _i.e.,_ Balat-su-ussur ("preserve thou his life"), and in Abednego ("servant of Nebo"), we have two of the component parts of the name of Nebuchadnezzar himself.

INSCRIPTION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR

COLUMN I

1 Nebuchadnezzar 2 King of Babylon, 3 glorious Prince, 4 worshipper of Marduk, 5 adorer of the lofty one, 6 glorifier of Nabu, 7 the exalted, the possessor of intelligence, 8 who the processions of their divinities 9 hath increased; 10 a worshipper of their Lordships, 11 firm, not to be destroyed; 12 who for the embellishment 13 of Bit-Saggatu and Bit-Zida[1] 14 appointed days hath set apart, and 15 the shrines of Babylon 16 and of Borsippa 17 hath steadily increased; 18 exalted Chief, Lord of peace, 19 embellisher of Bit-Saggatu and Bit-Zida, 20 the valiant son 21 of Nabopolassar 22 King of Babylon am I.

23 When he, the Lord god my maker made me, 24 the god Merodach, he deposited 25 my germ in my mother's (womb): 26 then being conceived 27 I was made. 28 Under the inspection of Assur my judge 29 the processions of the god I enlarged, 30 (namely) of Merodach great Lord, the god my maker. 31 His skilful works 32 highly have I glorified; 33 and of Nebo his eldest son 34 exalter of My Royalty 35 the processions (in honor of)[2] his exalted deity 36 I firmly established. 37 With all my heart firmly 38 (in) worship of their deities I uprose 39 in reverence for Nebo their Lord.

40 Whereas Merodach, great Lord, 41 the head of My ancient Royalty, 42 hath empowered me over multitudes of men, 43 and (whereas) Nebo bestower of thrones in heaven and earth, 44 for the sustentation of men, 45 a sceptre of righteousness 46 hath caused my hand to hold; 47 now I, that sacred way 48 for the resting-place of their divinities, 49 for a memorial of all their names, 50 as a worshipper of Nebo, Yav and Istar, 51 for Merodach my Lord I strengthened. 52 Its threshold I firmly laid, and 53 my devotion of heart he accepted, and 54 him did I proclaim 55 ... Lord of all beings, and[3] 56 as Prince of the lofty house, and 57 thou, (O Nebuchadnezzar) hast proclaimed the name of him 58 who has been beneficent unto thee. 59 His name, (O god,) thou wilt preserve, 60 the path of righteousness thou hast prescribed to him. 61 I, a Prince, and thy worshipper 62 am the work of thy hand; 63 thou hast created me, and[4] 64 the empire over multitudes of men 65 thou hast assigned me, 66 according to thy favor, O Lord, 67 which thou hast accorded 68 to them all.[5] 69 May thy lofty Lordship be exalted! 70 in the worship of thy divinity 71 may it subsist! in my heart 72 may it continue, and my life which to thee is devoted

_(Continued on Column II_.)

[Footnote 1: Two of the principal temples of Babylon. The former occurs below, Col. ii. 40, where it is followed by the epithet, "Temple of his power." Dr. Oppert always renders it "la Pyramide et la Tour."]

[Footnote 2: Literally, "the goings." Compare Ps. lxviii. 24: "They have seen thy goings, O God," i.e., processions.]

[Footnote 3: Of this line Mr. Norris (Dict., p. 166) states "that he cannot suggest any rendering."]

[Footnote 4: It seems as if the hand were addressed.]

[Footnote 5: I.e., "in making me their ruler."]

COLUMN II

1 mayest thou bless!

2 He, the Chief, the honorable, 3 the Prince of the gods, the great Merodach, 4 my gracious Lord, heard 5 and received my prayer; 6 he favored it, and by his exalted power, 7 reverence for his deity 8 placed he in my heart: 9 to bear his tabernacle 10 he hath made my heart firm, 11 with reverence for thy power, 12 for exalted service, 13 greatly and eternally.

14 The foundation of his temple it was 15 which from the upper waters 16 to the lower waters 17 in a remote way, 18 in a spot exposed to winds, 19 in a place whose pavements had been broken, 20 low, dried up, 21 a rugged way, 22 a difficult path, 23 I extended. 24 The disobedient I stirred up, 25 and I collected the poor and 26 gave full directions (for the work) and 27 in numbers I supported them. 28 Wares and ornaments 29 for the women I brought forth, 30 silver, molten gold, precious stones, 31 metal, _umritgana_ and cedar woods, 32 (however their names be written) 33 a splendid abundance, 34 the produce of mountains, 35 sea clay,[1] 36 beautiful things in abundance, 37 riches and sources of joy, 38 for my city Babylon, 39 into his presence have I brought 40 for Bit-Saggatu 41 the temple of his power, 42 ornaments for Dakan[2] 43 Bit-Kua, the shrine 44 of Merodach, Lord of the house of the gods, 45 I have made conspicuous with fine linen[3] 46 and its seats 47 with splendid gold, 48 as for royalty and deity, 49 with lapis lazuli and alabaster blocks[4] 50 I carefully covered them over; 51 a gate of passage, the gate Beautiful,[5] 52 and the gate of Bit-Zida and Bit-Saggatu 53 I caused to be made brilliant as the sun. 54 A fulness of the treasures of countries I accumulated;[6] 55 around the city it was placed as an ornament, 56 when at the festival of Lilmuku at the beginning of the year, 57 on the eighth day (and) eleventh day, 58 the divine Prince, Deity of heaven and earth, the Lord god, 59 they raised within it. 60 (The statue) of the god El, the beauty of the sphere, 61 reverently they bring; 62 treasure have they displayed before it, 63 a monument to lasting days, 64 a monument of my life.

65 They also placed within it

_(Continued on Column III_.)

[Footnote 1: Mr. Norris conjectures "amber."]

[Footnote 2: Dagon.]

[Footnote 3: "Sassanis." The root is probably identical with the Hebrew "shesh," "fine linen"; thus in Ex. xxvi. I: "Thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen."]

[Footnote 4: These are found still in the ruins of Babylon.]

[Footntoe 5: Compare the Beautiful Gate of the Jewish Temple.]

[Footnote 6: Mr. Norris in his Dictionary professes his inability to master the first words of this line, p. 580. The same remark applies to line 58. The above rendering is suggested to me by Mr. G. Smith.]

COLUMN III

1 his altar, an altar of Royalty; 2 an altar of Lordship, 3 (for) the Chief of the gods, the Prince Merodach, 4 whose fashion the former Prince 5 had fashioned in silver, 6 with bright gold accurately weighed out 7 I overlaid. 8 Beautiful things for the temple Bit-Saggatu 9 seen at its very summit, 10 the shrine of Merodach, with statues and marbles 11 I embellished 12 as the stars of heaven. 13 The fanes of Babylon 14 I built, I adorned. 15 Of the house, the foundation of the heaven and earth, 16 I reared the summit 17 with blocks of noble lapis lazuli: 18 to the construction of Bit-Saggatu 19 my heart uplifted me; 20 in abundance I wrought 21 the best of my pine trees 22 which from Lebanon 23 together with tall _Babil-_wood I brought, 24 for the portico of the temple of Merodach: 25 the shrine of his Lordship 26 I made good, and interior walls 27 with pine and tall cedar woods: 28 the portico of the temple of Merodach, 29 with brilliant gold I caused to cover, 30 the lower thresholds, the cedar awnings, 31 with gold and precious stones 32 I embellished: 33 in the erection of Bit-Saggatu 34 I proceeded: I supplicated 35 the King of gods, the Lord of Lords: 36 in Borsippa, the city of his loftiness, 37,38 I raised Bit-Zida: a durable house 39 in the midst thereof I caused to be made. 40 With silver, gold, precious stones, 41 bronze, _ummakana_ and pine woods, 42 those thresholds I completed: 43 the pine wood portico 44 of the shrine of Nebo 45 with gold I caused to cover, 46 the pine wood portico of the gate of the temple of Merodach 47 I caused to overlay with bright silver. 48 The bulls and columns of the gate of the shrine 49 the thresholds, the _sigari_ of _ri-_wood, conduits 50 of _Babnaku_ wood and their statues 51 with cedar wood awnings 52 of lofty building, 53 and silver, I adorned. 54 The avenues of the shrine 55 and the approach to the house, 56 of conspicuous brick 57 sanctuaries in its midst 58 with perforated silver work. 59 Bulls, columns, doorways, 60,61 in marble beautifully I built; 62,63 I erected a shrine and with rows 64 of wreathed work I filled it: 65 the fanes of Borsippa 66 I made and embellished; 67 the temple of the seven spheres 68 ...[1] 69 with bricks of noble lapis lazuli 70 I reared its summit: 71 the tabernacle of Nahr-kanul 72 the chariot of his greatness

_(Continued on Column IV_.)

[Footnote 1: Lacuna.]

COLUMN IV

1 the tabernacle, the shrine Lilmuku, 2 the festival of Babylon, 3,4 his pageant of dignity 5 within it, I caused to decorate 6 with beryls and stones.

7 A temple for sacrifices, the lofty citadel 8 of Bel and Merodach, god of gods, 9 a threshold of joy and supremacy 10 among angels and spirits, 11 with the stores of Babylon, 12 with cement and brick, 13 like a mountain I erected.

14 A great temple of Ninharissi[1] 15 in the centre of Babylon 16 to the great goddess the mother who created me, 17 in Babylon I made. 18 To Nebo of lofty intelligence 19 who hath bestowed (on me) the sceptre of justice, 20 to preside over all peoples, 21 a temple of rule over men, and a site for this his temple 22,23 in Babylon, of cement and brick 24 the fashion I fashioned.