Chapter XII

Daniel in his prophecies tells of the destruction of the Jews. For their unfaithfulness in following other gods, God allowed the heathen to destroy them, in the reign of Zedekiah, who practised idolatry. Nebuchadnezzar becomes his foe. He besieges Jerusalem, and surrounds the walls. The city is stuffed full of men. Brisk is the skirmish. Seven times a day are the gates assailed. For two years the fight goes on, yet the city is not taken. The folk within are in want of food. Meager they become. For so shut up are they that escape seems impossible. But on a quiet night they steal out, and rush through the host. They are discovered by the enemy. A loud alarm is given. They are pursued and overtaken. Their king is made prisoner. His chief men are presented as prisoners to Nebuchadnezzar. His sons are slain. His own eyes are put out. He is placed in a dungeon in Babylon. All for his “bad bearing” against the Lord, who might otherwise have been his friend. Nebuchadnezzar ceased not until he had destroyed Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan was “chief of the chivalry.” The best men were taken out of the city. Nevertheless Nebuzaradan spared not those left. Brains of bairns were spilt. Priests pressed to death. Wives and wenches foully killed. All that escaped the sword were taken to Babylon, and were made to drag the cart or milk the kine. Nebuzaradan burst open the temple, and slew those therein. Priests, pulled by the poll, were slain along with deacons, clerks, and maidens. The enemy pillages the temple of its pillars of brass, and the golden candlestick from off the altar. Goblets, basins, golden dishes, all are taken by Nebuzaradan, and hampered together. Solomon had made them with much labour. The temple he beats down, and returns to Babylon. Presents the prisoners to the king, among whom were Daniel and his three companions. Nebuchadnezzar has great joy, because his enemies are slain. Great was his wonder when he saw the sacred jewelry. He praises the God of Israel. Such vessels never before came to Chaldea. They are thrust into the treasury. Nebuchadnezzar reigns as emperor of all the earth, through the “doom of Daniel,” who gave him good counsel. Nebuchadnezzar dies and is buried. Belshazzar succeeds him. He holds himself the biggest in heaven or on earth. He honours not God, but worships false phantoms. He promises them rewards if good fortune befal. If they vex him he knocks them in pieces. He has a wife, and many concubines. The mind of the king was fixed upon new meats and other vain things.