11 



of human labour that must have been as his disposal. Sacred 

 and profane writers alike give testimony to the glory of his 

 city, his palaces, gardens, temples, and the massive golden 

 image of the god Bel. Numerous indeed were the gods whose 

 shrines filled Babylon, and Jeremiah sarcastically alludes 

 to this (chap. 1. 38) when he says: "For it is a land of graven 

 images, and they madly confide in idols."* As a general 

 and as an architect he was great, and one instance of kindness 

 is recorded of him. For we read : " Nebuchadnezzar, King of 

 Babylon, gave charge concerning Jeremiah by the hand of 

 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, saying, Take him and 

 set thine eyes upon him, and do him no harm, but do unto 

 him even as he shall say unto thee" (Jerem. xxxix. 11). 



The inscription finishes with a prayer of the king to the 

 god of Marad. It reads thus : 



Col. iii. 1. 15, "O God, the king AMAEDA, the lord of all warrior (gods) 



16, to the brickwork of my hands for blessing 



17, joyfully be favourable, and 



18, a life to a day remote (with) 



19, sufficiency of glory, 



20, establishment of throne and a long reign 



21, for a gift O give ! 



22, Sweep away the disobedient 



23, Shatter their weapons 



24, Devastate all the land of the enemy 



25, Sweep away the whole of them 



26, with thy powerful weapons 



27, which benefit not my enemies 



28, May they draw near, and may they sting 



29, to the subjugation of my enemies may my hands go. 



30, In the presence of Marduk, king of heaven and earth 



31, my works cause to be blessed, 



32, command my prosperity." 



Nebuchadnezzar died about B.C. 562, and was succeeded by 

 his son, Evil-Merodach.f 



son 



t Nebuchadnezzar, after he had begun to build the fore-mentioned wall, 

 fell sick, and departed this life when he had reigned forty-three years, 

 whereupon his son, Evil-Merodach, obtained the kingdom. Fl. Joseph. 

 against Apion, i. sec. 20. 



