The life & death of Nebuchadnezzar, the Great, the first founder of the Babylonian Empire, represented by the golden head of that image, Dan. 2. 32., and by the lion with eagles wings, Dan. 7. 4. as also of Cyrus, the Great, the first founder of the Empire of the Medes and Persians, represented by the breast, and arms of silver in that image, Dan. 2. 32., and by a bear, Dan. 7. by Sa. Clarke ...

THE LIFE, & DEATH OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR THE GREAT, First Emperor of the CHALDEANS.

NEbuchadonazar,* 1.1 or Nebuchadnezzar, was the Son of Nebuchadonazar, or Nabopolaser of Ba∣bylon, who was made General of the Army by Saraco, King of Assyria, and Chaldea, af∣ter whose death Nabopolaser took into his hands the Kingdom of Chaldaea, which he held by the space of one and twenty years; At the same time Astyages was made Governour of Media by Cyaxares his Father; and the better to strengthen themselves, they entred into Affinity, by Astyages his giving his Daughter Amytis to Nebuchadnezzar, the Son of Nabopolaser, and thereupon joyning their Forces together,* 1.2 they took Ni∣nive, together with Saraco, the King thereof, placing a Vice-Roy in his stead.

Shortly after, the Governour of Coelosyria, and Poenicia, revolting from Nabopolaser, he sent against him his Son Nebuchadnezzar (having first associated him with him∣self in the Kingdom of Babylon) with a great Army,* 1.3 which was in the latter end of the third, and the beginning of the fourth year of Jehoiakim, King of Juda; as appears Dan. 1. 1. compared with Jer. 25. 1.

Nebuchadnezzar was no sooner thus associated with his Father in the Kingdom, but the things which he was to act,* 1.4 were presently revealed to the Prophet Jeremy; the first whereof was the overthrow of the Egyptians; First at the River Euphrates; then in their own Country, Jer. 46. The first of these came to pass presently, Pharao Neco's Forces, which he left at Carchemish, being cut off by Nebuchadnezzar in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, Jer. 46. 2. The second was not till after the taking of Tyre, in the se∣venteenth year of the Captivity of Jechonia. Ezek. 29. 17, 18, 19.

In the third year of Jehoiakim,* 1.5 Nebuchadnezzar the se∣cond, his Father being yet alive, entred Judaea with a great Army, who, besieging, and forcing Jerusalem, made Jehoia∣kim his Vassal, in despight of Pharaoh Necho, who had made him King, and took with him to Babylon, for Pledges, Daniel, who was yet a child, with Ananias, Misael, and Azarias. He took also part of the Treasures belonging to the Temple; but stayed not to search thorowly for all. For Necho hasted with his Army to the relief of Jehoiakim, hoping to find Nebuchadnezzar in Judaea. But this great Babylonian had no mind to hazard himself and his Army against the Egyptian, Judaea being so ill affected towards him, and himself far from all succour; or sure place of retreat. If he had (as may be supposed) any great strength of Scythian Horsemen, it was wisely done of him to fall back out of that rough Mountanous, and hot Country, into places that were more even and temperate. And besides these reasons,* 1.6 the Death of his Father hap∣pening at the same time, gave him just occasion to re∣turn home, and take possession of his own Kingdom,

before he proceeded in the second care, of adding more unto it.

And this he did at reasonable good leasure. For the Egyptian was not provided to follow him so far, and to bid him Battel, until the new year came in, which was the fourth of Jehoiakim, the first of Nebuchadnezzar and the last of Necho. In this year the Babylonian, lying upon the Banks of Euphrates (his own Territories bounding it on the North-side) attended the coming of Necho:* 1.7 there, af∣ter a cruel Battel fought betwixt them, Necho was slain, and his Army forced to save it self by a violent retreat, where∣in it suffered great loss.

This Victory was so well pursued by Nebuchadnezzar that he recovered all Syria,* 1.8 and whatsoever the Egyptians held out of their proper Territories towards the North. The Egyptians being thus beaten, and altogether for the present discouraged, Jehoiakim held himself quiet, as being in heart a Friend to the Egyptians, yet having made his peace with the Chaldeans the year before, and Nebuchad∣nezzar was contented with such profit as he could there readily make: he had forborn to lay any Tribute upon the Jews.

But this cool reservedness of Jehoiakim, was, on both sides, taken in ill part. Whereupon the Egyptian King Psamnis, who succeeded Necho, began to think of restoring Jehoahaz (who had been taken prisoner by his Father, and carried into Egypt) and of setting him up, as a Domesti∣cal enemy against his ungrateful Brother. But to antici∣pate all such accidents, the Judean had put in practice the usual remedy, which his Fore-fathers used: For he had made his own Son Jechonia,* 1.9 King with him long before; in the second year of his own Raign, when the Boy was but eight years old. As for this rumor of Jehoa∣haz his return, the Prophet Jeremy foretold, that it should prove a vain attempt, saying, He shall not return thither, But he shall die in the place whither they have led him Captive, and shall see this Land no more. Jer. 12. 11, 12.

The Egyptians,* 1.10 having lost all their Mercenary Forces, and received that heavy blow at Carchemish, had more Gold than sharp Steel remaining, which is of small force without the others help. Besides, the Valour of Necho was not in Psamnis Apries, who, raigning after Psamnis, did indeed once adventure to shew his face in Syria; but after a big look, he was glad to retire, without adventu∣ring the hazard of a Battel. Wherefore this declining Na∣tion, fought only with brave words, telling such frivolous tales, as men that mean to do nothing, use, boasting of their former glorious acts against Josias, and Jehoahaz. And truly in such a time and case, it was easie for Je∣hoiakim to give them satisfaction, by letting them under∣stand the sincerity of his affections towards them, which appeared in time following.

But Nebuchadnezzar went more roundly to work:* 1.11 For he sent a peremptory message to Jehoiakim, requiring him not to stand upon any nice points, but presently to acknow∣ledge himself his Subject, and to pay him Tribute; Adding thereunto such terrible threatnings, as made the poor Judaean lay aside all thoughts of adhearing unto Pharaoh; and to yield to do, as the more powerful would have him.

Thus he continued in Obedience to Nebuchadnezzar three years; During which time the Prophet Jeremia, cry∣ed out against the impiety of the Jews, puting them in mind that he had now for three and twenty years exhort∣ed them to repentance; But because they had stopped their ears against him,* 1.12 and the rest of the Prophets, he now foretold that their Captivity was at hand, and that they should bear the yoak of Bondage for seventy years.* 1.13 The same calamity he threatned to all the Neighbouring Nations,* 1.14 to the Egyptians, Moabites, Ammonites, Idumae∣ans, and the rest; foretelling that they should all drink out of the Babylonian Cup the Wine of his fury, whom they had forsaken; and that after the seventy years should be ex∣pired, the Babylonians themselves should tast of the same Cup, and be utterly subverted by the Medes and Persians,

by which means the Jews should be permitted to return into their own Country,* 1.15 and Cities. The first imprison∣ment of the Prophet Jeremy seems to have been in the fourth year of this Jehoiakim, at which time, Baruch the Scribe, wrote all his Prophesies from his mouth, whom he sent to read them unto the People, and afterwards to the Princes, who presented them to the King: But fearing the Kings fury, they had first set Jeremy at liberty, and advised him, and Baruch, to hide themselves, Jeremiah 36. ••9, &c.

Jehoiakim having heard part of it read to him,* 1.16 and per∣ceiving the ill news contained therein, he made no more ado, but cut the Book in pieces, and cast it into the fire. All which, Jeremy caused to be new written, with this ad∣dition, that the dead Body of Jehoiakim, should be cast out, being exposed in the Day to the heat, and in the night to the frost, and that there should be none of his seed to sit upon the Throne of David.

Times thus runing on,* 1.17 Jehoiakim thought himself secure from all danger, as being Tributary to the Babylonian, and yet withall, well thought on by the Egyptian: About which time the mighty City of Tyre, opposed it self against Nebuchadnezzar: and upon just confidence of her own strength, despised all preparations that could be made against her. Now for as much as the tearm of seventy years was prescribed for the desolation, as well of Tyre, as of Jerusalem, and other places, and Countries, its ap∣parent that they that refer the winning of this City to the ninteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, have good ground and warrant for it. For the Siege thereof began in the seventh year of his Raign, and lasted thirteen years.

Here it will not be amiss to insert a brief note concern∣ing the beginning of this great Princes Rule; The third year of Jehoiakim, was the last of Nabul••sser, who being freed from other cares, and businesses, took notice of such as had revolted from him to Pharaoh Necho, and sent this Noble Prince▪ his Son, with an Army into Syria to reclaim

them. In this expedition was Daniel carried to Babylon, who therefore makes mention of it, Dan. 1. 1. The year next following, being the fourth of Jehoiakim, was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, which Jeremy affirmeth in express words, Jer. 25. 1. And from this we must reckon all his time, and actions which follow to be spoken of. In his three and twentieth year he conquered Egypt, and then began his great Empire, there being none lest that durst offend, or oppose him. The second from this year it was wherein Daniel saw that vision of the Image consisting of sundry mettals, which prefigured the succession of great Kingdoms, that should Rule the World before the coming of Christ. But to return to the Siege of Tyre, which began in the seventh year of his Raign.

The Stately City of Tyre covered all the ground of an Island,* 1.18 that was divided from the Continent, by a deep, and broad Channel of the Sea. The Chaldaeans had no Fleet of Ships, neither were they Seamen: the Tyrians ex∣celled all other Nations in multitude of goodly Ships, and skill to use them: and every Wind, from one part or other, brought in all needfull provisions to the City: Wherefore neither force, nor Famine could greatly hurt the place; whereof nevertheless, the Judgements of God (denounced against it by Isay,* 1.19 Jeremy, and Ese∣kiel) had threatened the destruction;* 1.20 and the obstinate resolution of Nebuchadnezzar had fully determined to ac∣complish it.* 1.21

This haughty King, impatient of resistance, undertook a vast piece of Work,* 1.22 which was, to fill up that part of the Sea which divided the Island from the continent. The City of old Tyre, that stood opposite to the New, upon the firm Land, and the Mountain of Libanus near adjoyning, that was loaden with stately Cedars, and abundance of other Trees, furnished him with materials to effect it. Thirteen years were spent in this difficult, and hopeless un∣dertaking, which need not seem strange, if we consider, that Alexander, working upon that foundation which was remaining of Nebuchadnezzars Peer, and being withall,

assisted with a strong Fleet, was yet seven moneths ere he could make way into the City. Wherefore, if the raging of the Sea was able to carry away that wherewith Alexander laboured to cover a Shelve, with much more violence could it overturn, and as it were, consume the work of Nebuchadnezzar: who laid his foundation in the bottom of the deep; Striving, as it were, to fill the empty Belly of this greedy Cormorant, whereas the Ma∣cedonian did only stop the throat of it. All may know that God could easily have accomplished his own threatnings against this place (though it had not pleased him to use, either a Miracle, or such of his more immediate Engins, as are Earthquakes, &c.) by making at least, the Seas calm, and adding the favourable concurrence of all se∣cond helps. But so it pleaseth him oft times, in chastising the Pride of man, to use the hand of man, even the hand of man, striving, as it may seem, against all resistance of nature, and providence. So that by this excessive la∣bour of the Chaldeans, that Scripture was fulfilled, that every Head should be made bald, and every Shoulder should be made bare, Esek. 29. 18. Yet would not Nebuchadnezzar give over till he was master of the Town.

When he was entred upon this desperate undertaking, whether it were by some losses received, or some Mutany in his Army, or some glorious rumour of the Egyptians strength, his evil willers took courage to rebell against him; and amongst them, Jehoiakim, renounced his sub∣jection, and began to hope for the contrary which soon after fell out. For Nebuchadnezzar gave him no leasure to do much hurt: But with part of his Army, he marched strait into Judea;* 1.23 where the amazed King made so little resistance (the Egyptians having left him, as it were in a dream) that Nebuchadnezzar entred Jerusalem, laid hands on Jehoiakim,* 1.24 whom at first he bound, intending to send him to Babylon, but his mind changing, he caused him to be slain in that place, and gave him the Burial of an Ass, to be devoured by Beasts, and ravinous Birds, according to the former Prophesie; Leaving in his place his Son, Jehoia∣kim,

or Jeconia;* 1.25 whom yet after three moneths, and ten days, he deposed, and sent him Pisoner to Babylon, to∣gether with Esekiel, Mordecay, and Josedech, the High Priest.

The Mother of Jeconias,* 1.26 together with his Servants, Eunuches,* 1.27 and all the ablest men, and best Artificers in the Land, were also then carried away Captives. This Je∣chonias,* 1.28 following the Counsel of the Prophet Jeremy, made no resistance,* 1.29 but submitted himself to the Kings will, wherein he both pleased God, and did that which was most profitable for himself,* 1.30 though at the present it might seem otherwise, to such as considered the evil that befell him, rather than the greater evill that he thereby avoided. This only particular act of his is recorded in Scri∣ture which was good: But it seems that he was at least a partaker in his Fathers sins, if not a provoker, which was y^e cause, that though he submitted himself to Gods will, yet did he not preserve his estate: For so it is said, That he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his Father had done. In his stead, Nebuchadnezzar set up Mattania, his Uncle,* 1.31 making him King of Judea, and called him Zede∣chias. For like as Necho, King of Egypt, had formerly dis∣placed Jehoahaz, after he had slain his Father Josias, and set up Jehoiachim,* 1.32 the Son by another Mother: So Nebuchad∣nezzar slew Jehoiakim,* 1.33 who depended on the Egyptians, and, carrying his Son Jeconias Prisoner to Babylon, he gave the Kingdom to this Zedechias, who was whole Brother to that Jehoahaz, whom Necho took with him into Egypt, and from Zedechias he required an Oath for his loyalty, and faithfull subjection, which Zedechias gave him, and cal∣led the living God to witness in the same, that he would remain assured to the Kings of Chaldea, 2 Chron. 36. 13. Esek. 17. 13, 14, 18.

In the first year of Zedechias,* 1.34 Jeremy saw, and expound∣ed the vision of the ripe, and rotten Figs, the one signifying those that were already carried away Captives, the other signifying those Jews that yet remained, and were after∣wards destroyed, Jer. 29. 17.

In the fourth year of Zedechias,* 1.35 Jeremy wrote in a Book all the evil which should fall upon Babylon, which Book, or Roul he gave to Seriah, when he went with King Ze∣dechias to Babylon, to visit Nebuchadnezzar, willing him first to read it to the Captive Jews, and then to binde a stone to it, and cast it into Euphrates, pronouncing these words;* 1.36 Thus shall Babel be drowned, and shall not rise from the evil which I will bring upon her. This journey of Zede∣chias to Babylon is probably thought to be in way of a vi∣sit,* 1.37 and to carry some presents to Nebuchadnezzar; But yet its likely he had some suit to make, which his Lordly Master refused to grant, and sent him away discontented. For at his return, all the bordering Princes sent Messen∣gers to him, inciting him (as it seems) to those unquiet courses from which the Prophet Jeremy dehorted both him,* 1.38 and them. About which time the Prophet, by Gods appointment, made bonds, and yokes, one of which he wore about his own neck, others he sent unto the five Kings, of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Zidon, by those Messengers which came to visit Zedechias, making them know, that if they, and the King of Juda continued in sub∣jection, to Babylon, they should then possess, and enjoy their own Countries; If not, they should assuredly perish by the Sword, by Famine and by Pestilence.

He also foretold them that those Vessels which yet remained in Jerusalem, should be carried after the o∣ther to Babylon, yet at length should be restored again.

The same year Ananias,* 1.39 the false Prophet, took off the Woodden yoke which Jeremy did wear, as a sign of the Captivity of the Jews, and brake it: Vaunting, that in like manner after two years,* 1.40 God would break the strength of Babel, and the yoke which he laid on all Nations: and that he would restore Jeconias and all the Jews, with the Vessels, and Riches of the Temple, and put an end to all these troubles. But Jeremy instead of his Woodden Yoke, wore a Coller of Iron; and in sign that Ananias had gi∣ven a false, and deceitfull hope to the People, he foretold the Death of this false Prophet,* 1.41 which accordingly came to pass in the seventh Moneth.

After this,* 1.42 when Zedechias had wavered long between Faith, and Passion, in the eight year of his Raign, he pra∣cticed more seriously against Nebuchadnezzar with his Neighbours,* 1.43 the Edomites, Ammonites, Moabites, Tyrians, and others who were promised great aides by the Egypti∣ans, in confidence of whose assistance he resolved to shake off the Babylonian Yoke; whereof when Nebuchadnezzar was informed, he marched with his Army in the dead of Winter,* 1.44 towards Jerusalem, and besieged it. Jeremy per∣swaded Zedekias to render the City, and himself to him: But Zedechias, being confident of help from Egypt, and be∣ing perswaded by his Princes, and false Prophets, that it was impossible that the Kingdom of Judah should be extirpated untill the coming of Shilo, according to Jacobs Prophesie, Gen. 49. 10. he dispised the counsell of Jeremy,* 1.45 and impri∣soned him. For Jeremy had told the King that the City should be taken and burnt; that the King should not escape, but be taken Prisoner, and brought to the presence of Nebuchadnezzar: That he should not perish by the Sword, but being carried to Babel, should there die a naturall Death.

The following year,* 1.46 Jerusalem was surrounded, and more strictly besieged by Nebuchadnezzars Army;* 1.47 where∣upon the King of Egypt, Pharaoh Hophra, entred into Ju∣dea with his Army, to succour Zedekias, of whose revolt he had been the principall Authour.* 1.48 But Jeremy gave the Jews faithfull counsel, willing them not to have any trust in the succours of Egypt: for he assured them that they should return back again, and in no sort relieve them. And it fell out accordingly. For when the Chaldeans re∣moved from Jerusalem to encounter the Egyptians, these bragging Patrones abandoned their enterprise, and taking Gaza, in their way homewards, returned into Egypt as if they had already done enough, leaving the poor People in Jerusalem to their destinied miseries, Jer. 34. 11, 22.

In the mean while the Jews, who in the time of their extremity,* 1.49 had released their Hebrew Bondmen, and Bond∣women, according to the Law, in the year of Jubile, and

made them free, thereby to encourage them to fight, did now upon the breaking up of the Chaldean Army, repent of what they had done, and thinking that all danger had been past, they held them by force to their former slavery. But the Caldeans being returned to the Siege, the Prophet Jeremy,* 1.50 when the State of Jerusalem began now to grow to extremity, counselled Zedekias, to render himself to the Babylonians,* 1.51 assuring him of his own Life, and of the safe∣ty of the City if he would do so. But his obstinate heart led him on to that wretched end, which, his neglect of God, and his Infidelity, and Perjury had provided for him.

Three and twenty Moneths the Chaldean Army lay be∣fore Jerusalem,* 1.52 and held it exceeding straitly besieged; For they built Forts against it round about, 2 King. 25. 1. or, they surrounded the City with Woodden Towers, so as the Besieged could neither Sally out, nor receive into the City any supplies of men or Victuals.* 1.53 Josephus saith, that they overtopped the Walls with their high Towers which they erected upon Mounts, from which, with their Engines they did so beat upon the Walls, that the desendants were forced to forsake their stations. And though the Besieged also raised Counter-Buildings, like unto these, yet the Great Nebuchadnezzar, who Commanded all the Regi∣ons thereabouts, & had the Woods, and Rivers at his com∣mand, found out means to disappoint & overthrow all the Citizens endeavours, and to beat down their Towers as fast as they raised them. For his own works were guarded by the Walls of Jerusalem, whereas theirs within lay open to his Batteries. Besides, both Famine, and Pestilence (which commonly accompany men straitly besieged) grew fast upon them, whereby, when the number, strength and courage of the Jews failed,* 1.54 the Caldeans made a breach, and forcing an entry, their Princes did seat themselves as Lords of the Town, in the middle Gate, 2 King. 26. 2, 3, 4. Jer. 39. 2, 3. & 52. 5, &c.

Zedechias,* 1.55 beholding this uncomfortable sight, and find∣ing no other means to escape the present danger, lost both his Courage, and his Hope at once, and shifted himself, to∣gether

with his Wives, Children, Princes, and principall Servants, out of the City, by a way under-ground, leaving his amazed, and now headless Subjects to the merciless Swords of their enraged enemies. Thus he, who when the Prophet Jeremy perswaded him to render himself, dispi∣sed both the Counsel of God, and the Army and force of Nebuchadnezzar, used now the remedy which one calls, A wofull, shamefull, and unfortunate shift.

By this secret subterranean Vault, Zedechias stole away, & by the help of the dark night, recovered the plains, or de∣sarts of Jericho. But by reason of the train that followed him and his (every one leading with him those whom he loved best) he was easily traced and pursued. How great soever the company was that attended him, yet certain it is, that they, on whose fidelity he most relied, no sooner be∣held the Caldeans to draw neer, but they all abandoned his defence, and shifted for themselves in the Desarts, as they could. For whom God had forsaken, no man regarded. And thus Zedechias was taken by the Ministers of Gods ven∣geance, and being made a Prisoner, together with his Chil∣dren, and Princes, he was carried to Riblah, in the Tribe of Nephthalim, where Nebuchadnezzar then lay, as a place in∣different between Jerusalem and Tyre, with both which pla∣ces he had at one time to do.

Now when Nebuchadnezzar had laid before Zedechias the many Graces and Favours which he had conferred up∣on him,* 1.56 together with the notable falshood and perjury wherewith he had requited him,* 1.57 he commanded his Chil∣dren,* 1.58 Princes, and Friends to be slain before his face. This be∣ing done, to y^e and y^t so lamentable a spectacle should be the last,* 1.59 that ever he should behold in this world, he caused his eyes to be put out, and so carried him like a Slave to Babylon, where he consumed the rest of his life in perpetual imprisonment. Herein was that marvellous Prophesie of Esekiel fulfilled: I will bring him to Babylon, and he shall not see it, Esek. 12. 13.

Thus in the eleventh, and last year of Zedechias, which was the eighteenth of Nebuchadnezzar, the Chaldeans entred

Jerusalem by force, where sparing neither Sex nor Age, they put all to the Sword that they found therein.

In the year next following,* 1.60 Nebuzaradan, the Generall of the Babylonish Army, burnt the Kings Pallace, and the whole City of Jerusalem,* 1.61 and after the fire had lasted from the seventh to the tenth Day,* 1.62 he also burnt the Temple of God to the ground, the richest and most Magnificent place that ever the Sun saw, when it had stood four hundred thirty, and one years.

After this upon a second search,* 1.63 Nebuzaradan (not yet satiated with blood) commanded seventy and two others to be slain,* 1.64 which had hidden themselves from the first sury, to wit, the chief, and the second Priest, two Com∣manders of Zedechias his men of war,* 1.65 five of his houshold Servants,* 1.66 and some others, carrying away to Babylon the ablest of the People through all Judea, and leaving the poorest labouring people, with some that followed the par∣ty of Nebuchadnezzar, to till the Ground, over whom he placed Gedaliah,* 1.67 the Nephew of that Saphan, whom Josias had formerly imployed in the Reformation of Religion.* 1.68 This Gedaliah, a Jew by Nation, left Zedechias, as it seem∣eth, in the beginning of the War, and by Jeremies desire to live with him, its probable that had embraced the same advice, which the Prophet gave to Zedechias, which was, to submit himself to the Babylonian King, who being or∣dained of God for them, as an instrument of his Justice, was, therefore irresistable.

The Prophet Jeremy being left to his own choise to live where he pleaced,* 1.69 made choise to go to Gedaliah, to whom he was commended by Nebuzaradan, and he, not onely in∣tertained him kindly,* 1.70 but comforted him, and all the other Jews that were left under his charge, promising them fa∣vour, and liberty, so long as they remained obedient Sub∣jects to Nebuchadnezzar by whom he was established Pro∣vinciall Governour over his own Nation.

But ere the year was exspired, a Prince of the late Kings Family (who during the Siege of Jerusalem had sheltered himself from the storm, with Baalis, King of the Am∣monites)

being attended by ten other chosen men, whilst Gedaliah feasted them in Mitspah,* 1.71 the City of his resi∣dence, they trayterously slew him, together with divers Chaldeans and Jews that accompanied him.* 1.72 This done, they escaped,* 1.73 and in their way, encountring with eighty persons, repairing toward Gedaliah with persents, they slew most of them, and onely spared some, who promised to discover to them some Treasures that were hidden in the Fields during the War. They took with them also a Daughter of Zedechias committed to the care of Gedaliah by Nebuchadnezzar: This treachery of Ismael had been formerly discovered to Gedaliah by Johanan, one of the Captains of the few remaining Jews, but he would not be∣lieve it.

Judea being now without a Governour (for Ismael durst not take it upon him, but fled as fast as he could to the Ammonites) the residue of the Jews, fearing the revenge of the Chaldeans, resolved to fly into Egypt, and besought Jeremy to ask counsell of God for them,* 1.74 who returned an∣swer, that if they remained in Judea, God would provide for them, and shew them mercy; but if they sought to save themselves in Egypt,* 1.75 they should then undoubt∣edly perish. Notwithstanding which advice, the Jews held their determination, and despised the Oracle of God; and constraining Jeremy, and Baruch to accompany them, they went into Egypt,* 1.76 and by the permission of Pharao, they dwelt in Taphnes; where, when Jeremy often reproved them for their Idolatry, foretelling the destruction of themselves, and the Egyptians, he was, by these his own hard-hearted and ingratefull Country-men, stoned to Death, and by the Egyptians, who greatly reverenced him, buried neer the Sepulchre of their Kings, Jer. 42. & 43.

The nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzars Raign it was, when destroying utterly the great and mighty City of Jerusalem, he exceedingly enriched himself with the spoils of it, and the Temple, and by that dreadfull Example terrified all those that should dare to resist him. From that

time forward, he, to his three and twentieth year, laboured in the Conquest of those adjoyning Countries,* 1.77 which God had exposed unto his Sword, and commanded to wear his Yoke, namely, the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Tyrians, Sidonians, and Egyptians, though some of these were al∣ready become his followers, and served under him when Jerusalem was taken, and burnt. But the Tyrians, whose City was built upon an Island, and therefore secure from the invasion of any Land-Army, and whose Fleet was so strong, that they needed not to fear any enemy at Sea, were neither daunred with the fall of their neighbour City, nor with the obstinate resolution of this mighty King imploy∣ing all his wit, and power to work their subversion.

That the City of Tyre was rather well pleased then any way discouraged with the destruction of Jerusalem, it ap∣peareth by the Words which Esekiel condemneth, as the common voyce of Tyrus, Esek. 26. 2. Aha! the Gate of the People is broken, it is turned unto me; For seeing she is desolate, I shall be replenished. Yet at length, that great work before mentioned, began to appear above Water, and so to threat∣en them with inevitable mischief.

Nebuchadnezzar still follows his work hard, notwith∣standing all discouragments, and in the thirteenth year of the Siege, and the nineteenth of his Raign, he had brought it to such perfection, that now the Citizens despaired of holding out against him; whereupon all the chiefest of them imbarked themselves, their Families, and Treasures in their Fleet,* 1.78 and escaped to the Isle of Cyprus, but the poorer sort were left to the fury of the enemy; who being enraged for being put to so much pains, slew with the Sword, not only such people of Tyre as dwelt on the Con∣tinent (who are called her Daughters in the Field) but the like execution was done in the streets, into which with excessive labour, the Chaldeans made way for his Horses, and Chariots. Thus Nebuchadnezzar made his Army serve a great service, against Tyrus, wherein every head was made bald, and every shoulder was made bare, yet had he no wages, nor his Army, Esek. 29. 18. but was fain to rest contented with the

Honour of having destroyed that City, which in all mens Judgements had been held invincible.

The destruction of these two Great, and powerfull Ci∣ties, having made the name of the Chaldeans dreadfull in the ears of all the Nations round about, Nebuchadnezzar used this advantage of that reputation which he had ob∣tained by his victories already gotten, to the getting of more, and more profitable, with less pains. The Kingdom of Egypt was the mark which he chiefly aimed at. A Country so abounding in Riches and pleasures, that it might well have tempted any Pri••ce, finding himself strong enough, to pick occasion of quarrell against it. Be∣sides, it was so far an enemy to the Crown of Babylon, that, had it been far poorer, yet it must have been subdued, or the Conquest of Syria could not have been secured.

Yet was it needfull, that before he entred upon this busi∣ness, the Countries adjacent should be reduced into such tearms, that either they should wholly stand at his devo∣tion, or at least, be able not to work him any displeasure. And herein the Decree of God concurred (as in all prosperous enterprises) with reason of State. For the people of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and other adjoyning Regions, whom God for their sins had condemned to fall under the Babylonian Yoke, were such, as regarding onely their own gain, had, some of them, like Ravens, followed the Chaldean Army, to feed upon the carcasses that fell by the cruelty thereof. Others taking advantage of their neighbours miseries, occupied the Countries, which, by his Victories, belonged to Nebu∣chadnezzar, all of them thinking, that when the Babylonian had satisfied his fury, he would be forced to forsake those desolated Countries, and leave the possession of them to those who could first seize upon them. Particularly, the Edomites,* 1.79 and Philistines, had shewed much malice against the Jews when their City was taken, Esek. 25. 12, 15. Whe∣ther they had done any good service to the Chaldeans, it appears not; if they did any, its like to have been in refer∣ence to their own advantage, wherein yet they were de∣ceived.

The Ammonites were not contented to rejoyce onely at the fall of Jerusalem, but presently they entred up∣on the Country of God, and took possession of it, as if, not the Chaldeans, but they had subdued Israel, Esek. 25. 3. Jer. 49. 1. Neither can it be imagined what other design Baalis, King of the Ammonites had, when he sent Ismael, a Prince of the Blood of Judah, to murther Gedalia, whom the King of Babel had made Governour over those that re∣mained in Israel, and to carry Captive into the Ammonites Country, the People that abode in Mizpah, than a desire of entanglng Nebuchadnezzar with so many labours at once, as should force him to retire into his own Country, and abandon those wasted Lands, to himself, and others, for whom they lay conveniently. Such, or the like Policy, the Moabjtes also did exercise, whose Pride, and Wrath were made frustrate by God, and their dissimulation condemned, as not doing aright, Jer. 40. 14. & 41. 2. & 10. & 28, 27, &c.

All these Nations had the Art of ravening,* 1.80 which is familiar to such as either live in, or that border upon De∣sarts; and now the time ministred occasion to them to shew the uttermost cunning of their Thievish wits. But Nebuchadnezzar made void all their devices by sharp, and sudden War upon them, overwhelming them with un∣expected ruine, as it were in one night, according to the Prophesies of Isay,* 1.81 Jeremy, and Esekiel, who all foretold, with little difference of Words, the greatness, and swiftness of the misery that should come upon them. It appears not with which of them he first began; but it seems that Moab was the last that felt his heavy hand: For so, many interpret that Prophesie of Isay, threatning Moab with de∣struction after three years, as having reference to the third year following the destruction of Jerusalem: the next year after it, being spent in the Egyptian expedition. This is evi∣dent that all the principal Towns in these Countries were burnt, and the people either slain, or made captives, few excepted, who saved themselves by flight, and had not the courage to return to their habitations too hastily, much

less to attempt any thing against Nebuchadnezzar: but lived as miserable out laws, untill the end of the seventy years which God had appointed for the desolation of their Coun∣tries, as well as of the Land of Judaea.

When by a long course of Victory Nebuchadnezzar had brought into Subjection all the Nations of Syria,* 1.82 and the bordering Arabians in such wise, as that no enemy to him∣self, or Friend to the Egyptian, was left at his back, that might either impede his proceedings, or take advantage of any misfortune that might befall him; then did he forthwith apply himself to the Conquest of Egypt, upon which those other Nations had formerly been dependants. Of this expedition, and the Victorious issue thereof, the three great Prophets, Isay, Jeremy, and Esekiel have written so plainly, that its altogether needless to seek after any other authority to confirm the same. Long before it was prophesied by Isay, that the King of Assyria, or Babylon, should lead away the Egyptians Prisoners, and the Ethi∣opians Captives, young, and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered to the shame of Egypt, Isa. 20. 4.

But Esekiel, and Jeremy, as their prophesies were neerer to the time of execution, so they handled this Argu∣ment more plainly, and precisely. For Esekiel tells us cleerly, that Egypt should be given to Nebuchadnezzar as wages for his great service which he had done against Tyre, Esek. 29. 18, 19, 20. He recounteth also in particu∣lar all the chief Citys in Egypt, saying, that these by name should be destroyed, and go into Captivity: yea, and that Pharaoh, and all his Army should be slain by the Sword, Esek. 30. 4, 10, &c. Chap. 32, 2, &c. And the Prophet Je∣remy, saith thus, Behold I will visit the common people of Noe, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their Gods and their Kings, even Pharaoh and all that trust in him; and I will deliver them into the hands of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezar King of Babel, and into the hands of his Servants, Jer. 46. 25, 26. Josephus accordingly saith, that Nebuchadnezzar in the three and twentieth year of his

Raign, and in the fifteenth year after the destruction of Je∣rusalem,* 1.83 did Conquer Egypt, and kill the King thereof, ap∣pointing a Vice-Roy to Govern it. And it is evident that his Victories which followed his Conquest of Syria, were such as did more enlarge his Dominions, than all his for∣mer Wars had done. For Esekiel in his 30^th Chapter rec∣koneth up (besides the whole Country of Egypt) Phut, and Lud, with other Nations that may seem to have reached as far as into Mauritania, which were conquered by him, and added to his Empire. And truly it is worth observation how Pharaoh, King of Egypt was infatuated by God, who thought himself most safe in his own Country by reason of the well-defenced situation thereof, and therefore very un∣wisely suffered his enemies to make a cleer way to his own doors by the Conquest of all his Friends, and Allyes in Sy∣ria. For as the labour of this business did more harden then weary the Chaldean Army,* 1.84 so the confidence, and vain se∣curity of the Egyptians, relying upon the difficulty of the passages which the enemy was to make through the Ara∣bian Desarts, and the great advantage which the River Ni∣lus afforded, did little avail them, when the War came on; Yea, it did much astonish them (as may justly be thought) in the time of execution. It being usually seen, that the hearts of men fail, when those helps deceive them, in which they bad re∣posed more confidence than in their own Virtue, and Valour.

Untill this time the Kingdom of Egypt had flourished un∣der the Rule and Government of the Pharaohs for above the space of one thousand, four hundred, and eighty years. But from this time forward, it remained forty years with∣out a King under the subjection of the Babylonians; and then at length it began to recover by little and little the former greatness: Yet so, that it was never dreadfull unto others as it had been, God having said of that people; At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the People whi∣ther they were scattered;* 1.85 and I will bring again the Captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation, and they shall be yet a base▪ King∣dom▪ It shall be the basest of the Kingdoms, neither shall it exalt

it self any more above the Nations; F•••• I will diminish them that they shall no more rule over the Nations, and it shall be no more the confidence of the House of Israel, Esek. 29▪ 13, 14, 15, 16. For whereas it had been said of Pharaoh, I am the Son of the wise, the Son of ancient Kings, Isa. 19. 11. and whereas they had Vaunted, the River is mine, and I have made it, Esek. 29. 9. The Princes of Egypt, now became fools, the River failed them, the King himself was now taken and slain, and that anci∣ent Linage was quite extinguished.

Of any Wars made by Nebuchadnezzar after such time as he returned from the Conquest of Egypt,* 1.86 we read not, except that against Ninive, the destruction whereof was forefold by the Prophet. Ninive indeed had been taken long before by Merodoch, and together with the rest of As∣syria, made subject to Babylon. Yet was it left under a pe∣culiar King, who rebelling against Nebuchadnezzar, as Je∣hoiachim, and Zedechias, Tributary Kings of Judah, had done, was made partaker also of the same ruine. That the destruction of Ninive followed the Conquest of E∣gypt, is clear by the comparison which Nahum the Prophet made between this City that was to fall, and the City of Noe in Egypt which was fallen already; Nahum 3. 8, &c. Art thou better than populous Noe, that was situate amongst the Rivers, that had the waters round about it; whose Rampire was the Sea, and her wall was from the Sea. Ethiopia, and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite: Put, and Lubin were her helpers. Yet was she carried away, she went into Captivity; Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains. Thou also shalt be drunken; thou shalt be hid; thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy, &c.

This Great Monarch, having thus spent his younger days in inlarging his Dominions, he betook himself to rest, that he might reap the fruit of his former labours; and the first thing that he applyed himself to, was to beautifie his Imperiall City of Babylon,* 1.87 adding a new City to the Old, which he compassed about with three

Walls, and made in them stately Gates. And neer the for∣mer Pallace he built a New one, more stately than it, wherein he raised stone-works, like unto Mountains, which he planted with all manner of Trees. He made also Pensile Gardens (one of the Worlds wonders) born upon Arches,* 1.88 foursquare, each square being four hundred Foot long, filled above with Earth, where∣on grew all sorts of Trees, and Plants. The Arches were built one above another in a convenient▪ heigth, still increasing as they ascended. The highest, which did bear the Walls on the top, were fifty Cubits high, so that they equalized the highest Mountains. He made also Aquae∣ducts for the watering of this Garden, which seemed to hang in the air. This most sumptuous frame, which out∣lasted all the remainder of the Assyrian, and all the Persian Empire, is said to have been reared and finished in fifteen Days.* 1.89 He erected also an Image of Gold in the Plain of Dura, sixty Cubits high, and six broad, commanding all his Servants, and Subjects to fall down and Worship it, Dan. 3. 1, &c.

But of all this, and other his Magnficence, we find little else recorded, save that which indeed is most profitable for us to consider, to wit, his overvalewing of his own greatness, which abased him to a condition inferior to the poorest of men. For whereas God had honoured him, not only with many great, and glorious Victories, and much happiness in his own life; but with a rare discovery of things that were to come after him; yea, and had manifest∣ed the certainty of his Dreams, by the miraculous reducing of it into his Memory, and given him the interpretation thereof by the Prophet Daniel:* 1.90 He notwithstanding, be∣came so forgetfull of God whose wonderfull power he had seen,* 1.91 and acknowledged, that he caused that Golden Image to be set u••, and Worshipped, appointing a cruell Death for them that should dare to disobey him, which was utterly unlawfull, and repugnant to the Law of him that is King of Kings; And thus he who so lately had Worshipped Da∣niel, the servant of God, as if he had been God himself: now

commanded a Statue to be erected unto himself, wherein himself might be worshipped as God: From this impiety it pleased God to recall, and reclaim him, by the wonderful and miraculous delivery of those three blessed Saints,* 1.92 out of the fiery Furnace,* 1.93 who being thrown bound into the midst of it, for refusing to commit that abominable Ido∣latry, were preserved from all hurt of the fire, loosned from their Bonds, accompanied by an Angel, and at last called out by the King, and restored to their former ho∣nour.

Nebuchadnezzar being amazed at the Miracle,* 1.94 mad a Decre tending to the honour of God,* 1.95 whom by the erecti∣on of his Image, he had dishonoured. Yet was not this de∣votion so rooted in him, that it could bring forth fruit an∣swerable to his hasty zeal: Therefore was he forewarned of God in a Dream,* 1.96 of a terrible Judgement which hung over his Head, which Daniel expounding, withall counselled him to break off his sin by righteousness, and his iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor, that there might be a lengthening of his tranquillity, Dan. 4. 27. whence it seems, that injustice, and cruelty were his faults, for which he was thus threatened: But neither did the Dream, nor advice of Daniel so pre∣vail. For probably he believed it not, but looked upon it as an idle Dream; for that it seemed altogether unlikely that so great a Monarch should be driven from amongst men,* 1.97 yea, compelled to dwell with the Beasts of y^e Field, and made to eat Grass as y^e Oxen, this was altogether incredible in mans Judgement, and therefore giving so little heed to it, its no marvell that he had forgotten it by the years end.

One whole year was given to this haughty Prince wherein to repent, which respiting of the execution may seem to have bred in him forgetfulness of Gods sentence. For at the end of twelve Moneths as he was walking in his Royall Pallace in Babel, he was so overjoyed, and tran∣sported with a vain contemplation of his own seeming happiness, that without all fear of Gods heavy Judgement pronounced against him, he uttered these proud words: Is not this great Babylon that I have built for the house of the

Kingdom, by the might of my power, and for the Honour of my Majesty?

But his proud speeches were not fully ended, when a voice from Heaven told him, that his Kingdom was departed from him, &c. And the same hour the thing was fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar, and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as Oxen, and his Body was wet with the dew of Hea∣ven, till his hair was grown like Eagles Feathers, and his hails like Birds Claws, Dan. 4. 33, &c.

This his punishment was singular,* 1.98 and unexpected. For he ran amongst beasts in the fields, and woods, where for se∣ven years he lived, not only as a salvage man, but as a sal∣vage Beast: for a Beast he thought himself to be, & therefore fed himself in the same manner, and with the same food that Beasts do. Not that he was changed in his externall shape from a man to a Beast. For as S^t Jerome well expounds it, when he saith, vers. 34. that his understanding was re∣stored unto him, he shewed that he had not lost his Humane shape, but his understanding, being stricken with a Fren∣zy, or deep Melancholly, which made him think himself a Beast.

Seven years being expired,* 1.99 Nebuchadnezzar was restored both to his understanding, & to his Kingdom: and (saith he) I blessed the most High, and I praised, & honoured him that liveth for ever, whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, and his Kingdom is from Generation to Generation;* 1.100 And all the Inhabitants of the Earth are reputed as nothing, and he doth ac∣cording to his Will in the Army of Heaven, and amongst the In∣habitants of the Earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What dost thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the Glory of my Kingdom, mine honour, and bright∣ness returned unto me, and my Counsellers, and my Lords sought unto me, and I was established in my Kingdom, and excellent Majesty was added unto me. Now therefore I Nebuchadnez∣zar praise, and extoll, and honour the King of Heaven, all whose works are truth, and his way is Judgement, and those that walk in Pride he is able to abase, Dan. 4. 34, 35, 36, 37.

How long helived after this is uncertain, but all agree

that he raigned about twenty moneths copartner with his Father in the Kingdom, and about three and forty years by himself alone.

Whilst Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon raged in Judea,* 1.101 God prepared a worm, which in due time, should eat out this spreading Tree; by reason of the cry of his poor People which entred into his ears: According to that of the Psalmist, Psal. 137. 8, 9. O Daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed: Happy shall he be that rewardeth thee, as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. For in this very year was Cyrus, the Perso-Median born; whose Father was a Persian, and his Mother a Mede; of whom this very Nebuchadnezzar at the hour of his Death,* 1.102 uttered this Prophesie. There shall come a Persian Mule, who shall make use of your Devils, as his fellow-Souldiers, to bring you into Bondage. He calls Cyrus a Mule, because he was to be born of a Father and Mother of two divers Nations.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  His Pa∣rentage.
• * 1.2

  Ninive taken.
• * 1.3

  Nebuchad∣nezzar made King.
• * 1.4

  Prophe∣sies of him.
• * 1.5

  His first Action. He Con∣quers Jehoiakim.
• * 1.6

  His Fa∣thers death.
• * 1.7

  He Con∣quers Pharaoh Necho.
• * 1.8

  He Con∣quers Syria.
• * 1.9

  2 Chron. 36. 9.
• * 1.10

  The weak estate of the Egyp∣tians.
• * 1.11

  Nebuchad∣nezzar lays a Tri∣bute up∣on Jehoi∣akim.
• * 1.12

  The Cap∣tivity fore∣told.
• * 1.13

  Jer. 25. 15, &c.
• * 1.14

  Jer. 27.
• * 1.15

  Jer. 25. 12, &c. And their return. Jeremy imprison∣ed.
• * 1.16

  Jeheiakim burns the Roule.
• * 1.17

  Tyre re∣belleth a∣gainst Ne∣buchad∣nezzar.
• * 1.18

  Tyre be∣sieged.
• * 1.19

  Isay 23.
• * 1.20

  Jer. 25.
• * 1.21

  Esek. 26.
• * 1.22

  The dif∣ficulty of the work.
• * 1.23

  Jehoiakim rebels, and is taken, and slain.
• * 1.24

  Jer. 22. 18, 19. & 36. 30.
• * 1.25

  Jeconias made King: and imprison∣ed.
• * 1.26

  Jer. 29. 2.
• * 1.27

  2 Kin. 28. 8, 16.
• * 1.28

  2 Chron. 36. 10.
• * 1.29

  Jer. 24. 1. & 29. 1, 2.
• * 1.30

  Esek. 17. 12.
• * 1.31

  Zedekiah is made King.
• * 1.32

  Jer. 37. 1.
• * 1.33

  2 King. 24. 17.
• * 1.34

  Jer. 24. 2.
• * 1.35

  Babylons destructi∣on fore∣told.
• * 1.36

  Sundry Prophe∣sies of Jeremy.
• * 1.37

  Jer. 51. 59.
• * 1.38

  Jer. 27. 8.
• * 1.39

  Ananias a false Pro∣phet.
• * 1.40

  Jer. 28.
• * 1.41

  Jer. 28. 15.
• * 1.42

  Zedechias rebels.
• * 1.43

  Esek. 17. 15, 17.
• * 1.44

  Jerusalem besieged.
• * 1.45

  Jer. 32. & 34.
• * 1.46

  Jer. 44.
• * 1.47

  Egypt a broken staff.
• * 1.48

  Jer. 37. 3, 10.
• * 1.49

  Lev. 25. 39, 40, &c.
• * 1.50

  Jer. 34.
• * 1.51

  Jer. 39.
• * 1.52

  Jer. 39.
• * 1.53

  Jer. 39. 1. & 52. 4.
• * 1.54

  Jerusalem taken.
• * 1.55

  Zedechias flyes and is taken.
• * 1.56

  And car∣ried to Babylon.
• * 1.57

  Jer. 34. 3, &c.
• * 1.58

  2 King. 25▪ 4, 7.
• * 1.59

  Jer. 39. 4, 7 & 52. 7, 11.
• * 1.60

  2 King. 25. 8.
• * 1.61

  Jer. 52. 13. with 39. 8.
• * 1.62

  The Tem∣ple, and City burnt
• * 1.63

  2 King. 25. 18.
• * 1.64

  Jer. 39. 8, 9. & 52. 14, 23.
• * 1.65

  2 Chron. 36. 18, &c.
• * 1.66

  Poor Peo∣ple left under Ge∣daliah.
• * 1.67

  Jer. 39. 10.
• * 1.68

  Jer. 40. 16
• * 1.69

  Jeremy goes to them.
• * 1.70

  Jer. 40. 6.
• * 1.71

  Gedaliah slain.
• * 1.72

  Jer. 41. 2.
• * 1.73

  2 King. 25. 25.
• * 1.74

  Jeremy's counsel rejected.
• * 1.75

  Jer. 43.
• * 1.76

  He is car∣ried into Egypt, and stoned.
• * 1.77

  Nebuchad∣nezzar Conquers divers Nations.
• * 1.78

  Tyre is taken.
• * 1.79

  The Jews enemies threatned.
• * 1.80

  They are destroyed by Nebu∣chadnez∣zar.
• * 1.81

  Isa. 16. 14.
• * 1.82

  Egypt at∣tempted by Nebu∣chadnez∣zar.
• * 1.83

  Egypt con∣quered.
• * 1.84

  Carnall confiden∣ces.
• * 1.85

  Egypt ne∣ver reco∣vered its strength again.
• * 1.86

  Ninive de∣stroyed. See before
• * 1.87

  Babylon beautified
• * 1.88

  Pensile Gardens.
• * 1.89

  Nebuchad∣nezzars Golden Image.
• * 1.90

  D••n. 2. 31, &c.
• * 1.91

  His Pride.
• * 1.92

  A Miracle.
• * 1.93

  Dan. 3. 26, &c.
• * 1.94

  Dan. 3. 29.
• * 1.95

  He makes a Decree to Gods Honour.
• * 1.96

  His dream interpre∣ted.
• * 1.97

  He dwels with the Beasts.
• * 1.98

  His Bodi∣ly shape not chan∣ged.
• * 1.99

  He is re∣stored to his King∣dom.
• * 1.100

  And gives Glory to God.
• * 1.101

  Gods Ju¦stice
• * 1.102

  A Pro∣phesie.