This examination of the reign of Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon (605-562 BC) includes revised interpretations of the "Babylonian Chronicles" for his reign, especially for the years of the campaigns against the West and the capture of Jerusalem. Excavations at Babylon are used to give a view of the city in Neo-Babylonian times, including the royal Hanging Gardens and the Ziggurat. The varied literary genres current in this city of learning in the 6th century BC (including dreams and prophecies) and the role of hostages, exiles and prisoners of war are used to throw light on the life of the Jewish exiles there. An assessment of the character of Nebuchadrezzar as a military and political leader, religious devotee and legal administrator is attempted on the basis of textual evidence.

Classic scholarship brought up to date. An A - Z of Bible terms, place names, books, people and doctrine. Written by an international team of over 150 scholars, reflecting recent advances in research and scholarship. Maps, family trees, line drawings, diagrams and charts clarify and expand the text. An index gives ease of access to all significant data. The New Bible Dictionary has stood the test of time. It has long been recognized as an essential reference work, and it has been revised and improved for the Bible students of today. This Third Edition updates key articles, time charts and all bibliographies - revisions that reflect recent developmemnts in biblical studies. A vital tool freshly sharpened for contemporary use.