Daniel
By Peter Marshall McLewin
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At the end of the 7th century BC a major crisis was building between the superpowers of the ancient world. The Assyrian Empire was rapidly declining and the Chaldean Empire was on the rise. The Egyptian Pharaoh, Neco II, wanting to protect his interests, advanced to support the Assyrians and create vassal states of his own along the Mediterranean seaboard, known as the Levant. The clash between Nebuchadnezzar, Neco and the Judean King, Josiah, provides the historical setting for the events recorded in Daniel.
Josiah's Reign
Josiah inherited the throne of Judah while yet eight years old from his grandfather, King Manasseh. Manasseh, one of Judah's worst kings, had led the nation into spiritual decline. Josiah was protected by godly men as he matured. At sixteen he experienced a spiritual renewal that affected the whole nation (II Chronicles 34:3-8). At twenty he purged idolatry from the nation. At twenty-six he set about restoring the temple in Jerusalem. During this restoration a copy of the Law was found and read to the king. The nation was renewed spiritually as Josiah celebrated a lavish Passover (II Chronicles 35:18). Daniel was born and raised during this period of spiritual renewal. Josiah's good example encouraged Daniel to dedicate himself to God at an early age.
Nebuchadnezzar's Advance
Nebuchadnezzar's father, Nabopolassar, successfully rebelled against the Assyrian suzerainty over Babylon in 628 BC. The Chaldeans had arrived at their moment in history. In order to expand their empire they had to control the major trade routes from the east to the west. Four major strongholds had to be taken, beginning with the old Assyrian capital, Ashur. Assyrian cities fell like dominos. Ashur in 620, Nineveh in 612, Haran in 610... All that remained of the once mighty Assyrian Empire was Carchemish.
To know more about these strongholds click Here.
Neco's Gamble
The shift in the balance of powers in Mesopotamia made the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco II uneasy. The growing Chaldean menace threatened Egypt's security. Neco, in a bold move, decided to support the Assyrians against the Chaldean threat. In 609 Neco mobilized his troops to intercept the Chaldeans at Carchemish. To meet this challenge the Egyptian troops needed to march through Judah. Neco sent an envoy to Jerusalem requesting from King Josiah safe passage for his troops through the Megiddo Pass.
Josiah's Folly
Josiah refused to give Neco permission because he had formed an alliance with the Chaldeans and did not want to provoke them (II Chronicles 35:20-24). Josiah attempted to trap Neco in the Iyron Pass at Megiddo, but was mortally wounded by a stray arrow. Neco subjugated Judah, installed Jehoiakim as his vassal king, and imposed a tribute of silver and gold. Jeremiah mourned the passing of Josiah (II Chronicles 35:25, Jeremiah 25:10-12).
Crisis in Carchemish
The stage was now set for the ancient world's first superpower clash. Carchemish's location on the west bank of the Euphrates River guarded the most important crossing point for east-west trade. Whoever controlled Carchemish controlled the world's trade. Neco arrayed his soldiers and mercenary troops from Ethiopia, Libya (Put) and Lydia (Lud) at the end of Syria's northern plain (Jeremiah 46:9).
Nabopolassar, now in failing health, sent his son, the crown prince Nebuchadnezzar, to face the Egyptians. Neco's efforts were not enough. Nebuchadnezzar's forces overwhelmed the Egyptians who fled back to Egypt. Syria lay wide open to Nebuchadnezzar as city after city came under his control. Jerusalem sued for peace. Nebuchadnezzar looted the treasury of the temple and took seventy of Jerusalem's brightest sons as hostages to Babylon. The Kingdom of Judah was broken.
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This site is written and produced by Rev. Peter McLewin 2001, all rights reserved.