Bible Study as a Science (2)

Daniel 5:7 NKJV

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

English Standard Version Chapter 5

enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers

Enchanters, Chaldeans, & Astrologers

Interlinear

waw

Purple

Purple

Lexicon

4 Hebrew words

Aramaic () - 2 Chron 2:7

4 Hebrew words

Tola- worm in Ps 22:6

Chain of Gold

Customs

purple was the royal color in antiquity and that during the Persian period the gold chain could be worn only by persons of rank, was given by the king as a special compliment, and could be worn only if presented by the king.

3rd Ruler

Archaeology

At one time critics held that Daniel was clearly in error because no king by this name had ever been found. [The last king of Babylon was Nabonidus according to recorded history.] In 1854, J.E. Taylor discovered a clay cylinder in Ur of the Chaldees who Henry Rawlinson found was a time capsule with an inscription by Nabonidus, king of Babylon it was a prayer for good health and life for his son (firstborn) Bel sar usur. Also in a 'Nabonidus Cylinder' it referred to Belshazzar as the 'crown prince'.

1876 Henry Rawlinson discovered 2,000 cuneiform clay tablets with one containing accounts by Cyrus, king of Persia. Cyrus claimed to have taken Nabonidus prisoner. Also, on a certain night the king died. Records show Nabonidus lived as Cyrus’ prisoner for many years, so the death of the king must have been belshazzar. So Nabonidus had settled his son as regent of Babylon while he led his army to settle at Teima.

History

Date

539 (Oct 12)