Books Jesus Read

Chapter 4: Uncompromising Standards – Judith

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reach to Ragau. His allies joined him from the hill country, and from the settlements next to the Euphrates, Tigris, and Hydaspes rivers. Arioch, king of the Elymeans, also joined with him on the plain. Thus, the Chaldeans 2 were reinforced by many nations. Nebuchadnezzar also sent messengers throughout Persia and to the west: to those dwelling in Cilicia and Damascus, to Lebanon and Antilebanon, to those who dwelt on the coast, to Carmen and Gilead, to Upper Galilee and the great plain of Esdraelon; to the cities of Samaria, and those beyond the Jordan River, to Jerusalem and Bethany, Chelos and Kadesh; to the river of Egypt, to Tahpanhes and Raamses; to Goshen, including Tanis and Memphis, and indeed, to the entire land of Egypt as far as Ethiopia. Not one of these nations honored the summons of Nebuchadnezzar. Without fear of him, they refused to fight, turning away his messengers empty-handed and ashamed. Nebuchadnezzar, furious with their response, swore an oath on his very throne and kingdom to avenge himself on Cilicia, Damascus, and Syria. He swore to put to the sword all the people of Moab, Ammon, Judea, and Egypt, and everyone between the coasts of the two seas. Before exacting his revenge, Nebuchadnezzar led his forces against King Arphaxad and defeated him in battle. He overthrew his calvary and chariots, and took possession of his towns. When he came to Ecbatana, he captured its towers, plundered its markets, and turned its glory into disgrace. Capturing Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, he killed him by running him through with spears.

2 Chaldeans – the Assyrians; historically, the name refers to the Babylonians.