Page 109 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

Thus ended the brief two-year reign of Evil-Merodach, worthy son of his eminent
sire, Nebuchadnezzar. But there was consternation and uneasiness throughout the
realm as to who would succeed to the throne, especially when it became known that

by Nebuchadnezzar’s own provision, the succession was to pass from the royal family
and into the hands of Neriglissar, at least until the great king’s son-in-law should
attain the age of fifty. But all knew this to be the express behest of King
Nebuchadnezzar and there was no manifest opposition to it. The fear was widespread

that the good government which had generally characterized the reigns of
Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar and the brief reign of Avil-Marduk would come to
an end if it passed to other hands. The rapid deterioration that had been noted during
the days of Belgar and Nebuchadnezzar’s seven-year aberration was still fresh in the

minds of many.

‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧ ‧

It was only a short time after the elevation of Neriglissar to the throne, that it
became abundantly apparent that the fears and forebodings of the better-informed
citizens were well-founded. Neriglissar, though possessed of recognized ability, was

ambitious, egotistical, jealous and ruthless. Though he had never come out in open
opposition, he had surreptitiously connived with the priests of Bel in their resentment
at the widespread repudiation of the ancient Babylonian mysteries which centered
around the worship of Bel, and the large-scale turning in official circles and among

considerable portions of the people, to the monotheistic and image-less worship of
Jahveh, the God of the Hebrews, since Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration to power. Of
course this smouldering hatred for the God of Israel was shared by many of the older
Chaldean officials and aristocratic families, and the main objects of their wrath and

jealousy were the four Hebrew statesmen who were the main cause of the defection
from the former idolatry. It was only a month after his coronation that King
Neriglissar threw off the cloak of pretence of any friendship for the Prime Minister
and the other Hebrew cabinet ministers and ordered their immediate removal from

office together with all the other trusted officials of the Nebuchadnezzar regime, with
the exception of Nabunaid, the former monarch’s son-in-law who had succeeded to
Neriglissar’s former post as general of the army’s chief of staff. He feared a contrary

reaction both from the populace and the army if he removed him. Particularly did he
fear the army, among whom Nabunaid was regarded as a hero. Indeed the king
strained his own popularity to the limit by the summary dismissal of the tried and
proven public servants of the Nebuchadnezzar regime. The disapproval and dismay
occasioned by these acts he attempted to dissipate and assuage by a series of great

entertainment festivals extolling the exploits of the Babylonian deities and the glories
they had brought to the nation. Vast amounts of food, prizes and gifts were given away