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Tag: Ezra

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

Mourning Rituals —

The ancient practice of bemoaning the human condition before God.

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The Bible is very consistent in its portrayal of ancient Israelite mourning. People grieving the loss of loved ones, tragedy in the community, offenses against God, devastating warfare, and the like are described as putting on sackcloth, tearing or rending their clothes, taking off shoes, sitting on dust and ashes,
King Nebuchadnezzar II —

What do we know about Babylon's most famous emperor?

King Nebuchadnezzar II —

What do we know about Babylon's most famous emperor?

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Nebuchadnezzar II, the crowned prince of Babylon and his father’s most trusted general, was in the midst of pursuing the Egyptians when he suddenly has to turn home to take over the throne. His father, King Nabopolassar, had died. Before his death, however, Nabopolassar had managed to establish an alliance
Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

Importance of Salt —

On the usefulness and harvesting of a precious ancient commodity.

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It is a commonly known truth in ancient Near Eastern studies that salt was an important staple of everyday life. Salt enhances the flavour of food increasing the enjoyment of the meal, and it had many other practical uses. Salt enabled the preservation of fish and other meats as well
Nebuchadnezzar II —

Brief bio on the most famous king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

Nebuchadnezzar II —

Brief bio on the most famous king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

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The Bible’s portrayal of the Neo-Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar is an interesting one. From the perspective of the people living in Judah and Jerusalem, he was a fearsome and war-savvy enemy to whom the prophets of God said they must bow, one way or the other. To the first wave of
The Cyrus Cylinder —

How this famous cylinder and ancient historians verify the rebuilding of Jerusalem

The Cyrus Cylinder —

How this famous cylinder and ancient historians verify the rebuilding of Jerusalem

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The fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire was finalized by the takeover of her capital city: Babylon. This takeover occurred in 539 BC by the Persian Empire and its unifying king, Cyrus the Great. The event is recorded in the Biblical Book of Daniel and by ancient historians: Herodotus (5th Century