0268. Belshazzar

Belshazzar

The story of Belshazzar takes on living interest as we get an understanding of the surroundings under which the tragedy of his last great feast and his untimely death occurred.

1. The city itself should be described. Babylon was a wonder of the day. Its walls which encircled the entire city were so thick and so high, that they were absolutely impregnable.

The city lay four square, about fifteen miles each way. The gates were of solid brass. The big temple in the center of the city, with its many towers, and the wonderful hanging gardens, were reckoned among the wonders of the world.

The river Euphrates ran directly through the city.

2. At the setting of our story, Cyrus was besieging the city with the hordes of the Medes and the Persians. Belshazzar had a plentiful supply of both water and food, and felt no fear for his safety.

However, Cyrus was, unknown to Belshazzar, working day and night, digging a new channel for the river, so that he might march his men into the city upon an emptied river bed. This feat was accomplished and the city fell on the night of Belshazzar’s feast.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR