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Bible: The Problem with Belshazzar

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The problem with Belshazzar is not so much about his lineage, but more on his history. Many historians, at first, doubt that he it is credible in the bible. However, his story is no longer up to debate. He is still known as a ruler that treated Jews as second class citizens, and a ruler that was too filled with pride.
All doubt of Belshazzar never existing was thrown away when the Nabonidus Cylinder was discovered in 1854. It is large clay, cylinder that originates from the city of Ur and founded by British archaeologist J.G. Taylor in its ruins. The cylinder has scriptures from Nabonidus himself praying to the moon-goddess Sin that his first-born son never fails the goddess. It is still not clear to many what relations Belshazzar has to Nebuchadnezzar, but all assumptions suggests that he is the maternal grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. (Unam Sanctam Catholicam) The statement that Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar shows that the historical data of the Biblical could be at fault. It is impossible to know for sure what Daniel 5 means when the text says "son"; it can mean descendant or grandson. The way, however, in which Nebuchadnezzar is referred to in Daniel 5 shows that the author could have had no knowledge of the two kings, but that he considered Nebuchadnezzar could be his father. The narrative of the fifth chapter follows directly on the chapters about Nebuchadnezzar, and begins with the statement that Belshazzar was the son of that king; and, furthermore, the we can

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