Archaeology - Proving the Truth of Scripture - Part 13

The Cylinders of Nabonidus

The Cylinders of Nabonidus are ancient clay inscriptions from the last king of Babylon, Nabonidus. They record parts of his reign, including a key detail that he spent long periods away from Babylon itself, living in the city of Tema, while still holding the official title of king. These records were not written to support the Bible, but they help clarify what Babylon was like in its final years.

These cylinders help explain the biblical account in Daniel 5. The Bible says that Belshazzar was ruling in Babylon on the night the city fell to the Medo-Persian Empire. The cylinders confirm that Belshazzar was a real ruler. In fact, he was coregent with His father Nabonidus. Critics once claimed this was an error, arguing that Nabonidus was the only king and that Belshazzar had no real role as a ruler. But the Cylinders of Nabonidus help explain the situation. They show that Nabonidus was frequently absent from Babylon for long periods of time. In that kind of arrangement, it is expected that someone else would govern the city in his place. That fits exactly with the Bible’s description of Belshazzar functioning as the ruling authority inside Babylon during its final night.

What once looked like a contradiction now forms a clear and consistent picture. Nabonidus remained the official king, while Belshazzar was coregent with his father Nabonidus. This also explains why Daniel could only rise to the 3d highest position in Babylon (Dan. 5:29).

Far from being in error, the book of Daniel reflects the real world of Babylon’s leadership. The Cylinders of Nabonidus did not create the biblical account, but they confirm the kind of kingdom the Bible described. What was once used as a criticism against Scripture now strengthens its historical credibility. Trust God’s Word!