King Nebuchadnezzar did not build Babylon into a world force of philosophical, cultural, and intellectual might by accident.  He was very intentional about his objectives.  A practice later adopted by Alexander the Great, refined by Nebuchadnezzar.  He ensured that the culture of Babylon was infused in to every nation he conquered, and set the highest standards for cultural refinement within his government.  This idea is one that every leader should understand, that excellence is the result of intentionality not happenstance.

We have a glimpse into Nebuchadnezzar’s standards in Daniel chapter one.  After invading the Nation of Judah the Babylonian issued the order that the best and brightest of the Jews be taken captive to Babylon and prepared for service in his government.    The famed bible commentator Matthew Henry explains that this was done for three reasons.  First of all he did this to use the young men as trophies of his conquest.  Secondly, he did this to use them as hostages by which to ensure the loyalty of their parents to his government. Thirdly, Nebuchadnezzar would benefit from the best of Israel for his governments longevity and success.

By Pastor Isaac De Los Santos