MENE MENE TEKEL UPSHARSIN

Daniel Chapter 5 states that Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar. Actually he was his grandson. Outside the Bible there is no mention of him. His name is not recorded in secular history as one of the Babylonian Kings. Nebuchadnezzar was succeeded by his son Evil-Merodach. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law Neriglissar, who had Evil-Merodach assassinated.

During Neriglissar’s reign, the Babylonian Empire started to crumble. Neriglissar was forced to go to the battlefront, and his son, Belshazzar was made Co-Regent.Belshazzar’s responsibility was to take care of the affairs at home. But he was more interested in having a good time.
When Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem, he brought all the temple treasury to his palace at Babylon. Belshazzar held a fest, and served his guest with the golden cups from the temple treasury. At the party, they got all drunk, and committed immoral acts. They also sang the praises of the Babylonian gods.

All of the sudden a giant hand appeared, and started writing on the wall. Daniel 5:6 states that the loins of Belshazzar were loosed, and his knees knocked. In other words he wet his pants. No one could read the message on the wall. Belshazzar offered riches, and the office of Third Ruler to anyone who could translate the handwriting. But no one was able to do so.
The Queen (his mother) told him of Daniel. When Daniel appeared, he told the King that he wanted no rewards. He also reminded him of how Nebuchadnezzar had humbled himself before God, something that Belshazzar refused to do. In Daniel:25-28, the hand written message is recorded, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPSHARSIN."

MENE- Meant that God had numbered the days of Babylon and Belshazzar.
TEKEL-Belshazzar had been weighed on the scales, and was in want.
UPSHARSIN-Proclaimed that Babylon would be replaced by the Medes-Persian Empire.

After Daniel translated the message Belshazzar made him the Third Ruler. He brought him a scarlet robe, and a gold chain. But that night, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus of Persian invaded Babylon. Belshazzar was put to death.

Years earlier, Daniel had told Nebuchadnezzar that Babylon would be replaced by an empire that was ruled by two Kings. Daniel lived to see this prophecy. The siege of Babylon had also been prophesied by Jeremiah and Isaiah. Below are two passages that predict their destruction.
"And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible." Isaiah 13:11 (KJV). I have laid a snare for thee, thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the Lord." Jeremiah 50:24 (KJV).

No Candidate for Governor

At the moment the Shamgar Report is endorsing two candidates in 2006. Jim Holt for Lt. Governor, and Jim Lagrone for Secretary of State. However no candidates for Governor are being endorsed. Win Rockefeller is pro-choice, Asa Hutchinson supports Homeland
Security, and Mike Bebee is ultra-liberal.

Two other candidates have hopes to run, but the system is against them. Rod Bryan, who is a Musician and Business Owner,has plans to run as an Independent. Jim Ledall, Registered Nurse, and Former State Representative is seeking to be the Green Party Candidate. To run as an Independent or a Third Party Candidate is almost impossible in Arkansas. Ten thousand signatures must be signed in a very limited amount of time. Even if Bryan and Lendall obtain ballot access. The mainstream media will ignore them. I don't agree with their policies, but these two men deserve a fair shake. That's the American Way.

*****


Most of you know I am a wrestling fan, and report on it from time to time. At the moment one young man seems to have a very promising career. He is Caly Colon, who goes by the name Carlito, the son of Wrestling Legend Carlos Colon. Carlito made his first appearance on WWE Smackdown a year ago last May. To everyone surprise Colon defeated John Cena for the United States Championship. He held the title for one month loosing to Cena.

On June 20, 2205, Carlito was drafted to WWE RAW. Once again he won a title on his debut. Colon defeated Sheldon Benjamin for the Intercontinental Championship. At the moment he is playing the role of a villain, and doing is a wonderful job playing the part.

I predict that Carlito will one day win a World Title.

Lagrone for Secretary of State

Conservative Christians, in Arkansas, have a chance to support two great candidates in 2006. State Senator Jim Holt is running for Lt. Governor. Since Win Rockefeller is term limited, Holt has a great chance of winning. Baptist Minister Jim Lagrone will face Secretary of State Charlie Daniles, who is famous for his drunk driving. And to my amazement has never lost a race in his twenty year career. Lagrone faces an uphill battle,but I willvote and support him. He is a true Conservative.

The Conversion of Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar tells the fourth chapter of Daniel in first person. First he discovered that the God of Israel could interpret dreams. And with his own eyes, he witnessed that God could deliver life from the pit of death. But in this article, he will discover that the God of Israel is the only true God.

In verse 4, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. Once again his wise men and astrologers are unable to interpret his dream. Daniel was called as a last resort. Nebuchadnezzar told Daniel that he has dreamed about a great tree. It’s top touched the sky, it leaves were beautiful, and it provided food for everyone. Even the animals used it for shelter.

Afterwards, someone from heaven comes and commands the tree to be cut down. The stump was bound in brass and iron. Then the messenger states, "Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.(Daniel4:15 NIV)"


Daniel told the King that he was the tree, and the one who commands the tree to be cut down is God. The stump in the ground represents Nebuchadnezzar restored to power, once he submits to God’s authority. But Daniel advised the King that he could prevent the dream from being fulfilled. All he had to do was to submit his life to God.

One year later Nebuchadnezzar is admiring himself. "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as a royal residence, by the mighty power and for the glory of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30 NIV)"
Before the King finished his statement of self-gratification, he heard a voice from heaven. "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you will acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and give them to anyone he wishes. (Daniel 4:31-32)"

This command of God came upon Nebuchadnezzar at that moment. His hair became like eagle feathers, and his nails like bird claws. He was driven from the city, and lived like a wild animal When the time came for Nebuchadnezzar to be restored to his old self, he proclaimed God for who he was. " All the peoples of earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: What have you done? (Daniel 4:35 NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his throne, but now he was a King who humbled himself to God. He publicly announced God as the true Lord of all. However his successor never believed in God.

Babylon in Naga Uta

Micke ask that I post a Naga Uta Poem here on the Shamger Report. So this ones for you Micke.


Founded by Nimrod
Years after the mighty flood
He built a tower
Which would reach above the clouds
God confused their speech
But Babylon did survive
An empire emerged
Still God humbled their great king
A nation no more
The anti-christ will rebuild
But Chirst will return
This time as the King of Kings
Babylon will fall for good

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

In the third chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue that was ninety feet tall, on the plains of Dura. The King held a dedication ceremony that all the government officials were required to attend. When the royal orchestra would start to play, all the officials were to bow down, and worship the statue. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow, and were reported to the King. Nebuchadnezzar warned the three that would be thrown into a fiery furnace, if they continued to refuse. They still refused and the King’s heart was filled with anger. He ordered the furnace to be turned up. It was seven times hotter than usual. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were chained and thrown into the furnace. The fire was so hot that it consumed the guards, who cast them into the furnace. The King stood from a distant to watch the fire consume the Hebrew children. Then he saw someone who few witnessed in the Old Testament. He asked his aides, "Did we not throw three men into the furnace?" They told him this was so. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Lo I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the furnace and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.(Daniel 3:25 KJV)" After the three came out of the furnace, the King and all his men saw that the fire had not touched them. Even their hair and clothing was not singed. Nebuchadnezzar promoted the three and he issued a decree. It stated that if anyone who spoke against the God of Israel would be put to death. In a previous post Nebuchadnezzar discovered that God had the power to revel dreams. In this article he discovered that God had power over death and life. But God was still not finished with Nebuchadnezzar. One of the things that puzzle many is that Daniel was not present when his friends are thrown into the furnace. Most Scholars have concluded that Daniel was on a diplomatic mission as this time. It is possible that since he was Governor of Babylon, Daniel may have been required to do some traveling. One other thing worthy to mention is that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were some of those listed as the "Heroes of Faith," in Hebrews Chapter 11. They are not mentioned by name, but verse 34 states, "Quenched the violence of the fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to fight the armies of the aliens. (KJV)

Babylon and the Hebrew Children

When Jehoiakim was King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar made his first invasion into Jerusalem. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were some of the first Jews to be taken into captivity. Since Daniel and his friends were of the royal household, they were trained as palace administrators. The Prince of the Eunuchs served as their trainer and he gave them Babylonian names. Daniel’s name was changed to Belteshazzar. Hanniah’s was changed to Shadrach. Mishael was changed to Meshach, and Azariah to Abendego. In thebook of Daniel, Daniel’s friends are usually referred to by their Babylonian names. But Daniel continues to be called by his original name.

Nebuchadnezzar required that the administrators-in- training to eat the meat from his table. Some of the meat was forbidden by Jewish Laws to eat. Daniel makes an appeal to the Prince of Eunuchs. He requested that he and his three friends be given beans for the next ten days. At the end of the ten days, they appeared to be healthier than the others are. The Prince of Eunuch took away their portion of the King’s meat. The day came when all the trainees were presented to the King. Nebuchadnezzar favored Daniel and his friends immediately.

In the second chapter of Daniel, we find that Nebuchadnezzar was an unreasonable man. The King was troubled by a dream that had left his mind. The magicians and the wise men were called in to tell the King what he dreamed and then to interpret it. But they are unable to tell the King what he dreamed. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all the magicians and wise men be put to death. This time Daniel made an appeal to the Captain of the Guards. So the King gives Daniel an appointed time to revel the dream. The four Hebrew children turn to God for help.

One night as Daniel is asleep; God comes to him and revels the dream. Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed of a great statue made of various metals. The head was gold, the chest and arms were silver. The stomach and arms were made of brass. And the legs and feet was iron mixed with clay. A great stone destroys the statue. Daniel explains that the statue represent the Empires of the World. The head of gold was Babylon, and the other parts represented the Empires to come. The great stone is Christ, who will one day destroy the nations of the world, and set up his own kingdom.

Since Daniel’s interpretation, most of the statue has been reveled. Cyrus of Persia invaded Babylon. He and Darius of the Medes reigned jointly. So the chest and arms of silver are the Medes-Persian Empire. The brass stomach and thighs represented Greece. Alexander the Great conquered most of the Western World. And the legs of iron and clay represent Rome. Many Scholars believe that the ten toes are a confederation of ten nations. This Empire has yet to come. And we Christians wait for the day, when Jesus comes to rule the world.

Daniel was promoted to Governor of Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego were made Daniel’s personal assistants. Nebuchadnezzar now believed that the God of Israel had some powers. But God was not finished with him yet.

Babylon and the New Testament

Nothing is left of the once great Babylonian Empire. Today it remains a desolate land. It stands as a reminder of God’s wrath. Many Bible Scholars say that Babylon will return. The book of Revelations makes several references about Babylon.

In the days of the seven year tribulation, the Anti-Christ and Satan will become one. The Anti- Christ will become ruler of the entire world. Some believe that he will rebuild the city of Babylon, and it will serve as the world’s capital. Others believe that Babylon is a generic term, referring to the one world government. A few Scholars claim that the United States is the Economical Babylon, and Russia is the Military Babylon. Which of these theories are correct? Only God knows. All we know is that when God pours out his judgment upon the world, Babylon is named.

One set of God’s wrath is known as the seven vials (bowels). Before the vials are poured out, God sends three messengers to warn the world. The second messenger refers to Babylon. "And there followed another angel saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’(Revelation 14:8 KJV)
After the seventh vial has been poured out, Babylon is mentioned again. "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." (Revelation 16:19 KJV) These prophecies deal with the political powers of the future Babylon. Afterwards God destroys the religious realm of Babylon.

After God pours out the seven vials upon the earth, he will destroy the Great Harlot. Who is this Great Harlot mentioned in Revelation? This is a question that Bible Scholars have debated for centuries. The Great Harlot is the one world church headed by the False Prophet. In Revelation 17:4 (KJV), the Apostle John saw the Harlot in a vision. "And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication."

Revelation 17:5 (KJV), states what John saw written on her forehead, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Verse 6 states, "And I saw the women drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration." After the flood, a man by the name of Nimrod rose to power, and founded Babel. Nimrod also led to the construction of the tower of Babel. It was to be a symbol of his power, and to his religion. God stopped the tower, and scattered the people. If God had not stepped in, Satan would have built a one-world government with a universal religion. But during the seven-year tribulation, God will not stop Satan. The Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet will rise to power, and many will follow. By showing their allegiance, they will take the mark of the beast. Those who have accept Christ at this time, will refuse the mark, and some will be beheaded. In verse 6, the Harlot takes pleasure in seeing Christians die. The Babylon that Satan attempted to built in Genesis, will come to pass during the Tribulation.

In Revelation 17:8, An angel tells John about the mystery of the Harlot. He says that she is carried by the Beast. The Angel goes on to tell that those who follow the Beast will be thrown into the bottomless pit.

After this an angel will proclaim in Revelation 18:2 (KJV) "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."

Christ will return, and will rule for one thousand years. Satan will be unleashed, and will attempt to recapture the world. At the battle of Gog and Magog, he will face his final defeat. Babylon will never again raise his ugly head.

Rumors on Jim Holt

Republican bloggers are spreading rumors that Jim Holt will not be running for Lt. Governor in 2006. Liberal Republicans fear the political base he built in his 2004 race against Mrs. Lincoln. This shows me that Liberals from both major parties will go to all links to destroy their opposition.

Jim Holt is man who does not sell his soul to Lobbyist. He relies on God for all his needs. I don't know Jim presonally, but he appears to be a man of faith and courage.

Babylon and the Kings of Judah

Secular history tells us that Mardukapaliddin took control of Babylon, and rebelled against Assyrian rule. In II Chronicles 35: 20-27, Necho, King of Egypt, joins Assyria in attacking Babylon. Josiah, King of Judah, fears that Egypt was coming to invade of all Palestine. Necho tells him that he has no quarrel with him, and request that he stay out of the battle. Josiah decided to join the battle anyway, and was wounded. After he returns to Judah he died.
Josiah is one of the godliest men to serve as Judah’s King. But by joining the battle Josiah made a two-fold mistake. First he made enemies the Egyptians, and if he had not interfered in the battle, Babylon may have been destroyed.

Jehoahaz succeeded his father Josiah as King, but he ruled for only three months. Necho invaded Judah, and took Jehoahaz prisoner. His brother, Jehoiakim, succeeded him to the throne. But he was only a puppet ruler for Necho.

Jehoiakim was an evil man who killed many innocent people. Because of his wickedness, God allowed the Babylonians to invade Judah. At this time Daniel and the temple vessels are carried off to Babylon. Jehoiachin, Jehhokim’s eight-year-old son, is made King of Judah. But three months later, he is carried off to Babylon. His great- uncle, and Josiah’s youngest son, Zedekiah is made the puppet ruler.

Eleven years later, Zedekiah rebels against Babylon. Jerusalem is destroyed. Zedekiah is blinded and lives the rest of his life in a Babylonian prison. He was Judah’s last King. At this time the temple treasury is carried off to Babylon.

Thirty-six years later Jehoiachin is released from prison by Nebuchadnezzar’s son Evil-Merodach. Not only is freed, he is given the rank of a Babylonian Prince. This was actually God’s hand watching over him. Jehochiachin’s son Salathiel adopts a son by the name of Zerubbabel. In Nehemiah, Zerubbabel led a group of Jews back to Jerusalem.

Also Zerubbabel is an ancestor to Jesus Christ. Since he was Salathiel’s adopted son, he is mention in Matthew1: 12. His son Abiud is an ancestor to Joseph. In Luke 3:27, his son Rhesa was ancestor to Mary. Even though Judah dissolved as an independent nation, God still watched over those who were in the linage of Christ.

Next will be Babylon and the New Testament.