We are not to wonder that the Assyrian empire should fall under such a prince; but undoubtedly it was not till after having passed through various augmentations, diminutions, and revolutions, common to all states, even to the greatest, during the course of several ages. This empire had subsisted above 1450 years.
Of the ruins of this vast empire were formed three considerable kingdoms; that of the Medes, which Arbaces, the principal head of the conspiracy, restored to its liberty; that of the Assyrians of Babylon, which was given to Belesis, governor of that city; and that of the Assyrians of Nineveh, the first king whereof took the name of Ninus the younger.
In order to understand the history of the second Assyrian empire, which is very obscure, and of which little is said by historians, it is proper, and even absolutely necessary, to compare what is said of it by profane authors with what we are informed concerning it by holy Scripture; that by the help of that double light we may have the clearer idea of the two empires of Nineveh and Babylon, which for some time were separate and distinct, and afterwards united and confounded together. I shall first treat of this second Assyrian empire, and then return to the kingdom of the Medes.
Chapter II. The Second Assyrian Empire, both of Nineveh and Babylon.
This second Assyrian empire continued two hundred and ten years, reckoning to the year in which Cyrus, who was become absolute master of the East by the death of his father Cambyses and his father-in-law Cyaxares, published the famous edict, whereby the Jews were permitted to return into their own country, after a seventy years' captivity at Babylon.
Belesis. A.M. 3257. Ant. J.C. 747.
Kings of Babylon.[1013]—Belesis. He is the same as Nabonassar, from whose reign began the famous astronomical epocha at Babylon, called from his name the Æra of Nabonassar. In the holy Scriptures he is called Baladan. He reigned but twelve years, and was succeeded by his son:
Merodach-Baladan.
Merodach-Baladan. This is the prince who sent ambassadors to king Hezekiah, to congratulate him on the recovery of his health, of which we shall speak hereafter.[1014] After him there reigned several other kings of Babylon,[1015] with whose story we are entirely unacquainted. I shall therefore proceed to the kings of Nineveh.