[811] Baruch i. 3, 4.
[812] The favourable notice of Nebuchadrezzar in Taanith (quoted above) is not found in Berachoth, f. 57, 2, where he is called "the wicked." There are many wild legends about him. In Nedarim (f. 65, 2), R. Yitzchak says: "May melted gold be poured into the mouth of the wicked Nebuchadrezzar! Had not an angel struck him on the mouth, he would have outshone all David's songs and praises." With reference to Isa. xxii. 1, 2, the Rabbis say that Jeconiah went to the Temple roof, and flung up the keys into the air, when Nebuchadrezzar required them: "a hand took them, and they were seen no more" (Shekalim, vi. 5). In Nedarim (f. 65, 2) we are told that Zedekiah's rebellion consisted in divulging, contrary to his oath, that he had seen Nebuchadrezzar eating a live hare (Hershon, Treasures of the Talmud).
[813] Comp. Jer. xxiii. 6: Jehovah-Tsidkenu.
[814] Ezek. xvii. 12-14.
[815] Ezek. xvii. 1-6.
[816] Jer. xxxiv. 8-11.
[817] Jer. xxxiv. 19. Comp. Gen. xv. 17.
[818] This is strikingly shown by his piteous remark to them in Jer. xxxviii. 5.
[819] He first sent two of Jeremiah's friends, Elasah and Gemariah, the son of Shaphan.
[820] Some critics have doubted the authenticity of Jer. li., lii.