Bukhtanassar (بختنصر), known in Western history as Nebuchadnezzar II, was one of the most powerful kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His reign (circa 605–562 BC) was one of the most significant periods in the history of Banu Isra’il (بنو إسرائيل), because under his rule Jerusalem was destroyed and Banu Isra’il were carried into exile to Babylon.
Islamic historians such as Ibn Kathir, al-Tabari, al-Masʿudi and al-Baghawi refer to Bukhtanassar in their accounts of the history of Banu Isra’il, often in connection with the divine punishment that befell them on account of their disobedience to Allah ﷻ and their killing of prophets.
The historical background
According to tradition, the descendants of Banu Isra’il ruled over Palestine after Dawud عليه السلام and Sulayman عليه السلام. Their kingdom had become divided into two parts, Israel in the north and Judah in the south, and the people had strayed from the pure worship of Allah ﷻ.
In Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Surah al-Isra (17:4–8) it is recorded that Allah ﷻ would punish Banu Isra’il twice on account of their arrogance and disobedience.
Ibn Kathir explains that the first punishment concerned the attack of Bukhtanassar, king of Babylon, who destroyed Jerusalem, killed many, and took the survivors captive and carried them to Babylon.¹
The rise of Bukhtanassar
Bukhtanassar was the son of King Nabopolassar, the founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. After his father’s death he took over power and within a short time conquered Syria, Palestine and parts of Egypt. He was known for his military discipline, his building projects (such as the rebuilding of Babylon) and his harsh policy toward revolts.²
According to al-Tabari, it was in this period that Allah ﷻ gave him power over Banu Isra’il as a recompense for their sins.³
The attack on Jerusalem
When the king of Judah, Zedekiah, rose in revolt against Babylon, Bukhtanassar marched against Jerusalem. The city was besieged, the Temple of Sulayman عليه السلام was destroyed, and thousands of Israelites were killed or carried off as captives.⁴
Ibn Kathir records in al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah:
“He (Bukhtanassar) killed their men, took their women and children captive, set fire to their houses and destroyed their sanctuaries. Then he carried the captives to Babylon and remained there with them for many years.”⁵
This event is known as the Babylonian exile, which lasted nearly 70 years.
Sources
Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-ʿAzim, commentary on Surah al-Isra (17:4–8).
Al-Masʿudi, Muruj adh-Dhahab, volume 1.
Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk, chapter on Banu Isra’il.
Bible, 2 Kings 25:1–21 (compared by Ibn Kathir in al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah).
Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah, volume 2, chapter on Bukhtanassar.