The author has not been unmindful that certain record tablets give a narrative of the capture of Babylon, in some points differing from the Bible account in the Book of Daniel. The reasons for preferring the latter to the profane narrative are too many to be discussed here; but it is not improper to point out that the “Chronicle Tablets” were written with a political end to serve,—to soothe the feelings of the conquered Babylonians, by representing that Babylon surrendered voluntarily to Cyrus. This is hardly likely; but it is very probable that the city was taken by treachery among the priests and not by assault.
I have ventured to give the name of Isaiah to the great “Prophet of the Captivity,” whose writings are found in the last half of our present “Book of Isaiah.” It has been well conjectured that his name was also Isaiah, which resulted in the combining of the two independent prophecies into one book.
Value of Money
(according to Sayce)
| Shekel | $ 0.75 |
| Maneh | 45.00 |
| Talent (silver) | 2700.00 |
Gold was worth ten times as much as silver, weight for weight.