throw
off the Chaldean yoke; and consequently, scornfully refused to pay the
tribute money, and treated the Chaldean ambassador with haughtiness. But,
contrary to the expectations of the King of Judah, the Egyptians, when
they beheld the powerful legions of the Chaldeans, gave up their
rebellion, and promised allegiance to the King of Babylon.
Nebuchadnezzar, enraged by the conduct of the King of Judah, ordered his
forces in Egypt to march and encamp before the walls of Jerusalem.

Early in the morning of that fatal day, Jehoiakim called together a grand
council, in order to deliberate on the best measures to be pursued in the
painful emergency. Some advised a strenuous resistance; others said this
would be vain--that the city was not able to stand a siege for one month
because they were destitute of provisions, and, moreover, the army was in
a very imperfect condition. The king thought it advisable to show no
resistance, but to treat the King of Babylon with, civility. Finally, the
grand council agreed that it was not expedient to resist the entrance of
the King of Babylon, and concluded to throw open the gates of the city.

As yet the Chaldeans remained stationary, about thirty furlongs to the
south. About the third hour they began to advance, their glittering arms,
dazzling in the bright sunbeams, giving them a grand and imposing
appearance. The walls of the city were thronged with anxious gazers, and
all hearts throbbed with deep and painful anxiety. Nearer and nearer they
approached! The rumbling of their war chariots fell heavily on the ear.
The heavy hoofs of their spirited chargers made the earth tremble. The
loud blasts of their numerous trumpeters were carried on the wings of the
wind, while the echoes answered from the lofty towers of ancient Salem.
Suddenly the massive gates were thrown open. Then a grand shout from the
whole army rent the air. For hours they poured in through the wide
portals, and once more the gods of the Gentiles were escorted in triumph
through the wide thoroughfares of the "City of the Great King."

CHAPTER V.

THE King of Judah's treatment of the Chaldean ambassador, in regard to
the tribute money, had so exasperated the King of Babylon, that he was
determined to chasten his audacity with rigor. This monarch, at this
period of his reign, was of rather a mild disposition, but, like his
sires before him, a love of conquest had become with him a strong
passion.

Three years befor