Dura
“Circle or rampart”
Summary
The plain in Babylon where Nebuchadnezzar erected his golden image and commanded all peoples to worship it.
☩The Golden Image
On the plain of Dura, Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image sixty cubits high and six cubits wide. At its dedication, heralds proclaimed that all peoples must fall down and worship when they heard the sound of musical instruments; whoever refused would be cast into a burning fiery furnace. The three Hebrew youths—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused to worship and were miraculously delivered from the flames.
☩Location
The plain of Dura was within the province of Babylon, in the vicinity of the capital city. Oppert identified it with mounds bearing the name Douair or Duair southeast of Babylon, where the pedestal of a colossal statue was discovered. The name may derive from the Babylonian word for 'rampart' or 'circuit.' The site's proximity to Babylon allowed the king to assemble officials from throughout the empire.
Related Verses1 mention
Daniel· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dura," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dura," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).