In 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar led forces that defeated the last Assyrian army and an Egyptian group at Carchemish (see Jeremiah 46:2). While he was campaigning in the west, his father, Nabopolassar, died.
Nebuchadnezzar returned home to become king as Nebuchadnezzar II from 605 to 562 BC. When he rejoined his troops, they easily advanced down the Mediterranean coast. During this campaign, he invaded Judah, taking much treasure and many captives to Babylon, including Daniel and his three friends (Daniel 1:1–7). Jehoiakim became a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar and paid him tribute for three years.
When Pharaoh Neco defeated the Babylonians at the Egyptian border in 601 BC, Jehoiakim rebelled, hoping to gain independence.