'Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth, it shall fall upon the head of the wicked' (Jeremiah 30:23)
Scene 1: Royal apartments in Babylon
Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites.
Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco's real daughter, but the daughter of slaves.
She reflects bitterly on Nabucco's refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness ("Anch'io dischiuso un giorno" / "I too once opened my heart to happiness").
The High Priest of Bel informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives.
He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread the rumour that Nabucco has died in battle.
Abigaille determines to seize the throne ("Salgo già del trono aurato" / "I already ascend the golden throne").

Scene 2: A room in the palace
Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law ("Vieni, o Levita" / "Come, oh Levite!"),
then goes to summon Fenena.
A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery.
Zaccaria returns with Fenena and his sister Anna.
Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele.
Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille.
Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Bel and demands the crown from Fenena.
Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god.
The high priest Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco in turn orders the death of the Israelites.
Fenena reveals to him that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites' fate.
Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine ("Non son più re, son dio" / "I am no longer King!
I am God!").
There is a crash of thunder and Nabucco promptly loses his senses.
The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.
'Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth, it shall fall upon the head of the wicked' (Jeremiah 30:23)
Scene 1: Royal apartments in Babylon
Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent and guardian of the Israelite prisoners, while he continues the battle against the Israelites. Abigaille has discovered a document that proves she is not Nabucco's real daughter, but the daughter of slaves. She reflects bitterly on Nabucco's refusal to allow her to play a role in the war with the Israelites and recalls past happiness ("Anch'io dischiuso un giorno" / "I too once opened my heart to happiness"). The High Priest of Bel informs Abigaille that Fenena has released the Israelite captives. He plans for Abigaille to become ruler of Babylon, and with this intention has spread the rumour that Nabucco has died in battle. Abigaille determines to seize the throne ("Salgo già del trono aurato" / "I already ascend the golden throne").
Scene 2: A room in the palace
Zaccaria reads over the Tablets of Law ("Vieni, o Levita" / "Come, oh Levite!"), then goes to summon Fenena. A group of Levites accuse Ismaele of treachery. Zaccaria returns with Fenena and his sister Anna. Anna tells the Levites that Fenena has converted to Judaism, and urges them to forgive Ismaele. Abdallo, a soldier, announces the death of Nabucco and warns of the rebellion instigated by Abigaille. Abigaille enters with the High Priest of Bel and demands the crown from Fenena. Unexpectedly, Nabucco himself enters; pushing through the crowd, he seizes the crown and declares himself not only king of the Babylonians but also their god. The high priest Zaccaria curses him and warns of divine vengeance; an incensed Nabucco in turn orders the death of the Israelites. Fenena reveals to him that she has embraced the Jewish religion and will share the Israelites' fate. Nabucco is furious and repeats his conviction that he is now divine ("Non son più re, son dio" / "I am no longer King! I am God!"). There is a crash of thunder and Nabucco promptly loses his senses. The crown falls from his head and is picked up by Abigaille, who pronounces herself ruler of the Babylonians.
Nabucco