Page 108 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER XXIII

UNFORESEEN EVENTS

There was no visible change in the course of the empire immediately following the
death of Nebuchadnezzar and the accession to the throne and coronation of Avil-
Marduk (otherwise known as Evil-Merodach).

There was not a hitch in the smooth functioning of the governmental machinery as
the bachelor-king with wisdom and sobriety, ruled according to the same policies and
with the assistance of the same personnel as his father. Neriglissar succeeded him to
become active head of the Babylonion armies as the aging Nebuzaradan retired into an

advisory capacity and became an elder statesman. The Hebrew officials retained their
high cabinet positions; Daniel as Prime Minister, and his three friends as ministers of
the three most important departments. All of them were nigh on to 60 years of age.
This state of tranquility continued for two years, at the conclusion of which, tragedy,

swift and sudden, struck to change the whole course of events in the nation and
empire.

King Avil-Marduk, on a hunting expedition with the lords of the realm, was riding

a spirited horse-one even known to be dangerous by the keepers of the royal stables.
When the king selected the beautiful roan steed as his mount for the chase, the stable
grooms respectfully warned His Majesty that the animal was unpredictable and
occasionally violent.

But the king took the information as a challenge to his horsemanship and insisted
that he would ride the roan. All was well until, on the edge of the forest, the king’s
mount was suddenly frightened, and without warning leaped and bucked, hurling his

royal rider headfirst against the stump of a tree. His companions rushed to his aid, but
observed immediately that Avil-Marduk was seriously injured and totally unconscious.
They made a litter of the branches of trees and bore him as gently as possible between

two horses, back to the city and palace.

A messenger was sent ahead to summon the court physicians, who greeted the
party on their arrival at the palace, but shook their heads gravely as they noted that the
king’s neck was broken. He never regained consciousness and his death occurred

within an hour of his return to the palace.