Page 14 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

completely wiped out 100 years before, without the Jews having raised a finger!

In a conference with Nebuzar-Adan and Ashpenaz after the rout of the armies of

Judah at Gilgal, the Babylonian prince Nebuchadnezzar spoke to them as follows: “It is
evident that we shall take Jerusalem pratically without resistance, for I perceive that
their God has given them over to us. In fact, I have an undefinable feeling that I am the
instrument of some sort of force or destiny to bring punishment upon this nation, for

having departed from the great God who has heretofore kept them invulnerable, and
impregnable from attack. I inherit this feeling from my father Nabopolassar, who
counselled me to do my utmost to avoid the destruction of the Jewish temple and of
their symbols of worship. I would like to show veneration to the great God of the

Hebrews, and since he seems to have abandoned this people as a nation, I seek to
transfer his favor to me and my kingdom at the time of my formal accession to the
throne of Babylon. Mind you, I have no intention of displacing our great God Bel from
his place of supremacy, but simply of incorporating the God of the Jews into my

pantheon.

“Now heed carefully my instructions, O Nebuzar-Adan. See that the city is invested
with all order and discipline and that there be no slaughter of the inhabitants. Arrest and

put in irons the weakling, King Jehoiakim, and set up his son as our representative king.
See that no injury is done to their great institution of worship, but carefully remove
therefrom some of the sacred vessels used in the worship of their temple, not as spoils
of war, but as symbols of the transfer of the favor of their God from Jerusalem to

Babylon. Treat them with all respect and see that they are brought to our court in perfect
condition. I would accompany you, but I must hasten back to Babylon as soon as you
send a messenger to inform me that the capture of the city has been accomplished.

“And you, my good Ashpenaz, will seek out some of the best of the Jewish youth and
see that they are brought to our court. Even in the decadent state of the nation there will
be certain young men of genius and wisdom, upon whom the favor of their God may
yet rest. These we can utilize in our government after we have had them instructed in

the language and learning of Chaldea. See that they are treated with consideration and
conveyed across the plains to our capital in reasonable comfort. I desire that they be
well-disposed towards us, and not treated as slaves, as are the usual captives of war.”

“Your majesty’s instructions to me will be carried out to the most minute detail,”
Nebuzar-Adan replied. “I too will obey your orders to me with great care, and see that
the cream of Judah’s youth are escorted to your Majesty’s presence,” Ashpenaz
promised.

The two men prostrated themselves before their sovereign, before taking their