Page 157 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

silent a while, then said: “That, O Darius is the most astonishing recital I have ever
heard. Truly the God of the Hebrews must be a God of power to have thus protected
His faithful servant that not one of those ferocious beasts would lay a paw on him!”

This knowledge and conviction made the heart of Cyrus even more tender, and
prepared him more fully for the revelation of Jehovah’s purpose through him.

Before the departure of Darius for Achmetha (Ecbatana) it was decided to
reorganize the government to operate under three presidents, as before the death of
Parmashta and Adalia. Daniel would continue as Chief President, and Aspatha was
promoted from General of the Armies to be Second President, and Harbonah (one of

the nobles who accompanied Cyrus to Babylon) was appointed as Third President.

It was with genuine sorrow that Daniel said goodbye to his friend Darius as he
walked slowly with him at the head of his immediate retinue to the gate of the city, at

the time of his departure.
“Happy was my lot that brought me here to know you, O Daniel, and through you
to know and love and serve Jehovah the only true God. I am persuaded that our God
will prosper you in your mission to Cyrus, and that your people will be restored to

their land. Fare thee well!”
“Fare well, friend Darius! We shall probably not meet again in this life, but we
shall meet again through the sovereign grace of Jehovah, in the glorious realm of the
Blessed.”

˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙

It was a few days later that Daniel walked toward the executive offices of the
palace. He had a roll under his arm of considerable size. His pace was slow and his
feet dragged slightly. Age had taken the spring from his step. In recent months his
physical powers had visibly deteriorated.

It was only a short time after he entered his office and laid the great roll upon the
table, that King Cyrus himself entered the office of the Chief President to consult him

on a matter of some importance. When the question had been satisfactorily answered,
the King still showed no inclination to depart. Daniel seized the opportunity, and said:
“Could Your Majesty grant me some time now, to reveal what Jehovah hath spoken
concerning you?”
“Indeed, Sir President, I am very anxious to hear what you have to say to me. It

mystifies me greatly that your God could have spoken anything concerning me! I am
very curious to know of it,” replied Cyrus. “Please proceed immediately.”