Page 162 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

CHAPTER XXXV

CYRUS MAKES A DECREE

Cyrus was a man of decision and action. It was the very next day after the
momentous interview recorded in the previous chapter, that Daniel was summoned to
the royal presence.

King Cyrus spent little time in the great throne-room sitting on the royal throne.
This he did to receive visitors to whom he had granted audience. Most of his time was
spent in the executive offices of the palace. He occupied an inner sanctum of the royal
suite.

When Daniel entered he saw beside King Cyrus, the best of the court scribes
sitting behind a table on which lay a formidable looking document upon which the ink
was scarcely dry. The Sovereign rose as his venerable subordinate entered. Cyrus

greeted him with great cordiality, even deference. After he had showed him to a seat,
the king addressed Daniel as follows: “Sir President, I am anxious for you to hear the
reading of the decree that I have made and which our court-scribe has drawn up. Since
our conversation yesterday, I could hardly wait to carry out the purpose of Jehovah

concerning me and so long ago pre-determined and pre-written by the prophet Esaias.
Will you please read, Sir Scribe, what you have written and let the Chief President
hear and make what suggestions or corrections he deems fit.”

Whereupon the scribe read in a clear voice these words: “Thus saith Cyrus, King
of Persia, The Lord God of Heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and
he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there
among you of all his people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem,

which is in Judah, and build the house if the Lord God of Israel, (he is THE God,)
which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let
the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with

beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”
“What think you of that, O Daniel?” inquired the King. “If you think it should be
changed or revised in any way, do not hesitate to say so, and it will assuredly be
done.”
“I can think of no way that it can be improved upon, O King! My heart is filled

with joy that you have been so tender of heart as to obey the word of the Lord to you,
and are willing to fulfill His purpose to be His shepherd for His people, the restorer of