Page 163 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

His house and His city. As this decree goes forth, I know, O, King Cyrus, that I have
finished my own course in this world and that Jehovah will shortly take me to
Himself. Moses the lawgiver was four-score when he led Israel out of Egypt, but I am

more than four-score-and-ten, and am too old to have an active part in the return of
my people to Jerusalem. Day by day I can feel the ebb of my strength. The leadership
of my people must be in younger and more vigorous hands than these” With these
words the prophet-statesman extended his hands, yet shapely but thin and trembling

slightly.
“That is the chief thing that has concerned me, O Daniel,” said the King,
puckering his brows in perplexity. “Someone who is faithful, courageous, and godly,
must be the leader of this expedition or it may fail of its purpose. For though I hold a

mandate over those lands beyond the river and the people are theoretically subject to
me, the mixed peoples of the seed of the Moabites and Ammonites and others who
have come in since the days of the Assyrian invasions are a turbulent and troublesome
lot and only partially accept our authority. It is impossible that they may make it

difficult for your returning compatriots, even with our decree, unless they have strong
and courageous leadership.”
“The problem would trouble me also, Your Majesty, did I not have practical
experience of our God and His wisdom and power. Where He has a plan, He has a

man. You are His man for the decree and there is a man to lead the expedition—two in
fact—one a prince of the house of Judah to be their political head, the other of the line
of the priests to be their religious leader. Both are men of middle-age, of outstanding
ability, courage and goodness, and are already highly esteemed among the people of

the captivity.
“I have known, O King Cyrus, ever since I heard your name, that you would rule
in Babylon and make this decree. Not only did I know from the prophecies of Isaiah
and Jeremiah, but also form the revelations that Jehovah has given to me personally,

of things to come, which things I have recorded for the instruction of future
generations. So I have prayed that Jehovah would prepare a man or men for this very
task, and He has seen fit to answer that prayer. One is called in Babylon, Sheshbazzar,
but in Hebrew we know him as Zerubbabel. He is the son of Salathiel who was

adopted by Jeconiah, who for three months occupied the throne in Judah and was kept
in irons many years by Nebuchadnezzar. Salathiel was a true son of Israel, a
contemporary of mine, but now deceased, and this young man Zerubbabel, whose

name means ‘a seed in Babylon’ is excellent. He is the most brilliant and godly young
Hebrew that I have known among the men of the captivity since the days of my
friends—Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Zerubbabel will carry with him the prestige
of the royal house of David, but none of the vices of its last kings. At my
recommendation he was brought into the government by Darius, and has acquitted

himself splendidly, rising to be a satrap. He is also a member of the Magi.”
“He is undoubtedly the man for the job, Sir President! But will he leave his