Page 164 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

satrapy for such a difficult and thankless task?” asked Cyrus.
“He will, Your Majesty, of that I am sure. He desires above all things, as does
every godly Hebrew, the restoration of Jerusalem.”

“And who is the other?” inquired Cyrus.
“He is the son of my friend Jozadak who came to Babylon with Nebuzaradan, and
who desired so earnestly for the emancipation of Israel that he names his son Joshua,
in hopes that he might emulate that popular hero of our people in bringing again our

people to the promised land. And so it has turned out. Joshua is as pious and religious
as Zerubbabel is brilliant and energetic, and they have been great friends and
schoolmates from their youth.”
“I am very glad that you could set me at ease on this point, as I was forced to

wonder who would lead such an expedition,” answered the King. “I would want the
charge of Jehovah to me to be assumed by those who would be faithful in carrying out
His purpose. Zerubbabel will be appointed Supreme Head of all those who rally to the
banner to return to Jerusalem, and Joshua shall be his assistant and the religious leader

of the expedition.”
“And would it not be well, O Daniel,” continued the King, “that you should
summon these two chosen Hebrews and inform them of our purpose to place them in
command of those who will return? You may tell this man, Sheshbazzar—called what

in the Hebrew tongue?”
“Zerubbabel,” prompted Daniel.
“Ah, yes, Zerubbabel! Tell him that he will have my full support. He will be
liberally endowed from the royal treasury, and completely supplied with the pack-

animals that he will require for the transportation of women and children and freight.
Inform him also that I intend to return by his hand and that of Joshua all of the vessels
of the former temple, that Nebuchadnezzar removed hither, so that they may be placed
in the new temple when it is completed. Now I shall give orders that the proclamation

be sent forth without further delay . And just one more thing before you go, Sir
President. In the course of your remarks, you mentioned certain revelations about the
future that Johovah has revealed to you personally and that you have recorded for the
instruction of future generations. Did I understand you correctly?”

“You did, Your Majesty,” replied Daniel.
“Would it be proper for you to tell me of some of these visions and revelations that
you have received? Perhaps some may tell of the future destiny of my own empire.”

“It will be quite proper, O King. I had even thought of asking you for the privilege
of making some of them known to you. So I shall be glad to do so soon. In fact it must
be very soon if I am to communicate them to you by word of mouth. For I have the
irresistible feeling that my translation to the presence of Jehovah is very near. I have
no pain nor sickness, only a sense of increasing weakness and weariness. For this

reason I must send by fast messenger to summon Zerubbabel from his satrapy that I
may convey to him Your Majesty’s will concerning him,” said the patriarch-statesman