Page 25 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

“And you, I believe they now call Azariah, will be known as Abednego. It means
‘the servant of Nego,’ one of our important Babylonian deities.”
A secretary listed the young men by numbers and their new name opposite their

number.
“The numbers will be discarded as soon as you are familiarly known by your new
names,” explained the secretary.
Before they turned away, Daniel said to Ashpenaz with a deep bow of respect, “Will

Your Grace grant me a brief audience when you have completed the assignment of
names?”
“Certainly, indeed, I shall be glad to . . . . Belteshazzar! ”
“Thank you, I shall then await your Lordship’s convenience.”

He had not long to wait until he was again in the presence of Lord Ashpenaz.
“What can we do for you now good Belteshazzar?” inquired the affable prince.

“I have a peculiar request to make, Lord Ashpenaz, for myself and my three

companions. It has to do with the food that shall be provided us during our course of
training. We heard the announcement this morning of the great kindness of His Majesty
Nebuchadnezzar in consigning the dainties from the royal table for our provision, to us
who are but captives of a conquered nation. I fear lest we appear unappreciative of this

gracious gesture. But in loyalty to the laws of our God, it is impossible for us to partake
of these delicious dainties. We therefore request that we be served at our table only the
plainest of food, such as wheat gruel or corn bread or such vegetables as are available.
By our law we are commanded to refrain from all that pertains to the swine and other

meats that are forbidden to us. And for drink we require and desire nothing except pure
water. If the good steward Merodach could be instructed to so provision us, we should
be deeply grateful.”

A slight cloud passed across the countenance of Ashpenaz―not of anger or even
irritation, but of perplexity. “But there will be difficulties about this arrangement, O
Belteshazzar! What the king has commanded, he has commanded. If this special diet is
granted you and the movement spread among the other students, the king will be

displeased. Moreover, if it is confined to you four, the sharp eyes of Nebuchadnezzar
will surely discern the difference in appearance between you four and the other young
men who eat of the king's meat, when he comes down to inspect and to examine you. If

he discovers that I have allowed a departure from his orders and the results are
unsatisfactory, my head will be in immediate danger. Higher officials than I have been
summarily executed for lesser offences.”

“I think I can assure you that none of the other young men will make a similar

request, so it will be confined to us four. We are anxious that by reason of our request,
your own life be not jeopardized. But it will be many months before the king comes