Page 27 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

Babylonians do?”

“We cannot agree” Hananiah replied in an even tone “that there is doubt of the

existence of Jehovah, or that the laws of the Eternal God can become out-worn or out-
dated. We do appreciate the kindly intentions of the King toward us. For the
disobedience and sin of our people, the Lord has delivered us to the Chaldeans, but we,
as true sons of Israel must adhere to His laws, wherever we be found.” With a sneer

Adiel turned on his heel and departed.

‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧

The trial period of ten days was soon passed. Lord Ashpenaz then came again and

summoned into his presence Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah whom he
addressed by their new names―Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Four
of the other Jewish youths who had eaten of the king’s meat and drunk of his wine, were
also called for a basis of comparison. Ashpenaz looked intently from one group to

another. A slight expression of surprise swept over his own countenance as he noted that
the appearance and color of those who had eaten of the simple food not only compared
favorably with the other four, but were actually better.

“It is plain, Belteshazzar, that you four have suffered no physical loss from your
plain diet. I even seem to discern a ruddy healthfulness in you that the others lack. Your
Jehovah has thus far vindicated your adherence to His laws, and you are permitted to
continue as long as you remain strong and healthy. You are dismissed.” The eight young

men bowed low, then retired.

‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧

The three years of study, though arduous and exacting were withal pleasant,

especially to those of naturally studious tendencies.

Daniel and his friends, definitely fell in the category of natural students, and their
progress was such as to excite the admiration and surprise of all their instructors. They

rapidly became fluent in the speaking of Aramaic, the language of the Babylonians, and
facile in writing as well. Their grasp of both the natural and political science of the
Babylonians was little short of phenomenal. There were some bright students among

the others, but none who attained to the excellence nor the esteem with their teachers as
the four who had been formerly taunted as “porridge eaters.” Some in the lower brackets
trembled at the thought of the approaching imperial examinations.