Page 29 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

to economics and government.
Nebuchadnezzar was a man of brilliant scholastic attainments and was of vast
physical energy. He imposed upon himself a very exhausting schedule for the three days

and was determined that he would personally be able to evaluate the training and
abilities of the students. He had already announced that all who reached the highest
point in excellence would be admitted immediately to the select fraternity of the Wise
Men of Babylon. Those who were lower in standing would receive appointments to

posts in the government commensurate with their examination grades.

‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧‧

A whole week elapsed before the results of the examinations were announced. On

that occasion the students were summoned to the great auditorium of the royal palace.
There were gathered together, not only the wise men of Babylon but all the nobility and
citizenry of prominence. On the platform with the King-Emperor, Nebuchadnezzar,
were Lord Ashpenaz and three of the scholars who had assisted in the giving of the

examinations.

The King with the records in his hand arose to address the great throng who sat in
complete silence: “Of the students of the captivity of Judah who have taken the written

tests in science and mathematics, language and literature, economics and government,
and have been personally interviewed by myself and my assistants, we find a very high
standard of excellence. This reflects great credit upon the esteemed Lord Ashpenaz here,
the director, and the teachers of the school, as well as upon the students who have

applied themselves to study. All of the fifty and two have acquitted themselves
sufficiently well as to deserve and to receive a position in our Babylonian governmental
system.

Fourteen of the scholars have showed such knowledge and wisdom as to qualify for
immediate admission to the select circle of the Wise Men of Babylon. But of these
fourteen there are four in particular who have so far out-stripped their fellows and
shown their scholarship and character to be of such surpassing excellence, that I,

Nebuchadnezzar, and my helpers have decided that they must have a special citation.
These four we shall summon to come forward not only to receive their diplomas, but
gold medals especially struck off by the King’s goldsmith, and three changes of raiment

each, befitting the high offices that they will be assigned to hold. Come forth then
Belteshazzar, and you Shadrach, and you Meshach and you Abednego and receive the
meed of praise that great Babylon confers upon you!”

Amid thunderous applause the four came forth to receive their rewards― the four

once taunted by their fellows and compatriots as “porridge-eaters,” now experienced
their hour of triumph, as their former tormentors looked on. To the minds of some of