Page 30 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

the Jewish youths schooled from childhood in the sacred lore of their people, flashed
the words of Jehovah to the weak though well-disposed priest, Eli: “. . . . . . them that
honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

The other ten who were admitted to the circle of the Wise Men of Babylon, were
given silver medals and one change of raiment each. Adiel’s name was twelfth on the
list, so he attained to the Wise Men, but his friends Manoah and Asa were far down the

list among those who would receive minor positions in the government.

After the graduation exercises, all the students except the four honor graduates
(known to us by their Hebrew names― Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah)

returned on foot to their quarters in the Fourth Temple of Bel. The honor students were
driven in four chariots (at the order of the King) back to the Temple dormitory to get
their belongings, and thence to a furnished house on Palace Way, consigned to them as
their private abode.

As they passed out of the great gates of the Fourth Temple enclosure they met a
number of their erstwhile fellow-students just entering. Not in the least proud, or puffed
up over their high honors, Daniel and his friends greeted the other graduates with the

same kindly simplicity that they had always shown. A number of the more generous
young men gathered around them. One whose name was Aholiab, a near neighbor and
childhood playmate of Hananiah of former days in Jerusalem, made himself the
spokesman of the group: “I congratulate you, my old friend Hananiah, and you, Daniel,

and you Mishael and Azariah, upon the well-deserved honors you have this day received.
Truly Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob our fathers, has this day vindicated
you for your faithful adherence to His commands in the face of the heathen among
whom we dwell, but also in spite of the ridicule that we heaped upon you― we your

inferiors in courage and faith. It is not from fear that in the superior position of power
which you will henceforth occupy you might retaliate against us, that we make this
statement, (for you have ever shown a quality of nobility equal to your courage and
ability,) but in true appreciation of your manhood. For myself, I would say, that you

have won my deepest admiration. I am heartily ashamed of the part I had in heaping
opprobrium upon you. I wish for, and am assured of, your continued success in this land
where our lot is cast, because, as was written of our father Caleb, you have wholly

followed the Lord. I may add that my poor, drooping faith in the God of Israel has been
restored and strengthened by your example. I believe the others here will approve my
words.”

A shout of approval greeted the conclusion of this gracious speech as they all passed

upon the four to grip their hands in expression of their esteem and to bid them farewell.