Page 50 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

intensity of Nebuchadnezzar. He revered Daniel and he revered the Jahveh whom
Daniel worshipped and served, and accorded him a unique place in his theism as a
revealer of secrets. But He was still the god of Daniel, the Jahveh of the Hebrews, whose

favor he desired. Temporarily humbled and impressed, there was yet no vital or
permanent impact upon the heart of the proud monarch, that this was not just a god
powerful and wise, but the only God to whom Nebuchadnezzar must bow in submission
and yieldedness.

Daniel thus suddenly elevated to the pinnacle of power and fame, was not for a
moment forgetful of his friends and requested that they should also be preferred to high
position: “Be it known to your majesty, that though the dream and interpretation were

vouchsafed to me, it was in response to the prevailing prayers of my friends, Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego, without which I could never have known the matter.”
“Are they the same young men that graduated with you from the college summa
cum laude?”

“They are indeed, your majesty, and are men of such wisdom, knowledge and
goodness, that they will discharge faithfully and efficiently the duties of any office,
however high, to which the King may assign them.”
“Summon Sheshach the chamberlain and Ashpenaz chief of the Eunuchs,” the King

shouted to one of the court heralds.
Shortly the two appeared. “Sheshach, you will draft a proclamation that from this
day Shadrach is appointed Minister of Finance, Meshach Minister for the Provinces,
and Abednego Minister of Education. Those who have formerly held these positions

will transfer their seals and portfolios immediately, and await reassignment to other
positions.”
“And you Lord Ashpenaz, will represent me to the young men in the house on Palace
Way and inform them of their promotion to these high cabinet offices. I think that the

assignment will give you satisfaction as you first selected these sons of Judah and
brought them to Babylon.”
“It will afford me great pleasure, your majesty. The appointments are a great
compliment to my former charges in the college, and are another vindication of the

wisdom of our King.”