Page 53 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

him, her shrinking abhorrence for one who could decree the death of all the Magi of
Babylon for failing to satisfy his demand.

But the thing had left its mark. There was a wound in the heat of Rhea not easily
healed, though her exterior was as calm and sweet as before. Well did she know that
such uncontrollable fury could flare again and as ruthlessly as before unless there was
an alteration in the inmost heart of her royal husband, unless there was a smashing to

bits of the pride of his heart. She felt somehow, that Nebuchadnezzar himself typified
the great image of which he had dreamed. That great structure of world-power of which
he had been seen to be the golden head, was to be destroyed―pulverized by the smiting-
stone. She perceived and sensed that all who would escape this destructive judgment

must have their own pride and self-will smashed as fine as the sands of the summer
threshing floor!

These thoughts possessed her that night as she lay on her bed. As her husband, lay

beside her breathing heavily in dreamless slumber, Rhea was wide-awake. There had
been a spiritual conflict within her. Finally she prayed: “Jahveh, Jahveh, Thou Great
God of the Hebrews, the Searcher of hearts, the Revealer of secrets, but the Omnipotent
One, the very God of Heaven, Break, I beseech thee, all pride and rebellion in this heart

of mine and cause me to yield to thee in full obedience and surrender. Shatter, I pray
thee into submission the arrogancy of heart of this man my husband, lest it flame forth
in worse wickedness and cruelty e’er thou dost come to destroy the nations! Thou art
holy, but I am sinful. Forgive me and accept of me― not of my merits, but for thy great

mercies.” A sense of great peace came over her, a peace and joy that she had never
known, as sleep, beautiful, healing, restful sleep closed her eyelids and calmed her heart.

Her prayer for her husband would be answered, but not until his pride and rebellion

had run its full course, and had brought down upon itself the most drastic dealing from
the hand of the Almighty!