Page 56 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

“There is one exception to this general rule, and that is in your own native Judea.
“Since we placed Zedekiah, the brother of Jehoiakim on the throne, he seems to
have dealt with us in reasonable loyalty and honesty. But we are told that there are

turbulent and irresponsible elements at work that are agitating him to rebellion against
us. There is said to be a prophet among them that by the name of Jeremiah who
constantly rebukes them for their sins and warns them of the inevitably serious
consequences to the whole nation should they attempt a rebellion against us. The

nobles and priests hate him as a traitor and recently prevailed upon Zedekiah to place
him in a miry dungeon.
“You are conversant with most of these facts and would not require me to rehearse
them.

“I have thought to send you on a mission to your native land. This would serve the
dual purpose of enabling you to visit your city and your people, and to serve the empire
by strengthening the hands of Zedekiah and showing him and others the folly of
attempting to pit their feeble strength against the might of Babylon in a show of arms.

You would also greatly encourage the prophet Jeremiah as he calls the people to
righteousness and a return to the worship of Jahveh. Moreover a few months if sojourn
in your native city would afford you a much-needed rest from the heavy burdens of
your office.

“Just before your return here, I would have you go to Egypt for a diplomatic visit to
Pharaoh. I have not heard of any disaffection on his part, but it would be wise to
forestall any inclination in that direction by a friendly gesture. Your trip should
consume about a year, after which you would return here and resume your duties as

Prime Minister.”
“I shall endeavor to carry out the commission as your Majesty has directed. I am
aware of the undercurrent of unrest that prevails in Jerusalem, and will endeavor to
persuade King Zedekiah to follow the course of loyalty to Your Majesty’s government.

To do my lord the king a service, I shall go gladly to my native city. Moreover I am
desirous of seeing my father again, who is advanced in age and enfeebled in health.
Beside this, Jerusalem, in its present state of backsliding, holds no especial attraction
for me. It may be, as your Royal Highness has suggested, that I may be able to

strengthen the hands of the good prophet Jeremiah. I will make immediate plans to
depart, if it is the king’s wish for me to do so.”
“Yes, it is my wish,” resumed the king, “that you embark as soon as it is convenient

for you to do so. Spare no expense in selecting those who will accompany you. I shall
direct that one of our best platoons of camel mounted troops go along as military
escort . . . . . And Daniel, that may be that you can find a fair maiden of Judah who will
return with you to become mistress of the premier’s mansion, since none of the court
beauties of Babylon have aroused your interest!” There was a smile on the habitually

stern face of the king and a twinkle in his eye as he made his last remarks.
A smile and a flush were on the handsome face of the young prophet-statesman as