Launching Your Online Business

I want to give a shout-out to two companies, Digital Chalk and Crosspointe Studios.

Digital Chalk is an online training platform that brings expert instruction to your computer “on demand”.  I teach for several universities, both online and in person, and was looking for a way to provide training on subjects I’m interested in.  While college students can benefit through such online courses, people simply looking for “how to” continuing education might also benefit.  

Working with http://www.digitalchalk.com/ has been great.  Recently, I created a 5 lesson course titled “Launching Your Online Business.”  They created a link to a demo for my course that allows you to see how their system synchronizes streaming video and power point presentations. Their system will also allow quizzes over the lessons, and downloading of additional materials.  Katrina in their office worked with me to announce my course on Facebook and Twitter. You can view that demo of my course below.

While I created the lessons by having my son videotape me in my home, I knew I needed a more professional video for the demo you just watched.  That’s where Brian Wrasman of http://www.crosspointestudios.com/ comes in.  Brian is working to create a video library of business experts from a variety of fields.  Because I was working with him to provide content on what I call the “Network Economy,” Brian helped me create the promo video for the Digital Chalk class you just watched.  

I hope anyone reading this post visits both these fine websites.  And, if you’re interested in taking my course, please consider visiting my website at www.wisejargon.com/courses.htm to see how to sign up.

Chapter 20 Continued: The Politically Expedient Thing to Do

           Naaman put another log into the fireplace and watched the flames leap up for a few seconds.  He had sent his servants away, preferring to tend to things himself.  He looked back at Timnah, and returned to sit across from her.  “More wine?” he asked as he refilled his cup from the carafe on the table beside them.

          “Yes, please,” she replied, holding out her cup.  Naaman filled it and indicated that she sample some of the food provided on the table.  Timnah reached for an olive from the bowl on the table. 

          “Do you like it?” asked Naaman.  “They came with the caravan which arrived today.”

          “They are excellent,” she replied.  “I will go to the market tomorrow and find the merchant who has sold them to you to order a personal supply of them.”  Naaman joined her in eating an olive, and waited for her to resume where she had left off.

          Seeing that Naaman wished to get back to the business at hand, Timnah continued with her report.  “What Hamon plans has something to do with the new idol which they have built inside the shrine to Beelzebub.  It is said that each morning, when the priests come to collect the previous night’s food sacrifices, none can be found.  This is most unusual, but stranger still is that Hamon does not seem to be upset by this.  While Nebuchadnezzar shares half of all the food sacrifices with the city bureaucrats, the other half are to be given to the priests.  How Hamon plans to use this against Daniel I have not been able to get him to tell me.”

          “I know that Daniel wishes to have nothing to do with the idol,”  Naaman replied.  “He views it as an abomination.  Frankly, I don’t understand how you can worship a god when you don’t have an idol to see what he looks like, but that’s the way these Hebrews practice their religion.”

          Timnah took his hands in hers.  “Naaman, I know you have grown fond of him, and I have helped him when I could for your sake.  But I must tell you, I fear you risk your position  by befriending him.  Whatever it is Hamon is planning, it is designed to totally discredit him.  Do not allow your friendship for Daniel to threaten your position.”

          Naaman looked at Timnah, saw the genuine concern in her eyes.  A few years ago, he would have agreed with her without a moment’s hesitation.  But now, he found her words foreign to his ears.  What had happened to him?  He looked at her – then down at his hands in hers – and tried to conceal his sudden fear as her fingers brushed the splotch on his hand where he was sure the leprosy had begun.  Withdrawing his hands from hers, he rose and turned his back to her.

          “You are the daughter of a king.  You have been raised to put position above principle, to sacrifice that which is right for what is politically expedient.  Because it is politically expedient, you would have me turn against Daniel.  Yet Daniel is the one man who has tried to bring order in the streets among the different exile groups.  It is the council meetings among the exile leaders which Daniel oversees which makes my job of maintaining peace in the streets easier.  Whether Nebuchadnezzar realizes it or not, he needs Daniel for reasons besides his ability to interpret dreams.”

          Naaman turned to look at Timnah, saw the anger seething in her eyes.  She was beautiful and strong-headed – and she needed to grow up.  “You don’t like what you’re hearing, do you?  Well, there comes a time when one must be guided by something other than personal gain.  Daniel has done nothing for me that has made me rich or more powerful.  But he has taught me something about integrity, about serving honorably in a land that is not his own.  If I were to do as you suggest – to abandon him, to betray him, then what would prevent me from doing the same to someone else when it served my purpose?”  Naaman paused to let that last point sink in.  He drew closer to her, watched her eyebrows furrow as her emotions warred with her reason.  Softly, as he took her in his arms, he said, “You see, I offer you the same loyalty and devotion that I give to Daniel.  You could not possibly trust me to keep your secrets if I betrayed Daniel, for there would be nothing to stop me from betraying you.”

          Her expression softened, her anger dissipated, replaced by her concern for the future as she looked up into Naaman’s eyes.  “But if Hamon wins, and Daniel is dishonored, how will that affect you?  If you support Daniel, Hamon will want to eliminate you as a threat to his scheme to take the throne from Nebuchadnezzar.  In the end, that will leave no one to protect me – or my people.  So you see, Naaman, I must consider the ‘politically expedient’ thing to do, as you call it, because more is at stake than my personal well being.  I must also think of the good of my people, even if my heart says otherwise.”

          Naaman bent over and kissed her.  Then, taking her in his arms, he carried her down toward his bedchamber.  Under the cover of the night’s shadows, the concerns of the splotches on his hand and shoulder were forgotten.

Chapter 20 Cont.: The Festival of Bel

From atop his horse, Naaman watched as the third caravan in as many weeks entered the Ishtar Gate of Babylon.  The Festival of Bel, celebrating the fall harvest, was now in its fourth day.  As was customary, supplies for the festivities continued to arrive to stock the merchants’ shops during the celebrations.  Naaman’s job was to make certain that the duties owed to the civil and priestly authorities were paid in full, and that no known foreign subversives made their way into the city to cause trouble.

          Naaman was more concerned about this than usual.  General Shamgar had been dispatched to deal with the recent upsurge in Elamite raids that had again begun to occur to the southeast.  Convinced that Hamon had invoked their aid the last time such hostilities had occurred, Naaman planned to raise the issue with Timnah this evening to see what light she might shed on this development.  It would be unlike Hamon to pass up such an opportunity to work his mischief.

          But, two things stood in his way of unmasking Hamon’s treachery.  Since the New Year’s festival six months before, Hamon had worked to strengthen his ties to Nebuchadnezzar.  In those months, the king had severed nearly all ties to Daniel.  Indeed, Naaman’s own access to the King had been curtailed.  Instead of delivering his reports in person, as he was accustomed to doing, Naaman’s intelligence about the mood of the people and the workings of the city were filtered through the Chief Priest’s office.  Naaman was not very hopeful of learning much from Timnah this evening, for she had been unable to provide much in the way of details about Hamon’s activities, such as the new idol of Beelzebub which had been dedicated at the beginning of the festival.  There had been many strange occurrences surrounding the sacrifices which cried out for explanation. 

          Naaman’s second problem was personal, known only to himself.  For fear of Timnah finding out, he had increasingly built up a wall between himself and the Queen of Ashkelon.  Though he longed to take her in his arms, he could not bring himself to do so.  The mere thought of that caused the strong, tall soldier to unconsciously draw his cloak tighter around him to hide the splotches of light colored skin which had begun to appear on his darkly tanned shoulder and left hand.

          Naaman feared that he had the early stages of leprosy.  Already, the spots were becoming insensitive to pain or heat, one of the symptoms of leprous spots.  He did not believe himself to be infectious to anyone, at least not yet.  But he could not bear the thought of Timnah finding out, or worse, becoming infected with it herself.  He knew that his seeming aloofness angered her, which in turn made it increasingly difficult for her to continue in her role as mistress to Hamon, spying on him to inform Naaman of what the Shatammu was up to.

          The Captain of the Guard shook his head to bring his mind back to his duties, and pulled gently on the reign of his horse to guide it back to the City Square.  All these issues he would sort out later.  For now, he must complete his rounds before meeting later with the woman he loved. 

          As Naaman rode away, two dark eyes bored holes in the back of his head.  Beneath his traveling cloak, their owner paused amidst the arriving caravan to have his goods checked and taxed.  While he waited, Troas rolled his well-muscled shoulders and watched his alter ego ride away into the heart of the city.

Do you have a Kindle?  Want to learn how to upload your digital book onto Amazon’s Kindle Platform?  Check out my video on how I put my novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll, on Amazon’s Kindle:

Chapter 20: Mission to Babylon

           In the third year of Zedekiah, King of Judah, the seventh year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Judah conspired against the King of Babylon.  Seeking political alliance for temporary gain, King Zedekiah rejected the Word of the Lord.  Thus, he went down to Egypt, and played the harlot with the Mistress of the Nile, becoming ensnared by her charms.

                                                          The Chronicles of Belteshazzar

 

          Not far from the garrison of Migdol, where the Egyptians had defeated the invading Babylonian army, an old city was being reborn.  Pithom had been built centuries ago by the Hebrews while they were still slaves of the Egyptians, but had been abandoned when the prophet Moses led them out from under control of Pharaoh.  But after having been a ghost town for centuries, the Egyptians were rebuilding the city to house the nearly thirty thousand workers that were needed to rehabilitate the canal that was resurfacing from the sands of time.  Zedekiah had come to this town to see the work that was being done, and to discuss with Pharaoh Hophra how Egypt might help Judah throw off the yoke of Babylon.  

          “More wine?” yelled Amhose, laughing as he lifted a serving wench from his lap and gave her a love pat on her shapely rear end.  “More wine!  My friend and I are thirsty!”  The Egyptian general turned to smile at Troas as he drained the last of his cup and held it high to be refilled.

          Troas smiled and finished his own cup, but declined having it refilled. “Unlike yourself, Amhose, I begin a long journey tomorrow.  When I awake early in the morning, I want to have a clear head.”  But Amhose had already had his attention diverted to the new serving girl who had come to refill his cup.  Setting it down on the table with an unsteady hand, the Egyptian reached out to wrap his arms around the woman, who responded eagerly to his touch.  Seeing that he would be alone with his thoughts for a while, Troas changed his mind and replenished his cup from the wench’s serving flask.

          While Pharaoh Hophra had been the one to convince King Zedekiah to come to Pithom and see the canal, it had been Queen Natalia who had charmed the young king into agreeing to host a conference of the newly formed league.  After all this time of fitful starts and stops, the league that he and her father Ithobal of Tyre had set out to forge was finally about to become a reality.  In six months, they would hold a conference in Jerusalem.  The nations of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon would come together with Judah and pledge their allegiance to one another.  With the power of the freshly invigorated Egyptian war machine behind them, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would be no match.

          However, with the return of Reuben from Babylon, Troas had been without his eyes and ears in the enemy’s domain.  They needed to know what was happening – whether there was any way to create the instability in Babylon they needed to distract Nebuchadnezzar from this region for a little while longer.  Troas had decided there was nothing else for it but to journey to Babylon himself and spy out the area.  Knowing whom Reuben had had as part of his network of informants would help him identify a reliable contact who could gather information once he returned from Babylon.  Troas, however, trusted no one except himself to identify that person or persons and reactivate Reuben’s old network.  He would go in his guise as a Greek trader.

          And the caravan would leave at dawn.  Troas’s thoughts were disturbed by a sudden thud between his shoulder blades, causing him to spit the wine he had just drank onto the table in front of him.

          “Ha, Troas!  Don’t look so gloom!”  Amhose said, delivering yet another thump between the mercenary’s shoulder blades.  “Grab yourself a serving girl and let’s go have a private party!”  He turned to kiss the woman he held tight in his arms as he rose unsteadily to his feet.

          “No, Amhose, I’m afraid I won’t be joining you this evening.  Go and have yourself a good time – I must retire now if I am to be up at dawn to leave with the caravan.”  Troas rose and dropped some coins on the table to pay his bill, and turned to depart.   It would take nearly three months to travel there, allowing one month to gather information and establish his spy network before leaving on the two-month return journey to Jerusalem in time for the conference.  Turning back to his friend, he said, “But when I return, I’ll drink and whore with you for a month to celebrate our triumph over the Chaldeans!”

          Amhose sobered up and clasped Troas’s right forearm in his.  “May Osirus be with you, my friend.  Take care of yourself.”

          Troas nodded and turned to walk out into the night air.  For the first time since Reuben’s return from Babylon, Troas found himself thinking about Timnah, and wondering if she were still alive.

Do you have a Kindle?  Want to learn how to upload your digital book onto Amazon’s Kindle Platform?  Check out my video on how I put my novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll, on Amazon’s Kindle:

Chapter 19 Cont: Ezekiel is Called to Speak

“What the king did not tell you is that he plans to journey soon to Pithom.  It is a new city which has been built near the canal the Egyptians are digging to house the workers who labor on that project.  There Zedekiah seeks to consummate a bargain with Hophra:  Laborers in exchange for gold,”  Ahikam, who had been cutting a slice of roast lamb while he spoke, paused to take a bite of the meat he had just carved.  Jeremiah, Baruch and Ahikam’s son Gedaliah said nothing, so the old man continued.

          “He has the backing of the merchants, for they will gain from the influx of Egyptian coin.  And, Zedekiah will have the resources he needs to pay his tribute to Nebuchadnezzar.  He will do so only as long as he feels he needs to.  The kings of Tyre and Ammon have done a good of job of making him believe that, united and with the backing of Egypt, they can break the yoke of Babylon.  That is why he does not wish you to tell our people in Babylon to prepare for a long stay.  Zedekiah hopes to encourage them to create turmoil for Nebuchadnezzar – at least enough so that he will not notice what the league that is forming is up to.”

          Jeremiah broke off a piece of bread and dipped it in his wine goblet before taking a bite, and looked around him.  He and his friends had once again retreated to their safe room at the Inn of the Two Rams.  Their strength and support was often times the only comfort he had.  He had had such great hopes that Zedekiah would listen, yet even his former pupil seemed bent on taking the path that led to destruction.

          “In Babylon, our people are beginning to worship idols – they do it here now and believe that will save them,” said Jeremiah.  “To think that our people have forsaken their great God for stupid idols.  Look around and see if any other nation has ever traded its old gods for new ones!  They forsake Jehovah God, which like a spring is a fountain of living waters.  Now, they build for themselves cisterns which contain only stale, dirty water.  In the end, they will see that these cisterns are broken.  So it shall be with the League Zedekiah is attempting to forge.”  With that, Jeremiah walked out of the room, leaving the other three to their meal.

          Baruch looked at father and son, and shrugged his shoulders.  “Jeremiah is under a great deal of stress.  Not long ago, we went to his old family estate where he sought to sell some land to raise funds.  Members of his own family tried to kill him.  He is greatly distressed over the turn of events with Zedekiah.  However, we do have a plan.”

          “What is it?”  Gedaliah asked, speaking for the first time. 

          “As you know,” Baruch began, “Jeremiah has given his word not to communicate with the exiles in Babylon.  But, now that Ezekiel is there, nothing prevents him from bringing the word of the Lord to our people in exile.”  They all knew that given Daniel’s duties with the Court of Nebuchadnezzar, he was unable to perform that function.  Father and son nodded their heads in agreement with what Baruch proposed.  “As for dealing with Zedekiah here, Jeremiah is seeking the Lord for an answer to that question.”

          “I am not sure what can be done,” Ahikam replied.  “If Zedekiah solidifies this league with a formal treaty, I guarantee you that one of the other kings will provoke Nebuchadnezzar.  When Babylon responds, they will call on us to honor our pledge.  That will mark the beginning of the end.”

          The three continued to finish their meal in silence, waiting for Jeremiah to come back from wherever he had gone.

Do you have a Kindle?  Want to learn how to upload your digital book onto Amazon’s Kindle Platform?  Check out my video on how I put my novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll, on Amazon’s Kindle:

Conversations with the Culture: Kingdome of Heaven

What Man is a Man Who Does Not Make the World Better? 

Do the Right Thing.   God Wills It!

In the movie, Kingdom of Heaven, Balian (Orlando Bloom) is a peasant blacksmith living in France in 1184.  He is visited by Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), who reveals to Balian that he is his father, and he asks Balian to come with him to fight in the Crusades. Though he refuses at first, Balian decides to join his father after murdering the village priest in an argument over his wife, who recently committed suicide.  Through many engaging plot twists and turns, Balian finds himself as the commander of the Christian army organizing a defense of the city of Jerusalem against a siege by the Muslim army.

A bloodthirsty Christian crusader by the name of Guy de Lusigan is married to the sister of Baldwin IV, King of Jerusalem.  Because Baldwin is childless and dying from an advanced case of leprosy, de Lusigan is next in line to the thrown by virtue of marriage.  Knowing that the advancement of de Lusigan to the thrown would be disastrous for his subjects, King Baldwin offers Baliam a deal:  Murder Guy de Lusigan, and marry his sister, Sibylla (Eva Green).  Then, Baldwin will abdicate the thrown and Balian will be made King of Jerusalem.

Though the deal would benefit Balian, and would prevent an evil man from becoming king, he refuses Baldwin’s offer. In so doing, Balian reminds the king of his own words:

A King may move a man, a father may claim a son, but remember that even when those who move you be Kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, “But I was told by others to do thus.” Or that, “Virtue was not convenient at the time.” This will not suffice. Remember that.

To see a collage of scenes from the movie, including where these words are spoken, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jzPjPEABiQ

Digging Deeper

Doing the Right Thing: The Three Wise Men:

Christmas is a time when we focus on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Only briefly does the Christmas Story focus on the Magi, and then only in the Book of Matthew.  Legend has it there were three of them, though the Bible is silent as to their exact number.  We are told, however, of a meeting they had with King Herod, and of a decision they made to do the right thing – even though it may have endangered their own lives to thwart Herod’s will.  You see, the evil King Herod wanted to use the Magi as spies to discover where the baby Jesus was so that he could kill Him.  The story of how Herod attempted to use the wise men to this end is told in Matthew 2:7-8, 12: 

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” …. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Magi, being the wise men they were, understood that though “virtue was not convenient at the time”, they could not simply obey when “told by another to do thus.”  Though they were from Persia and were without the Law of God, they instinctively knew what righteousness demanded of them, and did the right thing.

Doing the Wrong Thing: The Elders of Israel

In 1st Kings Chapter 21, we read of the story of a man called Naboth who, it seems, had two problems.  First, he had a very nice vineyard that was the envy of his neighbor. Second, his neighbor was the evil king Ahab and his devious queen, Jezebel.  Now, Ahab became jealous of the Naboth’s vineyard, but instead of offering a just price, he told Naboth to simply give it to him.  When Naboth refused, Ahab went home, sulked, and told his wife.  Queen Jezebel told him not to worry, and set to work to hatch a plot to kill Naboth and have his vineyard given to Ahab. In I Kings 21:8, she wrote letters to the Elders and Nobles about her plot, which we read in verses 9 – 11:  

Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people; and seat two worthless men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, `You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the men of his city, the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them.

Unlike the Magi, the Elders of Israel had access to the Word of God.  But, unlike the Three Wise Men, they were in fear of the one who commanded them, and so took the path King Baldwin in the movie Kingdom of Heaven warned against.  In effect, their excuse was: “But I was told by others to do thus.” They pleaded their cause, adding:  ”Virtue was not convenient at the time.”

Application for Daily Living

Evil rarely presents itself in such stark, black and white contrasts as it did with Herod or Jezebel. Rather, as in the movie, The Kingdom of Heaven, evil surfaces behind the mask of what is “best for the greater good.”  King Baldwin could have gone straight to Guy de Lusigan and had some “straight talk”.  Yes, this would have had some negative consequences.  However, it’s hard to imagine they would have been worse than what latter happened in the movie (sorry, you’ll have to watch to find out!).

Is there someone in your life with whom you need to have some “straight talk”?  Or, is it your habit to work your will behind the scenes through the “elders and nobles” because you do not have the courage to face issues squarely and head on?  

And what about the other actors in such circumstances?  When asked to participate in such schemes, will we play the part of the Wise Men, or the part of the Elders and Nobles?

In the New Year, may God give us wisdom to discern our roles in such circumstances, remembering always another line from The Kingdom of Heaven:

“Holiness is in Right Action and Courage on Behalf of Those Who Cannot Defend Themselves”

Chapter 19 Continued: The Letter

Jeremiah sighed.  Several weeks ago, he had traveled to his home at Anathoth, where he had sought to sell some of his holdings to raise money for his own living expenses.  Warned by his mother that his own brothers were planning his murder, he had been forced to flee before they could spring their trap.  Now back in Jerusalem, he faced the wrath of King Zedekiah’s advisors.  It seemed that no matter how he entreated the Lord, family peace alluded him.

 Outside his chamber doors and down the corridor in the Great Hall, several of the priests were assembling to confront Jeremiah over his recent actions.  They expected the young king to support them in their petition, knowing full well that Zedekiah was loath to act against his former teacher.

 Jeremiah rose as those who had come to give the new king a backbone entered the room.  Because the second wave of exiles had included many of those loyal to Jehoiakim, the court of Zedekiah had few holdovers from the old regime.  Jeremiah’s old enemy, Pashur, had been replaced by Zephaniah, the New Keeper of the Door.  Ahikam, though still in Jerusalem, was not privy to Zedekiah’s inner circle.  Of those here to confront him, only General Elnathan, son of Achbor, had been part of Jehoiakim’s court.  He had taken the surrender to Nebuchadnezzar hard, but now seemed to have regained his sense of confidence.  Jeremiah felt alone and embattled, but steeled himself to say what had to be said as he accompanied them to where they would meed the king.

           Zedekiah entered the Great Hall, and walked to his throne, signaling that the proceedings could begin.  Jeremiah took sudden comfort from the warm, though brief smile the young king shared with the prophet as their eyes locked.  Jeremiah had spoken little with Zedekiah since his coronation, and in that moment realized the error of his aloofness.

           “We have received letters from Babylon,” Zedekiah began, looking at Jeremiah.  The king paused, waiting for the prophet to respond.  Jeremiah determined to say nothing until spoken to, forcing himself to retain the appearance of calm.  Agitated by his silence, Zedekiah said, “These letters concern you, Jeremiah.”

           “Indeed, what do they say,” Jeremiah responded.  Not without his own sources, Jeremiah knew that the false prophets had become incensed over his own pronouncements to the exiles, urging them to prepare for a long stay in Babylon.   Jeremiah had expected that their reaction would have come sooner than this.  As he prepared to listen, he wondered what had triggered their response after so long a delay.

           Zedekiah turned and nodded to Zephaniah to proceed.  The new Keeper of the Door unrolled a parchment scroll which he held in his hand, a triumphant grin crossing his lips as he briefly cast his gaze in Jeremiah’s direction.  “I, Shemaiah, a sojourner in Babylon, write to Zephaniah, the Keeper of the Door in the Temple of the Lord …”

           As Zephaniah continued to read the introduction to the letter, Jeremiah closed his eyes and replayed his memory of the time in the court of Jehoiakim when Shemaiah had denounced him as a fake prophet who should be stoned.  Now, the one who had wrongly foretold the victory of Egypt at Carchemish once again was striking out from his lair in Babylon.  Jeremiah resigned himself to the realization that his enemies would never rest until he was dead.  With difficulty, Jeremiah forced himself to pay attention to Zephaniah’s reading of the letter.

           “The Lord has appointed you to replace Jehoiada as priest in Jerusalem.   And it is your responsibility to arrest any madman who claims to be a prophet, and put him in the stocks and collar.  Why haven’t you done something about this false prophet Jeremiah of Anathoth?  For he has written to us here in Babylon saying that our captivity will be long, and that we should build permanent homes and plan to stay many years:  That we should plant fruit trees, for we will be here to eat the fruit from them for a long time to come.”

           “Jeremiah,” Zedekiah interrupted, “I have called you here to have Zephaniah read this in your presence so that I may ask you, before God, whether these are your words?”

           “They are, indeed, my words,” Jeremiah said in a quiet voice as he looked his former student in the eye.  Then, looking away at no one in particular, Jeremiah continued.  “Not only my words, but the words of the Lord.  Hear now, for thus says the Lord:  ‘Behold, I will punish Shemaiah and his descendants.  He shall not have any one living among this people to see the good that I will do’.”

           “The good the Lord will do!”  shouted Zephaniah, re-rolling the scroll and shaking it in Jeremiah’s face.  “Do you know that Nebuchadnezzar has declared Jehovah to be a member of the Babylonian Pantheon?  That he is a servant of Marduk, and that graven images are now being made of Him and sold to our people by the metal smiths of Babylon?  And you ask our people to worship the Lord without a Temple?  Without sacrifices?”

           “I don’t know what you are talking about!” Jeremiah replied hesitantly, suddenly unsure of himself.

           “Nebuchadnezzar read a portion of your letter to the people, twisting it to make himself out to be the messiah prophesied for our people.  He has used your words to destroy the faith of our people.”  Zephaniah spat out the words at his rival and then sat down, throwing the letter on the table to emphasize his point.

           Jeremiah could not believe what he was hearing.  The letter had been intended for delivery into Daniel’s hands.  He would never have given it to Nebuchadnezzar, would he?

           “Jeremiah, I want what you want:  The restoration of our people to the Lord God,” Zedekiah said, rising from his chair.  “But what you are doing is causing more harm than good.  I command you to cease communication with our people in Babylon.  If you fail in this, I will be forced to imprison you.”

           “May I go?”  Jeremiah asked, eyes downcast.  He needed to retreat to pray, and to speak with his friends.  He had no more stomach for what they had to say.  He only knew that he must leave this place as quickly as possible.

           “Not until you give your word to cease your efforts to communicate with our people in Babylon!” Zedekiah said, shaking his finger at the prophet for emphasis. 

           Jeremiah did not want to give his consent, knowing that the Lord wanted his message preached to the captives in Babylon.  How could he give his consent?  And then, he saw the answer:  “Yes, I will obey your command,” he replied to the king.  A guard opened the door, and with head bowed, Jeremiah left the Great Hall.

Chapter 19: An Invitation to Rebel

It was a sunny, hot summer morning.   Lingering near the window, he looked out on the Kidron Valley, the small brook running between the Mount of Olives and David’s City, the oldest part of Jerusalem.  The source of the city’s water supply, it was the place where his father Josiah had brought out the idols of Baal and destroyed them.   How ironic that his half-brother Jehoiakim had brought the worship of them back to Judah.  Zedekiah savored the moment and reflected on the letter he had received from Pharaoh, inviting him to come to Egypt as a way to bolster his courage to meet the wrath of Jeremiah.

          In his letter, Hophra had spoken of the work on the canal, and the completion of the city of Pithom since the defeat of Nebuchadnezzar at the battle of Migdol.  It was there that the laborers on the canal dwelt.  Capable of managing a population of thirty thousand, Hophra had proposed an attractive offer:  In exchange for ten thousand workers, Egypt would pay two hundred shekels per head.  Such an exchange would solve several immediate political problems.  First, it would alleviate his immediate problem of raising tribute to pay Nebuchadnezzar.  Zedekiah would not be forced to raise taxes, as he had originally planned.  He would now be able to go to the people and make this pledge, thus endearing himself to their hearts. 

          Second, it would buy the loyalty of the merchant class.  There were still those in Jerusalem who viewed his nephew, Coniah, as the rightful heir.  With their support guaranteed by economic gain, Zedekiah would be able to dismiss as right wing extremists those who viewed him as a mere caretaker.  As long as the people’s purses were full of coins, they would not listen too closely to those priests who still called Coniah the rightful heir to the Throne of David.

          Beyond the economic gain that Zedekiah would reap, Hophra had explained the greater geopolitical strategy now unfolding, and had told him of the prominent role he would play.  Within the next year, Hophra and Ithobal of Tyre wanted to hold a war council for the league that would be formed here, in Jerusalem.  With the House of David seen as leading this alliance against Babylon, Zedekiah was certain that he could convince his people to turn from their worship of the Babylonian gods.  Since the death of his father Josiah, the increase in idolatry had been unabated.  And, who could blame them?  They saw the defeat of Judah as the defeat of Jehovah God.  By throwing off the yoke of Babylon, the people would return to the Lord.  The military leaders would clearly favor this.  Zedekiah hoped that he could get Jeremiah to see the benefits of such a strategy, and give his blessing to it.  Though the prophet’s following was a small one, still, Zedekiah craved the approval of his old teacher.  Deep down inside, Zedekiah knew that if he were to truly have the blessing of Jehovah God, he must first have this one prophet’s blessing.

          It was time to go and convene the meeting.  Zedekiah took one last gaze at the Kidron Valley, and turned to make his way to the Great Hall.

Have you jumped into the middle of The Brotherhood of the Scroll and want to catch up?  Access the achieves at http://wisejargon.wordpress.com/2008/10/and go back to October, 2008 to find the Prologue.

Would you like to read The Brotherhood of the Scroll whenever you want?  Order the ebook at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz2.html

Do you have a Bible Study that’s looking for new material?  Consider The Study Guide to the Brotherhood of the Scroll.  You can find it at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz3.html

Chapter 19: Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies

          The red star in Orion’s belt twinkled as a ruby in the clear night sky.  As Hamon looked out his window at the stars above, he savored the sense of elation which coursed through his veins.  Nebuchadnezzar had heard and agreed to his plan – one which would acknowledge the events of the other evening, but which would position the Hebrew god as being wholly subservient to Marduk.  And they owed it all to Daniel’s teacher, this so-called prophet named Jeremiah. 

          Neither Hamon nor Nebuchadnezzar could allow the escape of the three Hebrews from the fiery furnace to go without explanation.  So, Hamon had devised a scheme which allowed Nebuchadnezzar to not only take credit for their survival, but claim that the king had himself been the agent of their escape from the furnace.  Hamon had written a decree, which Nebuchadnezzar had signed and was now being distributed throughout the kingdom.  For perhaps the twentieth time, Hamon again read the parchment containing the decree as he drained his wine goblet.

          The prophet Jeremiah has written the exiles in Babylon, saying:  “Build houses and settle down.  Marry, have sons and daughters.  Increase in numbers, do not decrease.  Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city of Babylon, praying to the Lord for it, because if Babylon prospers, you too will prosper.  The God of Israel has appointed Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, as his servant – to bring salvation to your people.  He is the Messiah of the Hebrews.”

          Yet, some of the Hebrews have doubted the will of their god, so Nebuchadnezzar put you  to the test.  Of all the Hebrews, only Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego passed that test – to trust in the God of Israel, who has sent you to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar.  Praise be to the God of Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!  They trusted in Him, and did not worship the gods of the Babylonians.  With the blessing of Marduk, their god saved them from the fiery furnace, so that the Hebrews would honor his command to dwell in Babylon and serve her king.  For, how else could the god of Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego save them if it were not the will of Marduk?  Therefore, because of their faithfulness, these three will be given positions of power in the Kingdom of Babylon

          Furthermore, the God of Israel will be given a place of honor with the Gods of Babylon, and sit at Markduk’s right hand.  From this day forward, to commemorate his inclusion into the House of the Gods, his name shall be called Beelzebub.

          Hamon laughed as he read that last line, for in the language of the Hebrews, the name Beelzebub meant “Lord of the flies.”  The effect would not be lost on his people – which both he and the king agreed was needed to restore their faith in the gods of Babylon after what had happened.  Hamon looked up again at the red star in Orion’s belt.  He knew there was no explanation for what had happened the other night.  But, rather than deny that it had happened, they would embrace it – claiming that it had been the will of Marduk all along – and that the god of the Hebrews would join the Pantheon of Babylonian gods pledged to serve Marduk.  As the people on earth were assimilated by their Chaldean masters, so too their god would be assimilated by the gods of this land.  It was a simple solution to a complex problem.

Hamon heard the woman approach behind him, felt her wrap her arms around his chest and slide them down to his waist before proceeding further. 

          “I grew tired of waiting for you to come back.  Still thinking about your triumph from earlier today, eh my Lord?”  Timnah asked.

          “Yes,” Hamon answered, still looking up at the stars.  “And what was best was Daniel’s reaction to the good news.”  Hamon savored the memory as he prepared to tell his mistress.  “We summoned the Hebrew after Naaman gave his report.  Nebuchadnezzar announced that the god of the Hebrews would henceforth be called Beelzebub, and added to the Pantheon of idols to be celebrated in the future New Year’s celebrations.  Even now, the goldsmiths have been commissioned to form idols for purchase by the people – especially the Hebrews living in Babylon. 

          “But why wouldn’t Daniel see that as a good thing?,” asked Timnah, slowly caressing the Chief Priest.

          “Because they refuse to make idols of their God – in fact, their religion forbids it.  Daniel recognized that by making his God one of the Babylonian Pantheon, the religion of his people will be compromised.  Not only that, but as the greater has the power to change the name of the lesser, Marduk is elevated over the god of the Hebrews whose name is now Beelzebub, the Lord of the Flies.  In a generation, they will lose their distinctiveness, and be of no trouble to anyone.”

          “And now that Daniel has been discredited before the eyes of the king, what do you intend to do?” she asked, turning the man around to look into her eyes.

          “Nebuchadnezzar fears the power of Daniel.  He has appointed the Hebrew to a position of power, and cannot undo that.  But, at a time of my choosing, he will take an action which will force Daniel to defy a royal command, and thus forfeit his life.  For now, that is all I can say.”  Hamon crushed her to himself and kissed her passionately.  But as he did so, he resolved to be much less free with the information he shared with the Queen of Ashkelon, for one question still ate at him – had Daniel been forewarned of the plan to force the Hebrews to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar?  Daniel’s sudden appearance with an excuse to be out of the city during the New Year’s celebration had been far too convenient.  If Daniel had been alerted by someone, Timnah’s name would lead a short list of suspects.

          He would have to satisfy his suspicions, and if it proved that she had betrayed him, take the steps necessary to insure her future silence.  

Have you jumped into the middle of The Brotherhood of the Scroll and want to catch up?  Access the achieves at http://wisejargon.wordpress.com/2008/10/and go back to October, 2008 to find the Prologue.

Would you like to read The Brotherhood of the Scroll whenever you want?  Order the ebook at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz2.html

Do you have a Bible Study that’s looking for new material?  Consider The Study Guide to the Brotherhood of the Scroll.  You can find it at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz3.html

Chapter 18 Continued: Ithobal Comes Courting

Hananiah took his place beside his new king.  It had not been a month since Zedekiah had been made King in Jerusalem, and already the kings of the neighboring states were coming to visit.  Ithobal of Tyre was the second king to come – Sihon of Ammon had left only three days ago.  And, it had not escaped his notice that the noble families of Jerusalem  were abuzz with the hope for profits from doing business with these nations – and their liege lord Hophra of Egypt.  Clearly, Troas had acted quickly on his advice on how to sway the heart of the new king.

           Hananiah leaned over to speak softly into Zedekiah’s ear.  “My Lord, it is said that it is Ithobal of Tyre who set in motion Egypt’s plans to build the canal.  It is said he is wise and a hard bargainer, but that his word can be trusted.”

           The young king nodded his head and waited as the doorkeeper announced the arrival of his counterpart.  Though equals in title and sovereign powers, Zedekiah felt very much like a young maiden being eyed by a potential suitor before negotiating the wedding price.  “Greetings Ithobal, King of Tyre and Protector of all sea faring merchants,” Zedekiah said.

           “Blessings on he who sits on the Throne of David,” replied Ithobal.  “I knew your father, Josiah, and have been blessed by the wisdom of the scribes he sent to tutor my own son years ago in the ways of your language and your God.”  Ithobal bowed and motioned for his servants to present the gifts he had brought:  Myrrh from Persia, fine gems from the southern tip of Africa.  Even a fine cloth known as silk from a land so far to the east that it was known only as the Land of the Rising Sun.

          Once the gifts had been presented, Zedekiah thanked him, saying “All Jerusalem is blessed by your presence.  I have prepared a feast in your honor this evening.  Please, accept my hospitality and refresh yourself before we dine tonight.”

           King Ithobal bowed, hands spread.  “Your highness is most kind.  But see, the day is yet young.  I would enjoy the King of Judah’s company for a stroll in your fine gardens.”  Standing to his full height, he stretched out his burly right arm in the direction of the royal gardens, inviting Zedekiah to lead him in a tour of the grounds.  His grin broadened into a smile when Zedekiah rose to indulge his request.

           “So, King Ithobal, tell me what business brings you to Jerusalem so soon after my ascension to the throne?  You never paid such an honor to my dead half brother, Jehoiakim,” asked Zedekiah as they walked into the gardens out of ear shot of the other members of the court.

           They walked down a green lawn flanked on either side by well-tended red and yellow tulips.  A cool breeze blew in from the mountains.  Ithobal, a master of diplomacy, was in the element he most enjoyed.  “Jehoiakim was an able leader, but he suffered from a flaw fatal to too many who rise to the place of a king:  He was ruthless and unprincipled.  He sought only his own advantage, not that of the people he governed.  I prefer not to deal with such men.”

           “And what leads you to believe that I am different?” asked Zedekiah.

           “My man, Troas, whom you will meet, tells me that you are.  He was here for your coronation.  It was he who suggested I come to pay my respects – to see for myself if you might be the kind of leader he believes you to be.”

           Zedekiah’s raised eyebrows emphasized the surprise and inquisitiveness in his voice.  “And what kind of leader does he believe me to be?”

           “Zedekiah, my friend, the same as I.  One who chafes under the oppression of an overlord.  One who would see his people free from tyranny.  Answer me truthfully, when you took the vow to serve the King of Babylon, was your heart in it?”

           Zedekiah shifted his gaze to the ground as they slowed their pace.  Finally, he answered:  “No, it was not.  But the prophet Jeremiah says it is the will of our God that we serve Babylon.”

           “I thought as much.  Troas told me that you were, shall we say, less than enthusiastic in pledging fealty to Babylon.”

           “But what else was I to do?” pleaded Zedekiah.  “The armies of Babylon surrounded us at every turn.  I had to submit, or see Jerusalem destroyed.”

           King Ithobal indulged Zedekiah’s excuses for another ten minutes, nodding his head in sympathy with the young king’s plight.  But when he again brought up the prophet Jeremiah’s name, and how he had instructed the new king that Judah must submit to Nebuchadnezzar, Ithobal determined that it was time to turn the conversation in the direction he wished it to go.

           “I have heard of this Jeremiah,” said King Ithobal.  “I have heard he is a great wizard.  Rumor has it that he is the teacher of the Hebrew wise man who advises Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel.  Is this true?”

           “Yes, it is he.  Why do you ask?” Zedekiah responded cautiously.

           Ithobal placed his arm around the younger man’s shoulder and leaned closer to his ear, as would a father to a son.  “I have learned much of this prophet, and I fear he seeks only to aggrandize himself at your expense.  He once served in a prominent position under the reign of your father, Josiah.  He lost that position when Jehoiakim came to power.  Now, with his disciple advising Nebuchadnezzar and you under the spell of his powers, he seeks to elevate himself at any cost.  I would wager that he has kept secret from you the recent triumphs of Pharaoh Hophra and his growing power.”

           “Indeed, of what triumphs do you bear news?” asked Zedekiah.

           The King of Tyre recounted the story of Egypt’s victory over Kush.  He told of how Babylon had tried to use that nation to open a second front on her enemy’s southern border, coming so soon after Nebuchadnezzar’s own loss at Migdol.  He also spoke of the canal project, and the city of Pithom which had been built to house the nearly thirty thousand slaves and craftsmen who now worked to complete it.  And then, Ithobal dangled his surprise carrot in front of the young, impressionable king.

           “Within a year,” Ithobal said, “Pharaoh Hophra plans to travel on a diplomatic trip to foster trade and economic cooperation with the states of the Gaza Plain.  The Pharaoh is especially interested in coming to pay you a visit.”

           Zedekiah’s slow pace through the garden now came to a complete halt.  “Interested in visiting me!”  exclaimed Zedekiah.  “Why, in the name of Jehovah God, would he wish to do that?”

          “As I said, my friend, you are a king who chafes at the thought of your people suffering the tyranny of the tyrant from Babylon.  Pharaoh Hophra wishes to solidify an alliance against Babylon, but you are the key to making that alliance a reality.  Hophra knows that.  That’s why he wishes to come and pay his respects to you here in Jerusalem.”

           Ithobal watched Zedekiah’s reaction carefully.  At this point it was necessary only to sell Zedekiah on the prestige of having Pharaoh Hophra pay him a personal visit.  Step two would be to convince the new king of Judah to hear the arguments for forming an alliance against Babylon.  Each stage would give Zedekiah the ability to deny to Jeremiah or anyone else that he was openly betraying his allegiance to Babylon.  In the mean time, through economic incentives, Tyre and Egypt would buy influence among the merchants of Jerusalem.  Eventually, it would be their calls for supporting Egypt which would cause Zedekiah to renounce Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon.  This prophet Jeremiah could rant and rave all he liked.  In the end, the power of gold would triumph, as it always did.  King Ithobal was not disappointed by the impressionable king’s response. 

           “I will receive Pharaoh with honor when he arrives,” said Zedekiah.  “Even Jeremiah will see the necessity of keeping on good terms with Egypt.  After all, I will not violate any trust to which I have sworn with Nebuchadnezzar.  It is good.  Now, come, we should return to make ready for the banquet I have had prepared in your honor.”

 As the two walked back to rejoin the others at court, Ithobal silently congratulated himself on moving his agenda forward.  Truly, he would enjoy the evening that awaited as his just reward.

Have you jumped into the middle of the story and want to “catch up”? Go to achieves at http://wisejargon.wordpress.com/2008/10/and go back to October, 2008 to find the Prologue.

Would you like to read The Brotherhood of the Scroll whenever you want?  Order the ebook at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz2.html

Do you have a Bible Study that’s looking for new material?  Consider The Study Guide to the Brotherhood of the Scroll.  You can find it at http://www.wisejargon.com/orderpages/orderlantz3.html