Chapter 13 Cont.: A Dream Revealed

Early in the morning, in the predawn light, Naaman roused his house guest.  The two ate their breakfast in silence, and then made their way to the palace of the King.  As Naaman entered the Court of Nebuchadnezzar with Daniel at his side, he felt the eyes of Hamon pierce the two of them.  More than ever, Naaman believed that the Shatammu had something to do with the attempt on Daniel’s life the night before.  But that was a matter that would have to await further investigation.

“Daniel,  the appointed hour has arrived,” said Nebuchadnezzar.  “Are you able to tell me my dream and interpret its meaning?”

All eyes focused on Daniel.  Naaman didn’t know why, but he knew that Daniel would be able to answer the king’s question.

“None of your magi, astrologers, or wizards can tell you such things, but there is a God in heaven who does,” Daniel responded.  “He has told you in your dream what will happen in the future.  In your dream, you saw a huge statue of a man, shining brilliantly, frightening and terrible.  It was awesome to behold.  The head was made of purest gold, its chest and arms were made of silver, its belly and thighs of brass, its legs of iron.  Part of the feet were also made of iron, and part of clay.  But as you watched, a rock cut from the mountainside came hurtling toward the statue and crushed the feet of iron and clay, smashing them to bits.  The whole statue collapsed, its pieces crushed as small as chaff.  But as the wind blew the pieces of the statue all away, the rock that knocked the statue down became a great mountain that covered the whole earth.”

While everyone else in the room had their eyes glued to Daniel, Naaman watched Hamon’s reaction.  The Shatammu appeared as though he would speak, but before he could do so, Nebuchadnezzar was on his feet.  Quickly, he descended the steps to where Daniel stood and said, “This is indeed the dream I had.  Tell me, what does it mean?”

“Your Majesty, the meaning of your dream is this,” Daniel said, drawing a deep breath before proceeding.  “You are a king over many kings, for the God of heaven has given you your kingdom, power strength and glory.  You rule the farthest provinces, and even the animals are under your control, as God decreed.  You are that head of gold.”

“But after your kingdom has come to an end, another world power will arise to take your place.  This empire will be inferior to yours.  Following that kingdom, yet a third great power – represented by the bronze belly of the statue – will rise to rule the world.  Again, this kingdom too shall be replaced by a fourth kingdom made of iron.  The meaning of the feet and toes, part iron, part clay, show that later on, this fourth kingdom will be divided.  Part of it will be as strong as iron, some as weak as clay.  While these kingdoms will try to strengthen themselves by forming alliances through intermarriage, this will not succeed, for iron and clay do not adhere to one another.”

“What of the great rock of which you spoke?  What can it possibly be?” interrupted Hamon, barely able to contain himself as Daniel interpreted the dream.

“During the reign of the kings represented by the feet and toes, the God of Heaven will establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed.  It will shatter all these kingdoms into nothingness, but it shall stand forever.  This is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain without human hands that will crush the great statue. The God of Heaven has shown Nebuchadnezzar what will happen.  Its fulfillment is as certain as my description of it.”  Daniel concluded his presentation and stood silent before Nebuchadnezzar.

Nebuchadnezzar turned and slowly ascended the stairs to his throne.  All stood in silence, awaiting what Nebuchadnezzar would say.  Finally, he looked at Daniel and said, “You have been one of the Magi, but now you have shown yourself to be the greatest of the Magi.  From this day forth, you will be the Zalakka, the Chief Scribe.  And your name shall be changed to Belteshazzar, the “Diviner of the Way of the Gods.”

“But your Highness, he is a foreigner.  You cannot do this!”  Hamon interrupted.  Immediately, he realized that he had spoken out of turn, but it was too late to retract his words.

“Does the Shatammu challenge the right of the king to select his Chief Scribe?  You have control of the temple, High Priest.  I am sure that you will do all that is necessary to insure that I continue to bring glory to Marduk, and that the temple coffers are full.”

Turning to Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar said, “From this day forth, to commemorate my dream, you shall be in charge of rebuilding the Temple of Esagila.  In that temple, you shall build a room dedicated to your God.  While the temple shall be a place of worship to Marduk, there within that special chamber shall the God of Belteshazzar be worshipped.”

Even Naaman was surprised by this command.  The temple of Esagila was devoted to Marduk, along with his consort, Sarpanitum.  The main shrine of Marduk at the temple was a chamber whose interior was completely overlain with gold.  Within the shrine was a large golden image of Marduk and Sarpanitum, while other images flanked the divine couple, tending to their needs.  Would this room to be devoted to Daniel’s God be equally magnificent?  And what would Hamon do regarding this clear infringement on his responsibilities?

As Naaman mulled over these thoughts, a guard came and whispered into his ear.  Listening to his guard, he looked up at Hamon, for the news that the guard was bringing him spoke of a disaster only a select few could have triggered.  Fighting had broken out between the Hebrews and the Ashkelonites within the city walls.  On the same day – the same day – raiders from Elam had attacked Susa, less than a week’s march to the southeast.  Naaman approached the king and, kneeling at his feet, waited for Nebuchadnezzar to command him to speak.

“Rise, Naaman, what is on your heart,” asked Nebuchadnezzar.

“My king, fighting has broken out in the city between Hebrew and Ashkelonite.  Somehow, news that Daniel is dead has gotten out and caused the Hebrews to seek revenge.  But that is not all!  Raiders from Elam have attacked Susa. What is your command!”  Naaman looked up, waiting for his king’s response.

Nebuchadnezzar eyed the people of his court, his eyes resting on Daniel.  After a moment’s thought, he turned to Shamgar and said, “General Shamgar, learn more about the situation in Susa, and then take up to half your army to beat back the forces of Elam.”  As Shamgar bowed and left to carry out his orders, Nebuchadnezzar next turned to  Naaman.  “You lead a squadron of guards to restore order.  Once that is accomplished, find out who is behind this – I shall have their head.”

Naaman bowed, but before turning to leave, he looked at Hamon and, acting on a hunch said, “My men will find those who ordered this.  Whomever is responsible likely does not realize that we still have one of the assassins.  I swear, those behind this will pay!”  As Naaman walked out of the chambers he heard Hamon almost succeed in stifling a curse.

After both Shamgar and Naaman had left, Nebuchadnezzar motioned to Daniel to come and join him.  Together, they ascended the steps to walk out to the king’s balcony.  Putting his hand on Daniel’s shoulder, Nebuchadnezzar leaned toward his new Zalakka and said, “Someone wants you dead.  When Naaman has caught up with them, we will know why.  Now, we must go and speak to the people so that they will know that you are still alive, and to proclaim the empire that you have foreseen.”

Jumping in at the middle?  Go into the achieves at http://wisejargon.wordpress.com/2008/10/and go back to October, 2008 to find the Prologue.

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