1
00:00:31,428 --> 00:00:32,834
Lord...
2
00:00:34,460 --> 00:00:38,268
...I have waited for you to
lead us out of Babylon,
3
00:00:39,702 --> 00:00:43,109
for I was just a boy
when I came here.
4
00:00:43,173 --> 00:00:48,851
The generation which
offended you has passed away,
5
00:00:48,946 --> 00:00:53,588
and now their children's
children yearn to see a home
6
00:00:53,884 --> 00:00:57,127
they have never known.
7
00:00:57,221 --> 00:01:01,135
You have spoken through
your prophet, Jeremiah,
8
00:01:01,225 --> 00:01:05,196
"When 70 years are
completed for Babylon,
9
00:01:05,295 --> 00:01:11,246
"I will come to you
and fulfill my gracious promise
10
00:01:13,503 --> 00:01:18,418
and bring you back
to this land."
11
00:01:18,475 --> 00:01:22,548
My heart
grows with excitement
12
00:01:22,613 --> 00:01:26,561
that now
that time has come.
13
00:01:46,036 --> 00:01:50,883
An old man who comes
unbidden is often a fool.
14
00:01:50,941 --> 00:01:53,979
And less often
come as assassins.
15
00:01:54,077 --> 00:01:56,887
Perhaps a foolish assassin.
16
00:01:59,950 --> 00:02:01,361
Forgive us, my king.
17
00:02:01,451 --> 00:02:06,093
Do you know
whom you address?
18
00:02:06,189 --> 00:02:08,328
He is the king of Babylon,
19
00:02:08,425 --> 00:02:11,201
ruler of the four
quarters of the earth,
20
00:02:11,295 --> 00:02:15,243
Kurus, in the old Persian tongue.
21
00:02:15,332 --> 00:02:18,006
He has seized
by might-of-arms
22
00:02:18,101 --> 00:02:24,074
the birthright which would
otherwise have been denied him.
23
00:02:24,174 --> 00:02:27,986
He is Cyrus the Great.
24
00:02:30,514 --> 00:02:32,084
Leave us.
25
00:02:37,988 --> 00:02:41,162
Who are you, old man?
26
00:02:44,127 --> 00:02:47,973
I am Daniel
of the tribe of Benjamin,
27
00:02:48,031 --> 00:02:53,174
made captive nearly 70 years ago
by Nebuchadnezzar.
28
00:02:53,270 --> 00:02:56,114
My king,
I have heard of this man.
29
00:02:56,206 --> 00:03:01,019
He served Darius well after he
captured the city in your name.
30
00:03:01,111 --> 00:03:04,217
It is said he spent
a night in the lions' den.
31
00:03:04,281 --> 00:03:07,990
The beasts
would not touch him.
32
00:03:08,085 --> 00:03:09,496
Is this true?
33
00:03:09,553 --> 00:03:11,590
It is.
34
00:03:15,025 --> 00:03:18,097
I know who you are now.
Tell me why you're here.
35
00:03:18,161 --> 00:03:20,539
I seek
to tell you a story,
36
00:03:20,630 --> 00:03:23,406
a tale of four kings:
37
00:03:23,467 --> 00:03:27,574
one great, one foolish,
one who has been deceived,
38
00:03:27,671 --> 00:03:32,086
and one who is destined
to be regarded as wise
39
00:03:32,175 --> 00:03:34,553
through all the ages
of the world to come.
40
00:03:34,611 --> 00:03:36,557
Stories from
your imagination?
41
00:03:36,613 --> 00:03:42,291
No, king, for I will
speak only the truth,
42
00:03:42,386 --> 00:03:45,333
and if you would
not wish to hear it,
43
00:03:45,422 --> 00:03:49,564
you must bid me
speak nothing.
44
00:03:49,626 --> 00:03:51,537
Come.
45
00:03:51,595 --> 00:03:54,474
You will give us
entertainment while we eat.
46
00:03:54,564 --> 00:03:56,441
Please.
47
00:03:57,200 --> 00:04:02,172
My king, we're expected
in Babylon this evening.
48
00:04:02,239 --> 00:04:06,210
The palace will be there
in the morning.
49
00:04:06,309 --> 00:04:08,255
As you wish.
50
00:04:30,167 --> 00:04:32,078
I cannot, oh king.
51
00:04:32,135 --> 00:04:35,708
My king, the Hebrews eat
and drink only their own food
52
00:04:35,772 --> 00:04:38,309
which is prepared
according to their rituals.
53
00:04:38,375 --> 00:04:42,187
To do otherwise, even
from the hand of the king,
54
00:04:42,245 --> 00:04:45,089
is to defile themselves.
55
00:04:45,148 --> 00:04:49,358
You promised me
a tale, four, in fact.
56
00:04:49,453 --> 00:04:51,228
I delayed my journey
to listen.
57
00:04:51,321 --> 00:04:52,823
I will hear them now.
58
00:04:53,123 --> 00:04:55,330
So be it, my lord.
59
00:04:55,392 --> 00:04:58,100
The first king I will speak of
is Nebuchadnezzar,
60
00:04:58,161 --> 00:04:59,504
King of Babylon.
61
00:04:59,563 --> 00:05:01,372
When I was just a boy,
62
00:05:01,431 --> 00:05:04,412
he threw down
the Assyrian empire,
63
00:05:04,501 --> 00:05:07,641
my people's ancient nemesis,
64
00:05:07,737 --> 00:05:12,777
but the destruction of Israel's
enemies brought us no relief
65
00:05:12,876 --> 00:05:16,517
because in the 3rd year
of Nebuchadnezzar's reign,
66
00:05:16,613 --> 00:05:21,528
he turned his gaze upon
Jerusalem and besieged it,
67
00:05:21,618 --> 00:05:25,191
and the Lord delivered
the king of Judea into his hand
68
00:05:25,288 --> 00:05:29,668
along with all of his officers,
nobles, and administrators.
69
00:05:39,136 --> 00:05:41,548
When the exiles
arrived in Babylon,
70
00:05:41,638 --> 00:05:45,142
Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz,
his chief eunuch,
71
00:05:45,208 --> 00:05:47,210
to select some
of the Israelites
72
00:05:47,310 --> 00:05:49,517
from the royal family
and nobility,
73
00:05:49,579 --> 00:05:51,581
young men without
any physical defect
74
00:05:51,681 --> 00:05:54,594
and showing aptitude
for every kind of learning,
75
00:05:54,684 --> 00:05:57,290
one of whom was myself.
76
00:06:26,349 --> 00:06:29,387
O Lord...
77
00:06:29,486 --> 00:06:33,866
Jerusalem has sinned greatly.
78
00:06:33,957 --> 00:06:36,597
Like a widow is she.
79
00:06:36,660 --> 00:06:38,901
Once great
among the nations,
80
00:06:39,196 --> 00:06:45,340
a queen among the people,
has become a slave
81
00:06:45,435 --> 00:06:51,875
and her children
captive before the foe.
82
00:06:51,975 --> 00:06:55,354
My eyes overflow with tears,
83
00:06:55,445 --> 00:06:57,425
for you, Lord,
are righteous,
84
00:06:57,514 --> 00:07:03,658
yet we rebelled
against your command.
85
00:07:03,753 --> 00:07:07,496
Comfort me, O Lord.
86
00:07:07,591 --> 00:07:13,906
Comfort me and my brothers,
and restore our spirit.
87
00:07:28,411 --> 00:07:32,223
I miss Jerusalem.
88
00:07:32,282 --> 00:07:34,523
As do I.
89
00:07:34,618 --> 00:07:36,928
I feel that we shall
never see her again.
90
00:07:36,987 --> 00:07:39,991
Have faith, my brothers.
91
00:07:40,290 --> 00:07:42,463
I have only begun my studies,
92
00:07:42,559 --> 00:07:44,937
but here...
93
00:07:47,497 --> 00:07:50,000
the prophet, Jeremiah,
son of Hilkiah,
94
00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:52,871
has written that we shall
serve the king of Babylon
95
00:07:52,969 --> 00:07:54,539
for 70 years--
96
00:07:54,604 --> 00:07:56,311
Seventy years
is a long time.
97
00:07:56,406 --> 00:07:57,976
As punishment for our sins.
98
00:07:58,275 --> 00:08:00,551
And even if
we were to survive it,
99
00:08:00,644 --> 00:08:03,250
we would be very old.
100
00:08:03,313 --> 00:08:05,486
Very old, indeed.
101
00:08:06,016 --> 00:08:08,826
You are
summoned for your meal.
102
00:08:12,589 --> 00:08:14,535
Why would they
only take 10,000 of us
103
00:08:14,591 --> 00:08:16,264
and leave the rest
of our people behind?
104
00:08:16,326 --> 00:08:18,602
Yes, look at
who they've taken.
105
00:08:18,695 --> 00:08:21,005
The scholars, the princes,
our military leaders,
106
00:08:21,298 --> 00:08:22,606
and our families.
107
00:08:22,699 --> 00:08:24,576
It's the
Babylonian way of conquest.
108
00:08:24,634 --> 00:08:25,977
You take away the leaders,
109
00:08:26,036 --> 00:08:27,572
and the rest
can easily be governed.
110
00:08:27,637 --> 00:08:29,878
They've changed our
names, hoping we'll forget our God;
111
00:08:29,973 --> 00:08:32,283
and our clothes
so we'll look like them.
112
00:08:32,342 --> 00:08:34,913
They've changed
everything about us.
113
00:08:35,011 --> 00:08:37,753
We need to make
each other a promise,
114
00:08:37,847 --> 00:08:39,690
never to become like them.
115
00:08:39,749 --> 00:08:42,787
My brothers,
such a promise is worthless,
116
00:08:42,886 --> 00:08:44,991
for we are but men.
117
00:08:45,088 --> 00:08:48,535
What we need to promise
is to always love our God
118
00:08:48,625 --> 00:08:51,299
and be obedient to him,
119
00:08:51,361 --> 00:08:56,003
and in so doing, what we become
on the outside will not matter.
120
00:08:56,099 --> 00:08:56,832
Set it here.
121
00:08:56,833 --> 00:08:58,335
Set it here.
122
00:09:05,575 --> 00:09:08,681
Lord Steward,
please allow me to as k.
123
00:09:08,778 --> 00:09:10,086
What is this meat?
124
00:09:10,380 --> 00:09:13,384
Where is it from,
and how was it slaughtered?
125
00:09:13,483 --> 00:09:15,622
The cattle
are from the king's herd.
126
00:09:15,685 --> 00:09:17,028
They are fattened
along the river
127
00:09:17,120 --> 00:09:18,997
and strangled before
the altars of Marduk
128
00:09:19,055 --> 00:09:21,501
before their flesh
is carried to the kitchens.
129
00:09:21,558 --> 00:09:23,663
The swine are
from the king's pens.
130
00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:25,706
They are fed on choice food,
131
00:09:25,795 --> 00:09:30,403
and it is rumored the king's
executioner laces their feet
132
00:09:30,500 --> 00:09:32,639
with the entrails
of his victims,
133
00:09:32,736 --> 00:09:35,649
so that the king's chosen
may feast and grow strong
134
00:09:35,705 --> 00:09:38,379
on the flesh of his enemies.
135
00:09:38,441 --> 00:09:40,978
It is considered
the greatest of delicacies.
136
00:09:41,077 --> 00:09:44,115
To some perhaps,
but not to us.
137
00:09:44,414 --> 00:09:45,757
We are forbidden to eat it,
138
00:09:45,815 --> 00:09:47,453
for the Almighty
has commanded us,
139
00:09:47,550 --> 00:09:48,858
"The pig is unclean.
140
00:09:48,952 --> 00:09:51,762
You are not to eat their meat
or touch their carcasses."
141
00:09:51,821 --> 00:09:53,528
Nor can we eat anything
sacrificed to gods
142
00:09:53,590 --> 00:09:54,933
other than our own.
143
00:09:54,991 --> 00:09:57,972
But the king cannot- he will not
change the customs of his hall
144
00:09:58,061 --> 00:09:59,938
to fit your wishes.
145
00:10:00,029 --> 00:10:01,633
You must know this.
146
00:10:01,698 --> 00:10:03,837
And we will not
ask him to.
147
00:10:03,933 --> 00:10:05,844
But you must eat.
148
00:10:05,935 --> 00:10:07,915
I have been charged
with your well-being.
149
00:10:07,971 --> 00:10:09,712
If you are seen
to be wasting away,
150
00:10:09,806 --> 00:10:12,810
I'm afraid of what my lord,
the king, will do.
151
00:10:12,876 --> 00:10:15,686
He will have my head.
152
00:10:15,745 --> 00:10:18,453
And we would
not wish it so.
153
00:10:18,548 --> 00:10:21,552
Therefore,
put your servants to the test.
154
00:10:21,618 --> 00:10:24,098
For 10 days give us nothing
but vegetables to eat
155
00:10:24,187 --> 00:10:25,894
and mater to drink.
156
00:10:25,989 --> 00:10:27,491
Then compare our appearance
157
00:10:27,590 --> 00:10:34,565
to that of the other young men
who eat the royal food.
158
00:10:34,964 --> 00:10:37,672
- Ten days?
- Ten days.
159
00:10:37,734 --> 00:10:43,412
And if after that your
appearance is found wanting?
160
00:10:43,473 --> 00:10:47,512
Then we will
do as you wish.
161
00:10:50,146 --> 00:10:52,854
Your request was polite.
162
00:10:52,916 --> 00:10:54,896
I'm rather surprised
it was honored.
163
00:10:54,984 --> 00:10:59,091
I have no doubt the Lord
favorably disposed his heart
164
00:10:59,155 --> 00:11:01,567
to hear our request.
165
00:11:01,624 --> 00:11:03,604
By the end of 10 days,
166
00:11:03,693 --> 00:11:07,664
my companions and I looked
healthier and better-nourished
167
00:11:07,764 --> 00:11:10,973
than the young men
who ate the royal food,
168
00:11:11,034 --> 00:11:15,005
and so the chief eunuch
allowed us to continue
169
00:11:15,071 --> 00:11:18,985
refusing the wine
and choice fare,
170
00:11:19,042 --> 00:11:22,080
and we remained un-defiled.
171
00:11:25,515 --> 00:11:28,496
The period of our instruction
went by quickly.
172
00:11:28,551 --> 00:11:31,555
During those many years we
were living in a foreign land,
173
00:11:31,654 --> 00:11:33,691
speaking a foreign language,
174
00:11:33,790 --> 00:11:37,067
and living under
a foreign king.
175
00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:42,508
Despite this,
our hearts belonged only to God,
176
00:11:42,599 --> 00:11:46,103
and at the end of that time
my companions and I
177
00:11:46,202 --> 00:11:48,504
were presented before
Nebuchadnezzar himself.
178
00:11:48,505 --> 00:11:49,108
were presented before
Nebuchadnezzar himself.
179
00:11:49,205 --> 00:11:52,584
The king's executioner,
Arioch, will be in the chamber.
180
00:11:52,675 --> 00:11:54,621
If you are found unworthy,
181
00:11:54,677 --> 00:11:58,784
you will be
executed on the spot,
182
00:11:58,848 --> 00:12:01,021
and so will I.
183
00:12:11,895 --> 00:12:18,870
Lord, king, I present you
the princes of Judah,
184
00:12:19,569 --> 00:12:23,073
preserved by the
right hand of your mercy
185
00:12:23,139 --> 00:12:26,211
and tutored by the
left hand of your wisdom.
186
00:12:26,276 --> 00:12:31,692
They are come before you now for
judgment as to their training.
187
00:12:31,781 --> 00:12:36,526
They are Belteshazzar,
Shadrach,
188
00:12:36,586 --> 00:12:40,796
Meshach, and Abednego.
189
00:12:40,857 --> 00:12:42,803
Who am I?
190
00:12:45,862 --> 00:12:47,671
You are Nebuchadnezzar,
191
00:12:47,730 --> 00:12:51,906
son and heir of Nabopolassar,
king of Babylon.
192
00:12:52,001 --> 00:12:53,742
You have destroyed
Nineveh the Mighty,
193
00:12:53,836 --> 00:12:55,144
seat of Assyria,
194
00:12:55,238 --> 00:12:58,242
and taken from her hand
the scepter of nations.
195
00:12:58,308 --> 00:13:02,654
You are the commander of
commanders and king of kings,
196
00:13:02,745 --> 00:13:06,818
from the rising of the sun unto
its setting in the western sea,
197
00:13:06,883 --> 00:13:12,026
and beneath heaven there is
none more powerful than thee.
198
00:13:16,626 --> 00:13:20,938
You, come forth.
199
00:13:26,636 --> 00:13:28,240
Why should I allow you,
200
00:13:28,304 --> 00:13:34,220
sons of my former enemies,
to serve in my court?
201
00:13:34,310 --> 00:13:37,154
Because you have spared
the lives of our people
202
00:13:37,246 --> 00:13:39,692
who were delivered
into your hand
203
00:13:39,782 --> 00:13:41,659
and because the word
of the prophet Jeremiah
204
00:13:41,751 --> 00:13:43,128
has come unto us saying,
205
00:13:43,186 --> 00:13:45,757
"This is what
the Lord God Almighty,
206
00:13:45,822 --> 00:13:47,893
"the God of Israel,
says to all those
207
00:13:47,957 --> 00:13:51,302
"carried into exile
from Jerusalem to Babylon,
208
00:13:51,394 --> 00:13:53,965
"'Build houses,
and settle down.
209
00:13:54,063 --> 00:13:56,907
'"Plant gardens,
and eat what they produce.
210
00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:58,775
“Marry and have
sons and daughters.
211
00:13:58,835 --> 00:14:01,907
'"Also, seek the
prosperity of the city
212
00:14:01,971 --> 00:14:04,645
'"to which I have
carried you into exile.
213
00:14:04,707 --> 00:14:06,744
“Pray to the Lord for it,
214
00:14:06,809 --> 00:14:10,382
for if it prospers,
you too will prosper."'
215
00:14:13,349 --> 00:14:15,226
This is good.
216
00:14:16,019 --> 00:14:21,833
So now even your God
commands you to serve me.
217
00:14:21,924 --> 00:14:24,734
I have no need
of lap dogs.
218
00:14:24,827 --> 00:14:26,272
Would you dare
to tell me the truth
219
00:14:26,362 --> 00:14:28,808
even if you knew
it would displease me?
220
00:14:28,898 --> 00:14:30,900
Lord, king,
it must be so.
221
00:14:30,967 --> 00:14:33,208
I will speak only the truth,
222
00:14:33,269 --> 00:14:35,078
and when you
would not hear it,
223
00:14:35,138 --> 00:14:37,641
you must ask me nothing.
224
00:14:44,414 --> 00:14:48,794
I pronounce them worthy.
225
00:14:48,851 --> 00:14:52,162
Have their names be written
in the Book of the Wise.
226
00:14:55,992 --> 00:14:59,337
Nebuchadnezzar's
questioning showed wisdom.
227
00:14:59,395 --> 00:15:02,274
A former enemy
can be a good counselor.
228
00:15:02,365 --> 00:15:04,106
If they can be trusted.
229
00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:10,344
And a wise king is capable
of choosing whom to trust,
230
00:15:10,406 --> 00:15:12,943
for are you not Croesus,
231
00:15:13,009 --> 00:15:14,989
formerly king of Lydia
232
00:15:15,078 --> 00:15:17,251
and once the richest
man in the world
233
00:15:17,346 --> 00:15:20,259
whose name alone
signified riches
234
00:15:20,349 --> 00:15:22,727
almost beyond
comprehending?
235
00:15:22,819 --> 00:15:26,062
I am he.
236
00:15:26,155 --> 00:15:30,262
Trusting the words
of the Oracle of Delphi,
237
00:15:30,326 --> 00:15:35,969
I went to war with Cyrus
and was defeated.
238
00:15:36,032 --> 00:15:41,209
Cyrus pardoned me
and my family.
239
00:15:43,172 --> 00:15:46,278
I am eternally grateful.
240
00:15:46,342 --> 00:15:48,413
Worthy
counselors, rare indeed,
241
00:15:48,478 --> 00:15:51,459
as Nebuchadnezzar
came to learn at a time
242
00:15:51,748 --> 00:15:56,026
when his Babylonian
counselors, his magi,
243
00:15:56,085 --> 00:16:01,933
sorcerers, diviners,
magicians, and astrologers
244
00:16:02,024 --> 00:16:03,258
were unable to help him.
245
00:16:03,259 --> 00:16:04,966
were unable to help him.
246
00:16:05,461 --> 00:16:07,771
No!
247
00:16:09,232 --> 00:16:13,009
What is it, my king?
248
00:16:13,069 --> 00:16:14,412
Summon my counselors.
249
00:16:14,470 --> 00:16:16,313
The enchanters, the sorcerers,
or the astrologers?
250
00:16:16,372 --> 00:16:18,978
All of them!
251
00:16:22,879 --> 00:16:26,258
Oh, king!
252
00:16:26,349 --> 00:16:29,125
Your wisest subjects
have arrived.
253
00:16:29,218 --> 00:16:33,064
Command, and it is done.
254
00:16:33,122 --> 00:16:36,035
I've had a dream
that troubles me.
255
00:16:36,092 --> 00:16:37,469
I need to know
what it means.
256
00:16:37,527 --> 00:16:39,438
Oh, king, tell your
servants your dream,
257
00:16:39,495 --> 00:16:41,031
and we will
interpret it for you.
258
00:16:41,097 --> 00:16:43,373
No.
259
00:16:43,466 --> 00:16:45,537
What need I have wise men
who are not wise, hmm?
260
00:16:45,835 --> 00:16:47,940
Astrologers who read
nothing in the stars.
261
00:16:48,004 --> 00:16:50,780
Magicians who
perform children's tricks.
262
00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:54,219
Sorcerers who divine nothing
except what I tell them.
263
00:16:54,310 --> 00:16:56,813
No, it is enough for the
king to dream his dreams.
264
00:16:56,913 --> 00:16:59,792
It is up to you
to discern and interpret them.
265
00:16:59,849 --> 00:17:03,092
But, my lord, if only
you would tell us your dream
266
00:17:03,152 --> 00:17:05,530
we could interpret it,
as we have always done.
267
00:17:05,822 --> 00:17:07,199
Always.
268
00:17:07,523 --> 00:17:10,197
I know you're
trying to gain time
269
00:17:10,259 --> 00:17:12,102
or trick me into revealing
what I've seen.
270
00:17:12,195 --> 00:17:14,141
Either may I'll have none of it.
271
00:17:14,230 --> 00:17:17,973
But there's no man on
earth who can do what the king asks.
272
00:17:18,034 --> 00:17:21,447
No king has ever asked
such a thing before.
273
00:17:21,537 --> 00:17:23,881
Only the gods
could know these things,
274
00:17:23,973 --> 00:17:26,579
and when we ask
they don't answer.
275
00:17:26,876 --> 00:17:30,050
Well, I suggest you try
and get them to answer,
276
00:17:30,146 --> 00:17:32,387
or beg that they endow you
with the necessary skills
277
00:17:32,448 --> 00:17:34,325
to divine it on your own,
278
00:17:34,417 --> 00:17:37,864
for as I am king I swear
that when the sun rises,
279
00:17:37,920 --> 00:17:39,991
if my dream is not
made known to me
280
00:17:40,056 --> 00:17:41,831
along with its interpretation,
281
00:17:41,891 --> 00:17:45,236
you will all be made shorter
by the height of your heads.
282
00:17:45,294 --> 00:17:47,467
You may withdraw
283
00:17:47,563 --> 00:17:49,474
Now!
284
00:17:54,537 --> 00:17:56,346
Lord Ashpenaz, is it true?
285
00:17:56,439 --> 00:17:57,941
It is.
286
00:17:58,040 --> 00:18:00,020
Why has the king
issued such a harsh decree?
287
00:18:00,109 --> 00:18:03,556
Why don't you come along with me
and ask him yourself?
288
00:18:12,355 --> 00:18:16,098
- Lord, king.
- What?
289
00:18:16,192 --> 00:18:21,335
Belteshazzar
requests an audience.
290
00:18:21,430 --> 00:18:23,376
Speak.
291
00:18:23,466 --> 00:18:26,174
Oh king, live forever.
292
00:18:26,269 --> 00:18:27,577
I have heard your decree,
293
00:18:27,670 --> 00:18:30,207
and I understand that
I shall fall beneath the blade
294
00:18:30,306 --> 00:18:33,014
if your dream is not
made known and interpreted.
295
00:18:33,075 --> 00:18:37,455
I ask only for more time that
I might withdraw for a while,
296
00:18:37,513 --> 00:18:39,925
my friends and I,
to pray to our God
297
00:18:40,016 --> 00:18:43,122
and see if he might not
make the dream known to us.
298
00:18:43,219 --> 00:18:45,597
The time is fixed.
It cannot be altered.
299
00:18:45,655 --> 00:18:48,431
The sentence is to be
carried out at sunrise.
300
00:18:48,491 --> 00:18:54,601
You may withdraw
so long as you return at dawn,
301
00:18:54,664 --> 00:18:56,507
as your fate
and that of the others
302
00:18:56,599 --> 00:18:58,101
is one in the same,
303
00:18:58,200 --> 00:19:03,309
and when you return be sure to
bring your companions with you.
304
00:19:03,372 --> 00:19:08,014
Shall I send
guards along, my king?
305
00:19:08,110 --> 00:19:10,249
No.
306
00:19:10,346 --> 00:19:16,228
No, if he says he'll pray,
he'll pray not flee.
307
00:19:16,319 --> 00:19:19,232
Of that much
at least I'm sure.
308
00:19:19,288 --> 00:19:22,098
Even if we
were to flee the city
309
00:19:22,191 --> 00:19:24,967
the whole world
would've been against us,
310
00:19:25,027 --> 00:19:27,200
not that it mattered
311
00:19:27,263 --> 00:19:31,575
I had given my word
and intended to keep it.
312
00:19:31,667 --> 00:19:38,084
I would pray and hope
that the answer came.
313
00:19:38,140 --> 00:19:39,983
Prepare to
bind the prisoners.
314
00:19:40,042 --> 00:19:42,989
Once the sun rises
there can be no delay.
315
00:19:44,146 --> 00:19:46,126
Bring forth the councilors!
316
00:19:52,621 --> 00:19:56,330
Oh king, live forever.
317
00:19:56,425 --> 00:19:59,304
Oh king, do not
execute these men, I beg you.
318
00:19:59,395 --> 00:20:02,535
Belteshazzar,
your death is upon you as well
319
00:20:02,598 --> 00:20:05,374
unless you know my dream
and can interpret it.
320
00:20:05,434 --> 00:20:10,042
I am, and I will.
321
00:20:10,139 --> 00:20:13,143
Praise be to the God
of my fathers forever and ever.
322
00:20:13,242 --> 00:20:17,122
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
323
00:20:17,179 --> 00:20:19,420
He reveals
deep and hidden things
324
00:20:19,515 --> 00:20:21,995
and has made plain
all that you have asked,
325
00:20:22,051 --> 00:20:26,727
for he has shown me
the vision of the king.
326
00:20:27,023 --> 00:20:29,697
Then speak!
327
00:20:29,792 --> 00:20:34,571
As you lay upon your bed,
oh king, you looked,
328
00:20:34,663 --> 00:20:37,610
and there before you
stood a large statue,
329
00:20:37,700 --> 00:20:40,476
awesome in its appearance.
330
00:20:40,569 --> 00:20:43,709
The head of the statue
was made of pure gold,
331
00:20:43,773 --> 00:20:46,686
its chest and arms of silver,
332
00:20:46,742 --> 00:20:48,619
its belly
and thighs of bronze,
333
00:20:48,711 --> 00:20:50,315
its legs of iron,
334
00:20:50,379 --> 00:20:54,350
its feet partly of iron
and partly of baked clay.
335
00:20:54,450 --> 00:20:58,262
As you were watching,
a rock was cutout
336
00:20:58,354 --> 00:21:01,028
but not by human hands.
337
00:21:01,090 --> 00:21:04,230
It struck the statue
on its feet of iron and clay
338
00:21:04,326 --> 00:21:06,533
and smashed them.
339
00:21:06,629 --> 00:21:10,406
Then the iron, the clay, the
bronze, the silver, and the gold
340
00:21:10,499 --> 00:21:13,173
were all broken
to pieces at the same time,
341
00:21:13,235 --> 00:21:17,149
and the winds swept them
away without a trace,
342
00:21:17,239 --> 00:21:22,518
but the rock that struck
the statue became a mountain
343
00:21:22,611 --> 00:21:25,785
and filled the whole earth.
344
00:21:30,853 --> 00:21:36,269
You have done what
I was told was impossible.
345
00:21:36,358 --> 00:21:37,769
This mystery
has been revealed to me
346
00:21:37,827 --> 00:21:39,807
not because I am
wiser than other men
347
00:21:40,096 --> 00:21:41,404
but because God wishes you
348
00:21:41,497 --> 00:21:44,774
to understand
the meaning of your dream.
349
00:21:50,239 --> 00:21:55,655
You know my dream
as if you dreamt it yourself.
350
00:21:57,613 --> 00:22:00,321
What does it mean?
351
00:22:00,416 --> 00:22:04,421
You, oh king,
are the king of kings.
352
00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:06,659
The God of heaven
has given you dominion
353
00:22:06,722 --> 00:22:09,362
and power
and might and glory.
354
00:22:09,425 --> 00:22:12,565
In your hands
he has placed mankind.
355
00:22:12,661 --> 00:22:15,540
He has made you
ruler over the nation,
356
00:22:15,631 --> 00:22:20,205
for you are
the head of pure gold.
357
00:22:20,302 --> 00:22:22,441
After you,
another kingdom will rise,
358
00:22:22,538 --> 00:22:24,643
inferior to yours.
359
00:22:24,707 --> 00:22:27,415
Next, a third kingdom,
one of bronze,
360
00:22:27,510 --> 00:22:29,820
will rule over
the whole earth.
361
00:22:29,912 --> 00:22:34,725
Finally, there will be
a fourth kingdom strong as iron,
362
00:22:34,817 --> 00:22:37,423
for iron breaks
and smashes things to pieces,
363
00:22:37,486 --> 00:22:38,829
but just as you saw
364
00:22:38,888 --> 00:22:41,164
that the feet and toes
were partly of baked clay
365
00:22:41,223 --> 00:22:42,566
and partly of iron,
366
00:22:42,625 --> 00:22:45,834
so this people will be a mixture
and not remain united
367
00:22:45,928 --> 00:22:49,239
any more than
iron mixes with clay.
368
00:22:49,331 --> 00:22:51,709
And in the time
of those kings
369
00:22:51,800 --> 00:22:53,643
the God of heaven
will set up a kingdom
370
00:22:53,736 --> 00:22:55,773
that will never
be destroyed.
371
00:22:55,871 --> 00:22:58,681
It will crush those kingdoms
and bring them to an end
372
00:22:58,741 --> 00:23:02,712
but will itself
endure forever.
373
00:23:02,811 --> 00:23:04,552
The Almighty
has shown the king
374
00:23:04,613 --> 00:23:07,150
what will take place
in the future.
375
00:23:07,216 --> 00:23:09,355
The dream is true,
376
00:23:09,451 --> 00:23:13,831
and the interpretation
is trustworthy.
377
00:23:16,492 --> 00:23:20,907
I am the head of gold?
378
00:23:21,197 --> 00:23:25,873
Yes, oh king,
you are the head of pure gold.
379
00:23:25,968 --> 00:23:30,178
Surely your God
is the God of gods,
380
00:23:30,239 --> 00:23:35,484
the ruler of kings,
and the revealer of mysteries.
381
00:23:35,578 --> 00:23:40,215
Let this man be paid honor
and present him with incense.
382
00:23:40,216 --> 00:23:41,217
Let this man be paid honor
and present him with incense.
383
00:23:41,283 --> 00:23:42,728
Thus, the
king made me ruler
384
00:23:42,785 --> 00:23:46,198
over the entire
province of Babylon,
385
00:23:46,255 --> 00:23:47,859
and at my request
386
00:23:47,923 --> 00:23:52,633
made Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego administrators.
387
00:23:52,728 --> 00:23:57,404
King Nebuchadnezzar made
an image of gold 90 feet high.
388
00:23:57,499 --> 00:24:01,811
All were commanded
to fall down and worship,
389
00:24:01,904 --> 00:24:05,977
and all did as commanded
except for three.
390
00:24:06,275 --> 00:24:07,777
- King.
- Live forever!
391
00:24:07,876 --> 00:24:09,878
A moment
of your precious time.
392
00:24:09,945 --> 00:24:11,754
As your dutiful servants,
393
00:24:11,814 --> 00:24:17,594
we know the law that when
the horn sounds we all bow down.
394
00:24:17,686 --> 00:24:19,256
And worship your image.
395
00:24:19,321 --> 00:24:21,892
But these Jews
whom you have set over
396
00:24:21,957 --> 00:24:24,267
the affairs of the
province of Babylon
397
00:24:24,360 --> 00:24:25,998
pay no attention
to you, oh king.
398
00:24:26,295 --> 00:24:27,603
None.
399
00:24:27,696 --> 00:24:29,471
They neither
worship your gods
400
00:24:29,565 --> 00:24:31,670
or serve the image
of gold you've created.
401
00:24:31,767 --> 00:24:33,337
Nothing.
402
00:24:34,436 --> 00:24:35,813
Is this true?
403
00:24:35,904 --> 00:24:39,716
Do you refuse
to worship my statue?
404
00:24:39,808 --> 00:24:42,755
Oh king, we do not need to
defend ourselves before you
405
00:24:42,845 --> 00:24:44,347
in this matter.
406
00:24:44,446 --> 00:24:45,754
Really?
407
00:24:45,848 --> 00:24:47,759
Then you shall be
thrown into the furnace,
408
00:24:47,850 --> 00:24:50,729
and no guard
will save you from my hand.
409
00:24:50,819 --> 00:24:53,459
If we are thrown
into the blazing furnace,
410
00:24:53,555 --> 00:24:55,660
our God will
defend us from it.
411
00:24:55,724 --> 00:24:59,536
And if he does not,
we want you to know oh king,
412
00:24:59,595 --> 00:25:01,336
that we will not
serve your gods
413
00:25:01,430 --> 00:25:02,738
or worship
the statue of gold-
414
00:25:02,831 --> 00:25:05,539
Enough!
415
00:25:05,601 --> 00:25:08,013
You dare to defy me?
416
00:25:08,304 --> 00:25:10,648
Let the furnace
be heated sevenfold.
417
00:25:10,739 --> 00:25:13,982
Bind them, and cast
them into the fire!
418
00:25:47,576 --> 00:25:52,525
There were three
thrown into the fire.
419
00:25:52,614 --> 00:25:55,493
Certainly, your king.
420
00:25:55,584 --> 00:25:59,430
But now I see four,
421
00:25:59,521 --> 00:26:02,627
and the fourth-
422
00:26:02,691 --> 00:26:09,506
The fourth looks like
an angel of God.
423
00:26:10,833 --> 00:26:13,837
The fire has not
harmed your bodies.
424
00:26:13,936 --> 00:26:16,473
Not a hair is singed.
425
00:26:16,538 --> 00:26:21,715
Your robes, there's not even
a smell of the fire on you.
426
00:26:26,949 --> 00:26:29,828
Praise be to your God
427
00:26:29,918 --> 00:26:35,698
who sent his angel
to rescue his servants.
428
00:26:35,791 --> 00:26:37,896
You trusted in him.
429
00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:40,736
You defied my commands.
430
00:26:40,829 --> 00:26:43,810
You were willing
to give up your lives
431
00:26:43,899 --> 00:26:47,506
rather than serve any
but your own God.
432
00:26:56,111 --> 00:27:00,685
Therefore, I decree
any who speaks ill
433
00:27:00,783 --> 00:27:04,390
of the God of Shadrach,
Meshach, Abednego,
434
00:27:04,453 --> 00:27:09,402
will be cut into little pieces
and his house turned to rubble,
435
00:27:09,458 --> 00:27:14,458
for no other God
can save in this way.
436
00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:20,446
And for a time all was well
437
00:27:20,536 --> 00:27:23,710
until Nebuchadnezzar's
sleep was troubled
438
00:27:23,806 --> 00:27:26,116
yet by another dream.
439
00:27:26,208 --> 00:27:29,121
It seems like
Nebuchadnezzar's life was rife
440
00:27:29,211 --> 00:27:33,819
with dreams and prophesies
much like my own has been.
441
00:27:33,882 --> 00:27:37,420
Before I was born,
my grandfather, Astyages,
442
00:27:37,486 --> 00:27:39,159
was troubled by a dream
443
00:27:39,455 --> 00:27:42,868
where a flood
beginning near his throne
444
00:27:42,958 --> 00:27:45,438
was overflowing
the whole earth.
445
00:27:45,494 --> 00:27:46,837
When he went
to his astrologers
446
00:27:46,895 --> 00:27:52,004
and his diviners
for an interpretation,
447
00:27:52,100 --> 00:27:53,943
they told him that
his grandson was destined
448
00:27:54,036 --> 00:27:57,609
to one day usurp him.
449
00:27:57,706 --> 00:28:00,812
So he sent his daughter,
Mandane, into exile,
450
00:28:00,909 --> 00:28:03,617
and when a son
was born to her
451
00:28:03,679 --> 00:28:05,215
he conspired
to have it stolen
452
00:28:05,514 --> 00:28:08,620
and exposed
on a hilltop to die.
453
00:28:08,684 --> 00:28:10,163
But a shepherd whose wife
454
00:28:10,252 --> 00:28:14,166
had recently given birth
to a stillborn child
455
00:28:14,256 --> 00:28:18,830
persuaded her husband to trade
her dead infant for the living,
456
00:28:18,927 --> 00:28:23,034
and the shepherd
raised the boy as his own.
457
00:28:23,098 --> 00:28:26,045
The king, upon being
presented with the dead infant,
458
00:28:26,134 --> 00:28:29,240
repented of his crime.
459
00:28:29,538 --> 00:28:30,846
He didn't learn
until 10 years later
460
00:28:30,939 --> 00:28:33,180
that the boy
was actually alive,
461
00:28:33,242 --> 00:28:36,155
at which time
he pardoned the boy
462
00:28:36,211 --> 00:28:38,555
and restored him
to his rightful parents,
463
00:28:38,647 --> 00:28:41,890
and for a time
the matter was forgotten.
464
00:28:41,950 --> 00:28:44,794
Until one day, years later,
465
00:28:44,853 --> 00:28:47,231
when you marched
into your grandfather's city
466
00:28:47,523 --> 00:28:50,834
at the head of your troops
and seized the throne of Medea,
467
00:28:50,926 --> 00:28:56,604
taking the old man captive, and
the prophecy was proven true.
468
00:28:56,698 --> 00:29:00,942
Old Astyages,
he knew of the prophecy,
469
00:29:01,036 --> 00:29:03,243
but he was powerless
to overcome it.
470
00:29:03,539 --> 00:29:07,180
As all men are powerless
to prevent their fate
471
00:29:07,242 --> 00:29:09,950
if the prophesizing
be true.
472
00:29:10,012 --> 00:29:15,519
Listen then, as I tell
of the prophetic vision
473
00:29:15,584 --> 00:29:18,224
that led to
Nebuchadnezzar's madness.
474
00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:21,733
For when he dreamed
that great dream,
475
00:29:21,823 --> 00:29:26,101
his enchanters, sorcerers,
and astrologers
476
00:29:26,161 --> 00:29:30,610
were once again unable
to interpret the vision.
477
00:29:30,699 --> 00:29:32,235
When I was asleep
478
00:29:32,334 --> 00:29:36,544
I had a dream
which made me afraid.
479
00:29:36,605 --> 00:29:41,987
The images I saw
terrified me.
480
00:29:42,044 --> 00:29:47,153
Belteshazzar,
I looked and saw before me
481
00:29:47,249 --> 00:29:50,093
a tree in the middle
of the land.
482
00:29:50,152 --> 00:29:52,689
A tree grew strong and tall.
483
00:29:52,754 --> 00:29:56,133
Its top touched the sky,
484
00:29:56,191 --> 00:29:59,661
and it was visible
to the ends of the earth.
485
00:29:59,761 --> 00:30:05,905
Its leaves,
they were beautiful.
486
00:30:06,001 --> 00:30:08,242
Its fruit was abundant.
487
00:30:08,303 --> 00:30:11,284
The beasts of the field
took shelter under it,
488
00:30:11,340 --> 00:30:14,253
and the birds of the air
lived in its branches,
489
00:30:14,309 --> 00:30:19,588
and from it
every creature was fed.
490
00:30:19,648 --> 00:30:22,857
Then I looked again,
491
00:30:22,918 --> 00:30:27,230
and I saw a messenger
coming down from heaven,
492
00:30:27,322 --> 00:30:32,294
and he cried out aloud,
"Cut down the tree!
493
00:30:32,394 --> 00:30:35,671
"Trim off its branches.
494
00:30:35,764 --> 00:30:37,835
"Strip its leaves.
495
00:30:37,933 --> 00:30:40,038
"Scatter its fruit.
496
00:30:40,102 --> 00:30:42,104
"Let the beasts
flee from under it
497
00:30:42,204 --> 00:30:46,311
"and the birds
fly from its branches,
498
00:30:46,408 --> 00:30:48,684
"but let the stump
and its roots,
499
00:30:48,777 --> 00:30:50,848
"bound in iron and brass,
500
00:30:50,946 --> 00:30:53,392
"remain in the ground
in the grass of the field.
501
00:30:53,682 --> 00:30:56,390
"Let it be drenched
by the dew from heaven.
502
00:30:56,685 --> 00:30:59,666
"Let it live with
the animals of the earth,
503
00:30:59,755 --> 00:31:05,000
"and let its mind be changed
from that of a man
504
00:31:05,093 --> 00:31:08,802
to the mind of an animal."
505
00:31:08,864 --> 00:31:14,837
This is the dream that I had.
506
00:31:14,936 --> 00:31:18,383
What does it mean?
507
00:31:18,674 --> 00:31:23,817
My lord, if only the dream
applied to your enemies
508
00:31:23,912 --> 00:31:27,291
and its meaning
to your adversaries.
509
00:31:27,382 --> 00:31:29,828
The tree which you saw
510
00:31:29,918 --> 00:31:34,333
which grew large and strong
with its top touching the sky,
511
00:31:34,389 --> 00:31:38,360
you, oh king, are that tree.
512
00:31:38,427 --> 00:31:41,431
You have become
great and strong.
513
00:31:41,730 --> 00:31:44,370
Your greatness has grown
until it reaches the sky,
514
00:31:44,466 --> 00:31:48,346
and your dominion extends to
the distant pans of the earth.
515
00:31:48,403 --> 00:31:52,044
But you saw a messenger,
a holy one,
516
00:31:52,140 --> 00:31:54,086
coming down
from heaven, saying,
517
00:31:54,142 --> 00:31:57,248
"Cut down the tree,
and destroy it,
518
00:31:57,312 --> 00:32:00,418
"but leave the stump,
bound with iron and bronze,
519
00:32:00,716 --> 00:32:02,024
"in the grass of the field
520
00:32:02,117 --> 00:32:05,826
"while its roots remain
in the ground.
521
00:32:05,887 --> 00:32:08,390
"Let him be drenched
with the dew of heaven.
522
00:32:08,457 --> 00:32:13,406
Let him live
like wild animals."
523
00:32:13,462 --> 00:32:17,137
This is the interpretation,
oh king,
524
00:32:17,199 --> 00:32:19,076
and this is the decree
525
00:32:19,167 --> 00:32:24,947
that the Most High has issued
against my lord, the king.
526
00:32:25,040 --> 00:32:26,917
You will be
driven away from people
527
00:32:27,008 --> 00:32:29,147
and live with
the wild animals.
528
00:32:29,244 --> 00:32:32,885
You will eat grass like cattle
until you acknowledge
529
00:32:32,981 --> 00:32:35,985
that the Most High is sovereign
over the kingdoms of men
530
00:32:36,051 --> 00:32:40,830
and gives them
to anyone he wishes.
531
00:32:40,922 --> 00:32:43,994
The command to leave the
stump of the tree with its roots
532
00:32:44,059 --> 00:32:46,767
means that your kingdom
will be restored to you
533
00:32:46,862 --> 00:32:52,141
when you acknowledge
that the Most High rules.
534
00:32:52,200 --> 00:32:58,151
Therefore, oh king,
be pleased to accept my advice.
535
00:32:58,206 --> 00:33:01,050
Renounce your sins
by doing what is right
536
00:33:01,109 --> 00:33:04,090
and your wickedness
by being kind to the oppressed.
537
00:33:04,179 --> 00:33:09,094
Seek the Lord
while he may be found,
538
00:33:09,184 --> 00:33:14,361
and it may be that
your prosperity will continue.
539
00:33:14,456 --> 00:33:17,198
But the memory
of kings is often short,
540
00:33:17,259 --> 00:33:18,795
and 12 months later
541
00:33:18,860 --> 00:33:21,807
when the king was walking
on the roof of the royal palace
542
00:33:21,897 --> 00:33:22,296
of Babylon--
543
00:33:22,297 --> 00:33:23,241
of Babylon--
544
00:33:23,331 --> 00:33:27,279
In all the world
is there anything like this?
545
00:33:27,369 --> 00:33:28,871
No, my king.
546
00:33:28,970 --> 00:33:32,816
My great wall which
mountain-like cannot be moved.
547
00:33:32,908 --> 00:33:36,151
I've made with mortar
and brick its foundations.
548
00:33:36,244 --> 00:33:39,919
I've placed upon the very bosom
of the underworld, its top.
549
00:33:39,981 --> 00:33:42,484
I've raised mountain high.
550
00:33:42,584 --> 00:33:45,895
Is this not
the great Babylon
551
00:33:45,987 --> 00:33:48,365
that I have built
as my royal palace
552
00:33:48,456 --> 00:33:54,407
with my mighty power
for the glory of my majesty?
553
00:33:54,496 --> 00:33:56,840
His words
were still on his lips
554
00:33:56,932 --> 00:34:00,436
when a voice
came down from heaven,
555
00:34:00,535 --> 00:34:04,108
Nebuchadnezzar, for your arrogance
556
00:34:04,206 --> 00:34:07,915
and your failure
to give glory to the Most High,
557
00:34:08,009 --> 00:34:11,218
your authority
is stripped from you.
558
00:34:11,279 --> 00:34:14,453
Go now from this kingdom
which you claim.
559
00:34:14,549 --> 00:34:18,190
Your mind shall be reduced
to that of an animal,
560
00:34:18,286 --> 00:34:20,459
and you will wander the land
561
00:34:20,555 --> 00:34:27,370
until you acknowledge the
glory of God as above your own.
562
00:34:27,429 --> 00:34:30,933
Immediately what had
been said about Nebuchadnezzar
563
00:34:31,032 --> 00:34:32,409
was fulfilled.
564
00:35:07,936 --> 00:35:10,280
The greatest
of those below heaven,
565
00:35:10,338 --> 00:35:13,319
he sought to make
himself as great as he
566
00:35:13,375 --> 00:35:15,912
who rules above heaven,
567
00:35:15,977 --> 00:35:18,253
and the Lord
would not have it.
568
00:35:18,346 --> 00:35:22,886
Because he insisted on being
more than he was made,
569
00:35:22,951 --> 00:35:25,022
he became less
than he was made.
570
00:35:25,086 --> 00:35:29,330
Because he aspired
to be more than a man,
571
00:35:29,424 --> 00:35:31,927
he became
less than a man.
572
00:35:31,993 --> 00:35:35,167
He became
like the wild beasts.
573
00:35:35,230 --> 00:35:38,234
How did he survive
alone in the wilds?
574
00:35:38,333 --> 00:35:40,643
Even in his insanity
575
00:35:40,936 --> 00:35:43,576
neither the lion
nor the bear disturbed him
576
00:35:43,638 --> 00:35:45,982
though he wandered
alone and unarmed
577
00:35:46,074 --> 00:35:50,523
and slept naked in the places
where they found their food
578
00:35:50,612 --> 00:35:53,218
because it
had been prophesied
579
00:35:53,281 --> 00:35:58,594
that one day he would
honor the Most High.
580
00:36:05,060 --> 00:36:09,406
For 7 years he ranged
the wild lands of Babylon,
581
00:36:09,497 --> 00:36:13,240
but it was not until the full
time of his exile was completed
582
00:36:13,301 --> 00:36:16,043
that he turned his
eyes toward heaven
583
00:36:16,137 --> 00:36:17,946
and declared-
584
00:36:18,006 --> 00:36:23,422
Praise be
to the Most High.
585
00:36:23,511 --> 00:36:28,392
Honor and glory
to him who lives forever.
586
00:36:30,151 --> 00:36:33,997
Rise, Nebuchadnezzar.
587
00:36:46,634 --> 00:36:52,676
For he is to be given
his eternal dominion.
588
00:36:52,774 --> 00:36:59,020
Before him all the people of the
earth are regarded as nothing.
589
00:37:00,181 --> 00:37:02,320
He may do as he pleases
590
00:37:02,417 --> 00:37:07,196
with the powers of heaven
and all the people of the earth,
591
00:37:07,288 --> 00:37:13,034
and no one, no one,
may say him, "Nay."
592
00:37:15,597 --> 00:37:20,478
No one may say him,
"Navy
593
00:37:37,385 --> 00:37:43,597
Beware your place,
for I am not as I was.
594
00:37:44,759 --> 00:37:49,731
Let it be recorded
that I, Nebuchadnezzar,
595
00:37:49,831 --> 00:37:56,271
do praise, exalt,
and glorify the King of heaven
596
00:37:56,371 --> 00:37:59,284
because everything
he does is right,
597
00:37:59,374 --> 00:38:04,346
and all his ways are just,
598
00:38:04,412 --> 00:38:10,454
and those who walk in pride
he is able to humble.
599
00:38:11,586 --> 00:38:14,328
And so Nebuchadnezzar
returned to his throne,
600
00:38:14,389 --> 00:38:17,666
but eventually he was
gathered to his fathers,
601
00:38:17,759 --> 00:38:20,797
and a series of new kings
came to the throne,
602
00:38:21,096 --> 00:38:23,702
none fasting more
than a short time.
603
00:38:23,798 --> 00:38:25,709
You're about to tell
about the downfall of Babylon,
604
00:38:25,800 --> 00:38:27,473
are you not?
605
00:38:27,535 --> 00:38:29,071
I am.
606
00:38:29,137 --> 00:38:30,582
Well, at last we come
to the pan of the tale
607
00:38:30,672 --> 00:38:33,516
where I have some
knowledge to share.
608
00:38:33,575 --> 00:38:38,456
For though I had conquered
from east to west,
609
00:38:38,546 --> 00:38:40,423
Babylon was
the last to resist me,
610
00:38:40,515 --> 00:38:43,291
and I dreaded its siege,
611
00:38:43,384 --> 00:38:45,830
for Babylon's wealth had allowed
her to lay in enough grain
612
00:38:46,121 --> 00:38:48,226
to last for years,
613
00:38:48,289 --> 00:38:51,236
and her towers, walls,
and gates were so formidable
614
00:38:51,292 --> 00:38:56,139
that even untrained men
could defend them with ease,
615
00:38:56,197 --> 00:38:58,268
walls too high to scale,
616
00:38:58,366 --> 00:39:01,677
with parapets wide enough
for chariots to patrol them,
617
00:39:01,769 --> 00:39:04,716
and a river-fed moat to cross
before even getting there.
618
00:39:04,806 --> 00:39:06,308
It was enough
to freeze the heart
619
00:39:06,407 --> 00:39:10,514
of even an old soldier
such as I am.
620
00:39:10,578 --> 00:39:14,685
Then one night
as I lay on the ground
621
00:39:14,749 --> 00:39:19,630
courting sleep
that would not come,
622
00:39:19,721 --> 00:39:21,223
a thought came to me.
623
00:39:21,322 --> 00:39:23,632
From whence it came
I do not know,
624
00:39:23,725 --> 00:39:29,403
like some spirit of God
whispered it in my ear.
625
00:39:29,464 --> 00:39:33,503
But the River Euphrates
which flowed down to Babylon
626
00:39:33,601 --> 00:39:37,845
raised above its natural level
hemmed in by dams and dikes,
627
00:39:37,906 --> 00:39:41,581
but if dams were opened full
and the dikes were broken,
628
00:39:41,643 --> 00:39:45,819
the river which ran straight
through the heart of the city
629
00:39:45,880 --> 00:39:49,191
would fall to nothing.
630
00:39:49,250 --> 00:39:51,491
An army poised
and ready to strike
631
00:39:51,586 --> 00:39:54,226
could march into the city
on its dry riverbed
632
00:39:54,322 --> 00:39:57,599
underneath the gates
designed to repel ships
633
00:39:57,692 --> 00:40:01,333
when the river
was at its normal level.
634
00:40:01,429 --> 00:40:05,343
And I suddenly realized
I'd been given a key
635
00:40:05,400 --> 00:40:07,277
to defeat
the mighty Babylon.
636
00:40:07,368 --> 00:40:09,211
It was as though
in all the world,
637
00:40:09,304 --> 00:40:10,647
throughout all of history,
638
00:40:10,738 --> 00:40:13,309
I was the only one
that had the thought.
639
00:40:13,374 --> 00:40:18,187
All it required was
the right moment to act.
640
00:40:18,246 --> 00:40:22,319
A night when
every man in Babylon,
641
00:40:22,383 --> 00:40:25,227
from the least
to the king himself,
642
00:40:25,320 --> 00:40:28,699
would drink himself ill
in honor of their gods
643
00:40:28,790 --> 00:40:31,498
who were naught
but worthless idols
644
00:40:31,559 --> 00:40:33,766
and could not protect them.
645
00:40:33,828 --> 00:40:35,432
Listen, oh king,
646
00:40:35,530 --> 00:40:39,672
and I will tell of the
second king of my story,
647
00:40:39,767 --> 00:40:44,910
Belshazzar,
king of Babylon,
648
00:40:44,973 --> 00:40:49,820
both foolish and wicked
of equal measure.
649
00:41:19,974 --> 00:41:21,681
But, king.
650
00:41:21,776 --> 00:41:24,780
Enough!
651
00:41:24,846 --> 00:41:29,295
We still have our threefold
walls with their battlements,
652
00:41:29,384 --> 00:41:31,455
and within our granaries
we have grain enough to endure
653
00:41:31,552 --> 00:41:33,361
a seed of 10 years.
654
00:41:33,454 --> 00:41:37,527
Our watchmen have seen
the Persians digging, my lord.
655
00:41:37,592 --> 00:41:40,334
They seem quite
concerned about this, my king.
656
00:41:40,428 --> 00:41:42,704
Yes, yes, they will
look to build a siege ramp
657
00:41:42,797 --> 00:41:44,708
against the city.
658
00:41:44,766 --> 00:41:49,442
First, they must build
a causeway across the moat.
659
00:41:49,537 --> 00:41:55,579
That alone will take months.
660
00:41:55,643 --> 00:42:01,650
In the meantime,
let us feast and toast Marduk,
661
00:42:01,749 --> 00:42:03,729
patron god of Babylon.
662
00:42:03,818 --> 00:42:05,695
To Marduk!
663
00:42:11,859 --> 00:42:18,799
These cups have a taste,
and I will not have it so.
664
00:42:23,638 --> 00:42:27,415
Bring me the golden vessels
from the temple of Jerusalem.
665
00:42:27,508 --> 00:42:30,489
But, my king,
is it wise to use the vessels?
666
00:42:30,545 --> 00:42:35,085
My king, these cups
are considered sacred,
667
00:42:35,383 --> 00:42:36,691
are they not, my king?
668
00:42:36,784 --> 00:42:42,496
Perhaps in Jerusalem by that
pathetic desert deity of Judah,
669
00:42:45,660 --> 00:42:48,698
but here they are
spoil for our gods,
670
00:42:48,796 --> 00:42:53,506
and they would have you
use them as I see fit.
671
00:42:53,568 --> 00:42:56,048
Bring them!
672
00:43:07,949 --> 00:43:11,624
Yes, you see these vessels?
673
00:43:11,686 --> 00:43:17,932
In Jerusalem, they were used
for the worship of their God.
674
00:43:17,992 --> 00:43:23,408
Now, instead of the blood
of bulls and rams,
675
00:43:23,464 --> 00:43:26,934
let them flow
with foaming wine,
676
00:43:27,034 --> 00:43:29,878
for I am not
a devourer of blood.
677
00:43:29,971 --> 00:43:36,513
I am a devourer of drink
and choice fare.
678
00:43:39,447 --> 00:43:42,587
To Marduk,
the god of our city!
679
00:43:42,683 --> 00:43:43,991
To Marduk!
680
00:43:44,085 --> 00:43:46,759
And to our
idols of gold and silver,
681
00:43:46,854 --> 00:43:50,859
bronze and iron,
wood and stone,
682
00:43:50,958 --> 00:43:55,498
partake of our pleasures,
and protect our city.
683
00:44:36,671 --> 00:44:40,813
Whoever reads this
and tells me what it means
684
00:44:40,908 --> 00:44:43,445
shall be clothed in purple
685
00:44:43,511 --> 00:44:46,685
and have a gold chain
placed around his neck
686
00:44:46,781 --> 00:44:50,854
and be made third highest ruler
in the kingdom.
687
00:44:58,259 --> 00:45:00,899
And all the
king's wise men came in,
688
00:45:00,995 --> 00:45:03,236
but they could not
interpret the inscription
689
00:45:03,531 --> 00:45:06,011
or tell the king
what it meant,
690
00:45:06,067 --> 00:45:10,140
so Belshazzar became
even more terrified.
691
00:45:10,204 --> 00:45:13,583
A Judean once told
Nebuchadnezzar, your forefather,
692
00:45:13,674 --> 00:45:15,085
of his dreams.
693
00:45:15,176 --> 00:45:18,521
He succeeded
when everyone else had failed.
694
00:45:18,579 --> 00:45:22,083
This man, Daniel, whom
the king called Belteshazzar,
695
00:45:22,183 --> 00:45:24,993
he could tell you
what this writing means.
696
00:45:25,086 --> 00:45:26,622
Does he still live?
697
00:45:26,687 --> 00:45:28,928
He does.
698
00:45:28,990 --> 00:45:32,199
Bring him to me quickly,
but do not harm him.
699
00:45:32,260 --> 00:45:36,231
We shall soon learn if this
Hebrew can do as you say.
700
00:45:40,701 --> 00:45:43,807
Nothing it would seem is
too sacred not to be profaned
701
00:45:43,871 --> 00:45:46,147
under the influence of wine.
702
00:45:46,240 --> 00:45:50,211
Nothing, oh king.
703
00:45:56,551 --> 00:45:59,031
How can I be
of service, highness?
704
00:45:59,120 --> 00:46:01,225
Are you Daniel,
705
00:46:01,322 --> 00:46:03,859
one of the exiles my father
brought back from Judah?
706
00:46:03,958 --> 00:46:05,266
I am he.
707
00:46:05,560 --> 00:46:08,200
I am told you are able
to give interpretations
708
00:46:08,262 --> 00:46:11,573
and solve difficult problems.
709
00:46:11,632 --> 00:46:13,805
If you can read
the writing on that wall,
710
00:46:13,868 --> 00:46:15,870
you will be
clothed in purple,
711
00:46:15,970 --> 00:46:19,281
have a chain of gold
placed around your neck,
712
00:46:19,574 --> 00:46:24,216
and be made third highest
ruler in the kingdom.
713
00:46:24,278 --> 00:46:30,627
Long ago I told your forefather,
Nebuchadnezzar,
714
00:46:31,319 --> 00:46:34,926
that I would speak to him
only the truth
715
00:46:35,022 --> 00:46:37,764
and that if he
rather not hear it,
716
00:46:37,858 --> 00:46:42,000
he should ask me nothing.
717
00:46:42,096 --> 00:46:47,671
Perhaps it would be better
if you asked me nothing.
718
00:46:47,768 --> 00:46:51,045
No, it is unseemly
for a king to be baffled
719
00:46:51,138 --> 00:46:54,711
by a message
in his own hall.
720
00:46:54,775 --> 00:46:57,187
No human hand
has scribed it.
721
00:46:57,278 --> 00:46:59,849
No other tongue
can interpret it.
722
00:46:59,914 --> 00:47:06,297
Tell me what it means,
be of good or ill.
723
00:47:06,354 --> 00:47:10,962
Oh king,
the Most High God
724
00:47:11,058 --> 00:47:14,039
gave your father,
Nebuchadnezzar,
725
00:47:14,095 --> 00:47:17,941
greatness and glory,
726
00:47:18,032 --> 00:47:21,639
but when his heart
became arrogant
727
00:47:21,702 --> 00:47:26,048
he was deposed from his throne
and stripped of his glory
728
00:47:26,107 --> 00:47:31,284
until he acknowledged
that the Most High is sovereign
729
00:47:31,345 --> 00:47:34,053
over the kingdoms of men.
730
00:47:34,115 --> 00:47:37,187
Even though
you knew all this,
731
00:47:37,251 --> 00:47:39,993
you should have
appealed to him.
732
00:47:40,087 --> 00:47:46,333
Instead, you've set yourself up
against the Lord of heaven.
733
00:47:47,428 --> 00:47:50,307
You had the goblets
of his temple brought to you
734
00:47:50,364 --> 00:47:54,938
and praised the gods
of bronze and iron,
735
00:47:55,002 --> 00:47:58,279
wood and stone,
instead of him.
736
00:47:58,372 --> 00:48:04,789
These vessels were made for
the service of the Most High,
737
00:48:05,713 --> 00:48:10,822
and you have used them
to pour wine for your harlots.
738
00:48:13,287 --> 00:48:20,205
Would you humble the Almighty
by desecrating his possessions?
739
00:48:20,961 --> 00:48:24,135
Would you bind him
like a captive
740
00:48:24,231 --> 00:48:26,302
and beat him like a slave?
741
00:48:26,400 --> 00:48:29,210
Would you pluck out his eyes
742
00:48:29,270 --> 00:48:35,744
and have him beg for scraps
of food beneath your table?
743
00:48:35,843 --> 00:48:42,089
This you would do if you could,
and the Almighty knows it.
744
00:48:43,851 --> 00:48:47,355
This is his answer to you.
745
00:48:47,421 --> 00:48:52,837
The Lord God will
strike you down like an enemy,
746
00:48:52,893 --> 00:48:57,865
for he has bidden his angel
to unsheathe his sword.
747
00:48:57,932 --> 00:49:02,403
These then are the
words he has written.
748
00:49:02,470 --> 00:49:09,251
"Mene," God has numbered
the days of your reign
749
00:49:09,310 --> 00:49:12,917
and brought it to an end.
750
00:49:13,013 --> 00:49:17,962
"Tekel," you have been
weighed in the scales
751
00:49:18,052 --> 00:49:22,091
and found wanting.
752
00:49:22,189 --> 00:49:27,798
"Upharsin," your
kingdom is divided
753
00:49:27,895 --> 00:49:31,206
and given to the Medes
and Persians.
754
00:49:31,298 --> 00:49:37,305
This very night your life
will be demanded of you,
755
00:49:37,404 --> 00:49:44,049
and before the sun rises
your flesh will grow cold.
756
00:49:44,145 --> 00:49:50,096
Thus says the Lord,
"Your line is ended.
757
00:49:50,184 --> 00:49:56,760
Your rule is over.
Your kingship is no more."
758
00:49:59,293 --> 00:50:01,773
ls there nothing
to be done?
759
00:50:01,829 --> 00:50:08,804
No, in your arrogance you
have doomed not only yourself
760
00:50:09,436 --> 00:50:15,216
but your house, your line,
your inheritance, your city,
761
00:50:15,276 --> 00:50:18,951
and your kingdom.
762
00:50:19,046 --> 00:50:24,086
Choose now where you will
spend your last few hours.
763
00:50:24,151 --> 00:50:28,861
But knowing your fate,
who now will love thee?
764
00:50:28,956 --> 00:50:33,166
Who now will fear you?
765
00:50:33,260 --> 00:50:37,140
Will the least
of your slaves comfort you,
766
00:50:37,231 --> 00:50:39,370
or will they desert you,
767
00:50:39,466 --> 00:50:46,441
seeking to avoid
the fate which is yours?
768
00:50:51,278 --> 00:50:54,885
Let it be
as I have commanded.
769
00:50:54,982 --> 00:50:58,486
Let this man
be clothed in purple,
770
00:50:58,552 --> 00:51:03,160
a chain of gold
placed around his neck,
771
00:51:03,257 --> 00:51:05,430
for I am not dead yet.
772
00:51:12,032 --> 00:51:13,909
All hail, King Darius!
773
00:51:20,875 --> 00:51:24,550
I am King Belshazzar
of the Babylonia. Unhand me!
774
00:51:24,612 --> 00:51:27,115
- Surrender or die!
- Never!
775
00:51:33,053 --> 00:51:35,897
Send word to Cyrus
this city's taken in his name.
776
00:51:35,990 --> 00:51:41,167
As he has commanded,
I shall assume the crown.
777
00:51:41,228 --> 00:51:44,175
Do you know
who stands before you?
778
00:51:51,906 --> 00:51:55,319
You are Darius,
the Mede-Persian,
779
00:51:55,409 --> 00:51:58,322
uncle and father-in-law
to Cyrus
780
00:51:58,379 --> 00:52:03,920
who has by stratagem
taken this city.
781
00:52:04,018 --> 00:52:08,467
By right of conquest,
you are now the king.
782
00:52:08,555 --> 00:52:12,196
Yes, and you are
an official of Babylon.
783
00:52:12,259 --> 00:52:13,966
Why should I not kill you?
784
00:52:14,061 --> 00:52:19,067
It is true I served Babylon
in the days of Nebuchadnezzar
785
00:52:19,133 --> 00:52:22,342
whom I served
truly and well,
786
00:52:22,403 --> 00:52:28,354
but her latter kings
I did not serve until tonight.
787
00:52:28,442 --> 00:52:31,480
How is this possible?
788
00:52:31,578 --> 00:52:36,618
It is a reward
for letting Belshazzar know
789
00:52:36,717 --> 00:52:38,958
that you were
about to take the city.
790
00:52:39,053 --> 00:52:40,361
Who told you?
791
00:52:40,454 --> 00:52:42,263
Have we a traitor
in our ranks?
792
00:52:42,356 --> 00:52:45,667
It was revealed to me
by my God
793
00:52:45,960 --> 00:52:52,036
who sent his angel to scribe
the writing on that wall.
794
00:52:52,132 --> 00:52:54,009
It is true.
795
00:52:54,101 --> 00:52:58,208
He read the inscription
and revealed the message.
796
00:52:58,272 --> 00:53:02,948
He told the king that
he would die this very night.
797
00:53:03,010 --> 00:53:06,184
Though brought here
as an exile in my youth,
798
00:53:06,280 --> 00:53:11,389
by birth I am a Hebrew
from the kingdom of Judea,
799
00:53:11,485 --> 00:53:15,331
and I serve the God
of my forefathers.
800
00:53:15,422 --> 00:53:21,373
The Most High
reveals to me what he sees fit.
801
00:53:21,428 --> 00:53:24,341
Am I to believe your God
revealed my coming to you?
802
00:53:24,431 --> 00:53:26,468
If I was to lie,
803
00:53:26,567 --> 00:53:30,071
would this be
the lie I would choose?
804
00:53:30,170 --> 00:53:33,708
Who else could have
revealed your deepest secret
805
00:53:34,008 --> 00:53:37,217
and known ahead of time
that you would succeed
806
00:53:37,311 --> 00:53:43,318
or known with certainty
that you would slay Belshazzar?
807
00:53:43,417 --> 00:53:48,628
And how could you have done so
if the Lord had not decreed it?
808
00:53:48,722 --> 00:53:52,431
For is it not by the
hand of the Most High
809
00:53:52,493 --> 00:53:57,670
that both victories
and disasters come?
810
00:54:03,470 --> 00:54:06,576
I would have you put this gift
of divination in my service,
811
00:54:06,640 --> 00:54:09,484
yet how do I know
I can trust you, Hebrew?
812
00:54:09,576 --> 00:54:12,557
I will speak to you
honestly, my king,
813
00:54:12,613 --> 00:54:16,117
and when you
would not hear the truth
814
00:54:16,216 --> 00:54:20,596
you must ask me nothing.
815
00:54:20,687 --> 00:54:22,223
So be it.
816
00:54:22,322 --> 00:54:23,630
I see by your insignia
817
00:54:23,724 --> 00:54:25,601
you were made third
in all of Babylon,
818
00:54:25,692 --> 00:54:27,694
but that is not
the Persian way,
819
00:54:27,761 --> 00:54:29,331
for below me I have
three administrators,
820
00:54:29,430 --> 00:54:31,273
all of equal rank.
821
00:54:31,365 --> 00:54:34,175
Yet I shall name you
one of the three.
822
00:54:34,234 --> 00:54:36,043
What of the
other counselors?
823
00:54:36,103 --> 00:54:37,741
Slay them.
824
00:54:37,805 --> 00:54:41,378
If they were loyal to the former
master, they are no good to me.
825
00:54:41,475 --> 00:54:43,785
If they were
disloyal to him,
826
00:54:44,078 --> 00:54:46,490
then they will be
disloyal to me.
827
00:54:46,547 --> 00:54:48,322
Ah, Darius.
828
00:54:48,382 --> 00:54:52,091
He's twice my uncle
by blood and marriage
829
00:54:52,186 --> 00:54:55,099
and serves me well
as co-counsel to my empire.
830
00:54:55,155 --> 00:54:58,796
As it pleased Darius
to appoint 120 satraps
831
00:54:59,093 --> 00:55:04,634
to rule throughout the kingdom
with administrators above them,
832
00:55:04,731 --> 00:55:06,438
one of whom was me,
833
00:55:06,533 --> 00:55:08,570
but before long
I so distinguished myself
834
00:55:08,669 --> 00:55:13,675
that Darius planned to set me
over the whole kingdom.
835
00:55:13,774 --> 00:55:16,277
Which would cause
great envy among the others.
836
00:55:16,376 --> 00:55:19,118
Yes, oh king.
837
00:55:19,179 --> 00:55:21,386
So they called
a meeting in secret
838
00:55:21,482 --> 00:55:24,520
and planned
for my destruction.
839
00:55:28,689 --> 00:55:30,191
- Are we safe?
- Yes.
840
00:55:30,290 --> 00:55:32,736
- Did anyone see you?
- No.
841
00:55:35,195 --> 00:55:36,765
Why are we meeting
so far from the city?
842
00:55:36,830 --> 00:55:38,366
Do you think
it would be wise
843
00:55:38,432 --> 00:55:40,207
for this meeting
to be overheard by anyone?
844
00:55:40,300 --> 00:55:41,779
Are you sure
you weren't followed?
845
00:55:41,835 --> 00:55:44,679
Not unless
whatever's following has wings.
846
00:55:44,738 --> 00:55:47,150
We don't have much time.
847
00:55:50,444 --> 00:55:52,151
Daniel being put over us,
848
00:55:52,246 --> 00:55:54,886
if we allow it to stand,
means our demise.
849
00:55:55,182 --> 00:55:56,490
Once he is in charge
850
00:55:56,583 --> 00:55:59,530
he'll be looking into
everything we do.
851
00:55:59,586 --> 00:56:03,432
Perhaps we
should eliminate him.
852
00:56:03,490 --> 00:56:04,833
How?
853
00:56:04,925 --> 00:56:07,269
- A hunting accident.
- He doesn't hunt.
854
00:56:07,327 --> 00:56:09,273
A sudden illness
or a drowning.
855
00:56:09,329 --> 00:56:11,366
Who would believe it?
856
00:56:11,465 --> 00:56:12,773
Maybe we can
ensnare him.
857
00:56:12,866 --> 00:56:16,439
How? There is no corruption
in him nor any negligence.
858
00:56:16,503 --> 00:56:18,505
He is as diligent
as he is skillful.
859
00:56:18,605 --> 00:56:19,913
There must be some way.
860
00:56:20,207 --> 00:56:22,187
He claims he's so effective
because three times a day
861
00:56:22,242 --> 00:56:23,846
his heart inclines
to the city of God.
862
00:56:23,911 --> 00:56:26,448
There's a spirit
of excellence in him.
863
00:56:26,547 --> 00:56:27,890
In every test
he has proven faithful.
864
00:56:28,182 --> 00:56:29,490
No one is that honest.
865
00:56:29,583 --> 00:56:30,891
On the contrary,
866
00:56:31,185 --> 00:56:32,721
I had a man
try to bribe him once,
867
00:56:32,819 --> 00:56:34,355
and a very generous
bribe at that.
868
00:56:34,454 --> 00:56:37,367
He would have
no pan of it.
869
00:56:37,457 --> 00:56:39,198
Such a man is dangerous.
870
00:56:39,259 --> 00:56:40,602
How long before he learns
871
00:56:40,661 --> 00:56:42,402
that we've been
generous with ourselves
872
00:56:42,496 --> 00:56:44,635
and covered the thefts
with false accounts?
873
00:56:44,731 --> 00:56:47,177
We'll never be able to find any
basis for charges against him
874
00:56:47,234 --> 00:56:49,373
unless it has something
to do with that God of his.
875
00:56:49,469 --> 00:56:51,471
That invisible God of his.
876
00:56:51,538 --> 00:56:55,350
No altars, no shrines, no idols,
laying claim to every good thing
877
00:56:55,442 --> 00:56:57,752
yet somehow
not responsible for the bad.
878
00:56:57,844 --> 00:57:00,916
I've seen him praying
before his window on his knees
879
00:57:01,215 --> 00:57:03,320
facing Jerusalem
morning, noon, and night,
880
00:57:03,383 --> 00:57:04,794
always the same.
881
00:57:04,885 --> 00:57:06,660
Then perhaps
we need to make him stop.
882
00:57:06,753 --> 00:57:09,359
He won't do it.
883
00:57:09,423 --> 00:57:13,599
Then perhaps we need
to make sure he continues.
884
00:57:13,660 --> 00:57:16,539
You say there is nothing anyone
can do to stop his prayers.
885
00:57:16,630 --> 00:57:18,473
No, nothing.
886
00:57:18,532 --> 00:57:22,344
What if the penalty for
this devotion of his was death?
887
00:57:22,402 --> 00:57:25,246
If we could forbid
his prayers for an entire month
888
00:57:25,305 --> 00:57:27,251
under penalty
of immediate execution?
889
00:57:27,307 --> 00:57:28,843
Don't be ridiculous.
He'll just stop praying.
890
00:57:28,942 --> 00:57:30,888
No, he won't.
891
00:57:30,944 --> 00:57:33,356
I know him.
892
00:57:33,413 --> 00:57:35,518
He can't keep himself from
praying to that God of his
893
00:57:35,582 --> 00:57:38,392
for one day,
let alone a month.
894
00:57:38,452 --> 00:57:40,227
I still don't see
how it will ever work.
895
00:57:40,287 --> 00:57:41,698
The king knows
that Daniel and his people
896
00:57:41,788 --> 00:57:45,395
pray continuously
and only to one God.
897
00:57:45,492 --> 00:57:50,737
Which is why we need
to disguise our purpose.
898
00:57:51,398 --> 00:57:53,605
A more fitting
testimony to your honesty
899
00:57:53,700 --> 00:57:57,375
could not have been made.
900
00:57:57,437 --> 00:57:59,815
Had there been any
infidelity in your record
901
00:57:59,906 --> 00:58:02,546
they would have
discovered it.
902
00:58:02,609 --> 00:58:05,590
Indeed, they could find
nothing amiss in my work,
903
00:58:05,679 --> 00:58:09,627
neither willfully nor through
negligence or lack of care,
904
00:58:09,716 --> 00:58:13,391
so they tried to trip me up
with my prayers.
905
00:58:13,453 --> 00:58:16,923
But since worship of the
Most High was not prohibited
906
00:58:16,990 --> 00:58:23,566
by the laws of the realm, they
had to conceal their purpose
907
00:58:23,630 --> 00:58:28,045
like poison
in a cup of honey.
908
00:58:28,335 --> 00:58:30,838
Oh king, it has come
to our attention that--
909
00:58:30,937 --> 00:58:33,543
--there are those
among your subjects
910
00:58:33,607 --> 00:58:37,487
who still cling
to the old gods of Babylon
911
00:58:37,577 --> 00:58:40,717
in the hopes that their line
of kings may yet be restored.
912
00:58:40,814 --> 00:58:43,556
And have not
submitted to your rule.
913
00:58:43,617 --> 00:58:47,463
Who are they that I may bring
them before me and destroy them?
914
00:58:47,521 --> 00:58:49,933
It is not that simple of a
matter to detect them, oh king,
915
00:58:50,023 --> 00:58:51,525
for they are devious
916
00:58:51,625 --> 00:58:53,866
and work to hide
their treasonous thoughts.
917
00:58:53,927 --> 00:58:55,463
And have you
come before me
918
00:58:55,529 --> 00:58:57,509
without a plan
for discovering them?
919
00:58:57,597 --> 00:58:59,577
We would dare not do so,
oh king.
920
00:58:59,633 --> 00:59:01,772
Indeed, we have
labored to construct a plan
921
00:59:01,868 --> 00:59:05,077
whereby the loyalty
of all may be tested.
922
00:59:05,372 --> 00:59:06,680
Then speak of it.
923
00:59:06,773 --> 00:59:09,777
If, oh king,
you were to issue an edict
924
00:59:09,876 --> 00:59:12,516
that none in Babylon
nor anywhere in the empire
925
00:59:12,612 --> 00:59:15,593
may pray to anyone,
be it to God or man,
926
00:59:15,649 --> 00:59:19,028
except to you
for a period of 30 days.
927
00:59:19,086 --> 00:59:21,464
But what of the gods of Persia,
my servant, obey?
928
00:59:21,521 --> 00:59:24,468
Well, you alone,
oh king, would be free to pray to them
929
00:59:24,524 --> 00:59:26,731
and offer them sacrifice.
930
00:59:26,793 --> 00:59:29,967
You would stand
as a priest before all the peoples
931
00:59:30,063 --> 00:59:33,943
and in this way ingratiate
yourself to the gods themselves
932
00:59:34,034 --> 00:59:35,741
because for an entire month
933
00:59:35,802 --> 00:59:38,578
all of their worship
would come from you.
934
00:59:38,672 --> 00:59:41,118
Thus, their
worship will continue through you,
935
00:59:41,408 --> 00:59:44,412
and the old gods of Babylon
will be starved for worship,
936
00:59:44,511 --> 00:59:46,354
lessening their power.
937
00:59:46,413 --> 00:59:48,120
How would you
enforce such an edict?
938
00:59:48,415 --> 00:59:50,793
No one would be allowed to
go before any altar or shrine
939
00:59:50,851 --> 00:59:53,730
for the entire period
except for you.
940
00:59:53,820 --> 00:59:55,663
And anyone found
violating the decree
941
00:59:55,756 --> 00:59:58,600
would be thrown into
the lions' den before sundown
942
00:59:58,692 --> 01:00:00,467
on the very day
of the offense.
943
01:00:00,560 --> 01:00:03,666
In this way their
treason would be discovered and eliminated-
944
01:00:03,764 --> 01:00:09,077
In a single stroke.
945
01:00:09,169 --> 01:00:11,615
I approve your plan.
946
01:00:11,705 --> 01:00:14,447
I, Darius,
command it be made so.
947
01:00:14,541 --> 01:00:16,543
In anticipation
of your approval, oh king,
948
01:00:16,643 --> 01:00:18,953
we have taken the liberty
of drafting the edict
949
01:00:19,012 --> 01:00:20,548
and bringing it along.
950
01:00:20,614 --> 01:00:21,957
Well done.
951
01:00:22,015 --> 01:00:25,087
Bring it here
that I may fix my seal.
952
01:00:35,128 --> 01:00:40,441
Let all the world
hear and obey.
953
01:00:41,501 --> 01:00:45,039
So Darius found no
need to consider it further.
954
01:00:45,138 --> 01:00:48,085
Darius had a great deal
of experience as a soldier,
955
01:00:48,141 --> 01:00:51,987
but very little as a ruler
until Babylon fell.
956
01:00:52,045 --> 01:00:56,118
Once signed, the
order could not be changed.
957
01:00:56,216 --> 01:00:58,093
That every order be upheld,
958
01:00:58,151 --> 01:01:01,064
for the law cannot
be countermanded
959
01:01:01,154 --> 01:01:04,829
and the laws cannot
contradict themselves,
960
01:01:04,891 --> 01:01:06,734
but each law be fixed,
unchangeable,
961
01:01:06,827 --> 01:01:08,170
for the king cannot err.
962
01:01:08,462 --> 01:01:11,136
And once a law is written,
963
01:01:11,198 --> 01:01:14,008
even the king himself
cannot change it.
964
01:01:14,067 --> 01:01:15,978
Such is the law of Persia.
965
01:01:17,771 --> 01:01:18,806
Daniel!
966
01:01:18,872 --> 01:01:20,613
The king's seal
is barely dry.
967
01:01:20,674 --> 01:01:24,850
Already you
have defied his law.
968
01:01:24,911 --> 01:01:26,913
You made your choice.
969
01:01:27,013 --> 01:01:29,755
You chose your God
over your king.
970
01:01:29,850 --> 01:01:31,761
Take him away!
971
01:01:41,094 --> 01:01:45,634
Oh king, it is my
sad duty to inform you
972
01:01:45,732 --> 01:01:50,613
that someone has already
defied your decree.
973
01:01:50,670 --> 01:01:52,581
Bring him to me.
974
01:01:54,207 --> 01:01:56,118
Bring forth the prisoner.
975
01:02:06,720 --> 01:02:08,063
Daniel.
976
01:02:08,154 --> 01:02:11,067
He is one of the
exiles from Judah.
977
01:02:11,124 --> 01:02:13,866
He pays no attention
to you, oh king,
978
01:02:13,960 --> 01:02:16,702
or to the decree
you have put in writing.
979
01:02:16,796 --> 01:02:19,902
He still prays
three times a day.
980
01:02:19,966 --> 01:02:22,572
What sort of
foolishness is this?
981
01:02:22,669 --> 01:02:24,910
Daniel is my chief advisor.
982
01:02:24,971 --> 01:02:26,541
No one is above the law.
983
01:02:26,640 --> 01:02:29,917
Yes, sadly, oh king,
no one is above the law.
984
01:02:29,976 --> 01:02:32,650
Bring forth the tablet.
985
01:02:37,651 --> 01:02:40,097
Is this not the edict
from the king,
986
01:02:40,153 --> 01:02:45,125
signed with your own seal?
987
01:02:45,225 --> 01:02:48,604
"Let it be known
that for the next 30 days
988
01:02:48,695 --> 01:02:54,145
"anyone who prays to any god or
man other than Darius the king
989
01:02:54,234 --> 01:02:56,305
"shall be thrown
into the lions' den
990
01:02:56,603 --> 01:02:59,311
"on the same day
the offense is discovered.
991
01:02:59,606 --> 01:03:03,782
"By my hand and seal,
Darius the king,
992
01:03:03,877 --> 01:03:08,257
ruler of the Medes
and Persians."
993
01:03:13,620 --> 01:03:16,123
Call my counselors together.
994
01:03:16,189 --> 01:03:18,601
We will begin the trial.
995
01:03:18,658 --> 01:03:23,004
Oh king, live forever.
996
01:03:23,063 --> 01:03:25,134
There is no need
of a trial.
997
01:03:25,198 --> 01:03:27,144
I am guilty.
998
01:03:27,233 --> 01:03:32,148
Knowing the king's command,
I have disobeyed it.
999
01:03:32,205 --> 01:03:34,879
The commands
of the king are immutable
1000
01:03:34,975 --> 01:03:38,923
and once uttered
cannot be changed.
1001
01:03:39,012 --> 01:03:40,320
I shall command
my wise men
1002
01:03:40,614 --> 01:03:43,595
to make every effort
to search out some reason
1003
01:03:43,650 --> 01:03:46,790
that the law
may be found unenforceable.
1004
01:03:46,886 --> 01:03:50,129
I do not think
they will find one.
1005
01:03:50,190 --> 01:03:54,297
Let them search, oh king,
but only for a short time
1006
01:03:54,361 --> 01:03:58,002
because your own law commands
that sentence be carried out
1007
01:03:58,064 --> 01:04:00,840
the day of the offense.
1008
01:04:00,934 --> 01:04:06,179
Already the shadows
are starting to grow long,
1009
01:04:06,239 --> 01:04:09,777
and you have
only until sunset.
1010
01:04:09,843 --> 01:04:11,914
Darius was angry with himself
1011
01:04:12,012 --> 01:04:14,822
for allowing himself
to be fooled,
1012
01:04:14,914 --> 01:04:19,693
seeing that their purpose
was not for his honor and glory
1013
01:04:19,786 --> 01:04:24,064
but rather
for my destruction.
1014
01:04:24,157 --> 01:04:28,003
And so Darius
had the law books searched
1015
01:04:28,094 --> 01:04:30,836
to discover if there
might be some legal way
1016
01:04:30,930 --> 01:04:33,934
to spare my life.
1017
01:04:42,676 --> 01:04:45,020
It is as I expected.
1018
01:04:45,111 --> 01:04:48,684
Why didn't I consult you before
passing that accursed law?
1019
01:04:48,748 --> 01:04:51,285
Now I'm forced to abide
by my own decree.
1020
01:04:51,384 --> 01:04:55,833
A king who will not enforce
his own laws cannot be a king.
1021
01:04:55,889 --> 01:05:01,134
Your enemies know this
and use it to their advantage.
1022
01:05:01,227 --> 01:05:04,003
Do not grieve, oh king.
1023
01:05:04,097 --> 01:05:08,842
The Most High does not
want you to deliver me.
1024
01:05:08,902 --> 01:05:11,678
If he grants me deliverance,
1025
01:05:11,738 --> 01:05:15,117
it will be by his
own hand not yours.
1026
01:05:15,175 --> 01:05:20,124
It is a privilege
he reserves unto himself.
1027
01:05:29,389 --> 01:05:32,063
And now it is time, oh king,
1028
01:05:37,464 --> 01:05:43,073
that I may not
break your laws a second time.
1029
01:05:43,169 --> 01:05:47,743
I will walk with you,
Daniel, one last time.
1030
01:05:47,841 --> 01:05:50,344
As you wish, oh king.
1031
01:05:52,912 --> 01:05:55,950
Of those who esteemed
to bring about my death,
1032
01:05:56,049 --> 01:05:58,359
I will say only this.
1033
01:05:58,451 --> 01:06:02,024
My forefather, Abraham,
came from this land,
1034
01:06:02,122 --> 01:06:05,160
and the Most High
said unto him,
1035
01:06:05,258 --> 01:06:08,171
"I will make you
into a great nation.
1036
01:06:08,261 --> 01:06:11,470
"I will bless those
who bless you,
1037
01:06:11,765 --> 01:06:16,737
and whoever curses you
I will curse."
1038
01:06:16,803 --> 01:06:18,942
They have surely cursed me
1039
01:06:19,038 --> 01:06:24,038
and may yet live to reap
the fruits of that curse.
1040
01:06:24,778 --> 01:06:24,915
And may yet live to reap
the fruits of that curse.
1041
01:06:29,149 --> 01:06:32,062
A cup of wine
from the king's own hand.
1042
01:06:32,152 --> 01:06:34,393
I cannot drink it, oh king.
1043
01:06:34,487 --> 01:06:37,468
It is blessed to your gods,
not mine.
1044
01:06:37,524 --> 01:06:40,061
Not so, Daniel.
1045
01:06:40,160 --> 01:06:41,468
I have gone to your people
1046
01:06:41,561 --> 01:06:44,303
and asked for wine
which was blessed by them.
1047
01:06:44,364 --> 01:06:49,939
In the cup
I have poured no libation.
1048
01:06:50,003 --> 01:06:54,213
One last gesture
of friendship.
1049
01:06:54,274 --> 01:06:56,811
My king.
1050
01:07:00,213 --> 01:07:02,887
Good bye, my friend.
1051
01:07:03,950 --> 01:07:07,090
Farewell but perhaps
not good bye.
1052
01:07:07,187 --> 01:07:10,498
We have yet to see
what the dawn will bring.
1053
01:07:20,867 --> 01:07:25,043
Hear, oh Israel,
Lord our God,
1054
01:07:29,275 --> 01:07:33,018
the Lord has won.
1055
01:07:45,225 --> 01:07:47,398
He is angry with us.
1056
01:07:47,493 --> 01:07:49,404
It will fade.
1057
01:07:49,462 --> 01:07:52,568
By tomorrow morning
Daniel will be a distant memory,
1058
01:07:52,866 --> 01:07:56,404
and the king
will need us again.
1059
01:08:39,646 --> 01:08:42,593
Have mercy on me,
O God.
1060
01:08:48,321 --> 01:08:51,962
No, no,
take it away, all of it!
1061
01:08:52,058 --> 01:08:58,942
Tonight I honor Daniel
in silence with fasting.
1062
01:08:58,998 --> 01:09:01,274
Now leave me!
1063
01:09:08,241 --> 01:09:11,415
God, have mercy on me.
1064
01:09:16,482 --> 01:09:23,195
In you my soul takes refuge
in the midst of lions,
1065
01:09:23,990 --> 01:09:30,373
surrounded by ravenous beasts
with teeth of spears,
1066
01:09:31,097 --> 01:09:36,274
with tongues
as sharp as swords.
1067
01:09:36,369 --> 01:09:40,977
I call upon your name,
O Lord.
1068
01:09:41,074 --> 01:09:47,491
From the depths of the pit,
hear my plea.
1069
01:09:47,547 --> 01:09:49,390
Come near.
1070
01:09:49,482 --> 01:09:53,589
You say, "Do not fear."
1071
01:09:53,686 --> 01:09:59,500
O Lord, take up my case.
1072
01:09:59,559 --> 01:10:03,405
Redeem my life.
1073
01:10:08,568 --> 01:10:13,142
Oh, a divine plan,
my friends.
1074
01:10:13,206 --> 01:10:16,278
A toast to the lions
who show no partiality
1075
01:10:16,376 --> 01:10:19,550
to a Hebrew
over any other man.
1076
01:11:09,429 --> 01:11:15,402
I will extol
the Lord at all times.
1077
01:11:15,501 --> 01:11:20,473
His praise
be ever on my lips.
1078
01:11:22,642 --> 01:11:29,582
But those
who seek the Lord
1079
01:11:29,649 --> 01:11:35,258
will lack
for no good thing.
1080
01:11:35,354 --> 01:11:41,600
A righteous man
may have many troubles,
1081
01:11:41,661 --> 01:11:47,134
but the Lord rescues him
from them all.
1082
01:11:55,741 --> 01:12:01,453
You have rescued me
from the mouth of lions,
1083
01:12:01,547 --> 01:12:07,498
and I will declare your name
to my brothers.
1084
01:12:07,553 --> 01:12:14,528
In the congregation
I will praise you.
1085
01:12:17,864 --> 01:12:18,630
Out of my way!
1086
01:12:18,631 --> 01:12:19,473
Out of my way!
1087
01:12:19,565 --> 01:12:24,844
Daniel!
Servant of the living God,
1088
01:12:25,138 --> 01:12:28,119
has your God
been able to save you?
1089
01:12:32,278 --> 01:12:36,226
Oh king, live forever.
1090
01:12:36,315 --> 01:12:39,296
My God has sent his angel,
1091
01:12:39,385 --> 01:12:43,231
and he shut the mouth
of the lions.
1092
01:12:43,322 --> 01:12:45,268
They have not hurt me
1093
01:12:45,324 --> 01:12:49,636
because I was
found innocent in his sight.
1094
01:12:49,729 --> 01:12:51,868
Come forth.
1095
01:13:01,674 --> 01:13:07,317
Behold, there is
no sign of wound on him,
1096
01:13:07,380 --> 01:13:11,624
for he has
trusted in his God.
1097
01:13:11,717 --> 01:13:14,698
Surely your God
is above all men,
1098
01:13:14,754 --> 01:13:20,602
for while you were in the
lions' den you were in his hand.
1099
01:13:22,695 --> 01:13:28,702
How much must the man pay if he
steals another man's treasure?
1100
01:13:28,768 --> 01:13:31,715
With his hands perhaps.
1101
01:13:31,771 --> 01:13:34,877
But what if that man
who is robbed is the king
1102
01:13:34,941 --> 01:13:37,751
and the treasure
his prized possession?
1103
01:13:37,810 --> 01:13:41,348
Is there any penalty
less than death which will do?
1104
01:13:41,414 --> 01:13:44,327
If so, speak now,
and let me consider it.
1105
01:13:44,383 --> 01:13:46,363
But, oh king,
he is a Hebrew.
1106
01:13:46,419 --> 01:13:47,830
Why should you
put such trust in him?
1107
01:13:47,920 --> 01:13:51,231
This Hebrew is the
greatest treasure I possess.
1108
01:13:51,324 --> 01:13:52,632
He speaks to his God,
1109
01:13:52,725 --> 01:13:55,899
and more importantly
his God speaks to him.
1110
01:13:55,995 --> 01:13:58,942
You have deceived me
as to your purpose.
1111
01:13:59,232 --> 01:14:01,508
You fashioned my own words
as a snare above my feet
1112
01:14:01,601 --> 01:14:05,913
knowing my edict
could not be reversed,
1113
01:14:05,972 --> 01:14:10,443
but the living God,
the God of Daniel,
1114
01:14:10,543 --> 01:14:14,616
has delivered him
out of my hand.
1115
01:14:14,680 --> 01:14:18,628
For 6 days
they have hungered,
1116
01:14:18,684 --> 01:14:21,927
but today they shall feed.
1117
01:14:22,021 --> 01:14:24,228
No!
1118
01:14:24,290 --> 01:14:25,633
No, please!
1119
01:14:25,691 --> 01:14:27,227
No!
1120
01:14:31,297 --> 01:14:33,368
Please!
Please wait, king, please!
1121
01:14:33,432 --> 01:14:34,775
You fools.
1122
01:14:34,834 --> 01:14:36,438
Did you not think
I would punish you?
1123
01:14:36,535 --> 01:14:37,843
No, my king.
1124
01:14:42,441 --> 01:14:45,786
They have spread a net
for my feet.
1125
01:14:45,845 --> 01:14:51,727
I was bowed down
in distress.
1126
01:14:51,817 --> 01:14:56,789
They have dug
a pit in my path,
1127
01:14:56,856 --> 01:15:01,566
but they have fallen
into it themselves.
1128
01:15:03,729 --> 01:15:07,609
I, Darius, issue a decree
that in every part of my kingdom
1129
01:15:07,700 --> 01:15:13,013
people must fear
and reverence the God of Daniel,
1130
01:15:16,609 --> 01:15:20,921
for he is the living God,
and he endures forever.
1131
01:15:23,649 --> 01:15:25,959
His kingdom
will not be destroyed.
1132
01:15:26,018 --> 01:15:29,363
His dominion will never end.
1133
01:15:29,455 --> 01:15:31,958
He rescues, and he saves.
1134
01:15:32,024 --> 01:15:36,871
He performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
1135
01:15:43,002 --> 01:15:48,418
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.
1136
01:16:01,053 --> 01:16:06,025
And so I served
Darius throughout his reign.
1137
01:16:06,125 --> 01:16:11,803
However, my heart
stiff longed to see Jerusalem.
1138
01:16:11,897 --> 01:16:16,346
For 70 years I had waited,
1139
01:16:16,402 --> 01:16:19,440
and I knew
our time was near.
1140
01:16:24,076 --> 01:16:30,391
Lord, through your
prophet, Jeremiah,
1141
01:16:30,449 --> 01:16:34,124
"When 70 years are
completed for Babylon,
1142
01:16:34,420 --> 01:16:40,701
"I will come to you
and fulfill my gracious promise
1143
01:16:42,728 --> 01:16:47,609
and bring you
back to this land."
1144
01:16:47,700 --> 01:16:51,876
My heart
grows with excitement
1145
01:16:51,971 --> 01:16:55,783
that now
that time has come.
1146
01:17:07,753 --> 01:17:10,734
And so your journey
has led you here.
1147
01:17:15,127 --> 01:17:16,697
You have spoken
of three kings:
1148
01:17:16,796 --> 01:17:18,469
Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty;
1149
01:17:18,564 --> 01:17:20,168
Belshazzar, the foolish;
1150
01:17:20,466 --> 01:17:24,846
Darius, who was deceived.
1151
01:17:24,937 --> 01:17:27,474
Who is this fourth king?
1152
01:17:27,573 --> 01:17:32,921
It is he of whom
these scrolls speak of.
1153
01:17:33,012 --> 01:17:35,993
It is one chosen by
the Most High
1154
01:17:36,081 --> 01:17:40,587
to perform great
and mighty deeds
1155
01:17:40,653 --> 01:17:45,159
before he was ever
knitted in his mother's womb.
1156
01:17:45,458 --> 01:17:49,133
Hear then, oh king,
the words which were Mitten
1157
01:17:49,195 --> 01:17:52,733
more than 150 years ago,
1158
01:17:52,832 --> 01:17:57,474
for these are the words
of the prophet Isaiah,
1159
01:17:57,570 --> 01:17:59,607
son of Amoz.
1160
01:17:59,672 --> 01:18:05,122
"From the east I summon
a ravenous bird of prey
1161
01:18:05,177 --> 01:18:09,523
"from a far off land
to fulfill my purpose.
1162
01:18:09,615 --> 01:18:12,562
"When I have said,
I will bring about;
1163
01:18:12,651 --> 01:18:17,498
what I have planned,
that will I do."
1164
01:18:17,590 --> 01:18:21,538
A bird of prey?
1165
01:18:21,627 --> 01:18:25,632
The Lord's chosen will carry
out his purpose against Babylon.
1166
01:18:25,698 --> 01:18:29,646
His ann will be against
the Babylonians.
1167
01:18:29,735 --> 01:18:32,648
He pursues them unscathed
1168
01:18:32,738 --> 01:18:35,947
by a path
he has not travelled before.
1169
01:18:36,041 --> 01:18:39,648
True, I had never saw
the regions of the Euphrates
1170
01:18:39,712 --> 01:18:42,522
or further westward
until I came in conquest.
1171
01:18:42,615 --> 01:18:45,653
And yet you chased
your enemies uninjured.
1172
01:18:45,751 --> 01:18:47,731
They had no power to rally.
1173
01:18:47,820 --> 01:18:50,528
You were not led into ambush,
1174
01:18:50,623 --> 01:18:53,627
and you were safe as far as
you chose to pursue them,
1175
01:18:53,692 --> 01:18:55,035
were you not?
1176
01:18:55,094 --> 01:18:57,574
That's true.
1177
01:18:57,663 --> 01:19:01,668
This is what the
Lord says to his anointed.
1178
01:19:01,734 --> 01:19:05,614
"Cyrus, whose right hand
I take hold of-"
1179
01:19:05,704 --> 01:19:07,650
Cyrus?
1180
01:19:07,706 --> 01:19:09,049
It mentions me by name?
1181
01:19:09,108 --> 01:19:11,110
It does.
1182
01:19:11,210 --> 01:19:15,716
"To Cyrus, whose right
hand I take hold of
1183
01:19:15,814 --> 01:19:17,555
"to subdue nations
before him,
1184
01:19:17,650 --> 01:19:19,994
"and to strip kings
of their armor,
1185
01:19:20,085 --> 01:19:22,861
"to open doors before him
1186
01:19:22,955 --> 01:19:26,061
"so that gates
will not be shut.
1187
01:19:26,125 --> 01:19:30,130
"I will go before you
and will level the mountains.
1188
01:19:30,229 --> 01:19:32,231
"I will break down
gates of bronze
1189
01:19:32,298 --> 01:19:34,835
"and cut through
bars of iron.
1190
01:19:34,934 --> 01:19:37,676
"I will give you
the treasures of darkness,
1191
01:19:37,736 --> 01:19:40,114
"riches stored
in secret places
1192
01:19:40,172 --> 01:19:44,882
"so that you may know that
lam the Lord God of Israel
1193
01:19:44,977 --> 01:19:48,857
who summons you by name."
1194
01:19:50,916 --> 01:19:53,260
And when you
captured Babylon,
1195
01:19:53,352 --> 01:19:57,061
their treasures were
the richest in the world,
1196
01:19:57,156 --> 01:19:58,658
“were they not?
1197
01:19:58,757 --> 01:20:02,728
Oh, indeed they were,
and Croesus will testify.
1198
01:20:02,795 --> 01:20:06,140
Yes, quite
the most magnificent.
1199
01:20:06,198 --> 01:20:08,940
Oh king, if I may.
1200
01:20:09,034 --> 01:20:10,602
Please continue.
1201
01:20:10,603 --> 01:20:12,139
Please continue.
1202
01:20:12,237 --> 01:20:18,153
"Cyrus, for the sake of Jacob
my servant, of Israel my chosen,
1203
01:20:18,210 --> 01:20:21,851
"I summon you by name
and give you a place of honor.
1204
01:20:21,914 --> 01:20:27,296
"Though you do not
acknowledge me, I am the Lord.
1205
01:20:27,386 --> 01:20:31,300
"I will strengthen you, though
you have not acknowledged me,
1206
01:20:31,390 --> 01:20:33,063
"so that from
the rising of the sun
1207
01:20:33,158 --> 01:20:35,035
"to the place of its setting,
1208
01:20:35,094 --> 01:20:38,803
"men may know
there is none beside me.
1209
01:20:38,897 --> 01:20:42,970
I am the Lord.
There is no other."
1210
01:20:46,005 --> 01:20:50,044
And do you understand
that the Most High has the power
1211
01:20:50,109 --> 01:20:56,116
to raise up kings
and to throw them down?
1212
01:20:56,215 --> 01:20:59,822
Yes, I do.
1213
01:20:59,918 --> 01:21:02,296
I profess it.
1214
01:21:02,354 --> 01:21:06,131
And that you, oh king,
are like a polished arrow
1215
01:21:06,225 --> 01:21:09,001
hidden in the quiver
of the Almighty,
1216
01:21:09,094 --> 01:21:12,303
carefully preserved
for its day of use?
1217
01:21:12,364 --> 01:21:17,040
Yes, how else to ex plain
my unlikely birth
1218
01:21:17,102 --> 01:21:22,211
or my survival
or successes?
1219
01:21:22,274 --> 01:21:25,983
How else
might it be explained?
1220
01:21:26,078 --> 01:21:32,085
All my life I had always thought
of myself as favored by my gods.
1221
01:21:34,319 --> 01:21:38,699
Is it possible that
I've been favored by yours?
1222
01:21:38,757 --> 01:21:41,897
You have answered
your own question, oh king.
1223
01:21:41,994 --> 01:21:43,302
For nearly 2 centuries
1224
01:21:43,395 --> 01:21:48,003
the message in this scroll
has awaited your coming.
1225
01:21:48,100 --> 01:21:51,377
This is what the Lord says.
1226
01:21:51,470 --> 01:21:55,850
"I am the Lord
who has made all things,
1227
01:21:55,908 --> 01:21:57,888
"who alone stretched
out the heavens,
1228
01:21:57,976 --> 01:22:00,115
"who spread out
the earth by myself,
1229
01:22:00,179 --> 01:22:02,819
"who foils the signs
of false prophets
1230
01:22:02,881 --> 01:22:05,157
"and makes fools of diviners,
1231
01:22:05,250 --> 01:22:08,094
"who overthrows
the learning of the wise
1232
01:22:08,153 --> 01:22:11,396
"and turns it into nonsense,
1233
01:22:11,457 --> 01:22:16,338
"who says of Jerusalem,
'It shall be inhabited.
1234
01:22:16,428 --> 01:22:20,001
"'Of the towns of Judea,
they shall be built,
1235
01:22:20,099 --> 01:22:24,309
"and of their ruins,
I will restore them.'
1236
01:22:24,403 --> 01:22:30,149
'Who says of Cyrus,
'He is my shepherd,
1237
01:22:30,209 --> 01:22:33,782
"'and I will accomplish
all that I please.
1238
01:22:33,879 --> 01:22:36,416
"'He will say of Jerusalem,
1239
01:22:36,515 --> 01:22:39,359
"Let it be rebuilt,"
and of the temple,
1240
01:22:39,451 --> 01:22:43,456
"Let its foundation
be laid.""'
1241
01:22:43,756 --> 01:22:46,862
He even calls me
a shepherd,
1242
01:22:46,925 --> 01:22:52,238
I, who was saved
by a shepherd's hand?
1243
01:22:52,331 --> 01:22:55,278
And I was raised
in a shepherd's house.
1244
01:22:55,334 --> 01:23:00,249
It's I who refer to myself
as a shepherd of my people.
1245
01:23:00,339 --> 01:23:01,909
Who else could
have known this
1246
01:23:01,974 --> 01:23:05,751
but the power of God
or his prophet?
1247
01:23:05,811 --> 01:23:09,315
Seventy years are over,
my king.
1248
01:23:09,381 --> 01:23:15,263
Seventy years since I was
taken from the land of my birth.
1249
01:23:15,354 --> 01:23:17,493
Babylon has been punished.
1250
01:23:17,790 --> 01:23:19,963
You have punished her.
1251
01:23:20,058 --> 01:23:23,232
Only one thing remains:
1252
01:23:23,328 --> 01:23:26,332
For you to free her.
1253
01:23:26,431 --> 01:23:31,278
Oh king,
the words of the scrolls
1254
01:23:31,370 --> 01:23:33,475
are in a tongue
foreign to us.
1255
01:23:33,539 --> 01:23:36,019
Should we not
at least confirm them?
1256
01:23:36,108 --> 01:23:38,554
No.
1257
01:23:38,844 --> 01:23:41,347
Old friend,
have you heard nothing?
1258
01:23:41,446 --> 01:23:45,394
Do you not recognize
the truth when you hear it,
1259
01:23:45,484 --> 01:23:48,294
or do you suppose this
Daniel has spent a lifetime
1260
01:23:48,387 --> 01:23:54,861
arranging events in the hopes
of one day deceiving me?
1261
01:23:54,960 --> 01:23:57,099
Your God has
called me a shepherd,
1262
01:23:57,196 --> 01:23:59,836
and so to your
people I shall be,
1263
01:23:59,898 --> 01:24:03,368
to rescue them
from wolves and tyrants,
1264
01:24:03,435 --> 01:24:06,006
to gather them gently
1265
01:24:06,104 --> 01:24:09,176
and to relieve
them from bondage
1266
01:24:09,274 --> 01:24:14,246
and provide for their return.
1267
01:24:14,346 --> 01:24:17,418
And so say I, Cyrus,
king of the Persians,
1268
01:24:17,516 --> 01:24:22,397
let Jerusalem be rebuilt.
1269
01:24:22,487 --> 01:24:26,594
The Lord God of heaven has given
me all the kingdoms of the earth
1270
01:24:26,892 --> 01:24:28,200
and has appointed for me
1271
01:24:28,293 --> 01:24:33,140
to build a temple
in Jerusalem in Judea.
1272
01:24:33,198 --> 01:24:37,408
Any one of his people among you,
may his God be with you.
1273
01:24:37,502 --> 01:24:39,607
Let him go to
Jerusalem in Judea
1274
01:24:39,905 --> 01:24:42,852
and build a temple of the Lord,
the God of Israel-
1275
01:24:42,908 --> 01:24:48,017
In all my years
I had never known envy,
1276
01:24:48,113 --> 01:24:54,155
but that day I came closer
to tasting it than I ever have,
1277
01:24:54,253 --> 01:24:59,134
for I would never see the temple
I so yearned to see.
1278
01:24:59,191 --> 01:25:02,934
However, my heart was joyous
as my brothers and sisters
1279
01:25:03,028 --> 01:25:08,171
departed on their journey home
while I remained in Babylon
1280
01:25:08,233 --> 01:25:10,611
awaiting the day
when I, too,
1281
01:25:10,903 --> 01:25:14,316
would be gathered
to my ancestors.
1282
01:25:14,373 --> 01:25:17,377
And remember me also,
O Lord,
1283
01:25:17,476 --> 01:25:22,221
and show mercy
according to your great love.