Babylon: Center of the World

My lord, what is wrong? Are you ill?

Daniel looked around the room as though for the first time. Two walls of wooden shelves held reed baskets bursting with leather and papyrus scrolls along with a plethora of clay tablets stacked to the ceiling. The ones he was currently reading were piled about on the gold and ivory inlaid desk, a gift from King Nebuchadnezzar along with the house.

The slightly stooped man inhaled deeply. He treasured the room’s comforting smell of leather, papyrus, ink, clay, and incense that embodied the history of his people. He was inordinately proud of the library he had amassed over the course of his lifetime in exile. Sometimes he felt the obsession he had with books and the written word might verge on idolatry. But then he would assure himself that each document was an invaluable addition to the story of how the God of Israel had preserved his people.

Daniel shook his head to settle his thoughts. I have contemplated Jeremiah’s writings innumerable times during my life, but only today have I come to realize the true meaning of the prophet’s words.

With a triumphant smile, he extended an open parchment scroll toward Deborah to reveal dancing lines of delicately scribed Hebrew script. He relished the symmetry of the black letters and the silky smoothness of the tanned leather against his hands.

Solemnly he said to his housekeeper, You are looking at the words of Yahweh, who gave this promise to Jeremiah to encourage our people that the desolation of Jerusalem would be accomplished in seventy years.

The stout woman took a step back. My lord, I do not mean to intrude on your ruminations, but Prince Zerubbabel is waiting downstairs to speak with you in the drawing room.

A deep, male voice boomed out from the hall. Actually I am not there, but here, my good lady.

A tall, willowy figure swept into the room dressed from head to foot in black. He gave a stately bow. Lord Daniel, forgive me for intruding, but the matter is urgent.

Strands of Deborah’s glossy, chestnut hair fell forward with each bob of her head. I will leave it to you then, my lords. I must be about my duties.

My friend, Jeshua the priest, told me not to bother you. Zerubbabel hung his head. Actually he said not to bother with you, but I told him that you were the only one who would know the true meaning of these things that appear to be coming to pass.

 Daniel was well aware of Jeshua’s distain for him ever since the priest learned of his having been appointed head of the Babylonian wise men under Nebuchadnezzar. He had never been sure if the man’s loathing was prompted by jealousy, religious fervor, or something else altogether.

He pushed a swatch of snow-white hair behind his ear. My lord prince, I presume you are referring to the Persian army headed this way under the extraordinary leadership of King Cyrus?

Yes, my lord, it is as you say.

Daniel motioned to the chair across the desk from him.

The younger man settled himself while straightening the sleeves of his intricately embroidered, but frayed robe.

Daniel got up and began pacing the length of the room, before turning to face his royal visitor. We are Jews, not Gentiles; Israelites, not Babylonians. We belong in Jerusalem, the city of our God, not in this wilderness of the sea. He looked past the younger man to observe date palm fronds swaying seductively through the open window.

The wise man’s face softened. Yet, the God of heaven commanded all those carried into exile to build houses, settle down, and plant gardens. They were to marry and have children; find wives for their sons, and give their daughters to husbands, that they too would bear sons and daughters—so that our people might multiply and not diminish.

He circled around the room, lowered himself into a carved, wooden chair, and picked up a sheet of papyrus off the desk. This is a copy of the letter that Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the elders in Babylon concerning these things. In it he states that we should seek the welfare of the city where our God exiled us. We are to pray unto Yahweh for it; for in its welfare we Jews will experience our own welfare.

Zerubbabel’s thick black eyebrows knit together. My lord, I am not sure I understand what is being said.

Daniel placed his elbows on the desk and thrust out his hands. I believe he meant that Yahweh did not want us to simply mark time until our return to Zion, but to settle down and live life fully wherever we are planted. We have done so and our God has blessed us according to his promises, but still we feel his curse upon us. My prayer is that his words of judgment might turn to words of salvation after nearly seventy years of diaspora from the beautiful land.

Zerubbabel examined his manicured nails and nodded slowly. Perhaps that is why you were planted among the wise men and why Yahweh gave you such favor with King Nebuchadnezzar? Through you our God was able to demonstrate his loving-kindness to the Babylonians and to us.

Daniel cocked an ear toward the office door at the sound of the frenzied slapping of his housekeeper’s sandaled feet against the stair treads. He wondered what other surprises the day might bring that afternoon.

There was a light tap on the open door before Deborah entered. The aging, but still attractive housekeeper placed her hands on her ample hips. Forgive me, my lord, but a royal courier just arrived with a message from Queen Nitocris demanding your presence. She sent a detachment of royal guards to ensure your safe arrival.

Zerubbabel jumped up and gathered his robe about him. Thank you for reminding me that God has a purpose and a plan even for Jewish children, such as myself, born here in Babylon. You have greatly encouraged my heart. The prince touched his hand to his forehead and heart before extending it toward Daniel. I will see myself out.

Daniel stood and settled his turban more firmly on his head. Then I had better see why King Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter has such a great need that she would have me come at the hottest part of the day.

Deborah looked toward the window. It is an odd thing, my lord, that on this fall day, the sun is still as relentless as mid-summer.

Counting the stairs to make sure he did not miss the last step, Daniel descended the narrow staircase as quickly as he could without falling. Reaching the bottom, he spotted a red-and-gold clad courier standing rigid in the foyer.

The barrel-chested man bowed deeply. My lord, Queen Nitocris requests you join her in the Hanging Gardens and has sent the king’s litter to deliver you there.

Deborah rushed past the two men and opened the front door. She ushered them out into the courtyard, where the litter bearers stood waiting in matching livery.

Daniel was soon loaded and on his way. He knew the Processional Way would clear instantly at the sound of the herald and wonder at the sight of the king’s insignia. Surprised by the regal treatment, he surmised the only sensible thing was to settle back against the down cushions and enjoy the ride.

The queen’s conveyance had been discreetly removed before his arrival. Nitocris wanted to save Daniel from any reminder of the worsening condition of her health.

Her most trustworthy maidservant, Erishti, gave the queen’s black, wool shawl a final tug, just as Nitocris spied her old friend walking up the path.

Daniel, thank you for coming.

O queen, live forever. The honor is mine. He bent down on one knee to prostrate himself before her.

Nitocris shook her head and smiled. None of that, not here, not now. She motioned to a matching high-backed cedar bench across from her.

Daniel bowed stiffly from the waist and did as he was told. He was heartened to feel the welcome of her greeting, but saddened to see the pain etched in the tautness of the pale skin around her mouth and eyes.

Nitocris stared straight ahead. The city of Opis has fallen to Cyrus, king of the Medes and Persians. The messengers report the enemy took plunder and massacred our people.

And what of King Nabonidus?

The queen pulled the shawl closer about her. I have had no word from him. The couriers neither saw my husband fall in battle, nor during the retreat afterwards. They said the slaughter of our troops was great, but did not know if more of our soldiers were killed fleeing from the battlefield due to panic and fear or by engagement with the enemy.

My queen, such blame as there may be, should not be placed on the king or his men. Your husband’s son, Prince Belshazzar, never had the military aptitude that was second nature to the king and former general. Nabonidus only arrived back from Tema six months ago. As you know, that is not nearly enough time to ready an army for such a foe. It is no surprise the Babylonian soldiers fled before the relentless hand of Cyrus and his seasoned warriors.

Nitocris brushed away a tear from the corner of her eye with a flick of her hand. Father would never have let such a thing happen.

Daniel nodded. It is as you say, my queen.

Nitocris began to trace a diamond pattern on the trunk of the nearest date palm with her fingers. Did you know Cyrus’ mother and mine were sisters?

Daniel looked toward the Ishtar Gate. I had heard they were related.

Nitocris gave a weak smile. Ever since I learned of the city of Opis’ defeat. I have not stopped thinking of Mother. Coming from Media, she felt oppressed by the unbroken flatness of this land beside the Great River and longed for her mountain-ringed homeland. Father was so moved by her angst, he designed these gardens especially for her.

Daniel thought of the first time he had beheld the tree-lined terraces standing more than fifty cubits high on their firm foundation of arched vaults. Indeed, the Hanging Gardens are a lasting testimony to your father’s affection for Queen Amyitis. He would be distressed to learn the cascading waterfalls have been reduced to a mere trickle.

The queen nodded. The cooling effect and sound of the water would be lovely, but is of little consequence this day. If Lord Marduk does not abate his anger soon, the drought will bring not only misery but death to the inhabitants of Babylon, and to all those who have sought refuge inside the city walls from the onslaught of the Persian army.

The wise man felt the truth of her words in his bones.

The city of Sippar will be next and then us. Nitocris shuddered in spite of the heat of the day. She closed her eyes momentarily. The growing turmoil in the Center of the World reminds me of another dire situation.

Daniel shrugged. My queen, to which incident do you refer? There have been so many.

The corners of Nitocris’ mouth turned up slightly. I was thinking of the first time you appeared at court when we were both young.

Daniel smoothed his flowing mustache and gleaming white beard. That was indeed a peculiar situation two years after my friends and I were taken captive. Imagine being forced to face the very man who caused us to be separated from home, family, and the city of our God. There I stood before the formal assembly of Babylonian nobles, counselors, and officers, because King Nebuchadnezzar had dreams.

Nitocris tented her fingers. "When Father awoke that night, he was so troubled he ordered his chamberlain to summon all the wise men of Babylon, for the purpose of revealing to him what he had dreamed. The counselors hurried to take their places in the royal bedchamber.

"Father told them he had woken from a most troubling dream and was anxious to know what it meant. The puffed up leader of the wise men bowed low, and said, ‘O, king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will make known its interpretation.’

Nitocris sat upright. Father was furious with their insubordination. He was sure they had agreed among themselves to speak a lying, corrupt word, hoping the situation would improve.

Daniel watched the futile attempts of a fly trying to escape from a spider web in the bush beside him. I understand after your father reiterated his ultimatum, the wise men insisted no king, however great or mighty, had ever asked any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean to do such a thing. They insisted no one could reveal what he demanded except the gods, who do not dwell among mortals.

The queen rubbed her pale hands together as though to warm them. Father was livid. He told them if they could not do what he asked, every wise man in Babylon would be destroyed.

Daniel was glad for the deepening shade in the garden and slight breeze. I still remember the fear I felt when Arioch arrived at our door. The commander of the king’s guard said even though my three friends and I had only recently entered the king’s service, we would be put to death along with every other wise man.

No one was exempt.

It is as you say, my queen. We asked the commander to explain why the king had issued such a harsh decree, but he only shrugged his shoulders. When I asked for more time, your father granted the request.

Nitocris concentrated on the dead oak leaf she had plucked off her shawl. Father must have seen something in your countenance to have been so generous. He was usually a most impatient man.

Daniel swallowed hard. Yes, as I soon came to learn. But on that day, all I could think about was rushing back to tell my friends how he had granted us a single day of reprieve to tell him the dream and what it meant.

But your God did divulge it to you.

 Yes, he showed me that the dream your father had was of a great statue. Head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and upper thighs of bronze, lower legs of iron, and feet part iron and part clay.

The queen brushed back a wisp of silvery hair from her face. He was most impressed when you said he was the head of gold, but did not like it when you said another kingdom represented by the silver would arise inferior to his. Nevertheless, he declared that your God was God of gods and Lord of kings and revealer of mysteries. Then he exalted you and commanded the royal couriers to bring forth gold and silver treasures and many changes of clothing.

I had no idea those things were for me.

Nitocris examined Daniel with faded, but still piercing brown eyes. "Perhaps not, but while they hurried to do Father’s bidding, I thought about the kingdom not made with human hands. And many years later, when Father went to the place from which no ordinary man returns, I was sure Marduk would raise Father up. I thought with lowly countenance he would enter the Esagila once more. He, who had gone down into the grave, would surely return to the Center of the World.

I was certain the promises given by our God would apply to Father, and that in the Gate of Abundance plenty would be given to him. In the Gate of Life, he would be energized. In the Gate of Sunrise, he would be reckoned with the living. In the Release from Sighing Gate, his moaning would be appeased. In the Welfare Gate, he would appear before Marduk. In the Gate of Full Opulence, he would kiss the foot of the goddess Sarpanit. In supplication and imploration, he would persist before them. Lord Marduk would then restore Father to life and all mouths would praise his greatness. That is what I hoped.

Nitocris could see the compassion in Daniel’s hazel eyes, and knew that he wished he could take away her pain.

They sat for some time, before the queen broke the melancholy silence. When the pile of treasure and regal garments were fully assembled, I will never forget Father calling for his scepter and holding it out toward you. And the look on your face when he gave you authority over the province of Babylon and made you head of the wise men.

Daniel shook his head. I am still amazed that in my youthful arrogance I dared to suggest that he should appoint my companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the administration of the province of Babylon, so I could remain at court.

Nitocris laughed light-heartedly for the first time in weeks. Be assured, Father was most pleased with that arrangement, as was I. She inspected her hands in her lap, raised her head, and looked directly at Daniel. Do you think Persia is the inferior kingdom of silver, as foretold by the God of heaven? The one ordained to replace Father’s kingdom of gold?

Chapter 2 — Babylon Is Falling

A trio of vultures circled high above in the sky. They rode the wind current back toward Opis with beguiling grace. The midday sun shimmered against the sienna colored mud-brick walls of the fallen city of Sippar, like bronze beaten with the coppersmith’s relentless hammer.

Magus Datwazraka thrust his pale arms upwards. See how the rocks and debris protrude from the shallow water like a hag’s curse. Cyrus, King of Anshan, was wise to come in the fall of the year when the great river is at its lowest. That along with the drought, which the Omnipresent Deity, sent to lessen its watery force will only enhance Ahura Mazda’s divine glory and the king’s already formidable reputation.

Fatigue creased General Ugbaru’s square-jawed face, as he returned to scanning the riverbed for potential threats. Of course the magus ignored any reference to the weeks of digging by the soldiers in the general’s Elamite division on the diversion canal. But by the look of the scant amount of water flowing down the Euphrates River, he felt confident his men had completed their task and were even now on their way to rejoin him.

The muscular, sixty-year-old general was anxious to meet up with King Cyrus and the main body of the Persian army heading toward the city of Babylon. Ugbaru scowled. He was loath to squander anymore time cavorting with priests and diviners. Under his breathe, he muttered, You Magi are all the same.

Datwazraka tossed back his head with its dark mane of matted hair. The priest left off contemplating the mysteries of the Zoroastrian god, Ahura Mazda, to glare belligerently at Ugbaru. You were quick enough to give thanksgiving libations to the Lord of the Good Spirit of word and action, upon Sippar’s surrender. Your warriors gave him proper worship and the Lord of Wisdom rewarded you with divine favor. Not a single soul was lost.

The aged general bowed his head. It is as you say, Magus. I meant no disrespect.

Ugbaru moved away from the Zoroastrian priest, placing a battle-scarred hand to his forehead. Shielding his hazel eyes from the relentless glare, he scrutinized the horizon once more. How had King Nabonidus made his escape? There must have been a secret tunnel that allowed him to flee the city of Sippar during the short siege. Probably the Babylonian king was even now regrouping his forces, such as they might be after him being away for so long.

Everything had gone according to plan except for the missing king. The general knew he was the one who would have to explain this unfortunate turn of events to the Great King.

Datwazraka’s chanting grew fainter, as Ugbaru moved further away from the river. He spied Sibtu, his field marshal, standing by the city gate. Ugbaru gave him the come here sign. The general smiled at the crinkly-eyed, forty-year-old soldier striding across the courtyard.

Sibtu grinned back. Lord general, you must be anxious to be on the move. This infernal waiting is the worst part of campaigning. My fellow Elamites and former Babylonians and I would like to reach the Center of the World before this day is out.

 Ugbaru cracked his knuckles. My friend, I am afraid we are all wearied to death of hurry up and wait. Like you, I have been separated from Babylon, the place of my birth, for more years than I care to remember.

Sibtu nodded. It is disorienting to fight on the opposite side from Nabonidus.

The general lowered himself onto a rock-hewn bench in the shade of a plane tree. Sit.

The field marshal settled himself against a supply wagon. He waited for his superior to speak.

The general flexed his fingers. I cannot stop myself from thinking about how things used to be. I trained under General Nabonidus before he became king. Everything changed when he married King Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter Nitocris.

Sibtu tapped his fingers together. It always seemed to me that Nabonidus’ greatest asset was the queen. I am still amazed that he persuaded her to marry him such a short time after she was widowed.

It was a terrible time when her husband, King Neriglissar, was killed in that coup after her father died. There was no one to take the hand of Lord Bel. Queen Nitocris probably felt she had no choice if Babylon was to be saved.

Ugbaru grunted. It could be as you say.

My lord, you served under both generals, did you not?

I did. Neriglissar and Nabonidus won many battles for the glory of Nebuchadnezzar and Lord Marduk. While I moved up through the ranks, Neriglissar gained royal status and soon after lost his life.

Sibtu pulled a dagger from its sheath, and fingered its shimmering edge. I heard his father was a governor under the Assyrians and his mother a priestess of the moon god Sin.

"You heard right. When Haran, his birthplace, was lost to invaders, the family escaped to Babylon. His father died shortly after their arrival. His mother’s piety was legendary. The moon god rewarded her devotion with long life; she was over a hundred years old when she died. Nabonidus left his self-imposed exile in Tema to oversee her burial in Haran, where she was high priestess at the Temple of Sin.

He was the one who secured the surrender of Haran, wasn’t he?

The general shifted his buttocks and repositioned his legs. After Nineveh fell, the Assyrians moved the government to Haran. When Nabonidus brought about their final downfall, our people declared him ruler of Babylonia. Later Nabonidus told me he never aspired to be king. He ascertained he was elevated by the order of Marduk, even though he was one who did not know Marduk.

He never stopped following after the moon god Sin, did he?

Ugbaru nodded. I think he would have considered it an insult to his mother. He was old when he came to the throne and had hoped to spend his retirement from soldiering rebuilding temples and studying ancient inscriptions.

Sibtu put away the dagger in its sheath. To his credit, once he became king he took his duties seriously.

Whatever the reason, he had to know there would be repercussions for his absence and dereliction of sacred duties to Marduk, supreme god of Babylon.

 Sibtu nodded. The priests of Lord Bel were scandalized, causing much unrest in the Center of the World. Moreover, I could never understand why he made Crown Prince Belshazzar regent, and then not allow him to take the hand of Bel-Marduk at the annual New Year’s Festival.

 Ugbaru watched Magus Datwazraka’s gyrations in the distance for several moments. To make matters worse, Nabonidus did not return to Babylon for ten years to honor the Majesty of the Gods himself. The Creator withdrew his favor. Crops failed. Drought plagued the land and disease took the lives of his people. Then he lost the Babylonian province of Elam to Cyrus, and now the Great King has set his sights on taking over the whole Babylonian Kingdom.

Sibtu gave a sheepish grin. I am glad that before Nabonidus departed for Tema he appointed you governor of Elam, and that you chose to take me with you.

The king knew the land’s richness in timber and metals would provide much needed resources for our people. For four years my noble wife Arda and I were content to live in Susa. We felt a sense of respite from the mounting tensions in Babylon; even though, as you know, soon after our arrival in the capital, Cyrus overthrew his grandfather King Astyages.

The field marshal took a couple of steps and stretched his arms. Once you became governor of Elam, I was surprised at your affinity for administrative work.

The general gave a rare laugh. I too was surprised. It was the longest uninterrupted time I had ever spent with my wife of over thirty years.

Unthinkable as it was at the time, Cyrus managed to unite the Medes and the Persians into a single power. Once that was accomplished he set his sights on Elam.

It was his only logical move since Elam was the ancient homeland of the Medes and the territory of his grandfather’s strongest ally Babylon.

Ugbaru stood to his feet and focused his attention downstream. He had to fight against the bile that rose within him whenever he thought of his change of allegiance to the Great King. He knew there