'"
The Persian was deeply moved. Indeed, tears were in the monarch's eyes.
He rose, and in the deepest reverence, exclaimed:
"I acknowledge the God of Israel as the great ruling power of the
universe! Under his infinitely wise directions I stand ready to do his
pleasure, and accomplish his great designs."
"One favor it is thine to grant, O king, according to the word of the
Lord. For their iniquity the children of Judah were carried captive into
Babylon, and Jerusalem was rendered desolate. According to the word of
the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, they were to remain in this land of
their captivity for seventy years. This period, O king, in a few more
months will be at an end. I pray thee, give permission to the children of
Judah to return to their own land, and build up the old waste places, and
raise again a temple to the God of Israel."
"This thy request, O Daniel, shall be granted," said the king, in a firm
voice. "The proclamation shall go forth from the king, and all that is
needful for the enterprise shall be supplied.
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