Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin Page A

“What exactly do you want from me? A job in the government?”
    “Yes, for starters. I need your help, Shebna, and you’re going to need mine. You can’t fight these religious fanatics all by yourself. They jumped all over you in the meeting today. And my grandfather and Isaiah both have a lot more influence over Hezekiah than you do.”
    “No. They have both refused a government position.”
    “Don’t kid yourself. Maybe they don’t hold an official title, but their influence over Hezekiah is enormous—especially my grandfather’s. I don’t know why my brother has allied himself with a bunch of religious zealots, but it’s going to lead to disaster unless we work together to counterbalance them. You heard all their crazy talk about rebelling against Assyria. They’re dangerous.”
    Shebna folded his arms. “What do you suggest?” he said irritably.
    “If like-minded men such as ourselves band together to oppose these fanatics, my brother would be forced to listen to reason. We have to work together. You need me in your government, Shebna. And in return, I’ll make sure Hezekiah never learns about your past sins—how you betrayed our mother, then stood by and watched our father order her execution!” Gedaliah’s voice grew steadily louder until he was shouting.
    “You have made your point, and I will see that you get your government position. But understand two things,” Shebna said, thrusting his fingers in Gedaliah’s face. “First, you will discharge all your duties with integrity. I will not tolerate any corruption. And second, although you and I may challenge some of the advice King Hezekiah receives from the religious extremists, we will never challenge his sovereignty. Understand?”
    “I understand. And I guess I’ll have to live with your ultimatums—for now. But if these radicals gain any more power, you can bet they’ll demand your removal from office because of your unbelief.”
    “We shall see.”
    “Yes. We shall see.”

    Eliakim hurried down the hill to his house after the meeting, his robes flapping in the wind. He was so eager to share the news with his father that he didn’t care if sprinting through the streets in the rain was an undignified thing for a king’s counselor to do. As he passed through the outer gate of his home, he barely had time to kiss his fingers and touch the mezuzah that hung on the doorpost before his father threw open the door.
    “Well? What happened, son? Why did the king send for you?”
    “Abba, you’ll never believe it! I can hardly believe it myself!” Eliakim leaned against the doorframe, puffing to catch his breath. Hilkiah gripped his arm.
    “So tell me, already! What did the king want with my son?”
    “He wants me to work for him!”
    “Work for him?”
    “Yes!”
    Hilkiah clutched his heart with both hands. “Excuse me. I must sit down.” He stumbled into the house and sank down on the bench near the door. Eliakim followed, grinning broadly.
    “Now, please,” Hilkiah said. “Start at the beginning, Eliakim.”
    “Remember the night we helped Micah—the night he prophesied to the king? Well, King Hezekiah listened to him, Abba. Really listened and—”
    “Yes, yes, I know this part. I took them to see Zechariah at the Temple, remember?”
    “No … all I remember was sitting in prison with my throat slit open.” Eliakim frowned as he fingered the bandage on his neck. Hilkiah waved in annoyance.
    “I know, I know. Forget your throat, already.”
    “It’s pretty hard to forget an experience like that, Abba!”
    “So the king invited you to his palace today to discuss your throat, Eliakim? Talk sense to me!”
    “Abba, King Hezekiah is completely different from his father. He’s going to purge all the idolatry from the land and govern the nation according to God’s Law.”
    “Praise God!”
    “I know. I could hardly believe it myself. Your friend Zechariah and all the other Levites will be advising him. He’s going to