The story of government and religious corruption is as old as the world
History shows that, in most cases, access to power creates insatiable greed for more.
Both religious and secular leaders for centuries have been using various techniques to
manipulate people into getting the desired results. This book about the kingdom of Judah, a southern offshoot of its parent kingdom Israel, tells the story of Shaphan, hired by King Josiah to serve as royal secretary to "faithfully" document the king's accomplishments.
In the Jewish year 3139, the king, backed up by the nobility, believes that the line of
David is the only worthy one to rule the nation. King Josiah wants to make the kingdom of Judah great again despite all costs.
The clergy, on the other hand, in the face of the High Priest, thinks that political leadership by the secular administration is not a good idea. In the High Priest's mind, God chose prophets and priests to rule and anything else is blasphemy, though politically useful.
Wrapped in the middle of two powers, Shaphan continues his work and trying to keep
his hopes high. Meanwhile, he loses his enthusiasm as he sees people fall into the bloody race for political superiority as the nation's neighbors increasingly endanger its survival.
Will Shaphan be able to survive the grind of political games?
Take a peek into the past for a better understanding of the present.
This story hearkens to another country, currently in the throes of selfish leadership and knowledge manipulation. It's not the only one on the globe suffering from short-sighted and bigoted hubris, but it desperately wants the rest of the world to see it as a paragon of righteousness when it simply isn't interested in doing what is necessary to make it "great again."
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