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promise to reveal the Word of the Lord to you, just as I spoke it to the kings who ruled before you. Whether or not you heed that Word will be your decision, as it was theirs.”
    Hezekiah sat alone for a long time after Isaiah left, trying to decide who to appoint as palace administrator. Isaiah’s refusal had disappointed him nearly as much as Zechariah’s had. Both men possessed a deep relationship with God, and Hezekiah found it curious that neither of them wanted any part in his government.
    The job of palace administrator was an important one. Hezekiah knew that he needed someone intelligent and uncorrupted, someone who would support his reforms, someone he could trust as a friend, and, most importantly, someone who was faithful to Yahweh. He knew a man who fit every requirement but the last one: Shebna, his tutor. Shebna would make an excellent choice except for the fact that he refused to believe in the existence of God.
    Hezekiah continued to ponder a mental list of all the officials and nobles in his court, weighing each of their qualifications carefully. But he always returned to the same frustrating conclusion—none of them was as intelligent or trustworthy as Shebna. Unable to make a choice, Hezekiah finally decided to send for Shebna and seek his advice in making this difficult decision. All his life Hezekiah had relied on Shebna to help him examine all aspects of a problem and make a choice. The lanky Egyptian had been Hezekiah’s closest friend for as long as he could remember, and he felt a sense of relief as soon as Shebna strode into the throne room. He knew he could come straight to the point.
    “Shebna, I’ve asked the two most qualified men I know—Zechariah and Isaiah—to serve as palace administrator. They’ve both refused.”
    “Both of them? That is astounding!”
    “Yes, and their reasons were even more astounding.” He considered sharing Isaiah’s vision with Shebna, then rejected the idea, knowing that he would never understand it. “So where do I go from here? Who’s left? My brother Gedaliah?”
    “I do not think that would be wise.”
    “What about the precedent my father set?”
    “Gedaliah lacks the experience for such an important job.”
    Hezekiah sighed in frustration. He was tired of sitting, and he rose from his throne to pace the room, his hands clasped behind his back. “Let’s be honest, Shebna. I’m inexperienced, too, thanks to my father.”
    “But you have always worked diligently, my lord. And hard work will quickly compensate for inexperience. On the other hand, Prince Gedaliah … May I be frank, Your Majesty?”
    “Of course. That’s why I asked you to come.”
    “Prince Gedaliah seldom works hard unless it involves personal gain. I doubt that he cares about the good of the nation.”
    “I know. That’s what bothers me the most about my brother. He seems to have inherited our father’s love of pleasure.”
    Shebna said nothing, but his grim expression confirmed his agreement. Hezekiah continued to pace for a moment, then stopped near the shuttered window. He could hear the slashing rain beating against the wood.
    “So, who’s left?” he finally asked. “The truth is, I want to appoint you as my palace administrator, but …” He sighed again.
    “I understand, Your Majesty.”
    “Shebna, I need someone who’s not connected to Ahaz’s administration, someone who can’t be bribed. I don’t know much about my other advisors, but I know I can trust you. The others might tell me one thing and believe another, but I know exactly what you believe—”
    “And what I do not believe,” Shebna finished for him.
    “I’ll admit your lack of faith is a big problem for me. I need your sharp mind, your reasoning skills, your loyalty. You’re not an idol worshiper, but …” Hezekiah felt as though he’d run into a wall and couldn’t find the doorway. He turned to his friend. Shebna nodded in understanding.
    “Your Majesty, more than anything else