Wikileaks in the 6th century B.C.

The secret USA diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks make fascinating reading. But, when it comes to local representatives of foreign powers assessing how local events conflict with vested national interests, perhaps nothing has changed. I was reading the book of Ezra this morning. Chapter 4 recounts how opponents to the rebuilding of Jerusalem wrote to King Artaxerxes, warning him of the dangers:

"To Artaxerxes the king: Your servants, the men of the province Beyond the River, send greeting. And now ¹²be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem. They are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are finishing the walls and repairing the foundations. ¹³Now be it known to the king that if this city is rebuilt and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and the royal revenue will be impaired.

It is interesting that rebellion and wickedness seem to be equated. Morality seems to be defined by allegiance to the King, rather than to the Ruler of the universe. Furthermore, in the end it is all about money and ego...