[After a pause] I have called you in council, elders of the people. Wars are not ended by the sword alone. I have summoned you to ask whether I should send an envoy to Nebuchadnezzar, praying him that there should be peace between our nations.
Hananiah
No peace with the blasphemers of the Almighty!
Abimelech
Let him make the first offer.
Pashur
I think it would be dangerous for us to begin. Should we open the parley, he would seek to make slaves of us.
I hold other views. Though as yet he knows nothing of our desperate plight, it can remain hidden for a few days only. We must turn these days to account.
Nahum