The Newton Code

by Liam Fialkov

  Chapter 5

  “Hi Michael,” Melany, dressed in her nightgown, entered his office room, looking sleepy. “Is everything alright?”

  Michael glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it was past 3 a.m. “I noticed that you were going to bed at very late hours,” she mentioned the obvious. “You also seem quite preoccupied lately. What’s going on?”

  He turned away from the computer and looked at her. Even with the minimal light in the small room, he couldn’t but adore her beauty. For a moment, he recalled how he liked her and was drawn to her when they first met. However, he hadn't approached her with anything that could be interpreted as a romantic proposition, so he wouldn't have breached the trust her father had in him. Eventually, it was Melany who made the first move when she'd asked him out.

  “It is strange,” he said pensively, “but there is something that I don’t know if we’d ever discussed. At least not in a profound way.”

  “What is it, Michael?” She sat on a chair in front of him and looked at him.

  “God.”

  “God?” She was surprised.

  “Yes.” He said. “I’m studying the issue.” He smiled, knowing his words deserve an explanation.

  She observed him; his athletic body was erect as he was sitting in his simple computer chair with his wavy black hair over his forehead. She noticed his eyes glowing in the dimmed room. For a moment, she recalled the first time she’d seen Michael and how she thought that he was well carved, in a way that reminded her of a statue of a Greek god. That hasn’t changed much, she thought to herself.

  She wondered about the unexpected topic. “I thought we were atheists,” she said.

  Michael contemplated her words.

  “Aren’t we?” She asked.

  “Yes, I think we are,” he said. “But perhaps we should give the matter another thought. Don’t forget that some of the world’s greatest thinkers considered themselves as believers, like Einstein and Newton.”

  “Especially Newton,” She asserted.

  He was surprised. “Why especially Newton?”

  “I once read,” she said, “that in addition to science, he held a deep interest in the Christian scriptures.”

  “The Christian and the Jewish scriptures,” Michael said.

  “But why now?” she asked, “Has anything triggered your sudden interest in God?”

  “Yes,” he acknowledged, “Stewart McPherson.”

  “McPherson?” She was surprised. “I haven’t heard from him in ages.”

  “I’ll tell you what’s going on,” Michael said, “but it would have to remain a secret. Please don’t discuss the matter with anybody.”

  “Fine.” She said.

  Michael knew for certain that he could trust her word. “Stewart approached me a couple of weeks ago,” Michael said, “and asked me to join him in an investigation. Apparently, there’s a cult, a very sophisticated, well organized, and well-funded group. McPherson suspects that they are planning something very sinister.”

  “How sinister?”

  “They may strive to bring on a world war.”

  “A world war? Why? Between whom?

  “Probably Christians against Muslims. Their goal is to prepare the ground and create the conditions for the second coming of Jesus Christ.”

  “Oh my God,” she said. “Michael,” she yawned, “this is all very fascinating and very scary, but I have to be in court early in the morning. Let’s continue tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be here,” Michael said.

  She got up, walked over to him, and embraced him warmly. Then, as she prepared to leave the room, she briefly glanced at Michael’s computer screen, which immediately drew her attention. “What is it, Michael?” She asked and pointed to the computer.

  “It is Hebrew writing, he said. Well, actually, it’s not even Hebrew but the Aramaic ancient language, which nobody speaks anymore.”

  She examined the writing:

  “What does it mean?” She asked.

  “Here,” he smiled, “I’ll show you the English version.” He scrolled down on the page, which now displayed:

  “mene mene, tekel, upharsin.”

  “It is called ‘The writing on the wall,’ from the book of Daniel, chapter Five,” Michael said. “It supposed to have some hidden meaning.”

  “I see,” she said. “I’ll go to bed now, Michael, I think you could use some sleep too.” Then she left the room.

  Chapter 6

  “Michael,” Melanie entered his office room after putting little Linda in her bed. “What did you mean the other day when you said we never profoundly discussed God?”

  Michael looked at her lovingly. He then leaned forward to reach his book cabinet and pulled what looked like a thick, old brown book. “I’ve found this book a few days ago in a used bookstore. Believe it or not, it might be the most important book in the history of modern science. It is called “Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy,” and it was written by Sir Isaac Newton about 300 years ago.”

  “Newton again?” Melany noted.

  “Let me read to you,” Michael said, “what Newton says about God in this scientific book.” Michael opened the book into a page marked with a piece of paper, and started reading:

  “The true God is a living, intelligent, and powerful Being. He is eternal and infinite, omnipotent and omniscient; that is, his duration reaches from eternity to eternity; his presence from infinity to infinity; he governs all things, and knows all things that are or can be done.”

  Michael glanced at Melany, to make sure she was following him, then continued:

  “He endures for ever, and is every where present; and by existing always and every where, he constitutes duration and space. Since every particle of space is always, and every indivisible moment of duration is every where, certainly the Maker and Lord of all things cannot be never and no where.”

  Michael gently closed the book and looked in her direction.

  “Well, truly interesting material,” Melanie commented, “especially coming from such a genius as Newton, and in a scientific book. It certainly shows that he was a believer.”

  “Indeed,” Michael said, “Newton was a devout Christian.”

  “Still,” she said, “these words are not enough to convince me to go to church anytime soon.”

  “I don’t think Newton himself had spent much time in church,” Michael said. “He didn’t follow the mainstream line of the Church of England and was somewhat of a heretic in that he didn’t accept the idea of the Holy Trinity. You know he’d spent much time searching for what is called the prisca sapientia.

  “What’s that?” Melany asked.

  “The lost pure knowledge,” Michael answered. “Interestingly, Newton was convinced that the ancients possessed that core knowledge which they consciously concealed, and his brilliant findings were not discoveries but merely re-discoveries.”

  Melany contemplated for a while. “Did Newton find that pure knowledge?” She asked.

  “We don’t know,” Michael said. “You see, if he had, he wasn’t the type of person who would go around telling the world about it. It is more likely that he would keep it to himself, or perhaps hide it within his other papers.” Michael paused and returned the book to its place. “You know,” he continued, “Newton discovered that white light was composed of the colors of the rainbow; in that respect, you could say that he has seen the light.”

  “There is one major thing that deserves an explanation,” Melany said and looked directly into his eyes.

  “What?”

  “What’s this sudden interest in old Isaac Newton? Is it related to McPherson?”

  Michael took a deep breath. “Yes,” he nodded.

  “He was like a mentor to you.” Melany said.

  “And a role model,” Michael added. “McPherson thinks that there is a group or some kind of cult, that is obsessed with Newton’s findings, and—"

  “You are not going to go undercover aga
in, are you?” Melany looked worried.

  “At this point, I’m just researching the subject,” Michael said.

  Chapter 7

  Jerusalem 1002 BC

  The ominous news spread rapidly. Despite fortified defense lines and animal sacrifices, King David’s soldiers succeeded in conquering the Jebusites’ front lines. They inflicted heavy losses upon the Jebusites and also cut off Jebus from its primary water source in the Gihon creek. The siege intensified, and the tribe was forced to make do with the limited water reservoirs which they kept especially for such a disastrous hour. They also collected water from occasional rains.

  The Jebusites believed that not all is lost, as they still controlled the higher, most fortified walls. If they could only withstand the siege and the food and water will last, maybe the Hebrews will give up and let them be? Or perhaps the Hebrews will choose to live side by side, conducting commerce with the Jebusites from which both sides would benefit?

  But then, King David soldiers managed to conquer the Zion fortress and its adjacent fortified line. The Jebusites retreated up the mountain, and barricaded themselves in Araunah’s threshing floor, next to the massive rock—the drinking stone. Now they knew that the battle had been decided, they just didn’t know what will happen to them. Will King David have mercy on their lives, or will his soldiers slaughter them?

  A day passed. It looked like the Hebrew soldiers were not in a hurry to attack them, or perhaps they thought that the Jebusites would get overcome by despair and surrender? Maybe they wanted to avoid farther casualties on their side?

  Rumor had it that they were waiting for David’s decision, and he was consulting with a prophet named “Gad the Seer.”

  ***

  “We were greatly honored,” Yerubaal’s father somberly said after exchanging whispers with his mother. He had just returned from an urgent meeting summoned by the high priest. His father didn’t sound happy about whatever honor it was. If anything, he sounded deeply saddened and distressed as he continued to mumble, “Greatly honored, greatly honored.”

  But his mother, Bat-Shahar, broke up in an uncontrolled cry. She hugged her son so firmly, her tears moistening his face until he had to disentangle himself from her.

  “What? What happened?” Yerubaal asked apprehensively.

  “Greatly honored,” his father continued to mumble and turn his gaze towards the mountains. His father’s shoulders were hanged loosely, and he appeared defeated like he was never seen before. Yerubaal couldn’t remember when his father couldn’t look at him directly.

  “Oh, my sweet Yerubaal,” his mom said. While still weeping, she looked directly into his eyes. “You know that we’re in a tough situation. I wouldn’t exaggerate if I’d say a desperate situation.”

  Yerubaal felt how fear gripped him. He sensed that a dreadful thing was about to happen, not necessarily to the tribe as a whole, but to him personally.

  “The high priest,” his mother continued, “he is the one who named you Yerubaal.”

  “He chose you,” his father said, and it looked like he recovered some of his composure.

  “Chose me, for what? The child fearfully asked.

  “The high priest,” his mother said, “has prayed to the Baal, which you are named after him. The message he received was clear; we have to sacrifice you…”

  “Sacrifice?” Yerubaal sensed his heart pounding hard. “But why?”

  “It’s the will of the gods,” his father said, “it’s the only way for the survival of our tribe.”

  Yerubaal didn’t want to hear any more. He ran fast, escaping his parents, heading towards the mountain.

  “Let him go,” he heard his father telling his mother, “he’ll come back.”

  Chapter 8

  “Tell me more about Newton,” Melany asked Michael.

  Michael was driving their car, heading back to their apartment in Brooklyn, and Melany sat next to him. Five years old Linda was sleeping in the back seat, exhausted after participating in a birthday party in Scarsdale.

  Michael took a deep breath, wondering which angle he should take. “Well, his father died a few months before he was born,” Michael said.

  Melany contemplated his answer, wondering if Michael, who grew up as an adopted child, might feel a shared kinship with Newton.

  “He was born on Christmas Eve sometime in the Seventeenth Century,” Michael said. “He was probably born prematurely, and since he looked so frail and weak, his mother had put him in the attic to die alone, because she didn’t believe he would survive the freezing cold winter night. Baby Newton cried and screamed so loud that his mother realized he was much stronger than she realized, and he should be given a chance to survive, so she brought him to a warm room and fed him. According to a local English tradition, a baby born without a father on Christmas Eve is destined for greatness, and he possesses a special sacredness.”

  “Sounds like he was off to a rough start,” Melany commented.

  “True,” Michael said, “and that’s how his early life continued when his mother married a local priest who didn’t like him.”

  “But Michael,” Melany said, “I want to hear about why you are spending the nights learning about him. I mean, I know that you’re connected with McPherson on that, but I still don’t get why both of you are doing it.”

  “Okay,” Michael said. “It is quite bizarre, but Newton, the great mathematician, the inventor of calculus and numerous other pioneering works had spent more time studying and writing about theology and alchemy than on science.”

  “Quite remarkable,” Melany said, “and I’d assume that the cult you’ve mentioned the other night, is more interested in this aspect of Newton’s work.”

  “Yes,” Michael said. “For instance, when studying the Old Testament, Newton, who was fluent in Latin as well as ancient Hebrew, learned that God dictated the exact measurements of the temple in Jerusalem, the one built by King Solomon, and he also dictated the measurements of the Ark of the Covenant. Of course, those measurements were not dictated in feet and inches, rather in the old Hebrew cubits. Still, Newton concluded that since the creator of the world is also the designer of the temple and Ark, then there must be a correlation between those measurements and the dimensions of our universe.”

  Melany contemplated his words. “Wow,” she said.

  “Yep,” Michael said. “He saw the temple and the surrounding courtyard as a model of our solar system. The altar, located in the center, represented the sun.”

  “If I heard that this kind of thinking came from some insignificant theologian or some outcast cult, I would find it somewhat understandable,” Melany said, “but when it comes from one of the greatest minds in history, it sure sounds strange.”

  “There’s another option,” Michael said, as he took a right turn towards Brooklyn.

  “What?”

  “Well, I think that we shouldn’t completely close our minds to the possibility that there is something to his assumptions.”

  “Michael,” Melany said. “Are you serious? A relationship between a temple that had been destroyed centuries ago and the universe? this just doesn’t make sense.”

  “It’s quite a stretch,” Michael agreed.

  “One more thing,” Melany said. “The other night, when I entered your study room, there was a strange verse written on your computer.

  “That’s right,” Michael said, “mene mene, tekel, upharsin.”

  “You never told me what it means, and how it may connect to Newton.” She said.

  “Well,” Michael said, “you would have to read that chapter in the book of Daniel, it is quite short. As far as Newton, he was especially interested in prophecy, and he even wrote a book titled, Observations upon the prophecies of Daniel, and the apocalypse of St. John.

  “Did you read it?” she inquired.

  “Not yet,” he replied. “I didn’t have time. But I’ve read somewhere about some of the hidden meaning of mene mene, tekel, upharsin, which could exp
lain why Newton was so interested in it.

  Melany looked over to the back seat, to make sure Linda was still sleeping. “So, what is the hidden meaning?”

  “It’s a number,” Michael responded. Those words could represent monetary values. I don’t remember the exact math, but the total number comes to 2520.”

  “2520?” Melany asked. “What’s so special about this number?”

  “At this point,” Michael said, “I don’t know enough to answer that question, but apparently, it’s some kind of a magic number, hidden in various ways throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament. It can represent distances, times, or both. For instance, God created the world in 7 days, each day, the earth revolves 360 degrees. 7 times 360 equals 2520, so in the first week of creation, the earth rotated 2520 degrees.”

  Michael pulled into the parking lot of their apartment.

  “Interestingly,” Michael added, “while Newton spent a great deal of time studying prophecies and focusing on the books of Daniel and Revelation; as of yet, I have not found that he even mentioned 2520; so, apparently, this angle comes from other sources.”

  “What sources?”

  “Well, Newton was not the only theologian that looked for hidden meanings in the bible. From lurking around the group’s site, I could tell that they think Newton kept certain things hidden, so this could include 2520.”

  “You know honey,” Melany said tenderly, “I’m worried this stuff is going to mess with your head.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry about me,” Michael said, “For now, it is just research.”

  Chapter 9

  For he (Abraham) was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.