TRAIL OF EMPIRE

Waipa Post, Volume 52, Issue 3705, 10 January 1936, Page 9

TRAIL OF EMPIRE

TRACED FROM ITS BEGINNINGS. AN INTERESTING SURVEY. (By A.L.) RESUME OF PART 1. In part 1 we asked ourselves the question, “What doth it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul.” Many instances are recorded in history, where those who have acquired power and wealth have used themselselves for the benefit of mankind. Others have used these attributes, however, for the degradation of mankind; and their evil influences still live in the world. We saw that Nimrod the Chaldean erected the first kingdom that we know of. How long the ancient kingdom of Shinar, established by Nimrod continued, we cannot with certainty determine. We came to the time when Nebuchadnezzar, the son of the Nabopolazzar, came to the throne, and erected a new empire upon the one he received. After his many conquests, Nebuchadnezzar abandoned himself to idolatory, pride and other excesses. By expending the spoils he had gained from his many conquests, and employing his captives in his buildings at Babylon, he made his city the wonder of mankind. The success of Nebuchadnezzar was amazing, and his pride suffered in consequence. To punish him, God rendered him for seven years like a beast of the field. It is during this time that we find Daniel, with other Jewish captives, in the court of Babylon. Daniel is supposed to have died at Shushan, in Persia, about the year 530 8.C., being then 90 years of age. His age would probably prevent him returning to Palestine, when Cyrus the Mede issued his famous proclamation, giving Jews permission to return to their native land. We are all familiar with the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded in the 2nd chapter of Daniel, which was interpreted by Daniel to represent a great image. Babylon is identified as the first great world empire, when Daniel used these words to Nebuchadnezzar, “Thou art this head of gold." A remarkable illustration of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar is shown in the 4th chapter of Daniel. Babylon is referred to as “a great tree, which reached into heaven, and the leaves thereof were fair. Beasts sheltered within its borders, and fowls of the air dwelt in its branches.” Verses 13 and 14 read, "I saw in the vision of my head upon my bed, and behold, a watcher, and a holy one came down from heaven.” “He cried aloud and said thus: Hew down the tree, and cast off the branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit; let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.” And thus is shown to us the fall of Babylon, represented as a great tree being cut down. Part of verse 16 reads, “And let seven times pass over him.” It is generally recognised now by Bible students that “a time” consists of 360 years, therefore “seven times” must be 2520 years. Those who have studied this question of chronology inform us that these seven times commenced a period of Gentile dominion.

Those who have studied British Israel Truth will know why the seven times of Gentile dominion was allowed.

It was a punishment passed upon Israel for disobedience. Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzar that the dream applied to himself. He was warned to break off his sins, and turn to righteousness, but failed to profit by the warning, the result being seven years’ banishment. We are all familiar with the story of the feast of Belshazzar, and the writing upon the wall, by the fingers of a man’s hand. This night of the feast is one of the strangest recorded in history. The Bible records the incidents within the palace. Secular history records what took place outside the city walls. This night of license inside the city became the opportunity which Cyrus, the Persian, had been waiting for. The only entrance to the great city of Babylon was by way of the river bed, the great river Euphrates, running under the city. Cyrus ordered the embankment at the entrance to the city to be broken down, and the river diverted into an artificial lake. It was by way of this river bed that the soldiers of Cyrus captured the city. Consternation filled Babylon when it became known that the invaders had entered. "In that night,” we are told, "was Belshazzar, the King of the Chaldeans, slain.” And thus, the second Empire, MedoPersia, represented on the great image as silver, comes into view. As silver is inferior to gold, so was Medo-Persia inferior to Babylon. It lacked in dignity, in wealth and in its display of luxury. There was a vital difference between the two empires, as judged from our spiritual viewpoint. Babylon was responsible for the captivity of the Jews. Medo-Persia was responsible for the restoration of those Jews, who returned to their own land. The last of the old Persian kings

was Darius Codoniannus. This man we are told was of noble stature, and had a generous disposition. It was his misfortune to come to the throne at such a time when the second empire had to be cast down. Scarce had he ascended to the throne ere he found his formidable enemy, Alexander the Great, preparing to dislodge him from it. The rivalry between these two ended on the battlefield at Arbela in B.C. 331. Disaster after disaster overtook Darius until finally, we are told, he was put to death by two of his own soldiers who were deserting.

Alexander went after the deserters, but arrived toft late to save the life of the Persian prince. We are told that the sight of the dead prince drew tears from the eyes of Alexander. Throwing his cloak over the body he had it conveyed to Susa, where this prince was given a royal funeral. “And another third kingdom of brass shall bear rule over the earth,” so writes the inspired prophet. To follow the cruel campaigns of Alexander would serve no purpose here. The achievements of Alexander were truly great, yet he was only 32 years of age when he died, the death of a drunkard.

It is acknowledged by all Bible students that the head of gold, the breast and arms of silver, and the belly and thighs of brass, represented the three empires of Babylon, MedoPersia and Greece.

Bible students are also agreed that the fourth empire to arise answering to the description “strong as iron” was the Roman. With the death of Alexander a further period of dreadful wars were suffered among the then known nations. As these nations became weaker by continuous warfare, Rome, the new power in the West, was becoming stronger. Supreme power fell into the hands of these conquering Romans about the year 60 B.C. Referring to this period, one writer states: “Satan made a more ample display of earthly power, and erected a more powerful bulwark for the support of iniquity, than had ever existed.” And this was the state of the world when Jesus was born into it. PART 2. In our previous articles we identified the first three symbols of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image, as the three world empires, Babylon, MedoPersia and Greece. Each of these in turn held world dominion, until superior force took that power from them. It has been seen how true the course of world events were following along the line indicated by these movements, how truly the chronological clock of Divine prophecy was fulfilling its predicted course. We cannot help but feel, as we continue this study, that the purposes of God would continue to be fulfilled. And so a full description of the fourth kingdom is given to us in the 2nd chapter of Daniel, verses 40 to 43:

“And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.”

“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potter’s clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it, of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.” "And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly broken."

"And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.”

Nothing more clearly demonstrates the Divine authority of the Scriptures than the exact fulfilment of the typical and verbal predictions therein, exhibited in the most exacting manner; a close study proving a fulfilling of these predictions. Such foresight and determination can only take place in the mind of God, who aione can declare the end from the beginning. What is the response of history to these verses of Daniel just quoted? No history is more important than the Israel Church in her head and members, Jeusus Christ and His true followers; and the times following B.C. times appear to be a constant struggle for the Israel church to give its message of redemption and salvation. The redemption of the nation Israel appears to have been lost sight of, in spite of the command. "And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of ty Daniel the prophet, stand in the Holy place; whoso readeth let him understand.” Matt, 24th verses 14 and 15.

And so Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, appears among His people, just at the time when the fourth kingdom is at the zenith of its power. Rome, proud and arrogant, the inheritors of the powers of the first three empires, and who continued the propogation of their pagan beliefs.

In contrast with these beliefs comes the new message of Jesus and His love, first to His people Israel, and

then to be finally delivered to all who will accept. That portion of His people, the Jews, who received Him in Palestine, finding their expectations were in nowise answered in Him, notwithstanding the wonderful evidence of His gospel, rejected His work, and crucified Him, and did what they could to prevent the spread of His message.

Pilate, in presenting the Christ to the waiting Jews, uses the phrase, "Behold, your king.” The state of mind of the Jews is revealed in their reply, in the depth of hatred it contained, "We have no king but Caesar.”

It is in this unsuitable environment that Christ brings and plants His message of the good news, “The gospel of the Kingdom," and the “Gospel of Salvation,” the central teachings of the new Israel Church.

Christ had ascended, and His disciples and apostles were carrying on the commands they had received from Him.

Many questions can be asked here: "How would those Israelites of the dispersion receive His message? What would be the reception given to it by the Gentile nations, particularly the Roman power, who at this time was holding world dominion, fulfilling their role as the fourth Empire?" After the conversion of the centurion, referred to in the 10th chapter of Acts, we find not the least vestige of civil power left with the Jews, the Romans having secured full power and authority.

The destruction of the Galileans at the temple of Pilate, the self-destruc-tion of Judas, the traitor; the murder of a hundred thousand Jews in Egypt, Syria and Canaan, by their heathen neighbours, was but a foretaste of the fearful miseries of the Jewish people for their rejection of Jesus Christ.

Many pretended Messiahs appeared, including Theudas, Felix the Egyptian, Barcocab.

The gospel itself spread rapidly throughout the Roman empire, though persecution followed those who accepted it. History records the great number of Christians who were thrown to the lions, to help make a Reman holiday. Nero in particular, was severe upon those who embraced the new Christian beliefs.

History faithfully records the fulfilling of the prophecy referred to in the 21st chapter of Luke, 20th and 21st verses:

“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” "Then let them which are in the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of, depart out; and let not them that are in the countries, enter thereinto.”

About 67 A.D. Cestium Gallus, the Roman governor of Syria, had surrounded the city of Jerusalem with his armies, and, humanly speaking, had the city at his mercy. Without any apparent reason he raised the siege, and retired, the Jews attacking him' as he withdrew. Taking this opportunity, all the Christians, who were principally Benjamites, taking the advice given by their Lord, left the city, and retired to Pella, beyond Jordan.

About this time Vespasian became Emperor, and ascended the Roman throne. In A.D. 69 he invaded Judea from the north east, and quickly spread murder and flames all along to the south west. Beginning at Galilee he took the cities of Chorasin, Bethsaida, Nazareth and Capernaum by force, burnt them into heaps, and murdered most of the inhabitants. The Jews resisted with madness, and chose rather to murder themselves than surrender to the most compassionate of Roman generals.

Nowhere was the scene more shocking than at Jerusalem, where the worship of God had long been profaned, and where our Lord had been crucified. The Jews scorned every gracious proposal which the compassionate Titus, now general for Vespasian, his father, could make them. After the Romans had entered the city in 70 A.D., one, who pretended to be a Messiah, with 6000 followers, took refuge in the temple. Titus had been particularly desirous of preserving it, but one of his soldiers, by casting a lighted torch into the building, set fire to it. The soldiers of Titus made no attempt to quench the flames, though they received orders to do so. Jerusalem was turned into a ruinous heap. The foundations of the temple were ploughed up, probably by those looking for treasure. Various attempts were made by the Jews during the early centuries to regain the holy places, but all proved abortive. Since those times the Jews have continued scattered among the nations, obstinately adhering to their ancient ceremonies. They had suffered dreadful persecutions by the Kings of Persia, Roman Emperors, Arabian Caliphs, etc., and often from the groundless fury of the enraged populace in those places. Notwithstanding their inexpressible miseries, the Jews everywhere scattered, have for 1900 years past remained a people distinct from the rest of mankind, and never, in any way incorporated with others. As stated previously, Daniel’s prophecies carry us over a very long period, the great seven times. The Boko of Relevation picks up these seven times, under the figures of seals, trumpets and vials, and it is under these symbols, the whirlwind ful-

filment of events, through which we are passing to-day, are being experienced.

With the coming of that great Day of God Almighty, all these symbols will crash together, finally terminating the great seven times of the Gentiles. So the Book of Revelation is the sequel of Daniel’s visions.

The historical side of Revelation follows on the period of the four gospels, where the life story of our Lord is given. Prophecy is God telling us beforehand what shall happen. Authentic history is men telling us what, in the providence of God, has taken place. And so we find the fourth empire, Rome, following its predicted pagan or material activities. For the first three centuries after Christ, Pagan Rome persecuted and sought to exterminate those who professed the Christian religion. In the beginning of the fourth century, the Emperor Constantine was nominally converted to Christianity, and established it in the place of Paganism, as the religion of the Roman world. He repaired the Byzantium on the north west of the Euxine Sea, and called it Constantinople, after himself, and made it his imperial seat. In 364 A.D. Valentinian divided the empire, with Valens his brother. This division was afterwards generally maintained. The emperor of the western part resided in Rome, and the emperor of the eastern part in Constantinople. As the Roman empire became more and more disjointed, it became weaker and weaker. The 2 “nd August, 476 A.D., is recognised a.-; the end of the Western Roman empire, when Romulus Augustus, its last emperor, was overthrown.

Hitherto the Roman consuls, senate and magistrates had always maintained some vestige of their ancient power and dignity, but these privileges were totally abolished by the Emperor Justin the 2nd in 566 A.D. Rome was reduced to the same level as other cities, and Ravenna, another city, was made the seat of government. It is from this time that a new power, a strange power, came into view.

Let me ask you here: “Is God fulfilling His purposes, as revealed in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar?”

Let me again quote 2nd Daniell, 43rd verse: “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not miked with clay.” This strange power comes from a totally unexpected quarter. Persecution had followed all the early believers in the gospel as preached by Jesus Christ, and who accepted His rising from the tomb as an accomplished fact. With the nominal acceptance of Christianity by Constantine, bishops with dioceses allotted to them, were set up in various parts of Europe. A great deal of friction was caused by these various bishops wishing ‘to work independently of each other, unless they were allowed to be chief bishop, with supreme power over the rest of the bishops. Who was the chief bishop? (To be continued.)