In this study we shall take a look at some of the history applicable to the rise of the Roman empire. In the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter one and verse nine we are informed that there is nothing new under the sun. in other words we can always find somewhere in past history a type or parallel to the things of today. Also in Ecclesiastes 3:15 we are informed that history repeats itself, so with this in mind we shall endeavor to shed some light on the present situation through gaining an understanding of ancient history
The war, violence, sufferings and destruction of Christian people as described in prophecy, are the natural development of certain principles. However, these principles of sin are not to be destroyed simply by an executive decree from God. Much more than this is involved. The solution to the prophecy in Daniel chapter eight, sheds light on this event. We shall begin in verse three.
"The New World Order"
"The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia."
NOTE AND ANSWER: Daniel lifted up his eyes and saw a ram standing before the river. The ram had two horns, one higher than the other and the higher horn came up last (horns represents kings or kingdoms). This ram represents the kings of the medes and Persians. The higher horn which came up last was the later dominant kings of Persia.
"And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power."b) What did the he-goat do to the ram that had the two horns? Daniel 8:7.
"And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand."
NOTE AND ANSWER: As the prophet was looking he saw a he-goat come from the west over the face of all the earth and did not touch the ground. This he-goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. He came to the ram with two horns and ran into it in his fury, and shattered the two horns. This he-goat represented the empire of Greece, the next Great Universal Empire, and the conspicuous horn was the first king or "Alexander the Great". He conquered the empire of the Medes and the Persians, and became even greater and larger than the Medo-Persian Empire on both its eastern and western borders.
"Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken"b) Who took the place of Alexander the great? Daniel 8:8b
"and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven."
NOTE AND ANSWER: Alexander the great had become very great, or powerful, and in 323 BC, in about a decade had conquered the world and was still in his early thirties. After a period of unbridled indulgence, a fatal fever came over him, and he died approximately ten days later. At the pinnacle of his reign Alexander died, just as the prophecy had said. In place of the great horn (Alexander the Great) four horns came up which the angel had said were four kingdoms that would stand up out of the nation towards the four winds of heaven. These four kingdoms represent the dividing up of the Grecian Empire between the generals of Alexander's army. These generals were Lysimachus, Cassander, Seleucus and Ptolemy. These generals took control of the four winds of heaven, representing north, south, east and west: In other words it was a universal empire.
"And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land."b) What was some of his exploits? Daniel 8:9b
"And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land."
NOTE AND ANSWER: The next power after the Grecian Empire to appear on the world stage is referred to as "The little horn power". This statement can refer to only one power, for there was only one which came after Alexander the Great, and in comparison, was exceedingly great. In other words, this power was greater than Alexander as he was referred to as only being very great. Tremendous importance is placed upon the construction of these verses that we may understand more of the characteristics of the empires referred to. That power which came from the west wind was of cause the same power as referred to in Daniel chapter two and represented by the iron legs of the great image, which of course was Rome---the forth world power. Rome eventually ruled over the entire territory of Alexander in the past, over the northern part of Africa in the south, and over the land of the Jews. The land of the Hebrew people is known in the Bible as the "glorious land" or "pleasant land" (for further information please read the study notes provided.)
"And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them."b) To whom is the title "The Prince of the Host" referring? Daniel 8:10, 11a.
"to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, "
NOTE AND ANSWER: In these verses we see the great spiritual battle involving all of Heaven as well as the whole earth, this is the great rebellion that has been going on for thousands of years. In this cosmic battle the little horn attacked the host of armies of heaven as well as the stars of heaven.
In the Bible the host of heaven is referred to as the holy people of God---the Christian Church. The Bible also refers to the leaders of Gods people on earth as the "stars of heaven", therefore both terms, the armies of heaven and the stars of heaven refer to God's people and there leaders on earth. When a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a member of one family, one army, the Christian Church. However, in symbolic prophecy we should not be surprised that the "stars" can also be used as a symbol of "angels", just as horns and beasts are symbols of kings and kingdoms.
Who is the host of the Heavens? When the angel explained the vision in chapter eight verses 17-26, he explained that the mighty and holy people were to be destroyed by this power. The Christian people are spoken of in the Bible as the Lords army. The term "the Prince of the Hosts" refers to the great leader of the Christian Church, "Jesus Christ". This prophetic vision is indeed one of the most amazing in the entire Bible. Here is described a cosmic battle involving all the earth, and all of heaven. In this battle, a part of the host of heaven, God's people, are destroyed and trampled on the earth. Some of the "stars" the leaders of God's people as well as some of the angels are also cast down and trampled on. Even their "prince" or "ruler" Jesus Christ is attacked in this war. All of this has been revealed so that we may see how Satan has used the nations of earth to carry out his rebellious plans.
"Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered."
NOTE AND ANSWER: In the prophecy under consideration the word "DAILY" appears only twice, in verse eleven and twelve. This word is full of meaning and it holds the key to our understanding of this prophecy. However, as people have attempted to define just what this term means, some confusion and misunderstanding has come about.. in order to obtain an accurate definition of the word. We will examine it in its original language and context. It will be noticed that the accompanying word "Sacrifice" is in italics. This practice arrived at by the translators to indicate that it was an added word, put there in an effort to clarify the meaning of the word "Daily". It does not appear in the original language and its inclusion has been responsible for much of the misunderstanding. A little translation renders the word in verse eleven as the "Continuance". However, in verse twelve the word "daily" is rendered "Continuance in Rebellion". Here in these verses is described the great rebellion between right and wrong, good and evil, Christ and Satan, and the part played by the Little Horn Power. This power magnifies himself against the (attacked) the Prince of the Host, even to the extent of crucifying Him. Then this power exalts the "Continuance in Rebellion". In other words Pagan Rome had become the Empire through which Satan was working in his efforts to destroy the Christian Church. As Rome continued in this rebellion she cast down the truth to the ground and she achieved and prospered. (Please read study notes provided)
"Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?"
NOTE AND ANSWER: In verse thirteen the discussion
centers around this rebellion and in particular, for how long it would
be allowed to go on. The question asked raised an aspect of the rebellion
that has not been brought to our attention thus far. If studied closely
it will be noted that there are two phases to this rebellion. Notice as
we read the question asked. "How long shall be the vision (concerning)
the "continuance" (in rebellion) and the "desolating rebellion" giving
both the "Holy place and the host to be trodden under foot"
1. We see that there are two rebellions mentioned:-a) The continuance in rebellion (8:12)
b) The desolating rebellion (8:13)2. These two rebellions involve not only the earth, but also the forces of heaven, even the ruler of those forces of heaven. (8:10, 11)
3. These two rebellions are two successive stages of the great spiritual war being described. First that which is the continuance in rebellion. And then the prophet sees an army given to the little horn power (Rome) against the continuance in rebellion. (8:12)
4. These two rebellions were to:
a) Trample the Holy Place.
b) Trample the army of Heaven (8:13)5. These two rebellions were to trample and desecrate the Holy place for 2,300 days longer.
6. At the end of the 2,300 day period, the condition in the holy place, caused by the two rebellions would be corrected or made right. (8:14)
NOTE AND ANSWER: This rebellion was against
the host or armies of heaven, including the ruler of the host. The continuing
in rebellion was against the Jews, the Christian Church, and the host of
Heaven. This rebellion was also against the prince or the ruler of that
host---Jesus Christ. It resulted in the crucifixion of Christ and the death
of millions of Christians. The continuance in rebellion was the Pagan heathen
style of worship practiced by Pagan Rome. However, the desolating rebellion
refers to the papacy and its style of worship, which is only an extension
of paganism. It might be better described as a de-depopulating rebellion,
as during the dark years of papal supremacy as many as 100 million Christians
were put to death because they refused to accept Rome's style of worship.
It was called "the continuance" because it was a constant denial by these
heathen religions of the deity of the creator of heaven and earth, the
Almighty God. The prophecy indicates that these two rebellions together
would last another 2,300 years and then God would correct the situation
that the Christian Church had found itself in as a result of the rebellion.
The great Protestant Reformation was the means through which God worked
to bring an end to the years of papal supremacy and persecution. Through
this reformation was established the principles of Protestantism that are
enshrined in the constitutions of the western world.
As we have traced the history of the rise of the roman
Power, we have seen the wickedness of such a style of religion and worship.
We have seen how it dominated the civil governments of Europe only to receive
a deadly wound in 1798. However prophecy indicates that this wound
would be healed and the power of the papacy would be restored and all would
be compelled to give homage to her style of worship again. As you behold
in your mind the magnification of the little horn, "Rome", at the trial
and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as you see the real character of the two
superpowers contending for the allegiance of the universe, on whose side
do you choose to be?
The thought of a cosmic or spiritual battle taking place in our world may seem beyond belief to some but the evidence would include that this is the case. If each of the prophecies given in the Bible were to be interpreted on an individual basis and separate to all other, we would fail to grasp the real purpose of why the prophecies where given in the first place, and as so often is the case, confusion would be the end result. In our study of prophecy we do not just see the ebb and flow of the nations but we see the part that providence has played in the rise and fall of the great empires of the world. Having gained an understanding of this we shall see the moral purpose of prophecy. In chapter eight of the book of Daniel, the theme of this rebellion is highlighted, especially the roll played by the Roman Empire. In the early verses of the chapter we see the struggle between the empire of Medo-Persia and the he-goat of the Grecian Empire respectively, in this struggle. Alexander the Great, the first king of the Grecian Empire was successful, but his appearance on the world scene was short, for the prophecy states that "when he was mighty, the great horn was broken."
In 323 BC. Alexander the Great(the great horn), in about a decade had conquered the world and was still only in his early thirties. After attending the funeral of a friend, he became drunk. The following night he again spent drinking with his friend Medius and by the end of the following night of unbridled indulgence a fatal fever cam upon him and he died about ten days later. His kingdom was then divided among four of his generals. However, we are informed by the angel that they would not poses the same power as did Alexander the Great. These four generals are represented by the four horns that come up toward the four winds of heaven, north, south, east and west, indicating that their dominion was world wide in extent.. the prophecy goes on to tell us "that out of one of them, came forth a little horn, and it became exceedingly great." The interpretation of this verse has resulted in some confusion as to just where this little horn came from. At this point I would like to present some vital historic evidence. that will confirm exactly where this little horn power came from. The confusion lies in whether the little horn developed from out of one of the four horns (Alexander's four generals) or from one of the four winds of heaven.
From our study of Daniel chapter two we learned that the universal power that followed Greece was that of Rome. So whatever conclusion we arrive at must be consistent , as well as in harmony with the other prophecies in the book. From a study of history he learn that Rome did not develop out of the Grecian Empire, it arose from outside of that empire. Some other points we need to consider are that Rome was not Italy. Rome has always only been a city. There are a number of people that wish to apply this little horn power to Daniel eight to the Papacy. However, speaking of the four generals that took control of Alexander's Empire, the angel says in verse twenty three that in the latter time of their kingdom this little horn power would stand up. Now we have a time frame to consider. When was the latter time of this kingdom under the dominion of Alexander's four generals? Well history assures us that it was still at full strength in the year 200 BC. However, in 190 BC, in the battle of Magnesia, the northern section of the kingdom was conquered, and from this battle the Grecian Empire never recovered. In 168 BC, at the battle of Pydner, all territory under control of the southern section of the kingdom was conquered. The loss of this battle brought the Grecian Empire to an end. So the latter time of the four general's kingdom, we are informed by history, would be between 189 BC, and 168 BC. It is in that time frame that this little horn power would stand up, or become a world empire. Had anyone even thought of the papacy at this time? The papacy did not come into power for another 650 years, so the little horn power of Daniel eight cannot refer to the papacy. To do so would present an insolvable problem.
As Daniel eight is written in the Hebrew language there are some grammatical points that we also need to consider. In Hebrew grammar, a pronoun must agree with the noun that it changes or modifies, in both number and in gender. (This point is vary important.) In the passage under consideration, Daniel chapter eight verse 8 and 9, the pronoun is "them" in verse nine, and the noun to be modified is either winds (of heaven), or horns in verse eight. In Hebrew grammar the pronoun "them" is a masculine word. However, the word "horns" is a feminine word, so the pronoun "them" does not agree in both number or in gender with the word "horn". But on the other hand the noun "winds" of (heaven) is also a masculine word. So "them" and "winds" agree in both number and gender, indicating that this little horn power came from one of the four "winds of heaven" meaning it came from outside the Grecian Empire. There is only one power that could be designated the little horn of Daniel chapter eight and that his Pagan Rome. And it is to this power that the continuance in rebellion refers to, and in verses ten to twelve we see the activities of Pagan Rome. However, in verse thirteen we see the second phase of the rebellion brought to view. The desolating rebellion, or a rebellion that makes desolate. This refers to that period time known as the dark ages, and the work of the papacy, when approximately 100 million people in Europe were slaughtered for their refusal to comply with the demands of the papacy concerning worship. In Daniel 8:14, we are given insights into a discussion between two heavenly beings and they are discussing the things that have just been revealed to Daniel. The question that is on there minds is, for "how long is the vision?" for how long shall the continuance in rebellion ---Pagan Rome---and the desolating rebellion---Papal Rome---continue. For how long shall the place of worship, and the Christian Church be trodden down, persecuted and destroyed.
The answer was quickly given. Those two rebellions together would go on for another 2,300 days (years), a day equals a year in Bible prophecy, and then God will make it right. At the end of this time prophecy, (this will be discussed in a later study) the conditions that prevailed in Christianity brought about by these two rebellions would be corrected or made right. How would God do this? He would raise up a people giving them a message and a lifestyle that would restore the truth to its rightful place. This work was begun through the Great Protestant Reformation and will be to a glorious conclusion by God's `End Time People.' Their massage is designed in such a way as to bring the world to judgment.
Why did the Little Horn---Rome---destroy the might and holy people? Why did the Roman Empire persecute the Jews and Christians? First of all Christians abhorred the cruel, licentious, heathen gods of the Romans. They shrank in abhorrence from their idolatrous style of worship, thus exiting the bitter hatred of the lovers of the licentious and idolatrous worship of heathenism. The pagan religions had given license to all manner of sensual indulgence. Thus the Roman populace was a cause of persecution. Secondly the priests and officials of the heathen religions in the Roman Empire who received their living and considerable wealth from these religions, stimulated the people still further to persecute and destroy Christians and Jews. Thirdly the refusal of Christians to recognize the supposed deity of the emperor or to acknowledge any god expect the God of Heaven brought severe persecution from the government of the Roman Empire.
What then really was the continuance in rebellion (the daily)? The heathen religions in the Roman Empire formed the real force behind the persecution and therefore heathenism or paganism is the continuance in rebellion.
CONCLUSION: The continuance in rebellion was the pagan heathen style of worship practiced within the Roman Empire.
THE RISE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE: This cosmic prophecy of Daniel 8:10, 14 has enormous meaning far beyond anything that we have noticed so far. As we consider the things that we see taking place in the world today, we will be astonished at how close the past parallels with the present. When we give attention to the New World Order and its introduction by the United States of America, through the United Nations Organization, we will begin to see the final fulfillment of this prophecy. Rome's power is about to be filly restored. The nations of the world are singing international treaties with the "U.N." at an alarming rate. These treaties cover such things as the worlds economy, the environmental issues, law and order, human rights, political philosophy and ideologies, immigration etc. how did Rome come to power in the past?
South and east of the Tiber River near its outlet to the sea, developed a group of tribes known as the "Latins". At first they occupied only a small plain less than thirty by forty miles in size. They called this plain "Latium".
No one in ancient Babylonia would ever have guessed that such a small group would control the strongest empire ever to rule the world. As the Latins or Romans gained military victories, they began to grant a type of citizenship to their defeated foes, entitling them to protection from the Roman state and courts. This citizenship allowed them to carry on commerce and business, but did not give them the right to vote. These communities were called `allies'. These allies in return, placed there troops entirely at the disposal of Rome. Rome also annexed much foreign territory and scattered her own citizens in these Roman Colonies or Satellite Nations throughout the territory of the allies. Eventually all of Italy was dotted with such communities made up of citizens of the Latin people.
The Roman senate by what the historian calls "clever statesmanship", made political agreements, and with military conquests gained rulership of the world using the armed forces supplied by these other countries, but always under the training and discipline of Latin leaders through the Roman Legions. By these skillful "alliances" and annexations Rome did indeed have a "King of Strong Face", who was indeed "skillful of intrigues." Although his power was mighty it was not by his own power, but by the power of the armies of other nations brought under the discipline and control of Roman military leaders. Great numbers of the armies of Julius Caesar, and other Roman armies were from the Germanic tribes of Europe.
The Romans did indeed cause deceit to prosper in there hand, their allies were forced to supply troops for the Roman Legions. They had been allied to Rome, believing that this alliance would guarantee security, protection and the opportunity for increased commerce, and economic stability throughout the empire (a type of GATT or NAFTA agreement). They were wooed into joining Rome by profession of "liberty" and the prospect of being part of a government without a king---"Republican in form"---offering freedom from tyranny. After being forced to supply troops and being heavily taxed by the Romans, these allies yielded the bulk of the spoils from over three hundred military victories to Rome. Thus that city and the Latins were enriched to a lofty prosperity at the expense of the rest of the empire.
The Roman Caesar did indeed magnify himself ---citizens were forced to acknowledge him as lord on pain of death, which occasioned the death of multitudes of Christians. (The emperor eventually became an oriental sungod officially called the "invincible sun" whose birthday was on the 25th December). The Romans more than any other people to that time, did destroy the mighty and Holy People, he was even to stand up against the "prince of the host"---it was the Roman government that not only condemned scourged an crucified Jesus, but also attempted, with Roman Soldiers to prevent the resurrection. But its power was broken without hand, it was not taken over by another empire, but gradually went into a process of internal decay until its territory was divided by the Barbarians. History testifies to the accuracy of the prophecy.
Dear friend, you and I have the privilege of witnessing the glorious fulfillment of this prophecy. As we contemplate the formation of "The New World Order", and its present day activities under the auspices of the United Nations we see a direct parallel between the rise of the Roman Empire two thousand years ago and the formation of THE NEW WORLD ORDER. We witnessed in 1990 the extraordinary measures taken by the United Nations in summoning support from the nations of the world to form an alliance giving the United States of America the authority to go and fight the war against Iraq in the Middle East. What most people are not aware of is that this confederacy of nations fought under the UN flag. It was at this time that the United States president George Bush chose to announce to the world the formation of the New World Order.
The religion and style of worship practiced in this Pagan heathen Empire was eventually absorbed into the papacy where we witness it in a disguised Christian form. What difference does it make then, whether you use idols or images in your worship of God? It makes this difference, it determines whether your worship is accepted by God. It reveals whethr or not you are worshiping in spirit and truth. Worshipping idols and images makes you a part of the continuance in rebellion, to be counted a part of the devils great rebellion against Jesus and His Father in Heaven.
As you behold in your mind the magnification of the
Little Horn---"The Roman Power"---at the trial and crucifixion of Jesus,
as you see the real character of the two supernatural powers contending
for the allegiance of the universe, on whose side do you choose to be?
You cannot be a spectator. You must either conquer with Jesus or be conquered
by Satan.
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