The House of Habs'Burg , also called the House of Austria, was the most influential and outstanding royal houses of Europe.
The House takes its name from a castle built in the 1020s by Count Radbot (one of the progenitors of the Habs'Burgs) of Klett'Gau, in the canton of Aargau.
Klett'Gau is the centre of a historical region that stretches across the Swiss border into the cantons (divisions of an upper part of a shield, less than a quarter of its whole area) of Aar'Gau, Schaff'Hausen, and Zurich.
The area was part of the Baden wine region, the longest one, approximately 400km/250mi reaching from the border of Fraken in the North to Lake Constance in the South, on the Eastern bank of Rhine. Much of it is on the Rhine rift, a linear zone with down faulted depression, about 350km/220mi long and on average 50km/31mi wide, between Basel in the South and the cities of Frank'Furt/Wies'Baden in the North. The region has a long ancient history of winemaking but neither color nor quality of the earliest wines is known.
In 496CE the Alamanni tribes were defeated by King Clovis I, incorporating them into France, and governed by several duces who were dependent on the Frankish kings. The Germanic people gradually became strongly allied with the Catholic Church, partly facilitated by the selling of prestige of the Christian Roman Empire.
By 700 CE, England and France were officially declared Christians, and by 1100 CE Germanic non-Christians ceased to have political influence in Scandinavia.
In 876CE Erzingen (part of the wine region) is mentioned in a deed of Swabian possession held by the Rhein-Au Abbey of Benedictin origin. The foundation of this Abbey, on a strategically sheltered bend of the Rhine, took place in about 778CE. The abbeys in general received generous endowments and privileges from Roman emperors and later kings and queens. The range of social status and degrees of responsibility of titled persons varied greatly at this point, from the humble to the very elated one.
From the time of Charlesmagne, officials appointed in ecclesiastical territories were not under the control of his counts, instead they belonged to a different scenario of power assigned to the churches and it was not suppose to act for itself in worldly affairs. They were free to act themselves, by virtue of their ecclesiastical status, from the secular government of the local count.
In the 1020s when the castle-fortress was built by count Radbot of Klett'Gau, chosing to name it as "fortress Habs-Burg," a community had already developed around the fortress. Then Rha, a daughter of Frederick, Duke of Lower Lorraine, and Werner, his brother, Bishop of Strasburg, each donated a portion of land to build a monastery, and a colony of monks from the the nearby Einsiedeln Abbey were transplanted there in 1027. The Muri Abbey, near to today Basel, Switzerland was then built up entirely by monks of the Third Order, Benedictines that descended from the Einsiedeln Abbey.
The Muri Abbey flourished for over 8 centuries, and now it is currently established as Muri-Gries in South Tyrol and was formerly part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire.
The Habs'Burgs gathered a dynastic momentum through the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. A series of crown's marriages enabled the family to vastly expand its domains to include Burgundy, Spain and its colonial empire, Bohemia, Hungary and other territories. The Muri Abbey has been a favored burial place of the House of Habs'Burg.
The Einsiedeln Village mentioned before from which the monks were transplanted, is in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. The abbey was territorial and therefore, not part of a diocese. It was dedicated to the Lady of Hermits, the title being derived from the circumstances of its foundation, for it is said that the first inhabitant of the region was Meinrad, the Hermit. He was educated at the abbey school of Reich-enau Island, in Lake Constance, where he became a monk and was ordained a priest. After some years at Reich-enau, and at a dependent monastery on Lake Zurich, he embraced an hermitical life and established his hermitage on the slopes of the mountain of Etzel on the South side of the Lake at an modest elevation of 1,098m/3,602ft. He died on January 21, 861 CE, at the hands of two robbers who thought that the hermit had some precious treasures. The next 80 years the place was never without one or more hermits emulating Meinrad's example. One of them, named Ebehard, previously Provost of Strassburg, erected a monastery and church there in 934CE. According to a legend, it says the church was consecrated by Christ himself assisted by the 4 Evangelists, Peter, and Gregory the Great. The story was confirmed by Pope Leo VIII and ratified by many of his successors, the last ratification being by Pope Pius VI in 1793 CE. The church has been many times rebuilt and its library contains nearly 250,000 volumes and many priceless manuscripts.
By 1276Ce, Count Radbot's 7th generation descendant Rudolph of Habs'Burg had moved the power base of the family from the Castle-Fortress in the canton of Aar'Gau to the Duchy of Austria. Rudolph had become King of Germany in 1273CE, and the dynasty of the House of Harbs'Burg was truly entrenched in 1276CE when Rudolph became ruler of Austria, which the Habs'Burg ruled until 1918.
In the 16th century, the family separated into senior and junior branches and settled their mutual claims in the secret treaty of Onate. The Senior Habs'Burg Spanish branch ended upon the death of Charles II of Spain in 1700CE and was replaced by the House of Borbon. The remaining Austrian branch became extinct in the male line in 1740CE with the death of Charles VI, and completely with the death of his eldest daughter Maria Theresa of Austria in 1780CE. It was succeeded by the Vaude'Mont branch of the House of Lorraine. The new successor House styled itself formally as the House of Habs'Burg-Lorraine until its extinction in 1918CE.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
DOMITIAN AND THE ILLUSION OF POWER.
Domitian (Titus Flavius Caesar Domitianus Augustus) (24 October 51-18 September 96) was Roman emperor from 81 to 96 CE. He was born in Rome, the youngest son of Titus Flavius Vespasianus - commonly known as Vespasian- and Flavia Dimitilla Major. He had an older sister, Domitilla the Younger, and brother, also named Titus Flavius Vespasianus.
Decades of Civil Wars in the 1st century CE contributed greatly to the demise of the old aristocracy of Rome, and a new Italian nobility gradually replaced in prominence during the early part of 1st CE.
The Flavians, rose from obscurity to prominence in just 4 generations, under the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty (first 5 emperors -Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero- or the family to which they belonged). The name derives from the 2 main branches of the family: gens Julia (Julii Caesarea) and gens Claudia (Claudii Nerones).
Domitian's great-grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro, had served as a centurion under Pompey during Caesar's civil war. He ended in disgrace when he fled the battlefield at Pharsalus in 48 CE. Then he managed to go up the ladder again by marrying Tertulla, whose fortune secured the future of his son Titus Flavius Sabinus I (Domitian's grandfather).
Sabinus I amassed further wealth and equestrian status through his services as Tax collector in Asia and banker in Helvetia (modern Switzerland). He married Vespasia Polla allying the Flavian family to the more prestigious gens Vespasia, ensuring again the elevation of his sons Titus Flavius Sabinus II and Vespasian to senatorial ranks.
Vespasian pursued a successful political and military career. He gained early renown by participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE, a gradual process, under Emperor Claudius. In common with other regions on the edge of the empire, Britain had enjoyed diplomatic and trading links with the Romans in the century since Julius Caesar's expeditions in 55 and 54 BC, and Roman economic and cultural influence was a significant part of the British late pre-Roman Iron Age, especially in the South. Vespasian fell into disrepute under the emperors Caligula (37-41 CE) and Nero (54-68).
On June 9, 68 CE, Nero committed suicide due to the growing opposition of the Senate and the army, and with him the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end. Chaos ensued, leading to a year of brutal civil war known as the Year of the 4 Emperors. The most 4 influential generals in the Roman Empire -Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian- successively aimed for imperial power. The news reached Vespasian as he was preparing to besiege the city of Jerusalem. Simultaneously the Senate had declared Galba, then governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (modern Northern Spain), as Emperor of Rome. Rather than continue with the plan, he decided to await further orders and send Titus to greet Galba. Before reaching Italy, Titus learnt that Galba had been murdered and replaced by Otto, then governor of Lusitania (modern Portugal). Vitellius and his armies in Germania had risen in revolt and prepared to march on Rome, with intent on overthrowing Otho. Titus abandoned the journey to Rome and rejoined his father in Judaea.
Vespasian, with 4 legions at his disposal (nearly 80,000 soldiers), and his position in Judaea, posed as a great Flavian threat. Judaea position had the advantage of being nearest to the vital Egypt, which controlled the grain supply to Rome. Vespasian's brother Titus Flavius Sabinus II, as city prefect, commanded the entire city garrison of Rome. Otho was defeated by Vitellius.
On July 1st, 69 CE, Vespasian took matters into his hand using the armies in Judaea and Egypt to make them declare him the new emperor of Rome. He entered into an alliance with Gaius Licinius Mucianus, governor of Syria, against Vitellius. A strong force drawn from Judaea and Syria legions marched on Rome, leaving Titus in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. Under Vespasian and Titus, non-Flavians were virtually excluded from important public offices. Real power was concentrated in the hands of Flavian faction; the weakened Senate only maintained the facade of democracy.
Because Titus acted as co-emperor with his father, no changes in policy occurred when Vespasian died on June 23, 79 CE. Titus assured Domitian, his brother, that full partnership would soon be his, but neither tribune power nor imperial any kind was conferred upon Domitian during his reign. Because of this, Domitian openly plotted against Titus' life.
Two major disasters struck during 79 and 80 CE. Mount Vesuvius, a volcano (now in modern day Italy), erupted on August 24, 79 CE, in one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in European history. It spewed forth a deadly cloud of tephra and gases to a height of 33 km/21 mi, ejecting molten rock, pulverized pumice and hot ash at the rate of 1.5 million tons per second (100,000 times the thermal energy of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings). Romans settlements around were obliterated and buried underneath, the best knowing being Pompeii and Herculaneum. The following year, a fire broke out in Rome that lasted 3 days, destroying a number of important public buildings. Consequently, Titus spent much of his reign coordinating relief efforts and restoring damaged property.
On September 13, 81 CE, after barely two years in office, Titus unexpectedly died of fever during a trip to the Sabine territories (Central Apennines). The Sabines were divided into 2 groups after the founding of Rome. The group closer to Rome transplanted itself to the new city and united the pre-exixting citizenry, beginning a new ancestral heritage that was latinized. The 2nd group remained in its tribal state, warred against Rome, and after losing were assimilated into the Roman Republic. The Sabines, specifically, are mentioned in the Scripture as the original tribe of Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees.
During his brother's final days, Domitian displayed little sympathy to him, considering that Domitian grew without seen him since the age of 7. Also his mother and sister died early, meaning that a significant part of his adolescence was spent in the absence of his near relatives. By the age of 18 nearly all of his closest relatives had died.It is obvious that his personality lacked the natural charisma of his brother and father, and he was prone to suspicious feelings and displayed an odd sense of humor. As he grew older, he preferred a solitude way of life.
Domitian, then, was more involved in making an image for himself. He was proclaimed emperor of Rome on September 13, 81 CE, granting Him tribune power, the office of Pontifex Maximus, and the titles of Augustus (venerable) and Pater Patriae (father of the country).
Later, Domitian self-proclaimed himself "Lord and God," exercising absolute political power. He believed that the emperor divine role has to encompass every aspect of daily life, guiding the Romans as cultural and moral authority. He was determined to govern the Empire conscientiously and scrupulously. He became personally involve in all branches of the administration. Edicts were issued governing the smallest details of everyday life and law, while taxation and public rights were rigidly enforced. His suspicious nature and exacting standards maintained historically low corruption among provincial governors and elected officials. Those senators he deemed unworthy were expelled and in the distribution of public offices he rarely favored family members.
The Domitian's autocracy was further highlighted by the fact that, more than any emperor since Tiberius, he spent significant periods of time away from the capital. The seat of power was wherever the Emperor was. He toured the European provinces extensively. And for his personal use he was active in constructing many monumental buildings including Villa Domitian, a vast and sumptuous palace 20km outside Rome in the Alban Hills.
Domitian firmly believed in the traditional Roman religion and personally saw to it that ancient customs and morals were observed throughout his reign. In order to justify the divine nature of the Flavian rule, Domitian emphasized connections with the chief deity Jupiter. He did an impressive restoration of the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. The goddess he worshipped the most zealously, however, was
Minerva. Not only did he keep a personal shrine dedicated to her in his bedroom, he made her to appear on his coinage in 4 different attested reverse types.
Foreign religions were tolerated as they did not interfere with public order, or could be assimilated with the traditional Roman religion. The worship of Egyptian deities in particular flourished under Flavian dynasty. Jews and Christians were heavily persecuted toward the end of his reign. He exiled the apostle John at the Isle of Patmus, in the Aegean Sea, in 95 CE. Inside a cave the apostle received a Word of prophecy (Revelation) about the New World to come from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
Domitian was assassinated on September 18, 96 CE in a conspiracy by court officials. The Senate rejoiced and immediately following Nerva's accession as Emperor, passed "damnatio memoriae on his memory. His coins and statues were melted, his arches were torn down and his name was erased from all public records. The people of Rome met the news of Domitian's death with indiference, but the army was much grieved. Dissatisfaction continued to loom over Nerva's reign, and ultimately erupted into a crisis in October 97 CE. Members of the Praetorian Guard laid siege to the Imperial Palace and took Nerva hostage. He was forced to submit to their demands, agreeing to hand over those responsible for Domitian's death and even giving a speech thanking the rebellious Praetorians. The responsible assassins were sought out and killed. Nerva was unharmed in this assault, but his authority was damaged beyond repair. Shortly thereafter he announced the adoption of Trajan as his successor, and with this decision he abdicated.
Decades of Civil Wars in the 1st century CE contributed greatly to the demise of the old aristocracy of Rome, and a new Italian nobility gradually replaced in prominence during the early part of 1st CE.
The Flavians, rose from obscurity to prominence in just 4 generations, under the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty (first 5 emperors -Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero- or the family to which they belonged). The name derives from the 2 main branches of the family: gens Julia (Julii Caesarea) and gens Claudia (Claudii Nerones).
Domitian's great-grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro, had served as a centurion under Pompey during Caesar's civil war. He ended in disgrace when he fled the battlefield at Pharsalus in 48 CE. Then he managed to go up the ladder again by marrying Tertulla, whose fortune secured the future of his son Titus Flavius Sabinus I (Domitian's grandfather).
Sabinus I amassed further wealth and equestrian status through his services as Tax collector in Asia and banker in Helvetia (modern Switzerland). He married Vespasia Polla allying the Flavian family to the more prestigious gens Vespasia, ensuring again the elevation of his sons Titus Flavius Sabinus II and Vespasian to senatorial ranks.
Vespasian pursued a successful political and military career. He gained early renown by participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE, a gradual process, under Emperor Claudius. In common with other regions on the edge of the empire, Britain had enjoyed diplomatic and trading links with the Romans in the century since Julius Caesar's expeditions in 55 and 54 BC, and Roman economic and cultural influence was a significant part of the British late pre-Roman Iron Age, especially in the South. Vespasian fell into disrepute under the emperors Caligula (37-41 CE) and Nero (54-68).
On June 9, 68 CE, Nero committed suicide due to the growing opposition of the Senate and the army, and with him the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end. Chaos ensued, leading to a year of brutal civil war known as the Year of the 4 Emperors. The most 4 influential generals in the Roman Empire -Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian- successively aimed for imperial power. The news reached Vespasian as he was preparing to besiege the city of Jerusalem. Simultaneously the Senate had declared Galba, then governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (modern Northern Spain), as Emperor of Rome. Rather than continue with the plan, he decided to await further orders and send Titus to greet Galba. Before reaching Italy, Titus learnt that Galba had been murdered and replaced by Otto, then governor of Lusitania (modern Portugal). Vitellius and his armies in Germania had risen in revolt and prepared to march on Rome, with intent on overthrowing Otho. Titus abandoned the journey to Rome and rejoined his father in Judaea.
Vespasian, with 4 legions at his disposal (nearly 80,000 soldiers), and his position in Judaea, posed as a great Flavian threat. Judaea position had the advantage of being nearest to the vital Egypt, which controlled the grain supply to Rome. Vespasian's brother Titus Flavius Sabinus II, as city prefect, commanded the entire city garrison of Rome. Otho was defeated by Vitellius.
On July 1st, 69 CE, Vespasian took matters into his hand using the armies in Judaea and Egypt to make them declare him the new emperor of Rome. He entered into an alliance with Gaius Licinius Mucianus, governor of Syria, against Vitellius. A strong force drawn from Judaea and Syria legions marched on Rome, leaving Titus in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. Under Vespasian and Titus, non-Flavians were virtually excluded from important public offices. Real power was concentrated in the hands of Flavian faction; the weakened Senate only maintained the facade of democracy.
Because Titus acted as co-emperor with his father, no changes in policy occurred when Vespasian died on June 23, 79 CE. Titus assured Domitian, his brother, that full partnership would soon be his, but neither tribune power nor imperial any kind was conferred upon Domitian during his reign. Because of this, Domitian openly plotted against Titus' life.
Two major disasters struck during 79 and 80 CE. Mount Vesuvius, a volcano (now in modern day Italy), erupted on August 24, 79 CE, in one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in European history. It spewed forth a deadly cloud of tephra and gases to a height of 33 km/21 mi, ejecting molten rock, pulverized pumice and hot ash at the rate of 1.5 million tons per second (100,000 times the thermal energy of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings). Romans settlements around were obliterated and buried underneath, the best knowing being Pompeii and Herculaneum. The following year, a fire broke out in Rome that lasted 3 days, destroying a number of important public buildings. Consequently, Titus spent much of his reign coordinating relief efforts and restoring damaged property.
On September 13, 81 CE, after barely two years in office, Titus unexpectedly died of fever during a trip to the Sabine territories (Central Apennines). The Sabines were divided into 2 groups after the founding of Rome. The group closer to Rome transplanted itself to the new city and united the pre-exixting citizenry, beginning a new ancestral heritage that was latinized. The 2nd group remained in its tribal state, warred against Rome, and after losing were assimilated into the Roman Republic. The Sabines, specifically, are mentioned in the Scripture as the original tribe of Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees.
During his brother's final days, Domitian displayed little sympathy to him, considering that Domitian grew without seen him since the age of 7. Also his mother and sister died early, meaning that a significant part of his adolescence was spent in the absence of his near relatives. By the age of 18 nearly all of his closest relatives had died.It is obvious that his personality lacked the natural charisma of his brother and father, and he was prone to suspicious feelings and displayed an odd sense of humor. As he grew older, he preferred a solitude way of life.
Domitian, then, was more involved in making an image for himself. He was proclaimed emperor of Rome on September 13, 81 CE, granting Him tribune power, the office of Pontifex Maximus, and the titles of Augustus (venerable) and Pater Patriae (father of the country).
Later, Domitian self-proclaimed himself "Lord and God," exercising absolute political power. He believed that the emperor divine role has to encompass every aspect of daily life, guiding the Romans as cultural and moral authority. He was determined to govern the Empire conscientiously and scrupulously. He became personally involve in all branches of the administration. Edicts were issued governing the smallest details of everyday life and law, while taxation and public rights were rigidly enforced. His suspicious nature and exacting standards maintained historically low corruption among provincial governors and elected officials. Those senators he deemed unworthy were expelled and in the distribution of public offices he rarely favored family members.
The Domitian's autocracy was further highlighted by the fact that, more than any emperor since Tiberius, he spent significant periods of time away from the capital. The seat of power was wherever the Emperor was. He toured the European provinces extensively. And for his personal use he was active in constructing many monumental buildings including Villa Domitian, a vast and sumptuous palace 20km outside Rome in the Alban Hills.
Domitian firmly believed in the traditional Roman religion and personally saw to it that ancient customs and morals were observed throughout his reign. In order to justify the divine nature of the Flavian rule, Domitian emphasized connections with the chief deity Jupiter. He did an impressive restoration of the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. The goddess he worshipped the most zealously, however, was
Minerva. Not only did he keep a personal shrine dedicated to her in his bedroom, he made her to appear on his coinage in 4 different attested reverse types.
Foreign religions were tolerated as they did not interfere with public order, or could be assimilated with the traditional Roman religion. The worship of Egyptian deities in particular flourished under Flavian dynasty. Jews and Christians were heavily persecuted toward the end of his reign. He exiled the apostle John at the Isle of Patmus, in the Aegean Sea, in 95 CE. Inside a cave the apostle received a Word of prophecy (Revelation) about the New World to come from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
Domitian was assassinated on September 18, 96 CE in a conspiracy by court officials. The Senate rejoiced and immediately following Nerva's accession as Emperor, passed "damnatio memoriae on his memory. His coins and statues were melted, his arches were torn down and his name was erased from all public records. The people of Rome met the news of Domitian's death with indiference, but the army was much grieved. Dissatisfaction continued to loom over Nerva's reign, and ultimately erupted into a crisis in October 97 CE. Members of the Praetorian Guard laid siege to the Imperial Palace and took Nerva hostage. He was forced to submit to their demands, agreeing to hand over those responsible for Domitian's death and even giving a speech thanking the rebellious Praetorians. The responsible assassins were sought out and killed. Nerva was unharmed in this assault, but his authority was damaged beyond repair. Shortly thereafter he announced the adoption of Trajan as his successor, and with this decision he abdicated.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
JEREMIAH AND HIS MISSION.
The prophet Jeremiah warned God's people of the catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation of Israel because of their idolatry and sin. In Revelation 10, this catastrophe is mentioned in this way:
"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head, his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire." (1)
"He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and called out in a loud voice that sounded like a roar of lions." (2-3)
"After he had called out, the 7 Thunders answered with a roar. As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, 'Keep secret what the 7 Thunders have said; do not write it down!" (4)
"Then the angel that I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and took a vow in the Name of God, who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them." (5-6)
"The angel said: 'There will be no more delay! But when the 7th angel blows his trumpet, then God will accomplish His Secret Plan, as He announced to His servants, the prophets." (7)
The catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation came true with the Fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the city and the Temple and the exile of many of its people, including its king.
Jeremiah was a very sensitive man who deeply loved the nation of Israel, and who hated to have to pronounce judgment upon them.
Revelation 11 says: "I was given a stick that looked like a measuring rod, and was told, 'Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count those who are worshiping in the Temple. But do not measure the outer courts, because they have been given to the heathen, who will trample on the Holy City for 42 months. I will send my 2 Witnesses dressed in sackcloth, and they will proclaim God's message during those 1,260 days (30 days each month)." (Revelation 11: 1-3)
The Lord spoke to Jeremiah in this way: "I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1: 4-5)
Jeremiah answered: "Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young."
But the Lord said to Jeremiah: "Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (Jeremiah 1: 6-8)
Then the Lord reached out, touched Jeremiah's lips and said to him: "Listen, I am giving you the Words you must speak. Today I give you authority over nations and kingdoms to uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." (Jeremiah 1: 9-10)
Revelation 11 continue to describe the nature of the 2 Witnesses sent by God to warn His people:
"The 2 Witnesses are the 2 Olive Trees and the 2 Lamps that stand before the Lord of the Earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths and destroys their enemies; and in this way whoever tries to harm them will be killed. They have authority also over the Springs of Water, to turn them into blood; they have authority also to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish." (Revelation 11: 4-6)
"When they finish proclaiming their message, the Beast that comes up out of the Abyss will fight against them. The Beast will defeat them and kill them, and their bodies will lie in the street of the Great City, where their Lord was crucified. The symbolic name of that city is Sodom, or Egypt. People from all nations, tribes, languages, and races will look at their bodies for 3 1/2 days and will not allow them to be buried." (Revelation 11: 7-9)
"The people of the earth will be happy because of the death of these 2 Witnesses. They will celebrate and send presents to each other, because those 2 prophets brought much suffering upon the whole human race." (Revelation 11: 10)
"After 3 1/2 days a life-giving breath came from God and entered into the 2 prophets, and they stood up and all who saw them were terrified." (Revelation 11: 11)
"Then the 2 prophets heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them: 'Come up here!' As their enemies watched, they went up into heaven in a cloud. At that very moment there was a violent earthquake; a 10th of the City was destroyed, and 7,000 people were killed. The rest of the people were terrified and praised the greatness of the God of Heaven."
In many passages of his book, Jeremiah's speak with deep emotion about the things he is suppose to suffer because of the God's calling to him to be His prophet. The Word of the Lord was like Fire in his heart - he could not keep it back.
Jeremiah message points out the New Covenant that God's people would keep without a teacher to remind them, because it would be written on their hearts.
"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head, his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire." (1)
"He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and called out in a loud voice that sounded like a roar of lions." (2-3)
"After he had called out, the 7 Thunders answered with a roar. As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, 'Keep secret what the 7 Thunders have said; do not write it down!" (4)
"Then the angel that I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and took a vow in the Name of God, who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them." (5-6)
"The angel said: 'There will be no more delay! But when the 7th angel blows his trumpet, then God will accomplish His Secret Plan, as He announced to His servants, the prophets." (7)
The catastrophe that was to fall upon the nation came true with the Fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the city and the Temple and the exile of many of its people, including its king.
Jeremiah was a very sensitive man who deeply loved the nation of Israel, and who hated to have to pronounce judgment upon them.
Revelation 11 says: "I was given a stick that looked like a measuring rod, and was told, 'Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count those who are worshiping in the Temple. But do not measure the outer courts, because they have been given to the heathen, who will trample on the Holy City for 42 months. I will send my 2 Witnesses dressed in sackcloth, and they will proclaim God's message during those 1,260 days (30 days each month)." (Revelation 11: 1-3)
The Lord spoke to Jeremiah in this way: "I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1: 4-5)
Jeremiah answered: "Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young."
But the Lord said to Jeremiah: "Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (Jeremiah 1: 6-8)
Then the Lord reached out, touched Jeremiah's lips and said to him: "Listen, I am giving you the Words you must speak. Today I give you authority over nations and kingdoms to uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." (Jeremiah 1: 9-10)
Revelation 11 continue to describe the nature of the 2 Witnesses sent by God to warn His people:
"The 2 Witnesses are the 2 Olive Trees and the 2 Lamps that stand before the Lord of the Earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths and destroys their enemies; and in this way whoever tries to harm them will be killed. They have authority also over the Springs of Water, to turn them into blood; they have authority also to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish." (Revelation 11: 4-6)
"When they finish proclaiming their message, the Beast that comes up out of the Abyss will fight against them. The Beast will defeat them and kill them, and their bodies will lie in the street of the Great City, where their Lord was crucified. The symbolic name of that city is Sodom, or Egypt. People from all nations, tribes, languages, and races will look at their bodies for 3 1/2 days and will not allow them to be buried." (Revelation 11: 7-9)
"The people of the earth will be happy because of the death of these 2 Witnesses. They will celebrate and send presents to each other, because those 2 prophets brought much suffering upon the whole human race." (Revelation 11: 10)
"After 3 1/2 days a life-giving breath came from God and entered into the 2 prophets, and they stood up and all who saw them were terrified." (Revelation 11: 11)
"Then the 2 prophets heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them: 'Come up here!' As their enemies watched, they went up into heaven in a cloud. At that very moment there was a violent earthquake; a 10th of the City was destroyed, and 7,000 people were killed. The rest of the people were terrified and praised the greatness of the God of Heaven."
In many passages of his book, Jeremiah's speak with deep emotion about the things he is suppose to suffer because of the God's calling to him to be His prophet. The Word of the Lord was like Fire in his heart - he could not keep it back.
Jeremiah message points out the New Covenant that God's people would keep without a teacher to remind them, because it would be written on their hearts.
Monday, December 11, 2017
ARARAT, THE MOUNTAIN.
Ararat is a snow-capped dormant compound volcano in the extreme East of Turkey. It consists of 2 major volcanic cones: Greater Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey and the Armenian Plateau with an elevation of 5,137m /16,854ft; and Little Ararat, with an elevation of 3,896m/12,782ft. The Ararat massif is about 40 km/25mi in diameter.
In the Book of Genesis, the Mountains of Ararat, is the place where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood. Since the Scripture give its teachings in co-relation with the 3 levels of existence (physical, mental, spiritual) and free of time frames, meaning past, present, and future form an unity, the Ararat, represents the old and the new Covenant as One, between Man and God.
In the Armenian tradition and Western Christianity, based on Jerome's reading of Josephus, the specific summit in the physical World of the "Mountains of Ararat" where Noah's Ark landed is identified as Mount Masis, now known as Mount Ararat.
In Syrian traditin, as well as in Quranic tradition, the mountain is identified with Mount Judi in what is today Sirnak Province, South Eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey. During the Middle Ages, this tradition has eclipsed the earlier association with Mount Judi in Eastern Christianity (Syrian Christianity), and the Mount Judi tradition is now mostly confined to the Islamic view of Noah, known to them as a prophet and apostle of God. Noah's mission was to save a wicked World, plunged in depravity and sin, with the duty of preaching to God's people, to abandon idolatry, and to worship only the One Creator and to live righteous lives.
The Scripture in Revelation 10 and 11 explain the meaning of the Ark in co-relation with the elements that symbolize 'life' :
"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire." 10:1
"He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions." 10: 2-3
"After he had called out, the 7 Thunders answered with a roar." As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, "Keep secret what the 7 Thunders have said; do not write it down!" 10: 4
Then the angel that I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and took a vow in the Name of God, who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them. The angel said, "There will be no more delay! But when the 7th angel blows his trumpet, then God will accomplish His Secret Plan, as He announced to His servants, the prophets."5-7
.. Then the 7th angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The power to rule over the World belongs now to our Lord and His Messiah, and He will rule forever and ever!" 11:15
Then the 24 elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, saying: "Lord God Almighty, the One Who Is and Who Was! We thank You that You have taken Your Great Power and have begun To Rule!" "The heathen were filled with rage, because the time for Your Anger has come, the time for the dead to be judged. The time has come to reward Your servants, the prophets and all Your people, all who have reverence for You, great and small alike.
The time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth!" 11: 16-18.
God's Temple in Heaven was opened, and THE COVENANT BOX was seen there. Then there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. 11:19
In the Book of Genesis, the Mountains of Ararat, is the place where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood. Since the Scripture give its teachings in co-relation with the 3 levels of existence (physical, mental, spiritual) and free of time frames, meaning past, present, and future form an unity, the Ararat, represents the old and the new Covenant as One, between Man and God.
In the Armenian tradition and Western Christianity, based on Jerome's reading of Josephus, the specific summit in the physical World of the "Mountains of Ararat" where Noah's Ark landed is identified as Mount Masis, now known as Mount Ararat.
In Syrian traditin, as well as in Quranic tradition, the mountain is identified with Mount Judi in what is today Sirnak Province, South Eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey. During the Middle Ages, this tradition has eclipsed the earlier association with Mount Judi in Eastern Christianity (Syrian Christianity), and the Mount Judi tradition is now mostly confined to the Islamic view of Noah, known to them as a prophet and apostle of God. Noah's mission was to save a wicked World, plunged in depravity and sin, with the duty of preaching to God's people, to abandon idolatry, and to worship only the One Creator and to live righteous lives.
The Scripture in Revelation 10 and 11 explain the meaning of the Ark in co-relation with the elements that symbolize 'life' :
"Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire." 10:1
"He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions." 10: 2-3
"After he had called out, the 7 Thunders answered with a roar." As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, "Keep secret what the 7 Thunders have said; do not write it down!" 10: 4
Then the angel that I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and took a vow in the Name of God, who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them. The angel said, "There will be no more delay! But when the 7th angel blows his trumpet, then God will accomplish His Secret Plan, as He announced to His servants, the prophets."5-7
.. Then the 7th angel blew his trumpet and there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The power to rule over the World belongs now to our Lord and His Messiah, and He will rule forever and ever!" 11:15
Then the 24 elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, saying: "Lord God Almighty, the One Who Is and Who Was! We thank You that You have taken Your Great Power and have begun To Rule!" "The heathen were filled with rage, because the time for Your Anger has come, the time for the dead to be judged. The time has come to reward Your servants, the prophets and all Your people, all who have reverence for You, great and small alike.
The time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth!" 11: 16-18.
God's Temple in Heaven was opened, and THE COVENANT BOX was seen there. Then there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. 11:19
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