The 8 immortals are a group of legendary gentlemen which became immortals by means of practicing the Taoist art (living in harmony with nature). The path to immortality includes achieving physical and spiritual harmony through meditation, diet, exercise, breath, control, and the use of herbs.
According to the myth, they lived on a group of 5 islands in the Bohai Sea, which included Penglai Mountain-Island in Eastern China, which only they could traverse due to the "weak water" which would not support ships.
The Bohai Sea, also known as Bohai Gulf, is the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea and Korea Bay on the coast of North-Eastern and North China. It is approximately 78,000 sq km/30,116 sq mi. in area and its proximity to Beijing, the capital of China, makes it one of the busiest sea-ways in the World. Until the early 20th century, the area was often called Gulf of Pech-Zhili. Zhili, due to the historic provinces Zhili and Bei-Zhili, in the area surrounding Beijing. There are few important oil reserves in the vicinity of the gulf.
-The 8 immortals are examples of how all can obtain immortality. They were admitted to eternal life as a reward for their acts on earth and bearing gifts to the Old Man of the South Pole, the god of longevity.
The Old Man is the Taoist deification of Canopus, the brightest star of the constellation Carina. The star is essentially bright when seen with the naked eye.
Most of the immortals were common folks who attracted the attention of the gods through suffering unjust treatment without complaint, and gave more to others than themselves. The names of the 8 immortals are: He Xian'gu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lu Dongbin, Han Xian'zi, Zhang Guolao, Zhong'li Quan. We are giving a description of some of them.
He Xian'gu, for example, is the only female among the Eight, At birth, she had 6 long hairs on the crown of her head. When she was about 14 or 15, a divine personage appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to eat powdered mica (crystals found scarcely in Europe but in large quantities in Africa and South America) so that her body might become more ethereal than physical mater and immune to death. She did as instructed, vowed to remain a virgin, and gradually decreased her food intake. One day during the Jing-Long era (707-710 CE) in the reign of Emperor Zhong'Zong of the Tang dynasty, she ascended to the sky in broad daylight and became an immortal. She is depicted holding a lotus flower, and sometimes with the musical instrument known as "sheng," or a "feng'huang," to accompany her.
-Cao Guojiu is another example, and is believed to be a descendant of Cao Bin, a general of the early Song dynasty, and a younger brother of Empress Cao, the wife of Emperor Ren'Zong. As none of the emperor's sons survived their father, he designated a younger male relative, who later became Emperor Ying'Zong as his successor. As such, Cao could not have been a maternal uncle of the emperor, so his "Imperial Uncle" status seemed ambiguous. However, as the Chinese character "Jiu,"which means "maternal uncle,"can also means "wife's brother,"the latter meaning applied to Cao. He was the "Imperial Brother-in-Law" of Emperor Ren'Zong rather than an "Imperial (maternal) Uncle" of any Song dynasty emperor. Cao's younger brother, Cao Jing'Zhi, abused his relationship with the imperial family by bulling others and engaging in corrupt practices. Cao tried to persuade his brother to change his ways but he did not listen. In the meantime, Cao also used his family fortune to help the poor and tried to make up for his brother's misdeeds. One day, Cao Jing'Zhi was accused by other officials in the imperial court of corruption and abuse of power. Cao felt so ashamed and disappointed by his brother's misconduct that he gave up his official career and went to the countryside to lead a reclusive life. During this time, he met the immortals Zhong'li Quan and Lu Dong'bin, who taught him Taoist magical arts. After many years of practice and cultivation, Cao himself also became an immortal. He is often depicted dressed in official robes and holding a jade tablet or castanets. He is also regarded as the patron deity of acting and theatre.
-Li Tieguai is sometimes described as irascible and ill-tempered, but also benevolent to the poor, sick, and the needy, whose suffering he alleviates with special medicine from his gourd. Among the 8, Li Tieguai was one of the most popular, and was depicted as a man leaning on a crutch and holding a gourd. The gourd had spirals of smoke ascend from it, denoting his power of setting his spirit free from his body. He was a very handsome man. On one occasion, his spirit travelled to the sky to meet other immortals. He had told his apprentice, Li Qing, to wait for 7 days for his spirit to return. If he did not return by then, Li Qing was to burn the body because that meant that he had become an immortal; but after 6 1/2 days Li Qing had to go to his mother's home to see her one last time before she died. Li Qing thus cremated Li Tieguai's body. On his way to his mother he passed by a dying beggar and did not have time to bury him. Upon returning, Li Tieguai's spirit found that his body had been cremated and had to enter the only body available at the time, the corpse of a homeless beggar who had just died of starvation. The beggar, unfortunately, had a long and pointed head, large ears with one large brass earring, a woolly and disheveled beard and hair. Laozi appeared and gave him a medicine gourd that never emptied. Li then brought his apprentice's mother back to life using the liquid from his gourd. Li Qing was then dismissed as his apprentice, after being given a small pill and being told he would work hard enough to become an immortal himself. This turned out to be true. Laozi also used the bottle to make him an iron crutch that would never rust nor break. he then told Li that he was ready to join the immortals. From then on, Li was tasked with curing the sick and he travelled to many lands and could be found wherever the sick lay dying or the poor were persecuted.
Li's characteristic emblems are the gourd bottle and also his iron crutch. A vapor cloud emanates from the gourd, and within it is the sage's soul (Hun); which may be depicted as a formless shape or as a miniature double of his bodily self.
-Lan Caihe's character, is another example. The person's age and sex is not clearly defined. It is usually depicted as a boy or girl dressed in ambiguous clothing and carrying a bamboo flower basket and/or a pair of castanets. Lan Caihe is said to have been in a drunken stupor when they left the human world by riding on a celestial swan or crane. One legend says that they became an immortal with the help of Sun Wu'Kong (a monkey born from a stone who acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices), who transferred 500 years of magical powers to them.
-Lu Dong'Bin, real name is Lu Yan, with Yan being the given name. Dong'bin is his courtesy name. When he was born, a fragance allegedly flled the room. He had been very intelligent since childhood and had many academic achievements. He is the most widely known and considered to be one of the earliest masters of the traditional internal alchemy (neidan). The legend says that one night when he was in the ancient capital of Chang'An, he dozed off as his yellow millet was cooking in a hotel. He dreamed that he took the top-level civil service exam and excelled, and thus was awarded a prestigious office and soon promoted to the position of vice minister. He then married thae daughter of a prosperous household and had a son and a daughter. He was promoted again and again, and finally became the prime minister. However, his success and luck attracted jealousy of others, so he was accused of crimes that caused him to lose his office. His wife then betrayed him, his children were killed by bandits, and he lost all his wealth. As he was dying on the street in the dream, he woke up. Although in the dream, 18 years has passed, the whole dream actually happened in the time it took his millet to cook. The characters from his dream were actually played by Zhong'Li Quan in order to make him realize that one should not put too much importance on transient glory and success. As a result, Lu went went with Zhong'Li to discover and cultivate the Tao. The exact age of Lu Yan when this incident occurred varies in the tellings, form 20-40 years of age.
Lu was tested 10 times before Zhong'Li took him as a disciple: 1) One day Lu came back from work and found out that his loved one was dying; without sadness or remorse, he started to prepare the dress and coffin necessary for burial, but later his loved one revived and lived on. Lu was still without sadness or joyous feeling. 2) Lu was selling goods at a marked and there came a buyer to bargain with him. After agreeing on the price, Lu handed him the stuff but the buyer refused to pay in full and then walked away. Lu would not argue and let him walk away. 3) On the 1st day of the lunar calendar, Lu met with a beggar. After giving him some money, the beggar kept asking for more and threw vulgar words at him. Lu left the scene with a smile. 4) Lu was once a shepherd. During his tenure a hungry tiger was eyeing the goats under his care. Lu protected the goats by sending them down to the hillside and stood in front of the tiger. The hungry tiger was awed to see this and left without hurting Lu.
5) Lu was studying at a small hut on a mountain when a beautiful woman came by and asked if she could stay there for the night since she was lost. That night, this beautiful lady was flirting and tried to get Lu to have sex with her, but Lu was untouched by such temptation. 6) One day Lu came back to his house and saw that he had been burglarized and lost all his belongings. Without becoming angry he started to work on his farm. As he dug into the ground he found countless pieces of gold. He uncovered the earth without taking a single piece of the gold. 7) Lu bought some bronze utensils at a market. Upon returning home he realized that all the utensils were made of gold and he immediately returned them to the seller. 8) A crazy Taoist was selling medicine on the street, telling people that his magic potion would have one of two outcomes: either the drinker would die on the spot, or the drinker would become immortal. No one would dare to try, except Lu, who bought and tried the potion. Nothing happened to him. 9) A river was elevated due to heavy rain. Lu and other passengers were on a boat crossing the river. Before reaching the middle of the journey, the weather deteriorated, and most of the passengers except Lu became worried. Lu took it in his stride and never worried about life and death!
10) Lu was alone at home and suddenly weird things happened. Ghosts and monsters were killing each other and wanted to do the same to Lu. Showing no sense of fear, Lu kept on doing his chores without paying attention to them. Another group of devils with blood all over them tried to take Lu's life away by saying to Lu that he owed his previous life to them since in past life Lu took his life. Without any fear Lu said "go ahead and take my life since I took yours in past life, this is fair and square!"All of a sudden the sky turned blue and those ghosts and devils disappeared. Zhong'Li Quan (his teacher and mentor) was looking and laughing at him while these events were happening.
The 10 tests proved that Lu was a pure and dignified person and his master was very satisfied and happy to take Lu to Nan'San'Her'Ling to pass his secret to life and subsequent formed a Zhong-Lu Golden Dan school of Taoism. But Lu was not too fond of the secret and instead changed his formula for inner peace and benefits more human beings. This is his major contribution.
Lu is depicted in art as being dressed as a scholar, clever man with a genuine desire to help people obtain wisdom and to learn the Tao. and he often bears a sword on his back that dispel evil spirits.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Sunday, December 31, 2017
THE POWER OF THE HABS'BURG HOUSE.
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.
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.
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
Sunday, May 28, 2017
THE BOOK OF PSALMS.
The title in Hebrew means "Praise" or "Book of Praises." The title in Greek suggests the idea of an instrumental accompaniment. It is the Book of Worship. It is the Hymn Book of the Temple.
Many writers contributed one or more Psalms. David, "the sweet psalmist of Israel," has 73 psalms assigned to him.
Psalm 2 is ascribed to him in Acts 4 in this way: Peter and John were still speaking to the people when some priests, the officer in charge of the Temple guards, and some Sadducees arrived. They were annoyed because the two apostles were teaching the people that JESUS HAD RISEN FROM DEATH which proved that THE DEATH WILL RISE TO LIFE. So they arrested them and put them in jail until the next day, since it was already late. But many who heard THE MESSAGE believed; and the number grew to about 5,000.
The next day the Jewish leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law gathered IN JERUSALEM. They met with the High Priest Annas and with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the others who belonged to the High Priest's family. They made the apostles stand before them and asked them, "How did you do this? What POWER do you have or WHOSE NAME DID YOU USE?"
Peter, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, ANSWERED them, "Leaders of the people and elders: if we are being questioned today about the GOOD DEED DONE to the LAME MAN and how he was HEALED, then YOU SHOULD ALL KNOW, and all the people of Israel should know, that this MAN STANDS HERE before you COMPLETELY WELL THROUGH the POWER of the NAME of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth -WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED and WHOM GOD RAISED from death. JESUS is THE ONE of whom the Scripture says, 'The STONE that you the builders DESPISED turned out to be THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL.' Salvation is to be found through HIM ALONE; in all the World THERE IS NO ONE ELSE WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN WHO CAN SAVE US." ... So they told them to leave the Council room, and then they started discussing among themselves. "What shall we do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone IN JERUSALEM KNOWS that THIS EXTRAORDINARY MIRACLE has been performed by them, and we cannot deny it. But to keep this matter from spreading any further among the people, let us warn these men never again to speak to anyone IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST." ... But Peter and John answered them, :You yourselves judge which is RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT -to obey you or TO OBEY GOD. For we cannot stop speaking of what WE OURSELVES HAVE SEEN and HEARD." ... The Council saw that it was impossible to punish them, because the PEOPLE WERE ALL PRAISING GOD FOR WHAT HAD HAPPENED. The MAN on whom this MIRACLE of HEALING had been performed was over 40 years old.
As soon as Peter and John were set free, they returned to their group and told them what the Chief Priests and the Elders had said. When the BELIEVERS heard it, they ALL JOINED TOGETHER in PRAYER TO GOD: "MASTER and CREATOR of Heaven, Earth, and Sea, and all that is in them! By means of the HOLY SPIRIT you SPOKE THROUGH our ancestor David, your servant, when he said, 'Why were the Gentiles furious; why did people make useless plots? The kings of the earth prepared themselves, and the rulers met together against the Lord and His Messiah.' For indeed Herrod and Pontius Pilate met together in THIS CITY with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against JESUS your Holy Servant, whom You made Messiah. They gathered to do everything that YOU BY YOUR POWER AND WILL had already decided would happen. And now, LORD, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak YOUR MESSAGE WITH ALL BOLDNESS. Reach out YOUR HAND TO HEAL, and GRANT that WONDERS and MIRACLES MAY BE PERFORMED THROUGH THE NAME of Your Holy Servant JESUS." When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and BEGAN TO PROCLAIM GOD'S MESSAGE with boldness. The group of BELIEVERS WAS ONE IN MIND AND HEART. ... 4:1-32
The Book of Psalms has to be loved because its comforting and joyful words leads the believer to the place where worship flows. It has the words that expresses our deepest and strongest emotions, no matter what the circumstances. Reading its words will turn sighing into singing and trouble into triumph.
The Book of Psalms are pure praise, inspired by then BREATH OF GOD. As long as we have breath we are told to praise the LORD. It unlock mysteries and parables of a WISE MESSENGER. It contains the WISDOM OF GOD. We have the keychain with master keys to unlock GOD's storehouse of wisdom and revelation. It is the harp (anointed worship) that releases divine secrets.
We have to read carefully as Psalm 49:4 says: "I will break open mysteries with MY MUSIC and MY SONG will release riddles solved."
Many writers contributed one or more Psalms. David, "the sweet psalmist of Israel," has 73 psalms assigned to him.
Psalm 2 is ascribed to him in Acts 4 in this way: Peter and John were still speaking to the people when some priests, the officer in charge of the Temple guards, and some Sadducees arrived. They were annoyed because the two apostles were teaching the people that JESUS HAD RISEN FROM DEATH which proved that THE DEATH WILL RISE TO LIFE. So they arrested them and put them in jail until the next day, since it was already late. But many who heard THE MESSAGE believed; and the number grew to about 5,000.
The next day the Jewish leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law gathered IN JERUSALEM. They met with the High Priest Annas and with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the others who belonged to the High Priest's family. They made the apostles stand before them and asked them, "How did you do this? What POWER do you have or WHOSE NAME DID YOU USE?"
Peter, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, ANSWERED them, "Leaders of the people and elders: if we are being questioned today about the GOOD DEED DONE to the LAME MAN and how he was HEALED, then YOU SHOULD ALL KNOW, and all the people of Israel should know, that this MAN STANDS HERE before you COMPLETELY WELL THROUGH the POWER of the NAME of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth -WHOM YOU CRUCIFIED and WHOM GOD RAISED from death. JESUS is THE ONE of whom the Scripture says, 'The STONE that you the builders DESPISED turned out to be THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL.' Salvation is to be found through HIM ALONE; in all the World THERE IS NO ONE ELSE WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN WHO CAN SAVE US." ... So they told them to leave the Council room, and then they started discussing among themselves. "What shall we do with these men?" they asked. "Everyone IN JERUSALEM KNOWS that THIS EXTRAORDINARY MIRACLE has been performed by them, and we cannot deny it. But to keep this matter from spreading any further among the people, let us warn these men never again to speak to anyone IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST." ... But Peter and John answered them, :You yourselves judge which is RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT -to obey you or TO OBEY GOD. For we cannot stop speaking of what WE OURSELVES HAVE SEEN and HEARD." ... The Council saw that it was impossible to punish them, because the PEOPLE WERE ALL PRAISING GOD FOR WHAT HAD HAPPENED. The MAN on whom this MIRACLE of HEALING had been performed was over 40 years old.
As soon as Peter and John were set free, they returned to their group and told them what the Chief Priests and the Elders had said. When the BELIEVERS heard it, they ALL JOINED TOGETHER in PRAYER TO GOD: "MASTER and CREATOR of Heaven, Earth, and Sea, and all that is in them! By means of the HOLY SPIRIT you SPOKE THROUGH our ancestor David, your servant, when he said, 'Why were the Gentiles furious; why did people make useless plots? The kings of the earth prepared themselves, and the rulers met together against the Lord and His Messiah.' For indeed Herrod and Pontius Pilate met together in THIS CITY with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against JESUS your Holy Servant, whom You made Messiah. They gathered to do everything that YOU BY YOUR POWER AND WILL had already decided would happen. And now, LORD, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak YOUR MESSAGE WITH ALL BOLDNESS. Reach out YOUR HAND TO HEAL, and GRANT that WONDERS and MIRACLES MAY BE PERFORMED THROUGH THE NAME of Your Holy Servant JESUS." When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and BEGAN TO PROCLAIM GOD'S MESSAGE with boldness. The group of BELIEVERS WAS ONE IN MIND AND HEART. ... 4:1-32
The Book of Psalms has to be loved because its comforting and joyful words leads the believer to the place where worship flows. It has the words that expresses our deepest and strongest emotions, no matter what the circumstances. Reading its words will turn sighing into singing and trouble into triumph.
The Book of Psalms are pure praise, inspired by then BREATH OF GOD. As long as we have breath we are told to praise the LORD. It unlock mysteries and parables of a WISE MESSENGER. It contains the WISDOM OF GOD. We have the keychain with master keys to unlock GOD's storehouse of wisdom and revelation. It is the harp (anointed worship) that releases divine secrets.
We have to read carefully as Psalm 49:4 says: "I will break open mysteries with MY MUSIC and MY SONG will release riddles solved."
Monday, April 10, 2017
THE CITY OF PALMYRA
PALMYRA is an ancient city in South central Syria, 210km/130mi North East of Damascus.
The name Palmyra, meaning "City of Palm trees," was conferred upon the city by its Roman rulers in the 1st century CE; Tadmur, Tadmor, or Tudmur, the pre-Semitic name of the site is also in use.
The city of Palmyra is mentioned in tablets dating from as early as the 19th century BC. It attained prominence in the 3rd century BC when a road through it became one of the main routes of East-West trade.
The city of Palmyra was built on an oasis lying approximately halfway between the Mediterranean Sea (West) and the Euphrates River (East), and it helped connect the Roman World with Mesopotamia and the East.
The language of Palmyra was Aramaic, a Semitic language that was originally spoken by the ancient Middle Eastern people known as Arameans. It was most closely to Hebrew, Syriac, and Phoenician and was written in a script derived from the Phoenician alphabet. By the 8th century BC Aramaic had become accepted by the Assyrians as a 2nd language. The mass deportations of people by the Assyrians and the use of Aramaic as a means of communication between populations speaking vernaculars (lingua franca) by Babylonian merchants served to spread the language, so that in the 7th and 6th centuries BC it gradually supplanted Akkadian as the lingua franca of the Middle East. Aramaic subsequently became the official language of the Achaemenian Persian dynasty (539-330BC) though after the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek displaced Aramaic as the official language throughout the former Persian empire.
Aramaic dialects survived into Roman times, however, particularly in Palestine and Syria. Aramaic had replaced Hebrew as the language of the Jews as early as the 6th century BC. Certain portions of the Scripture (Daniel and Ezra) are written in Aramaic, as are the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds.
Among the Jews, Aramaic was used by the common people, while Hebrew remained as the language of religion and government and of the upper class.
JESUS and the Apostles are believed to have spoken Aramaic, and Aramaic-language translation of the Scripture circulated in their time. In the early centuries CE, Aramaic divided into East and West varieties. West Aramaic dialects include Nabataean (formerly spoken in parts of Arabia), Palmyrene (spoken in Palmyra), Palestinian-Christian, and Judeo-Aramaic. West Aramaic is still spoken in a small number of villages in Lebanon. Aramaic continued in wide use until about 650CE, when it was supplanted by Arabic.
The Palmyrene Aramaic contained two systems of writings -a monumental script and a Mesopotamian cursive that reflected the city's position between East and West. The great bilingual inscription known as the Tariff of Palmyra and the inscriptions carved below the statues of the great caravan leaders reveal information on the organization and nature of Palmyra's trade. The Palmyrenes exchanged goods with India via the Persian Gulf route and also with such cities as Coptos on the Nile River, Rome, and Doura-Europus in Syria.
The city of Palmyra, although autonomous for much of its history, came under Roman control by the time of the emperor Tiberius (14-37CE). After visiting the city (129CE), the emperor declared it "free city"(civitas libera), and it was later granted by the emperor Carcalla the title of "colonia," with exemption from taxes. The city thus prospered, and the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE were the great age of Palmyra and its extensive trading activities, despite obstacles that interrupted caravan trade with the East and also in the face of instability around the Roman-controlled Mediterranean.
When the Sasanids, an ancient Iranian dynasty evolved by Ar'Dashir I in years of conquest (208-224 CE), overthrew the Parthians, they created an empire that was constantly changing in size as it reacted to Rome and Byzantium to the West and to the Kushans and Hephthalites to the East. They supplanted the Parthians in Persia and Southern Mesopotamia (227CE) and the road to the Persian Gulf was soon closed to Palmyrene trade. At the time of Shapur (241-272CE), the empire stretched from Sog'Diana and Iberia (Georgia) in the North to the Mazun region of Arabia in the South; in the East it extended to the Indus River and in the West to the Upper Tigris and Euphrates River Valleys.
A revival of Iranian nationalism took place under Sasanian rule. Zoroastrianism became the state religion, and a various times followers of other ideologies suffered official persecution. The government was centralized, with provincial officials directly responsible to the throne, and roads, city buildings, and even agriculture were financed by the government. Architecture took grandiose proportions, such as the palaces at Ctesiphon, Firuzabad and Sarvestan. The most striking relics of Sasanian art are its rock sculptures carved on abrupt limestone cliffs. Also its metalwork and gem engraving became highly sophisticated.
The Romans were force to set up the personal rule of the family of Septimius Oda'Enathus at Palmyra.
He was appointed governor of Syria Phoenice by the emperor Valerian (253-260CE), but it was apparently his son, the emperor Galli'Enus, who conferred on Oda'Enathus the title of "governor of all the east"(corrector totius Orientis). Both Oda'Enathus and his eldest son were assassinated at the command of Oda'Enathus' 2nd wife, Zenobia, who took control of the city and became an effective leader. Under her rule, the armies of Palmyra conquered most of Anatolia (Asia Minor) in 270CE, and the city declared its independence from Rome. The Roman emperor Aurelian, however, regained the city in 272CE and razed Palmyra the following year.
The city of Palmyra remained the chief station on the 'strata Diocletiana,' a paved road that linked Damascus to the Euphrates, but in 634CE it was taken by Khalid ibn al-Walid in the name of the 1st Muslim caliph, Abu Bakr. After that, its importance as a trading centre gradually declined.
The principal deity of the Arameans of Palmyra was Bol (equivalent to Baal). Bol soon became known as Bel by assimilation to the Babylonian god Bel-Marduk. Both gods presided over the movements of the stars. The people associated Bel with the sun and moon gods, Yarhivol and Aglibol, respectively.
Another heavenly triad formed around the Phoenician god Baal Shamen, the "lord of heaven," more or less identical with Hadad, West Semitic god of storms, thunder and rain, the consort of the goddess Atargatis. He was represented as a bearded deity, often holding a club and thunderbolt and wearing a horned headdress. The Bull was its symbolic animal as of the Hittite deity Tehub, who was identical with him.
The ruins at Palmyra clearly reveal the network plan of the ancient city. Along the principal East-West street, a double portico is ornamented with 3 nymphs, usually associated with fertile, growing things. To the South are the agora, an open space that served as a meeting ground, the Senate House, and the theatre.
In May 2015 the group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant took control of Palmyra. In March 2016 the Syrian army retook Palmyra with support from Russia and Iranian forces. The city fell back into ISIL's control in December 2016 while Syrian government forces and their allies were fighting rebels in Aleppo. ISIL fighters destroyed ancient monuments and aerial photographs showed that the theatre had been significantly damaged and the Tetrapylon -a square monument consisting of 4 groupings of 4 columns each- had been demolished.
The name Palmyra, meaning "City of Palm trees," was conferred upon the city by its Roman rulers in the 1st century CE; Tadmur, Tadmor, or Tudmur, the pre-Semitic name of the site is also in use.
The city of Palmyra is mentioned in tablets dating from as early as the 19th century BC. It attained prominence in the 3rd century BC when a road through it became one of the main routes of East-West trade.
The city of Palmyra was built on an oasis lying approximately halfway between the Mediterranean Sea (West) and the Euphrates River (East), and it helped connect the Roman World with Mesopotamia and the East.
The language of Palmyra was Aramaic, a Semitic language that was originally spoken by the ancient Middle Eastern people known as Arameans. It was most closely to Hebrew, Syriac, and Phoenician and was written in a script derived from the Phoenician alphabet. By the 8th century BC Aramaic had become accepted by the Assyrians as a 2nd language. The mass deportations of people by the Assyrians and the use of Aramaic as a means of communication between populations speaking vernaculars (lingua franca) by Babylonian merchants served to spread the language, so that in the 7th and 6th centuries BC it gradually supplanted Akkadian as the lingua franca of the Middle East. Aramaic subsequently became the official language of the Achaemenian Persian dynasty (539-330BC) though after the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek displaced Aramaic as the official language throughout the former Persian empire.
Aramaic dialects survived into Roman times, however, particularly in Palestine and Syria. Aramaic had replaced Hebrew as the language of the Jews as early as the 6th century BC. Certain portions of the Scripture (Daniel and Ezra) are written in Aramaic, as are the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds.
Among the Jews, Aramaic was used by the common people, while Hebrew remained as the language of religion and government and of the upper class.
JESUS and the Apostles are believed to have spoken Aramaic, and Aramaic-language translation of the Scripture circulated in their time. In the early centuries CE, Aramaic divided into East and West varieties. West Aramaic dialects include Nabataean (formerly spoken in parts of Arabia), Palmyrene (spoken in Palmyra), Palestinian-Christian, and Judeo-Aramaic. West Aramaic is still spoken in a small number of villages in Lebanon. Aramaic continued in wide use until about 650CE, when it was supplanted by Arabic.
The Palmyrene Aramaic contained two systems of writings -a monumental script and a Mesopotamian cursive that reflected the city's position between East and West. The great bilingual inscription known as the Tariff of Palmyra and the inscriptions carved below the statues of the great caravan leaders reveal information on the organization and nature of Palmyra's trade. The Palmyrenes exchanged goods with India via the Persian Gulf route and also with such cities as Coptos on the Nile River, Rome, and Doura-Europus in Syria.
The city of Palmyra, although autonomous for much of its history, came under Roman control by the time of the emperor Tiberius (14-37CE). After visiting the city (129CE), the emperor declared it "free city"(civitas libera), and it was later granted by the emperor Carcalla the title of "colonia," with exemption from taxes. The city thus prospered, and the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE were the great age of Palmyra and its extensive trading activities, despite obstacles that interrupted caravan trade with the East and also in the face of instability around the Roman-controlled Mediterranean.
When the Sasanids, an ancient Iranian dynasty evolved by Ar'Dashir I in years of conquest (208-224 CE), overthrew the Parthians, they created an empire that was constantly changing in size as it reacted to Rome and Byzantium to the West and to the Kushans and Hephthalites to the East. They supplanted the Parthians in Persia and Southern Mesopotamia (227CE) and the road to the Persian Gulf was soon closed to Palmyrene trade. At the time of Shapur (241-272CE), the empire stretched from Sog'Diana and Iberia (Georgia) in the North to the Mazun region of Arabia in the South; in the East it extended to the Indus River and in the West to the Upper Tigris and Euphrates River Valleys.
A revival of Iranian nationalism took place under Sasanian rule. Zoroastrianism became the state religion, and a various times followers of other ideologies suffered official persecution. The government was centralized, with provincial officials directly responsible to the throne, and roads, city buildings, and even agriculture were financed by the government. Architecture took grandiose proportions, such as the palaces at Ctesiphon, Firuzabad and Sarvestan. The most striking relics of Sasanian art are its rock sculptures carved on abrupt limestone cliffs. Also its metalwork and gem engraving became highly sophisticated.
The Romans were force to set up the personal rule of the family of Septimius Oda'Enathus at Palmyra.
He was appointed governor of Syria Phoenice by the emperor Valerian (253-260CE), but it was apparently his son, the emperor Galli'Enus, who conferred on Oda'Enathus the title of "governor of all the east"(corrector totius Orientis). Both Oda'Enathus and his eldest son were assassinated at the command of Oda'Enathus' 2nd wife, Zenobia, who took control of the city and became an effective leader. Under her rule, the armies of Palmyra conquered most of Anatolia (Asia Minor) in 270CE, and the city declared its independence from Rome. The Roman emperor Aurelian, however, regained the city in 272CE and razed Palmyra the following year.
The city of Palmyra remained the chief station on the 'strata Diocletiana,' a paved road that linked Damascus to the Euphrates, but in 634CE it was taken by Khalid ibn al-Walid in the name of the 1st Muslim caliph, Abu Bakr. After that, its importance as a trading centre gradually declined.
The principal deity of the Arameans of Palmyra was Bol (equivalent to Baal). Bol soon became known as Bel by assimilation to the Babylonian god Bel-Marduk. Both gods presided over the movements of the stars. The people associated Bel with the sun and moon gods, Yarhivol and Aglibol, respectively.
Another heavenly triad formed around the Phoenician god Baal Shamen, the "lord of heaven," more or less identical with Hadad, West Semitic god of storms, thunder and rain, the consort of the goddess Atargatis. He was represented as a bearded deity, often holding a club and thunderbolt and wearing a horned headdress. The Bull was its symbolic animal as of the Hittite deity Tehub, who was identical with him.
The ruins at Palmyra clearly reveal the network plan of the ancient city. Along the principal East-West street, a double portico is ornamented with 3 nymphs, usually associated with fertile, growing things. To the South are the agora, an open space that served as a meeting ground, the Senate House, and the theatre.
In May 2015 the group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant took control of Palmyra. In March 2016 the Syrian army retook Palmyra with support from Russia and Iranian forces. The city fell back into ISIL's control in December 2016 while Syrian government forces and their allies were fighting rebels in Aleppo. ISIL fighters destroyed ancient monuments and aerial photographs showed that the theatre had been significantly damaged and the Tetrapylon -a square monument consisting of 4 groupings of 4 columns each- had been demolished.
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