Continued from previous post
Before we begin once again addressing Sister Ann’s statements we should like for the sake of those unfamiliar with this prophecy to fill in the blanks so to speak returning to the verses we skipped in our last post Verses 20-24.
Verse 20 “There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle.”
“This verse we apply to Augustus Caesar, who was noted for his systematic collection of large taxes from all tributary nations, and whose exactions of taxes, in Judea and throughout the then civilized world, are noted in Scripture in connection with the birth of our Lord. (Luke 2:1) The statement, "Caesar Augustus sent forth a decree that the entire world should be taxed," corresponds faithfully to the description--"There shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom." This latter part of the description also fits exactly; for the period of Augustus Caesar's reign is noted in history as the most glorious epoch of the great Roman Empire, and is called "the golden age of Rome."
Another translation of Verse 20 reads: "There will stand up in his place one who will cause the exactor of taxes to pass through the glorious land of the kingdom." This would seem to apply specially to Palestine, and would make this fit exactly to the record in Luke. But both applications are correct: It was the glorious time of the Roman Empire, and tax collectors were caused to pass through the land of Palestine-- the glorious land of the kingdom. Furthermore, be it noted that Augustus Caesar was the first ruler to introduce to the world a systematized taxation (which was accomplished by means of a census).
We read further of this prominent ruler--"Within few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in battle." Of Augustus Caesar it is recorded that he died a quiet death, while his predecessor and his seven successors in imperial power died violent deaths. His death was within a few years after he had reached the zenith of his power and had caused "the exactor of taxes to pass through the glorious land of the kingdom." (C 29)
Verse 21 “And in his place shall arise a vile person, whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.”
This fitly describes Tiberius Caesar, the successor of Augustus: "There will stand up in his place a despicable person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Let us here note how the historic account of Tiberius agrees with the above by the prophet.
Says White: "Tiberius was fifty-six years old when he ascended the throne, professing great unwillingness to take upon him its important cares…All restraint being now removed; the tyrant gave loose reign to his cruel and sensual passions."
Says Willard: "At first he dissembled and appeared to govern with moderation; but the mask soon dropped… The senate, to whom he transferred all the political rights of the people, had become degraded, and thus obsequiously sanctioned his acts and offered the incense of perpetual flattery to the man who filled their streets with blood. It was under the administration of this most debased of men, that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified in Judea."
These pictures fit exactly the prophet's description, and are further confirmed by the next verse.” (C 29, 30)
Verse 22 “With the powers of an overflow [flood] will they [all opposers] be swept away before him, and be broken; yea, also the Prince of the Covenant.”
This last statement seems unmistakably to refer to our Lord Jesus, who, as above noted by the historian, was crucified under the administration of Tiberius by his representative, Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, and by Roman soldiers.” (C 30)
We continue with Verse 23 in our next post.
