Article

# Panium - Number Five

Panium - Nambari Tano

The Robbers of Thy People: Rome’s Exaltation and Fall in Prophecy

Wanyang’anyi wa Watu Wako: Kuinuliwa kwa Roma na Anguko lake katika Unabii

Author

Jeff Pippenger

Published

March 5, 2025

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The Book of Daniel unfolds a remarkable prophetic narrative, weaving a principle of repeat and enlarge which threads through its visions, from the metallic statue of chapter 2 to the intricate kingly conflicts of chapter 11. Within this framework, a compelling case emerges: the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, culminating in Egypt’s fall in 30 BC, stands as a pivotal fulfillment of Daniel 11:25, 26, marking the dawn of pagan Rome’s 360-year supremacy.

Kitabu cha Danieli kinafunua simulizi ya kiunabii ya kushangaza, kikisuka kanuni ya kurudia na kupanua ambayo hupenya maono yake, kuanzia sanamu ya metali ya sura ya 2 hadi migogoro tata ya kifalme ya sura ya 11. Katika muktadha huu, hoja thabiti inaibuka: Vita vya Actium mwaka 31 KK, vilivyohitimia katika kuanguka kwa Misri mwaka 30 KK, vinasimama kama utimizaji wa msingi wa Danieli 11:25, 26, vikiashiria alfajiri ya utawala wa miaka 360 wa Roma ya kipagani.

Daniel 11 begins with the rise and fall of empires following Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC. Yet, by verse 14, a shift occurs. Around 200 BC, as Antiochus III (Magnus) prepared for the Battle of Panium against the child-king Ptolemy V, Rome intervened, not as a mere bystander but as the “robbers of thy people.” Concerned about securing Egypt’s wheat supply amid Hellenistic turmoil, Rome flexed its influence during the Second Macedonian War (200–197 BC), setting the stage for its prophetic role.

Danieli 11 inaanza na kuibuka na kuanguka kwa falme kufuatia kifo cha Aleksanda Mkuu mwaka 323 KK. Hata hivyo, ifikapo aya ya 14, mabadiliko hutokea. Takriban mwaka 200 KK, wakati Antioko III (Magnus) alipokuwa akijiandaa kwa Vita vya Panium dhidi ya mfalme-mtoto Ptolemaio V, Roma iliingilia kati, si kama mtazamaji wa pembeni tu bali kama "waporaji wa watu wako." Ikiwa na wasiwasi kuhusu kuhakikisha usambazaji wa ngano ya Misri katikati ya machafuko ya Uhelenisti, Roma ilitumia ushawishi wake wakati wa Vita vya Pili vya Kimasedonia (200–197 KK), ikiweka msingi wa nafasi yake ya kinabii.

## Rome’s Dominance Over the Jews

Ukuu wa Roma juu ya Wayahudi

Fast forward to 63 BC, and verse 16 finds fulfillment when Pompey storms Jerusalem, entering the Holy of Holies and asserting Roman dominion over the “glorious land.” From here, verses 17 through 22 trace a succession of Roman figures: Pompey’s eastern campaigns, Julius Caesar’s conquests and assassination in 44 BC, Augustus Caesar’s tax-raising reign (noted in Luke 2:1) ending in 14 AD, and Tiberius overseeing Christ’s crucifixion in the year 31 AD, when the “prince of the covenant” was broken. The prophetic line from Pompey in Jerusalem to Titus in Jerusalem in 70 AD, sets forth the line of Rome’s dominance over God’s people.

Tukisonga mbele hadi mwaka 63 KK, mstari wa 16 unatimia wakati Pompey anapovamia Yerusalemu, akiingia Patakatifu pa Patakatifu na kutangaza mamlaka ya Kirumi juu ya “nchi ya uzuri.” Kuanzia hapa, mistari ya 17 hadi 22 inafuatilia mfululizo wa wahusika wa Kirumi: kampeni za mashariki za Pompey, ushindi wa Julius Caesar na kuuawa kwake kwa njama mwaka 44 KK, utawala wa Augustus Caesar uliotoza kodi (uliotajwa katika Luka 2:1) uliomalizika mwaka 14 BK, na Tiberio akiwa mtawala wakati wa kusulubiwa kwa Kristo mwaka 31 BK, wakati “mkuu wa agano” alivunjwa. Mkondo wa kinabii kuanzia Pompey huko Yerusalemu hadi Tito huko Yerusalemu mwaka 70 BK, unaweka wazi mfululizo wa utawala wa Roma juu ya watu wa Mungu.

Beginning with a Roman General desecrating the temple on to the ending when a Roman General destroyed the temple provides the signature of Alpha and Omega. Beginning with desecrating and ending with destruction the historical line also contains the desecration and the destruction of the One who said of Himself, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” Truth is made up of the first, thirteenth and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the line beginning with Pompey and ending with Titus includes a middle temple destruction that is represented by the middle of three crosses, that were erected at the very middle of the week Christ came to confirm the covenant. Verses sixteen through twenty-two represent a prophetic line that bears the signature of truth. There are a handful of important prophetic lines within the history represented by the verses, but the primary theme of the line is Rome’s dominance over the Jews.

Mstari wa kihistoria unaoanzia wakati Jenerali Mwarumi alipolinajisi hekalu na kuishia wakati Jenerali Mwarumi alipoliangamiza unatoa sahihi ya Alfa na Omega. Kuanzia unajisi na kuishia uharibifu, mstari huo pia unajumuisha kunajisiwa na kuangamizwa kwa Yule aliyesema juu ya nafsi yake, "Vunjeni hekalu hili, na baada ya siku tatu nitalisimamisha." Kweli imeundwa na herufi ya kwanza, ya kumi na tatu, na ya mwisho ya alfabeti ya Kiebrania, na mstari unaoanza na Pompey na kuishia kwa Tito unajumuisha uharibifu wa kati wa hekalu unaowakilishwa na msalaba wa katikati miongoni mwa misalaba mitatu, uliosimamishwa katikati kabisa ya juma ambalo Kristo alikuja kulithibitisha agano. Aya za kumi na sita hadi ishirini na mbili zinawakilisha mstari wa kinabii unaobeba sahihi ya ukweli. Kuna mistari michache muhimu ya kinabii ndani ya historia inayowakilishwa na aya hizo, lakini mada kuu ya mstari huo ni utawala wa Roma juu ya Wayahudi.

## Leagues and Treaties

Miungano na Mikataba

Verse 23 “repeats and enlarges” by looping back to 161–158 BC, when the Jews under Judas Maccabeus forged a league with Rome (1 Maccabees 8). This highlights Rome’s unique empire-building strategy—conquest through treaties and alliances, a method distinct from its predecessors. Verse 24 concludes this phase, noting Rome would “forecast its devices from the strongholds, even for a time.”

Aya ya 23 "hurudia na kupanua" kwa kurejea hadi 161-158 K.K., wakati Wayahudi chini ya Yuda Makabeo waliunda muungano na Roma (1 Maccabees 8). Hili linaangazia mkakati wa kipekee wa Roma wa kujenga himaya—ushindi kupitia mikataba na miungano, mbinu iliyo tofauti na watangulizi wake. Aya ya 24 inahitimisha hatua hii, ikibainisha kwamba Roma "ingetabiri mipango yake kutoka katika ngome, hata kwa wakati fulani."

> And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. Daniel 11:23, 24.

> Na baada ya kuungana naye kwa agano atatenda kwa hila; maana atainuka, naye atajiimarisha pamoja na watu wachache. Ataingia kwa amani hata katika mahali palipo nono zaidi pa jimbo; naye atafanya yale ambayo baba zake hawakuyafanya, wala babu zake; atawagawa miongoni mwao mawindo, nyara, na mali; naam, atapanga mashauri yake dhidi ya ngome imara, hata kwa muda fulani. Danieli 11:23, 24.

## For a Time

Kwa muda

The word translated “against” can be understood as the word “from”. Rome forecasts its devices “from”. The word “from” in the verse points to the city of Rome, the empire’s political and military heart, as the base of its strategies. The “time” is prophetically 360 years, beginning when Egypt falls in 30 BC after Actium, and ending in the year 330 when Constantine abandons Rome for Constantinople.

Neno linalotafsiriwa "against" linaweza kueleweka kama neno "from". Roma hutabiri mipango yake "from". Neno "from" katika mstari linaelekeza kwenye mji wa Roma, moyo wa kisiasa na kijeshi wa dola hilo, kama msingi wa mikakati yake. "Wakati" kwa kinabii ni miaka 360, unaoanza Misri inapoanguka mwaka 30 KK baada ya Actium, na kuishia mwaka 330 wakati Konstantino anaiacha Roma na kuhamia Konstantinopoli.

Verses 25 and 26 zero in on Actium itself.

Aya 25 na 26 zinajikita katika Actium yenyewe.

> And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. Daniel 11:25, 26.

> Naye atachochea nguvu zake na ujasiri wake dhidi ya mfalme wa kusini akiwa na jeshi kubwa; na mfalme wa kusini atachochewa kuingia vitani akiwa na jeshi kubwa sana lenye nguvu; lakini hatasimama imara; kwa kuwa watapanga njama dhidi yake. Naam, wale wanaokula sehemu ya chakula chake watamwangamiza, na jeshi lake litasambaratishwa; na wengi wataanguka wameuawa. Danieli 11:25, 26.

In 31 BC, Octavian, representing Rome as the “king of the north,” marshaled his forces against Cleopatra’s Egypt, the “king of the south,” in a monumental naval clash. Antony and Cleopatra’s “very great and mighty army” faltered, undone by strategic “devices” (Agrippa’s tactics) and betrayals—defections from Antony’s allies and Cleopatra’s mid-battle retreat. By 30 BC, Egypt was a Roman province, launching pagan Rome’s unchallenged rule. This 360-year span, from 30 BC to 330, aligns with Rome’s supremacy centered in its original stronghold, until Constantine’s shift “cast down” the stronghold, as Daniel 8:11 foretells.

Mnamo mwaka wa 31 KK, Octavian, akiuwakilisha Roma kama “mfalme wa kaskazini,” alikusanya majeshi yake dhidi ya Misri ya Cleopatra, “mfalme wa kusini,” katika vita vikubwa vya majini. Jeshi la “kubwa sana na lenye nguvu” la Antony na Cleopatra lilitetereka, likashindwa na “hila” za kimkakati (mbinu za Agrippa) na usaliti—kuhama upande kwa washirika wa Antony na kurudi nyuma kwa Cleopatra katikati ya vita. Ifikapo mwaka wa 30 KK, Misri ilikuwa jimbo la Roma, likianzisha utawala usiopingwa wa Roma ya kipagani. Kipindi hiki cha miaka 360, kuanzia 30 KK hadi 330, kinapatana na ukuu wa Roma uliyojikita katika ngome yake ya asili, hadi mabadiliko ya Konstantino yalipo “iangusha” ngome hiyo, kama Danieli 8:11 inavyotabiri.

> Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 8:11.

> Naam, alijitukuza hata kufikia mkuu wa jeshi, na kwa mkono wake dhabihu ya kila siku ikaondolewa, na mahali pa patakatifu pake pakatupwa chini. Danieli 8:11.

When Constantine cast down the city of Rome for the city of Constantinople, he left a power vacuum in the city of Rome open for the papal church to take the seat of authority represented by the city of Rome. The act fulfilled verse two of Revelation thirteen.

Konstantino alipoigeuzia mgongo jiji la Roma kwa ajili ya jiji la Konstantinopoli, aliacha ombwe la mamlaka jijini Roma lililoacha nafasi wazi kwa Kanisa la Kipapa kuchukua kiti cha mamlaka kinachoakilishwa na jiji la Roma. Kitendo hicho kilitimiza aya ya pili ya Ufunuo kumi na tatu.

> And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. Revelation 13:2.

> Na yule mnyama niliyemwona alikuwa kama chui, na miguu yake ilikuwa kama miguu ya dubu, na kinywa chake kama kinywa cha simba; na joka likampa nguvu zake, na kiti chake cha enzi, na mamlaka kuu. Ufunuo 13:2.

In Daniel 8, two different Hebrew words, both translated as “sanctuary” distinguish the story of the sanctuary in the book of Daniel. The book of Daniel represents a warfare between Christ and Satan as illustrated in the earthly representatives of Christ and Satan. Babylon, Satan’s earthly representative conquers Jerusalem in the opening of Daniel, and Jerusalem conquers Babylon in verse forty-five of chapter eleven. The kingdoms represented by the city of Jerusalem and the city of Babylon are “sanctuaries of strength.” The cities of Babylon and Jerusalem are both sanctuaries of strength, and they both have their own temples within the city. The Pantheon temple is in the city of Rome, and the temple in Jerusalem is the counterpart in the prophetic narrative. Babylon and the city of Rome are counterfeits of Jerusalem.

Katika sura ya 8 ya kitabu cha Danieli, maneno mawili tofauti ya Kiebrania, yote yakitafsiriwa kama “mahali patakatifu,” yanatofautisha simulizi kuhusu patakatifu katika kitabu cha Danieli. Kitabu cha Danieli kinaonyesha vita kati ya Kristo na Shetani kama inavyoonyeshwa kupitia wawakilishi wao wa duniani. Babeli, mwakilishi wa duniani wa Shetani, inashinda Yerusalemu mwanzoni mwa kitabu cha Danieli, na Yerusalemu inashinda Babeli katika aya ya arobaini na tano ya sura ya kumi na moja. Falme zinazowakilishwa na mji wa Yerusalemu na mji wa Babeli ni “mahali patakatifu pa nguvu.” Miji ya Babeli na Yerusalemu yote miwili ni mahali patakatifu pa nguvu, na yote ina mahekalu yao wenyewe ndani ya miji yao. Hekalu la Pantheon lipo katika mji wa Roma, na hekalu lililo Yerusalemu ndilo sawia nalo katika simulizi la kinabii. Babeli na mji wa Roma ni nakala bandia za Yerusalemu.

In Daniel 8, the two Hebrew words are “miqdash” in verse 11, where the little horn (pagan Rome) casts down the “place of his sanctuary” (the city of Rome), when Constantine relocates in 330. The other word is “qodesh” in verses 13, 14, where God’s sanctuary awaits cleansing after 2300 days. Though both words are translated as sanctuary, “miqdash” can represent either God’s fortress or a pagan fortress, whereas “qodesh” is only used in the Bible to represent God’s sanctuary.

Katika Danieli 8, maneno mawili ya Kiebrania ni "miqdash" katika aya ya 11, ambapo pembe ndogo (Roma ya kipagani) inaangusha "mahali pa patakatifu pake" (jiji la Roma), wakati Konstantino anapohamia mwaka 330. Neno lingine ni "qodesh" katika aya za 13 na 14, ambapo patakatifu pa Mungu panangoja kutakaswa baada ya siku 2300. Ingawa maneno yote mawili yanatafsiriwa kama patakatifu, "miqdash" linaweza kuwakilisha ama ngome ya Mungu au ngome ya kipagani, ilhali "qodesh" linatumika tu katika Biblia kuwakilisha patakatifu pa Mungu.

In Daniel 11:31, the “sanctuary of strength” (the city of Rome) is polluted as the Barbarians and Vandals bring warfare to the city of Rome. The “arms” in the verse started with Clovis in 496 and continued until papal Rome, was fully ascendant by 538, when the Ostrogoths are expelled from the city.

Katika Danieli 11:31, “patakatifu pa nguvu” (jiji la Roma) panatiwa unajisi wakati Wabarbari na Wavandali walipoleta vita katika jiji la Roma. “Mikono” katika aya hiyo ilianza na Clovis mnamo 496 na ikaendelea hadi Roma ya kipapa ilipokuwa imetamalaki kikamilifu kufikia 538, wakati Waostrogothi walipofukuzwa kutoka jijini.

The prophetic line from Actium extends beyond 330. Verse 30’s “ships of Chittim” identify the Vandals under Genseric, who sacked Rome in 455, signaling Western Rome’s collapse. Papal Rome then rises, ruling from 538 until 1798; for 1260 years until Napoleon’s General Berthier delivered the “deadly wound” by capturing Pius VI. The 360 years of pagan Rome, from 30 BC to 330, mirrors the 1260 years of papal Rome, each beginning when a third obstacle (Egypt, Ostrogoths) falls.

Mstari wa kinabii kutoka Actium unaendelea zaidi ya 330. “Meli za Chittim” za aya ya 30 zinamaanisha Wavandali chini ya Genseric, ambao walivamia na kupora Roma mnamo 455, ikiashiria kuanguka kwa Roma ya Magharibi. Kisha Roma ya Kipapa ikaibuka na kutawala kuanzia 538 hadi 1798; kwa miaka 1260 hadi Jenerali Berthier wa Napoleon alipoleta “jeraha la mauti” kwa kumkamata Pius VI. Miaka 360 ya Roma ya kipagani, kuanzia 30 KK hadi 330, inaakisi miaka 1260 ya Roma ya Kipapa, kila moja ikianza wakati kikwazo cha tatu (Misri, Waostrogothi) kinaanguka.

The modern “king of the north” emerges in verse 40. In 1989, the papacy, allied secretly with Reagan’s USA (symbolized as chariots, ships, and horsemen), topples the USSR, the “king of the south” (atheism/Communism). Verse 41 identifies the papacy conquering the “glorious land”—turning the Protestant USA into the Catholic USA—while verses 42, 43 identify the United Nations represented by Egypt yielding to a threefold union consisting of the United Nations (the dragon) the Vatican (the beast) and the United States (the false prophet), steering the world to Armageddon. Verse 45 predicts this power’s end, “with none to help,” its wound healed in verse forty-one, but its fate sealed by verse forty-five.

“Mfalme wa kaskazini” wa kisasa anaibuka katika aya ya 40. Mnamo 1989, upapa, ulioungana kwa siri na Marekani ya Reagan (iliyowakilishwa kama magari ya vita, meli, na wapanda farasi), unaiangusha USSR, “mfalme wa kusini” (ukanamungu/Ukomunisti). Aya ya 41 inaonyesha upapa ukiteka “nchi ya uzuri” - ukiigeuza Marekani ya Kiprotestanti kuwa Marekani ya Kikatoliki - ilhali aya za 42, 43 zinaonyesha Umoja wa Mataifa unaowakilishwa na Misri ukisalimu amri kwa muungano wa sehemu tatu unaojumuisha Umoja wa Mataifa (joka), Vatikani (mnyama), na Marekani (nabii wa uongo), ukiuelekeza ulimwengu kuelekea Har-Magedoni. Aya ya 45 inatabiri mwisho wa nguvu hii, “bila yeyote wa kumsaidia,” jeraha lake likiponywa katika aya ya 41, lakini hatima yake ikatiwa muhuri na aya ya 45.

Actium in 31 BC is the focus of verses 25, 26, launching Rome’s 360-year reign from its sanctuary-stronghold. With verse fourteen as a caveat, the story of pagan Rome from verse sixteen unto the transition to papal Rome in verse thirty-one is the complete line of pagan Rome. That line is divided into three parts. Verse sixteen to twenty-two is the line of Rome’s dominance over ancient Israel. Verse twenty-three and twenty-four identifies that work of empire building which Rome employed when conquering through leagues and treaties in conjunction with military might. Verse twenty-four through to the last expression in verse thirty-one is a two-part line representing a period when Rome exalted itself, followed by a fall.

Actium mnamo 31 KK ndilo linaloangaziwa katika mistari ya ishirini na tano na ishirini na sita, likizindua utawala wa Roma wa miaka 360 kutoka katika patakatifu lake lililokuwa ngome. Kwa kuweka mstari wa kumi na nne kama angalizo, simulizi la Roma ya kipagani kuanzia mstari wa kumi na sita hadi mpito kwenda Roma ya kipapa katika mstari wa thelathini na moja linaunda mfululizo kamili wa Roma ya kipagani. Mfululizo huo umegawanywa katika sehemu tatu. Mstari wa kumi na sita hadi wa ishirini na mbili ni mfululizo wa utawala wa Roma juu ya Israeli ya kale. Mistari ya ishirini na tatu na ishirini na nne inabainisha kazi ile ya kujenga himaya ambayo Roma ilitumia iliposhinda kupitia miungano na mikataba sambamba na nguvu za kijeshi. Mstari wa ishirini na nne hadi kauli ya mwisho katika mstari wa thelathini na moja ni mfululizo wa sehemu mbili unaowakilisha kipindi ambacho Roma ilijitukuza, uliofuatwa na anguko.

The “time appointed” is the conclusion of the 360 years in the year 330. Verses twenty-seven unto the last phrase of verse thirty-one, which identifies when the papal power, represented as the abomination that maketh desolate was placed on the throne in 538 is the history of pagan Rome in the context of the period of three hundred and sixty years of supreme rule, which is then followed by two hundred and eight years of a progressive fall.

“Wakati uliowekwa” ni hitimisho la miaka 360 katika mwaka 330. Mistari ya ishirini na saba hadi sehemu ya mwisho ya mstari wa thelathini na moja, inayobainisha wakati ambapo mamlaka ya kipapa, iliyowakilishwa kama chukizo la uharibifu, iliwekwa kwenye kiti cha enzi mwaka 538, ni historia ya Roma ya kipagani katika muktadha wa kipindi cha miaka mia tatu na sitini ya utawala wa juu kabisa, ambacho kisha kilifuatiwa na miaka mia mbili na nane ya anguko la hatua kwa hatua.

Therefore the “time” of verse twenty-four begins in 31 BC with an addition of the king of the south to the domain of the king of the north, and it ends in 330 with a division of the king of the north into east and west. From 330 unto 538 pagan Rome progressively falls apart. The various prophetic identifications associated with the various steps of demise of pagan Rome are the prophetic anchors that allow the student of prophecy to recognize God’s prophetic Word. In fulfillment of verse fourteen of Daniel eleven, Rome establishes the vision, and one of the ways that it does that very thing is through its fall. The verse states, “also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.”

Kwa hiyo “wakati” wa aya ya ishirini na nne unaanza mwaka 31 KK kwa kuongezwa kwa mfalme wa kusini katika himaya ya mfalme wa kaskazini, na unamalizika mwaka 330 kwa mgawanyiko wa mfalme wa kaskazini katika mashariki na magharibi. Kuanzia mwaka 330 hadi 538, Roma ya kipagani inaporomoka hatua kwa hatua. Matambulisho mbalimbali ya kinabii yanayohusishwa na hatua mbalimbali za anguko la Roma ya kipagani ni nanga za kinabii zinazomruhusu mwanafunzi wa unabii kutambua Neno la kinabii la Mungu. Katika utimilifu wa aya ya kumi na nne ya Danieli sura ya kumi na moja, Roma huthibitisha maono, na mojawapo ya jinsi inavyofanya hivyo ni kupitia anguko lake. Aya hiyo inasema, "pia wanyang'anyi wa watu wako watajikuza ili kuthibitisha maono; lakini wataanguka."

When Rome is attacked by the ships of Chittim, and thereafter attacks the south, it was not as the either the former or the latter, for from here onward the fall of the Roman power is being portrayed. The first four trumpets of the seven trumpets of Revelation found in chapter eight specifically describe the four major powers that ultimately brought Western Rome to a conclusion by 476. The vision is established when the robbers of thy people exalt themselves and fall. The prophetic vision is illustrated upon the framework of Rome’s fall. Western pagan Rome fell from 330 unto 538. Papal Rome fell in 1798. In the history of the fifth and sixth trumpet Eastern Rome fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Those three falls are part of the vision that is established by the robbers of thy people.

Wakati Roma inashambuliwa na meli za Chittim, na kisha inashambulia kusini, haikuwa kama ya kwanza wala kama ya baadaye, kwa maana kuanzia hapa na kuendelea anguko la nguvu ya Kirumi linaonyeshwa. Tarumbeta nne za kwanza kati ya tarumbeta saba za Ufunuo zilizoko katika sura ya nane zinaelezea hasa nguvu kuu nne ambazo hatimaye ziliifikisha Roma ya Magharibi tamati kufikia 476. Maono yanathibitishwa wakati waporaji wa watu wako wanajikweza na kuanguka. Maono ya kinabii yanaonyeshwa juu ya muktadha wa anguko la Roma. Roma ya kipagani ya Magharibi ilianguka kuanzia 330 hadi 538. Roma ya upapa ilianguka mwaka 1798. Katika historia ya tarumbeta ya tano na ya sita Roma ya Mashariki ilianguka mikononi mwa Waturuki wa Ottoman mnamo 1453. Maanguko hayo matatu ni sehemu ya maono yanayoanzishwa na waporaji wa watu wako.

The verse states, “also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.” From 31 BC to 330 pagan Rome “exalted themselves” in their supremacy over the world. From 330 to 538 pagan Rome fell away to prepare for the man of sin to be seated in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. From 538 unto 1798 the papal power “exalted themselves,” and in 1798 they fell. From 31 BC to 330 Western Rome “exalted” that it was the center of the Roman empire, and from 330 unto 476 it fell. In 330 Constantine exalted that Constantinople was the center of Eastern Rome and in 1453 Eastern Rome fell. The periods of the various representations of Rome, each possess a period where Rome exalts, followed by a period illustrating its fall, for “the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.”

Aya inasema, "pia waporaji wa watu wako watajinyanyua ili kuithibitisha maono; lakini wataanguka." Kuanzia 31 KK hadi 330, Roma ya kipagani "ilijinyanyua" katika ukuu wake juu ya ulimwengu. Kuanzia 330 hadi 538, Roma ya kipagani ilianguka ili kuandaa nafasi kwa mtu wa dhambi kuketi katika hekalu la Mungu, akijitangaza kuwa Mungu. Kuanzia 538 hadi 1798, mamlaka ya kipapa "ilijinyanyua," na mwaka 1798 ikaanguka. Kuanzia 31 KK hadi 330, Roma ya Magharibi "ilijinyanyua" kuwa ndiyo kitovu cha Dola la Roma, na kuanzia 330 hadi 476 ilianguka. Mwaka 330, Konstantino alitangaza Konstantinopoli kuwa kitovu cha Roma ya Mashariki, na mwaka 1453 Roma ya Mashariki ikaanguka. Vipindi vya uwakilishi mbalimbali wa Roma, kila kimoja kina kipindi ambacho Roma inajinyanyua, kikifuatiwa na kipindi kinachoonyesha anguko lake, kwa maana "pia waporaji wa watu wako watajinyanyua ili kuithibitisha maono; lakini wataanguka."

The Hebrew word translated as “robbers” is better translated as “breakers” for it aligns more closely with the root’s primary sense—to break through or disrupt—rather than strictly “robbers” (which implies theft). The term suggests those who fracture boundaries, laws, or covenants, not just steal goods. Rome is the breaker in Bible prophecy, though it is translated as “robbers” in verse fourteen. In Daniel chapter two Rome is the iron kingdom, and then in chapter seven the fourth beast is also Rome.

Neno la Kiebrania linalotafsiriwa kuwa "wezi" linafaa kutafsiriwa zaidi kuwa "wavunjaji" kwa kuwa linakaribiana zaidi na maana ya msingi ya mzizi—kuvunjilia ndani au kuvuruga—badala ya "wezi" tu (ambayo inaashiria wizi). Neno hilo linadokeza wale wavunjao mipaka, sheria, au maagano, si tu wanaoiba mali. Roma ndiye mvunjaji katika unabii wa Biblia, ijapokuwa imetafsiriwa kuwa "wezi" katika mstari wa kumi na nne. Katika sura ya pili ya Danieli Roma ni ufalme wa chuma, na kisha katika sura ya saba mnyama wa nne pia ni Roma.

> After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. Daniel 7:7.

> Baada ya haya nikaona katika maono ya usiku, na tazama, mnyama wa nne, wa kutisha na wa kuogofya, mwenye nguvu sana; ulikuwa na meno makubwa ya chuma; ukala na ukavunja vipande vipande, na ukayakanyaga mabaki kwa miguu yake; ulikuwa tofauti na wanyama wote waliokuwa mbele yake; ulikuwa na pembe kumi. Danieli 7:7.

The fourth beast–which is Rome–has “iron” teeth, for it is the same fourth kingdom represented as iron in chapter two. In verse seven the fourth beast of Rome “breaks in pieces,” and when it breaks in pieces it “stamped the residue with the feet of it.” The beast of Rome is the iron kingdom and the characteristic of braking in pieces and stamping the residue represents the act of persecution. The persecution brought upon ancient Israel was a “sign.”

Mnyama wa nne-ambaye ni Roma-una meno ya "chuma", kwa kuwa ni ufalme ule ule wa nne uliowakilishwa kama chuma katika sura ya pili. Katika mstari wa saba mnyama wa nne wa Roma "huvunja vipande vipande," na anapovunja vipande vipande "alikanyaga mabaki kwa miguu yake." Mnyama wa Roma ni ufalme wa chuma na sifa ya kuvunja vipande vipande na kukanyaga mabaki inawakilisha kitendo cha mateso. Mateso yaliyowaletwa juu ya Israeli ya kale yalikuwa "ishara."

> Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee: And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed forever. Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young. Deuteronomy 28:45–50.

> Zaidi ya hayo laana hizi zote zitakuja juu yako, na zitakufuatilia, na zitakupata, mpaka uangamizwe; kwa sababu hukuitii sauti ya Bwana Mungu wako, ili kushika amri zake na sheria zake alizokuamuru. Nazo zitakuwa juu yako kuwa ishara na ajabu, na juu ya uzao wako milele. Kwa sababu hukumtumikia Bwana Mungu wako kwa furaha na kwa shangwe ya moyo, kwa wingi wa vitu vyote; kwa hiyo utawatumikia adui zako ambao Bwana atawaleta dhidi yako, katika njaa, na katika kiu, na katika uchi, na katika upungufu wa vitu vyote; naye ataweka nira ya chuma juu ya shingo yako, hata atakapokuangamiza. Bwana ataleta taifa juu yako kutoka mbali, kutoka miisho ya dunia, kwa kasi kama tai arukavyo; taifa ambalo lugha yake hutaielewa; taifa lenye uso mkali, lisiloheshimu uso wa mzee, wala kuonyesha fadhili kwa kijana. Kumbukumbu la Torati 28:45-50.

The curses upon ancient Israel brought about by their rebellion are a “sign and a wonder, and upon thy seed forever.” The curse was to be brought upon them with “a nation of fierce countenance.” The beast with iron teeth that “breaks in pieces and stamps the residue” in chapter seven is also the fourth kingdom which proceeds from the division of Alexander’s kingdom, and just as with Moses in Deuteronomy, that kingdom is a nation whose tongue ancient Israel would not understand. The kingdom of Rome in Daniel chapter eight is a nation of fierce countenance and a nation who speaks a different language.

Laana juu ya Waisraeli wa kale zilizotokana na uasi wao ni “ishara na ajabu, na juu ya uzao wako milele.” Laana hiyo ilipaswa kuletwa juu yao kwa “taifa lenye uso mkali.” Mnyama mwenye meno ya chuma ambaye “hupasua vipande vipande na kukanyaga mabaki” katika sura ya saba pia ni ufalme wa nne unaotokana na mgawanyiko wa ufalme wa Aleksanda, na kama ilivyokuwa kwa Musa katika Kumbukumbu la Torati, ufalme huo ni taifa linalozungumza lugha ambayo Waisraeli wa kale hawangeielewa. Ufalme wa Roma katika Danieli sura ya nane ni taifa lenye uso mkali na taifa linalozungumza lugha tofauti.

> Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. Daniel 8:22, 23.

> Sasa hicho kilipovunjika, na mahali pake walisimama wanne; falme nne zitasimama kutoka katika taifa hilo, lakini si kwa uwezo wake. Na mwishoni mwa ufalme wao, waasi watakapotimia, mfalme wa uso mkali, aelewaye mafumbo ya giza, atasimama. Danieli 8:22, 23.

The “robbers (breakers) of thy people” establish the vision, they exalt themselves and they fall. The fourth iron kingdom was pagan Rome who ruled supremely when exalting themselves, but whose ultimate fall became a prophetic characteristic which establishes the vision. They are breakers for they trample down God’s people through persecution.

“wanyang’anyi (wavunjaji) wa watu wako” wanathibitisha maono; wanajikweza na wanaanguka. Ufalme wa nne wa chuma ulikuwa Roma ya kipagani, iliyotawala kwa mamlaka ya juu ilipojikuza, lakini anguko lake la mwisho likawa sifa ya kinabii inayothibitisha maono. Wao ni wavunjaji kwa kuwa wanawakanyaga watu wa Mungu kupitia mateso.

We will continue this study in the next article.

Tutaendelea na utafiti huu katika makala ijayo.

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