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Eureka

AN EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE
Sixth Edition, 1915
By Dr. John Thomas (first edition written 1861)

 

 

Chapter 9

Section 3 Subsection 4

The Smoke and Locusts Ascend out of the Pit.


 
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The time had now arrived for the Star-Kingdom-Power of the Arabian Pit to "fall into the earth," and to open it completely and permanently for the egress of the smoke with its clouds of locusts, for "the darkening of the sun and the air." At this crisis, as we learn from the fourth verse of the chapter under consideration, "it was commanded them (the smoke issuing locusts) that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree; but those men only who have not the seal of the Deity in their foreheads." This is explained by what follows. Abubeker, who was the first caliph, by his victory over the rebels had restored the unity of the faith and government; and he now resolved, A.D. 632, to provide immediate exercise for the restless spirit of the Saracens, in the prosecution of a holy war. He accordingly despatched a circular to the locusts of the pit, saying: "This is to acquaint you that I intend to send the true believers into Syria, to take it out of the hands of the infidels" (or to darken their sun and air); "and I would have you know that the fighting for religion is an act of obedience to God."

The summons was responded to by numerous intrepid bands of Saracens, who flocked to the camp at Medina, where they were reviewed by the Caliph. In his instructions to the chiefs of the army, he said: "Remember that you are always in the presence of God, on the verge of death, in the assurance of judgment, and the hope of Paradise. Avoid injustice and oppression; consult with your brethren, and study to preserve the love and confidence of your troops. When you fight the battles of the Lord, acquit yourselves like men, without turning your backs; but let not your victory be stained with the blood of women or children. Destroy no palm trees, nor burn any fields of corn. Cut down no fruit trees, nor do any mischief to cattle, only such as you kill to eat. When you make any covenant or article, stand to it, and be as good as your word. As you go on, you will find some religious persons who live retired in monasteries, and propose to themselves to serve God that way: let them alone, and neither kill them nor destroy their monasteries. And you will find another sort of people that belong to the synagogue of Satan, who have shaven crowns: be sure you cleave their skulls, and give them no quarter till they either turn Mohammedans or pay tribute." [Notwithstanding this precept, the Arabs are the implacable enemies of the monks, who, in the seventh century, were generally "laymen." They wore their hair long and dishevelled, and shaved their heads when they were ordained priests. The circular tonsure was sacred and mysterious: it was the crown of thorns; but it was likewise a royal diadem, and every priest was a king. This will explain to the reader the origin of the phrase "shaven crowns," which is figurative of catholic priests.] These shaven crowns of the synagogue of Satan were THE MEN WHO HAD NOT THE SEAL OF GOD IN THEIR FOREHEADS; and the alternative of death by the sword, conversion, or tribute, was the "torment" to which they were to be subjected during "five months" of years.

 

 


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