The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 16

The European Union in Prophecy
wonders appeared, foreboding disaster and doom. In the midst of the night an
unnatural light shone over the temple and the altar. Upon the clouds at sunset were
pictured chariots and men of war gathering for battle. The priests ministering by
night in the sanctuary were terrified by mysterious sounds; the earth trembled, and
a multitude of voices were heard crying: "Let us depart hence." The great eastern gate,
which was so heavy that it could hardly be shut by a score of men, and which was
secured by immense bars of iron fastened deep in the pavement of solid stone, opened
at midnight, without visible agency.--Milman, The History of the Jews, book 13.
For seven years a man continued to go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
declaring the woes that were to come upon the city. By day and by night he chanted
the wild dirge: "A voice from the east! a voice from the west! a voice from the four
winds! a voice against Jerusalem and against the temple! a voice against the
bridegrooms and the brides! a voice against the whole people!"-- Ibid . This strange
being was imprisoned and scourged, but no complaint escaped his lips. To insult and
abuse he answered only: "Woe, woe to Jerusalem!" "woe, woe to the inhabitants
thereof!" His warning cry ceased not until he was slain in the siege he had foretold.
Not one Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ had given
His disciples warning, and all who believed His words watched for the promised sign.
"When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies," said Jesus, "then know that
the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains;
and let them which are in the midst of it depart out." Luke 21:20, 21. After the Romans
under Cestius had surrounded the city, they unexpectedly abandoned the siege when
everything seemed favorable for an immediate attack. The besieged, despairing of
successful resistance, were on the point of surrender, when the Roman general
withdrew his forces without the least apparent reason. But God's merciful providence
was directing events for the good of His own people.
The promised sign had been given to the waiting Christians, and now an
opportunity was offered for all who would, to obey the Saviour's warning. Events were
so overruled that neither Jews nor Romans should hinder the flight of the Christians.
Upon the retreat of Cestius, the Jews, sallying from Jerusalem, pursued after his
retiring army; and while both forces were thus fully engaged, the Christians had an
opportunity to leave the city. At this time the country also had been cleared of
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