Map number 2: The map corresponds to a period just closing which is described in Revelation 7:1-3 at the closing of the time of the growth and triumph of the Christian church. In Revelation the four angels are commanded to hold back the four winds.
(1) And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (2) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, (3) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.You would naturally suppose that after the period of sealing the servants of God that one would say, "loose the four winds." And so the map looks like the winds are blowing. The movement of many barbarian nations are recorded on this map including the four who made direct attacks on Rome. You can see that the dates show the Goths who burned the land were first, by 410, followed by the sack of Rome by the Vandals, then by the Huns, who had moved into the area first but were next after the Vandals in their visit to the city of Rome. The Ostro-Gothic Odoacer finished this sequence in 476 and brought about the end of Rome in the West.
Into this vacuum of power the bishop of Rome would move and by 533 he would have the authority of Justinian the eastern Emperor to back him up.
Return to Commentary Directory
Go Back to Map Directory