It began with a conversation with three missionaries who often visited the house in the Spring and summer of 2013, where we discussed things not taught in general bible studies of the temple, church, or stake. During our last visit, we discussed the Apocrypha and how the Book of Ezra could serve as a template for today’s government and political policies.
They never returned, and I often wonder why.
The Book of Ezra is a historical account that focuses on the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Set during the rule of the Persian Empire, it records two main periods: the first return of Jews led by Zerubbabel (538-515 BC) and the second return led by Ezra (458 BC).
The Book of Ezra is a part of the Apocrypha consisting of books in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, but not in the Jewish or Protestant canon, while a part of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Another reason for its exclusion is the uncertainty surrounding its authorship and date.
Its authorship is uncertain and considered written under a false name. The lack of clear authorship and later date of composition contributed to its exclusion from the Jewish and Protestant canons.
The theological content of Ezra also played a role in its exclusion. The book contains apocalyptic visions and themes that differ from the more historical and prophetic books included in the canonical Bible, focusing on eschatology or the study of the end times, while the Messiah’s coming was less aligned with the theological focus of the canonical texts.
Additionally, the historical context reflects the socio-political environment of the late 1st century CE, including the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. The context differs from the earlier periods covered by the canonical books, making it less relevant to the established canon.
These factors resulted in Ezra’s inclusion in the Apocrypha rather than the canonical Bible. Despite this, it helps us understand Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic literature, providing insights into the religious and cultural milieu of its time.
Today, the Book of Ezra, with its themes of restoration, repentance, and faithfulness to God, provides a historical account of the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Scholars analyze its narrative structure, theological themes, and historical context to gain insights into the post-exilic period of Jewish history.
In Christian communities, the Book of Ezra is sometimes used in sermons and Bible studies to draw parallels between the historical events it describes and contemporary experiences of spiritual and communal rebuilding. Additionally, it is used in interfaith dialogues and comparative religious studies to explore common themes and differences between Jewish, Christian, and other religious traditions.
Ezra, a priest and scribe, was deeply committed to the Law of Moses. He played a crucial role in the spiritual revival of the Jewish people, emphasizing the importance of following God’s laws and renewing the covenant with God.
The first part details the efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem despite opposition from surrounding peoples. The period highlights the challenges and perseverance of the Jewish community in restoring their place of worship.
The second part focuses on Ezra’s leadership in promoting religious reforms. He addressed issues such as intermarriage with foreign peoples, seen as a threat to the purity of the Jewish faith and community.
One of the notable features of the book is Ezra’s heartfelt prayer of confession and repentance on behalf of the people, found in Ezra 9:5-15.
“[9] Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
[10] But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands [11] you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices, they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. [12] Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’ [13] “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. [14] Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? [15] Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”
This prayer reflects his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Jewish community.
Ezra’s writings provide a vital link in the historical and spiritual narrative of the Jewish people, emphasizing themes of restoration, obedience, and faithfulness to God. Similarly, the modern era of the U.S. government has faced its own set of challenges and periods of renewal.
Many scholars and interpretations suggest that Ezra’s vision of the eagle was a symbolic representation of the Roman Empire. In this context, the twelve wings represent the twelve Caesars or significant rulers of Rome, while the three heads symbolize the final phases of the empire’s leadership.
The middle head, which is larger and more dominant, could represent a particularly powerful or influential emperor. The interpretation aligns with the historical context in which the Book of Ezra was written, around the end of the 1st century CE, when the Roman Empire was at its height but also facing internal and external challenges.
The parallels between ancient Rome and the United States have been a subject of much discussion and analysis. While these comparisons can be insightful, they highlight some problematic aspects for both societies.
The Roman Empire was maintained through military conquest and control, leading to overextension and vulnerability. Similarly, the U.S. has a substantial global military presence that has led to overreach and a strain on resources.
Economic inequality was a significant issue in ancient Rome, contributing to social unrest and political instability. The U.S. faces similar challenges today, with growing income inequality and economic disparities that can lead to social tensions and political polarization.
Rome experienced periods of political corruption, power struggles, and instability, particularly during the Republic’s decline and the rise of the Empire. The U.S. is fraught with political corruption and partisanship, undermining trust in government and democratic institutions.
Some historians argue that Rome declined partly due to a perceived cultural and moral decay, where traditional values eroded. Modern American society is witnessing the same, [10] “And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads, but from the midst of her body.”
Rome and the early United States relied heavily on slavery, which had profound social and economic impacts. While abolished in the U.S., its legacy continues to affect American society, contributing to ongoing racial tensions.
These parallels serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the potential pitfalls of power, expansion, and internal division. They highlight the importance of addressing economic disparities, maintaining political integrity, and fostering social cohesion to avoid the challenges that contributed to Rome’s decline.
The image serves as a profound metaphor for the rise and fall of power throughout history, including our modern era.
The sea is the picture of the chaotic origins of power, suggesting that great authorities often emerge from periods of instability and disorder, showcasing the inherent challenges and complexities of rising to and maintaining that power.
The twelve feathers on the eagle represent U.S. Presidents, each symbolizing a phase of American leadership. The depiction of the feathers resting and watching while reserving the heads for later stages underscores the strategic nature of maintaining control and stability. It aligns with the historical experiences of each president, whose leadership periods have shaped and influenced American governance.
Herbert Hoover’s presidency (1929-1933) is the first feather. His term marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a severe economic hardship and social unrest. His presidency represents the initial stage of the eagle’s reign, emerging from a time of instability and setting the stage for significant policy changes.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency (1933-1945) is represented by the longest feather, reflecting his extended term in office. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies and World War II leadership reshaped American society and its role in global affairs.
His lengthy tenure represents a period of profound influence and change, addressing his era’s economic and geopolitical challenges. It also marked the point where Congress provided a term limit for the office of the Presidency, “[17] There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither unto the half thereof.”
John F. Kennedy’s presidency (1961-1963) is a medium-sized feather. His brief but impactful time in office included significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the establishment of the Peace Corps. Kennedy’s presidency represents a hopeful and transformative phase, although it was cut short by his assassination.
Richard Nixon’s presidency (1969-1974), represented by another medium-sized feather, was marked by significant achievements and controversies. His administration saw the end of the Vietnam War and major domestic policy shifts. It was also marred by the Watergate scandal, reflecting a time of complex political dynamics and significant challenges.
Jimmy Carter’s presidency (1977-1981) is symbolized by a smaller feather, focusing on humanitarian issues and facing challenges such as the Iran Hostage Crisis. His term, characterized by efforts to address economic and global issues, represents a minimal but notable influence.
Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981-1989) is represented by a prominent feather, reflecting his transformative impact on American politics and economics. Reagan’s conservative policies, tax reforms, and role in ending the Cold War marked a significant shift in U.S. policy and global influence.
George H.W. Bush’s presidency (1989-1993) is another small feather, marked by the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War. His term, a period of significant geopolitical changes and domestic challenges, fits the portrayal of shorter periods of leadership.
Bill Clinton’s presidency (1993-2001) was a small feather, characterized by economic prosperity and significant domestic policy achievements. The administration faced various controversies but is known for economic growth and welfare reform.
George W. Bush’s presidency (2001-2009) is a medium-sized feather, reflecting the impact of his leadership during the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror. His terms included significant global and domestic challenges.
Barack Obama’s presidency (2009-2017) is a prominent feather, marked by significant legislative achievements such as the Affordable Care Act and a focus on social and economic reforms. His term was a period of considerable change and progress.
Donald Trump’s presidency (2017-2021) is a smaller feather, characterized by divisive policies and significant controversies. His term, marked by a populist approach and dramatic shifts, reflects a period of notable influence.
Joe Biden’s current presidency (2021-present) is represented by a smaller feather, focusing on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, social justice issues, and his declining mental capacity “[21] For some of them were set up, but ruled not.”
The eight smaller feathers in the vision symbolize periods of shorter or less stable governance, highlighting moments of upheaval within the broader narrative of the eagle’s rule. These feathers represent transitional phases and significant changes affecting the stability and effectiveness of leadership.
The three remaining feathers represent the final stages of leadership before a significant change or end. The vision describes these feathers as trying to rule but being cut short, indicating brief and possibly tumultuous periods of leadership. In the context of U.S. Presidents, these feathers could symbolize leaders whose terms came with significant challenges, controversies, or abrupt ends.
The first remaining feather tries to rule, but its rule is cut short. It could represent a president whose term is short due to unforeseen circumstances, such as resignation, impeachment, or other crises.
The second remaining feather has a rule that is even shorter than the first, symbolizing a leader who faces challenges or opposition that lead to an even more abrupt end to their term. The third feather also attempts to rule but is quickly overtaken by the three heads of the eagle, indicating a power struggle.
In the broader interpretation, these feathers highlight the instability and rapid changes in leadership that can occur during times of significant upheaval. They serve as a reminder of the fragility of power and the potential for sudden shifts in governance.
Then, there are the three heads of the eagle. They are particularly significant, representing different aspects of power and leadership.
The three heads of the eagle symbolize three distinct phases or forms of leadership that will emerge in the final stages of the eagle’s reign. These heads are reserved for the last, indicating that they will play a crucial role in the culmination of the eagle’s power.
The middle head is bigger than the other two, suggesting it holds greater authority or influence. It awakens and allies with the other two heads, ultimately gaining control over the eagle, and can be interpreted as a dominant leadership that consolidates power, overshadowing the others.
Meanwhile, once awakened, the middle head dominates with oppression, indicating a period of intense and possibly tyrannical rule. The head holds greater power over the world and signifies a climax in reign, marked by significant control and influence, “[35] And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured it that was upon the left side.”
In a modern context, the three-headed eagle could represent the emergence of leaders or regimes that rise to prominence during upheaval or transition. Each head symbolizes a different approach or phase of leadership, with the middle head representing the most dominant and influential period.
The concept of the three-headed eagle can also be related to various political movements and ideologies, particularly those that involve significant shifts in power and governance. It can symbolize the phases of U.S. foreign policy during and after the Cold War.
During the Cold War, the U.S. adopted an internationalist approach, engaging in global alliances and conflicts to counter Soviet influence. Post-Cold War, the U.S. continued its role in world affairs but faced new challenges and shifting dynamics.
In recent years, populist movements have gained traction in various parts of the world, including the U.S. The three-headed eagle can represent the different facets of populism: economic populism, which focuses on addressing economic inequalities; cultural populism, which emphasizes national identity and traditional values; and political populism, which seeks to challenge the established political elite.
The three-headed eagle can also symbolize the tension between authoritarian and democratic governance. One head might represent authoritarian regimes that consolidate power and suppress dissent, while another represents democratic movements that advocate for political freedoms and human rights.
It could also reflect the ongoing struggle between globalization and nationalism. Globalization promotes interconnectedness and economic integration, while nationalism emphasizes sovereignty and cultural identity.
The conclusion of the vision features a roaring lion, symbolizing a force or divine intervention challenging the existing authority of the eagle. It represents a potential reckoning or shift in power, aligning with the theme of divine justice where higher principles ultimately prevail, “[37] And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring lion chased out of the wood: and I saw that he sent out a man’s voice unto the eagle, and said,
The emergence of the lion suggests a forthcoming transformation, supported by the verse, “[40] And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were past, and had power over the world with great fearfulness.”
By examining Ezra’s vision through contemporary events and historical developments, I think it is easy to see the ongoing dynamics of evil influences and control in our world. It is not the pretty picture I had hoped for, as I live closer to the end of my days than the start, but I do know that God’s got this.
The Old Blog in the Desert 