Discourse on the Angels or Spirits of Empires

...the growth of all other things. Since John of Damascus An 8th-century monk and theologian, also known as Damascenus, who organized the teachings of the earlier Greek Church Fathers. was also of this opinion, he believed that the Angel who sinned Referring to Satan or Lucifer. was among those of the lowliest rank, who presided over the earthly order, etc. On this same matter, Martin Luther writes thus, In the preface to the Prophet Daniel, which is in volume 5 of the Jena German edition, folio 2. b. "Every dominion has its princes from Hell; the greater the dominion, the greater and more wicked the devils who inflict every plague upon kings and lords: by hindering them, by inciting them to anger, strife, murder, pride, unchastity, and all vices, so that God, in turn, must also maintain good angels and princes from Heaven with kings and lords against the devils."

7. It is not my place to explain the most hidden matters, which seem even darker because of Platonic numbers original: "numerisq; Platonicis" — complex mathematical ratios used by Plato to describe the soul and the cosmos, often considered very difficult to interpret.; here it is not the dross-filled and shadowy writings of Heraclitus A Greek philosopher famous for his cryptic, paradoxical sayings., nor some law of Africanus Likely referring to Sextus Caecilius Africanus, a Roman jurist known for his difficult legal style. that must be investigated, but prophetic oracles, wrapped everywhere in obscure metaphors; where this saying especially applies:

The author uses these classical quotes to suggest that the mysteries of divine governance are not for everyone, but for those initiated into deeper study.

I only add this much: that it does not seem to me an inconsistent thing to say that God administers Empires through Angels, even from the fact that He punished Kings and cities through Angels. Genesis chapter 19, verse 13. The story of the angels sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. That He sent an Angel before the Hebrews into the land of Canaan; Exodus chapter 23, verse 20; who is called the "Terror of the Lord" in verse 27 of the same place. And truly, where a Panic terror original: "Panicus terror" — a sudden, groundless fear attributed by the ancients to the god Pan. throws armed men into confusion, there is a suspicion that God fights against them; which Pindar also hints at in the Nemean Odes.

For in divine terrors, even the children of the gods flee. original: "Ἐν γὰρ δαιμονίοις φόβοις, φεύγονται καὶ παῖδες θεῶν."

And furthermore, that same Angel appeared to Joshua and was designated the "Prince of the army of God." Joshua 5, verse 14. Conversely, according to the opinion of some, the evil Angels of Empires are those very Gods of the nations. And thus, in Judges chapter 11, verse 24, regarding Chemosh The national god of the Moabites.