VERSE 1 And the I saw from the seashore (Kai. ei=don evk th/j qala,sshj qhri,on avnabai/non [conj kai + aor.act.ind.1s. horao "I stood" is wrong; it is "I saw"; also, there is no drakon in the text + prep ek out from + art.w/noun abl.f.s. thalassa sea] a beast ascending [qhri,on avnabai/non [noun acc.nt.s. therion beast + pres.act.part.acc.nt.s. anabaino ascend, go up; translated "coming up out of the sea"] having ten horns and seven heads [e;con ke,rata de,ka kai. kefala.j e`pta, kai. evpi. tw/n kera,twn [pres.act.part.acc.nt.s. echo have + noun acc.nt.p. keras horn + adj.acc.nt.p. deka ten + conj kai + noun acc.f.p. kephale head + adj.acc.f.p. hepta seven], and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names [kai. evpi. tw/n kera,twn auvtou/ de,ka diadh,mata kai. evpi. ta.j kefala.j auvtou/ ovno,maÎtaÐ blasfhmi,aj [conj kai + prep epi upon + art.w/noun gen.nt.p. keras horn + pro.gen.nt.s. autos his + adj.acc.nt.p. deka ten + noun acc.nt.p. diadema crown + conj kai + prep epi upon + art.w/noun acc.f.p. kephale head + noun gen.nt.p. autos his + noun acc.nt.s. onoma name; some readings have a singular + noun gen.f.s. blasphemia blasphemy, slander, evil speaking]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 1

1. The first part of verse one is a mess in terms of the English translation (KJ, NAS).
2. Following the Greek text it should read something like: "And I saw from the sea (shore) a beast arising, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten diadems, and on his heads names of blasphemy."
3. The beast John saw represents the corporate entity that the antichrist will head up in its final incarnation.
4. Actually, the man who is the Antichrist, heads up the "beast" two times; once as the head of the Grecian empire (head #5) and once as head number seven (RRE).
5. "The sand of the sea" on which John sees himself standing in his vision is probably the shoreline of Israel.
6. Grains of sand are likened to the race of the Jews (Isa. 10:22).
7. John would be facing westward.
8. "The sea" in prophetic symbolism represents the nations at large (cf. Rev. 17:15; cp. Isa. 57:20; also the four beasts of Daniel 7 arise out of the sea).
9. The sea is great and restless so this pictures the nations.
10. Out of this restless body arise kingdoms as seen in the beast with seven heads.
11. The "rising up" aspect points to the political ascendancy of kingdoms or empires.
12. The seven heads corresponds to seven kingdoms designated mountains in Rev. 17:9 "The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits."
13. Mountains are employed in Scripture to symbolize kingdoms of considerable importance (cf. Isa. 2:2; Dan. 2:35).
14. Lesser elevations represent lesser nations (cf. Ezek. 34:6).
15. The seven heads correspond to seven empires which according to Rev. 17:10 are seven kings.
16. In John’s day kingdom of king number six was in power, that being Rome.
17. From John’s vantage point the seventh head was a future development (Rev 17:10).
18. We stand on solid hermeneutical ground when we identify the seven heads with the seven empires of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter two.
19. The various metals that made up the colossus in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream correspond to five empires beginning with Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon according to Daniel’s interpretation (cf. Dan. 2:31-35).
20. Heads number one and two are represented by two empires that preceded Babylon as the preeminent Gentile power in the Middle East, namely Egypt and Assyria.
21. The gold head represents the Babylonian Empire (#3 head); the silver arms and chest represents the Medo-Persian Empire (#4 head); the bronze stomach and thighs represents the Grecian empire of Alexander the Great (#5 head); the legs of iron the Roman Empire (#6); and finally, the feet and toes of iron and clay the Revived Roman Empire of the Antichrist (#7).
22. This makes a total of five Gentile empires plus the two specified in point twenty above, making a grand total of seven separate expressions of the sea monster John saw in his vision.
23. Obviously there has been past and present other Gentile empires of significance but it is these seven that prominent in the history of the chosen people Israel.
24. From Israel’s birth as a nation forward to the Second Advent these seven form the backdrop to the entire canon of Scripture (book of Genesis being the exception).
25. What this verse doesn’t reveal is that the ten horns are all to be found on the seventh head.
26. This is transparently clear from Rev. 17:10 where the interpreting angel tells John "the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast (e.g., #11) for one hour (e.g., 7 year tribulation)."
27. Further proof of this is to be seen in Dan. 7:7 where the fourth beast in Daniel’s night visions, namely Rome, has ten horns.
28. The Roman head is "different from all the beasts that were before it" in that it is the only Gentile entity that has two lives, so to speak.
29. That is why we call the kingdom of the Antichrist the Revived Roman Empire.
30. The ten horns of the beast are ten nations headed up by ten European rulers.
31. The ten horns precede the eleventh horn to political prominence (cf. Dan. 7:24 "‘As for the ten horns, out of his kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings (e.g., making him the 8^th; cf. Rev. 17:11)."
32. The diadems on the ten heads symbolize authority to rule (cf. Rev. 17:10).

Symbolism and Dynamic of the 7^th Phase (v.2)

VERSE 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard (kai. to. qhri,on o] ei=don h=n o[moion parda,lei [conj kai + art.w/noun nom.nt.s. therion beast + pro.acc.nt.s. ho which + aor.act.ind.1s. eidon see + imperf.act.ind. eimi "was" + adj.nom.nt.s. homoios like, resembling + noun dat.f.s. pardalis leopard, panther], and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion [kai. oi` po,dej auvtou/ w`j a;rkou kai. to. sto,ma auvtou/ w`j sto,ma le,ontoj [conj kai + art.w/noun nom.m.p. pous foot + pro.gen.nt.s. autos "his" + adv hos like + noun gen.f.s. arkos bear + conj kai + art.w/noun nom.nt.s. stoma mouth + pro.gen.nt.s. autos "his" + adv hos like + noun nom.nt.s. stoma mouth + noun gen.m.s. leon lion]).

And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority (kai. e;dwken auvtw/| o` dra,kwn th.n du,namin auvtou/ kai. to.n qro,non auvtou/ kai. evxousi,an mega,lhn [conj kai + aor.act.ind.3s. didomi give + pro.dat.nt.s. autos "him" + art.w/noun nom.m.s. drakon dragon + art.w/noun acc.f.s. dunamis power + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his" + conj kai + art.w/noun acc.m.s. thronos throne + conj kai + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his" + conj kai + noun acc.f.s. exousia authority + adj.acc.f.s. megas great]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 2

1. The body of the beast represents the body politic of each of the seven kingdoms/empires.
2. The symbolic description in line one of this verse reveals three characteristics of the Antichrist’s power base.
3. The portrayal of the Antichrist’s organization as a beast is suggestive of that which is dangerous and destructive and in need of removal (cf. Ezek. 34:28; Dan. 7:5-7, 11, 19, 23).
4. The beast John saw had the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion.
5. What are we to make of this symbolism as it relates to the prophetic seventh head?
6. In John’s day the sixth head was active and directing the body of the beast (e.g., SPQR or Rome).
7. The leopard is known for its speed, and this is what Alexander’s army was known for (cf. Dan. 8:5 for the speed of the male goat which was native to the rugged mountains of Macedonia).
8. Once again Alexander’s military forces will exhibit speed of attack during the tribulation when he elicits world-wide acclaim as a conqueror (cf. Rev. 13:4).
9. The feet or more particularly the front feet or claws of a bear are formidable parts of his deadly arsenal.
10. This also speaks to the Antichrist’s military effectiveness when the king of the west topples many nations.
11. The mouth of the lion suggests that the king of the west will make good on his threats.
12. Line two of this verse helps explain why this king of the west prospers so (cf. Dan. 11:36).
13. Because he honors "a god of fortresses" he will enjoy success.
14. Those who worship Satan directly are honored with power and wealth (cf. Dan. 11:38-39).
15. Jesus turned down Satan’s bonafide offer of the kingdoms of this world if He would fall down and worship the devil.
16. Like Alexander of old the modern Alexander will enjoy for a brief time great material and personal acclaim.
17. There is a system for men to join and be prospered by the god of this world; it is within the secret societies (ex. Masonry).
18. This second line suggests that the dragon puts all his energy and support behind the man of sin.
19. He grants this man "his power, his throne, and great authority."
20. It is not easy to quantify this but suffice to say the beast from the sea will have anything he wants on his way to eternal perdition.
21. Satan, the beast, and the false prophet constitute the unholy trinity!

The Beast’s Assassination and Resuscitation

(v.3)

VERSE 3 I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed (kai. mi,an evk tw/n kefalw/n auvtou/ w`j evsfagme,nhn eivj qa,naton( kai. h` plhgh. tou/ qana,tou auvtou/ evqerapeu,qh [conj kai + adj.acc.f.s. mia one + prep ek from, of + art.w/noun abl.f.p. kephale head + pro.gen.nt.s. autos his + conj hos as + perf.pass.part.acc.f.s. sphazo put to death by violence, kill, murder; slaughter (of animals) + prep eis + noun acc.m.s. thanatos death + conj kai + art.w/noun nom.f.s. plege stike, wound; plague + art.w/noun gen.m.s. thanatos death + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his" + aor.pass.ind.3s. therapeuo heal, cure]).

And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast (kai. evqauma,sqh o[lh h` gh/ ovpi,sw tou/ qhri,ou [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. thaumazo be astonished, marvel + adj.nom.f.s. holos whole, entire + art.w/noun nom.f.s. ge earth + prep opiso behind, after + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast]);

ANALYSIS: VERSE 3

1. John notices the healed wound on one of the seven heads.
2. He was able to determine that the wound had been fatal.
3. Based on what we know about the identity of the Antichrist we conclude that it was either head number five or head number seven that displayed the mortal wound.
4. Head number five represents the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great.
5. Alexander died under mysterious conditions at age 33 in Babylon.
6. Some say he died of wounds suffered in combat, others malaria, and still others that he was poisoned.
7. The fifth head seems an unlikely choice considering the focus throughout the chapter on the seventh head controlling the beast during the tribulation.
8. The seventh head would suggest an assassination of the leader most probably at some point early in his rise to prominence.
9. The language is clear that only one of the seven heads bore this conspicuous wound.
10. It reads literally, "And one (cardinal adjective) from among his heads as having been slain…"
11. The text goes on to indicate that the wound was a mortal wound: "and his blow/wound (plege) of death (or "deadly wound") was healed."
12. The healing of the wound of death clearly indicates a resuscitation of the person in view.
13. This then, would be the second resuscitation of the man represented by the seventh head.
14. His first occurring at the very outset of the tribulation as per Rev. 17:8 (cf. v.10).
15. In both cases the power behind the resuscitations is God, as only God can raise the dead.
16. The public assassination of the Antichrist early in his career would be undisputed by the world.
17. Shortly after, if not at the very scene of his murder, the corpse would undergo instant and complete reversal.
18. He would come to life with no visible evidence of the trauma just experienced.
19. Everything mentioned in line one of this verse indicates a wound resulting in death followed by a complete recovery.
20. Line two records the prophetic upshot of this event around the world.
21. The line reads literally: "And the whole world was amazed/awed after the beast."
22. The italics "and followed" is unfortunate and misleading.
23. The mental state of humanity is the subject of this line and not their political affiliation.
24. His superhuman qualities will never more be evident.
25. Yet all this is designed by God to feed the negative volition of the masses (cf. 2Thess. 2:11 "For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe the lie.").
26. Even before the formal establishment of his cult, he will have a world-wide fan base.
27. This event, as much as anything else will provide a major component in his mystique.
28. The propaganda behind his persona will never fail to mention his indestructibility.
29. The verb "amazed" is used numerous times of the mental state of those who witnesses Jesus’ miracles.
30. Not all followed Him, but all were ‘wowed-out’ at the power He wielded.
31. So it will be to peoples around the world who will see the video clip of the death and resuscitation of the beast.
32. Note that the term "beast" is used of both of the political organization he heads up as well as the man himself.
33. Out of this singular event arises a cult of unprecedented cult with followers from around the world as the next verse suggests.

Mantra of the Cult (v.4)

VERSE 4 they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast (kai. proseku,nhsan tw/| dra,konti( o[ti e;dwken th.n evxousi,an tw/| qhri,w| [conj kai + aor.act.ind.3p. proskuneo worship + art.w/noun dat.m.s. drakon dragon + subord conj hoti since (reason); aor.act.ind.3s. didomi give + art.w/noun acc.f.s. exousia authority + art.w/noun dat.nt.s. therion beast]; and they worshiped the beast, saying (kai. proseku,nhsan tw/| qhri,w| le,gontej [conj kai + aor.act.ind.3. proskuneo worship + art.w/noun dat.nt.s. therion beast + pres.act.part.nom.m.p. lego say], "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him [Ti,j o[moioj tw/| qhri,w| kai. ti,j du,natai polemh/sai metV auvtou/ [interrog tis who + adj.nom.m.s. homoios like + art.w/noun dat.nt.s. therion beast + conj kai + interrog pro tis who + pres.dep.ind.3s. dunamai be able, be capable of + aor.act.infin. polemeo make wage + prep meta with + pro.gen.m.s. autos him])?"

ANALYSIS: VERSE 4

1. The upshot of the miraculous healing of the wound of death is the acclaim the beast receives from around the world.
2. This acclaim is carried to the extreme of actual worship of the beast, namely his deification.
3. This worship is first an informal thing but soon develops into a full-blown cult of unprecedented proportions.
4. This becomes obvious later in the chapter.
5. The catalyst to this spectacle is the violent public death and resuscitation of this man.
6. It is obvious that this event occurs in the first half of the tribulation, probably fairly early on.
7. From the moment this man appears on the historical scene there is a period of wonder over his mysterious and dramatic appearance.
8. This being the result of his resurrection from the dead and his claims which in large part are true, as he is who he claims to be, namely Alexander the Great revisited.
9. Satan, who is not taken by surprise at his arrival, throws his full support behind Alexander’s in his rise to power.
10. The rapid evolution of the cult of Alexander has its devotees involved in satanic worship.
11. Probably there is face to face activity between Satan and the Antichrist.
12. The man himself actually worships Satan and none other (cf. Dan. 11:36-39).
13. The beast will accept the offer Jesus turned down in His final and third temptation at the end of the forty days (Lk. 4:5-7).
14. The result of his occult involvement with Satan, the man will enjoy the full support of his master, the devil (cf. Dan. 11:38).
15. This is the sense of the phrase "because he gave his authority to the beast."
16. This is why negative volition is so taken by this man and explains the fanaticism of his followers.
17. The dragon uses his considerable influence and power to prosper this man like no others before him.
18. The cosmos is drawn to anyone who is successful and the beast’s rising star will captivate all who fail to exercise good judgment.
19. As with Alexander of old this man will immediately commend himself to mankind with his military successes.
20. His success in the military conquest will be heads and shoulders above any who preceded him.
21. The mantra of those who follow him will be: "Who is like the beast, and who is able to make war with him?"
22. Once he achieves leadership of the ten nation confederation symbolized by the ten horns and the ten crowns, there will follow a series of military actions that will further vault his fame in the eyes of all who succumb to the strong delusion God sponsors against those who would prefer to believe the lie (2 Thess. 2:11 "For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe the lie.").
23. God supplies the two resuscitations and the dragon supplies the rest.
24. It is inconceivable that any person confined to the underworld could escape apart from divine permission, let alone inhabit a resurrected humanity that is fully functionable in a modern world.
25. Those who embrace the cult of the Antichrist will worship him and his image.
26. This idolatry will constitute pure and undiluted Satanism.
27. So both the dragon and his man will be the objects of world-wide devotion.
28. It will be interesting to learn the precise doctrines that form the rationale for this cult (i.e., the theology of it).
29. Will it mirror the concepts of the highest levels of masonry that reveals to those who reach that level that the real god is Lucifer?

His Oratorical Prowess in the 2^nd Half (v.5)

VERSE 5 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies (Kai. evdo,qh auvtw/| sto,ma lalou/n mega,la kai. blasfhmi,aj [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give + pro.dat.nt.s.s autos him + noun nom.nt.s. stoma mouth + pres.act.part.nom.nt.s. laleo speak, communicate + adj.acc.nt.p. megas great + conj kai + noun acc.f.p. blasphemia slander; blasphemy], and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him [kai. evdo,qh auvtw/| evxousi,a poih/sai mh/naj tessera,konta Îkai.Ð du,o [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give + pro.dat.nt.s. autos him + noun nom.f.s. exousia authority + aor.act.infin. poieo do; act + noun acc.m.p. men month + adj.acc.m.p. tesserakontan forty + conj kai + adj.acc.m.p. duo two]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 5

1. In this verse two things are granted the beast introduced by the repetition of the verb "given" (aor.pass.ind. didomi).
2. The first item is "a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies."
3. His oratorical skills come naturally but here we see an even greater manifestation of this function due to satanic possession.
4. Once Satan is cast down he will be able to concentrate his energies full time toward this man.
5. Satan possesses him at the midpoint of the tribulation in connection with the setting up of the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple.
6. It is at this point that the beast becomes Satan possessed.
7. This possession will continue until the defeat at Armageddon.
8. What comes out of his mouth is arrogance and slander with respect to the plan of God.
9. He will contradict all that is in accord with sound doctrine.
10. He will make claims for himself that are a part of the big lie.
11. His public speeches will be spectacular displays designed to energize people for or against him.
12. He will belittle the true faith and those who hold fast to it.
13. The second "was given" is something that God grants this man.
14. The forty-two months here refers to the last half of the tribulation.
15. In Rev. 11:2 the forty-two months refers to the first half of the tribulation when the temple inner courts are undefiled by Gentile trampling.
16. The inner sanctum will be defiled when the life-like idol is installed in the Most Holy Place.
17. The ability to function for a mere forty-two months is something that God alone would be the author of.
18. If Satan had his way the beast would "act" for allot longer.
19. God only permits this man to speak out against all that is true and righteous so it must be Satan who energies his speech must like God the Holy Spirit directing the words of a believer.
20. This verse views the beast’s career from the midpoint forward.
21. Since the totality of the tribulation is eighty-four months the only way this verse makes sense (i.e., not contradictory) is for the time reference to refer to the last half of the 70^th Week.
22. We know that the Antichrist will be operative for the whole seven year period (cf. Rev. 17:12).

Verbal Assault (v.6)

VERSE 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God (kai. h;noixen to. sto,ma auvtou/ eivj blasfhmi,aj pro.j to.n qeo,n [conj kai + aor.act.ind.3s. aniogo open + art.w/noun acc.nt.s. stoma mouth + pro.gen.nt.s. autos "his" + prep eis in, to the end + noun acc.f.p. blasphemia slander, reviling; blasphemy + prep pros with reference to + art.w/noun acc.m.s. theos God], to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven [blasfhmh/sai to. o;noma auvtou/ kai. th.n skhnh.n auvtou/( tou.j evn tw/| ouvranw/| skhnou/ntaj [aor.act.infin. blasphemeo + art.w/noun acc.nt.s. onoma name, reputation + noun gen.m.s. autos "his" + conj kai + art.w/noun acc.f.s. skene tent; fig. of heavenly dwelling place of God and His people + pro.gen.m.s. autos "His" + art.w/pres.act.part.acc.m.p. skenoo dwell (temporarily) + prep en in + art.w/noun loc.m.s. ouranos heaven (3^rd)]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 6

1. Verse 6 is an amplification of v. 5a, i.e., the blasphemous speech of the Beast.
2. The aorist tense of "he opened" is constative, viewing the career of the Beast in respect to this aspect of his sinful behavior from the midpoint of the Great Tribulation forward.
3. Obviously, blasphemy is not an incidental feature of the Beast’s evil activities.
4. As Satan’s mouthpiece, he utters the ultimate in unbelief and disrespect for God as he magnifies himself above all, claiming divine prerogatives (cf. 2Thess. 2:4 "who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as God.").
5. In this he fulfills the prophecy of Dan. 11:36-45.
6. "Blasphemies against God" are a elaboration of the "names of blasphemy" on the heads of the beast (v.1).
7. They receive here a further elaboration in the words "to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, those who dwell in heaven."
8. Satan speaking through the Man of Sin, directs his animosity toward the Creator bad-mouthing His name or reputation.
9. All aspects of the Person and Plan of God are held up to ridicule and disapprobation.
10. His attack on God takes the form of denial of His existence.
11. Or he attacks Him as the evil force that is trying to destroy the world.
12. He also attacks a certain class of believers as seen in the unusual phrase "His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven."
13. This phrase is the subject of various interpretations.
14. One view sees it as the angels who expelled the dragon from the heavens (12:7-9, 12).
15. In this case the dragon would have transferred his anger to the Beast.
16. The problem is why would this type of propaganda be of any value to the Beast who is trying to promote unbelief in his audiences?
17. He would have to admit his defeat and that is not logical.
18. Another view sees "those who dwell in heaven" as being the recently murdered tribulational saints.
19. Clearly they are in heaven but this view is problematic in that why is the Beast still so bitter against the dead, many of whom he was responsible for their demise.
20. A better explanation has the Rapture with its massive disappearance of believers and the emptying of specific graves as the solution.
21. After all, the disappearance of so many requires a denial of the truth on the part of the unbelieving cosmos.
22. Alien abduction would be a convenient explanation for the forces of darkness.
23. Also, the disappearance of these saints corresponds with the Beast’s spectacular and supernatural appearance of earth.
24. Satan knows that Christ and the Church will soon return to the earth and so he seeks to debunk these things.
25. Now to the question of why are believers referred to as God’s "tabernacle."
26. Both the noun "tabernacle" and the verb "dwell" are cognates.
27. The nuance of the term is that of a temporary resident of a place.
28. The original tabernacle was designed as a physical entity in which God would dwell among His people (cf. Ex. 25:8 "Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.").
29. We know that the stones of the temple is a type of the believers who make up the building of God (1Pet. 2:5 "you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.").
30. The completed and glorified Church in heaven would be a target of satanic propaganda.
31. Satan feels the needs to debunk the doctrine of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ with His Bride.
32. So the Beast attacks God and His people the only way left to him, namely a verbal campaign conducted by an expert orator.

War against the Saints (v.7)

VERSE 7 It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them (kai. evdo,qh auvtw/| poih/sai po,lemon meta. tw/n a`gi,wn kai. nikh/sai auvtou,j [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give, grant + pro.dat.nt.s. autos "him" + aor.act.infin. poieo make + noun acc.m.s. polemos war, campaign + prep meta with + art.w/adj.gen.m.p. hagios holy; saint + conj kai + aor.act.infin. nikao be victorious + pro.acc.m.p. autos "them"], and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give; "was given" + pro.dat.nt.s. autos "him" + noun nom.f.s. exousia authority + prep epi over + adj.acc.f.s. pas all, every + noun acc.f.s. phule tribe + conj kai + noun acc.m.s. laos people + conj kai + noun acc.f.s. glossa tongue, language + conj kai + noun acc.nt.s. ethnos nation]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 7

1. The Beast’s domination over humans becomes explicit.
2. Repetition of an previous statement about the Beast’s conflict with the two witnesses (11:7) speaks to his engagement with believers living on earth during the balance of the tribulation.
3. He is frustrated in his attack on the Woman in her places of refuge (12:13-16).
4. He likewise conducts a fruitless campaign against the 144,000 or what is dubbed "the rest of her seed" in Rev. 12:17.
5. But in this verse the prophecy has to do with believers living in the tribulation during the last half of the period.
6. Making war refers to his police state tactics in those countries he which he asserts his military dominance.
7. Making war and overcoming the saints are the same prophetically as in Dan. 7:21, 23 where this dismal prospect is counterbalance by Dan. 7:22 (also Dan. 11:35).
8. Overcoming the saints in this case refers to the mass genocide and martyrdom of believers in the tribulation (cf. 13:15), specifically those who refuse to take the Mark of the Beast.
9. The use of nikao is ironic here because in the end they are the real victors (cf. 12:11).
10. Under the permissive will the Beast proceeds to attack militarily other nations and enjoys considerable success throughout the tribulation.
11. He does not conquer the entire world as is evident from the Russian attack on Israel soon into the 2^nd half of the tribulation (Ezek. 38 & 39).
12. He certainly does not bring the kings of the east into his world dominion.
13. The last part of this verse should not be taken to mean "all" in the sense of "every."
14. It is "all" in the sense of those countries he overthrows (cf. Dan. 11:38-44).
15. He will exercise dictatorial sway over those nations he progressively invades and conquers during the seven years.
16. His supernatural persona notwithstanding, the governments around the world will not join enter his rule without a fight.
17. He will begin with Europe and move into the Middle East.
18. His final stand will have him moving into the Holy Land due to enemies on the march (Dan. 11:44 "But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many.").
19. There is a belief among prophecy students that this man will accomplish what no other has every accomplished, and that is the conquest of the entire world.
20. Verses like the one cited above contradict this viewpoint.
21. Sometimes "all" does not mean "every."

Cult of the Beast (vv. 8-10)

World-Wide Allegiance (v.8)

VERSE 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him (kai. proskunh,sousin auvto.n pa,ntej oi` katoikou/ntej evpi. th/j gh/j [conj kai + fut.act.ind.3p. proskuneo worship + pro.acc.m.s. autos him + adj.nom.m.p. pas all + art.w/pres.act.part.nom.m.p. katoikeo dwell + prep epi on + art.w/noun gen.f.s. ge earth], everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain [ou- ouv ge,graptai to. o;noma auvtou/ evn tw/| bibli,w| th/j zwh/j tou/ avrni,ou tou/ evsfagme,nou avpo. katabolh/j ko,smou [pro.gen.m.s. hos who "whose" + neg ou not + perf.pass.ind.3s. grapho write + art.w/noun nom.nt.s. onoma name + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his" + prep en in + art.w/noun loc.nt.s. biblion book, scroll + art.w/noun gen.f.s. zoe life + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. arnion lamb + art.w/perf.pass.part.gen.nt.s. sphazo slaughter, slay; metaph. of Jesus’ atoning death + prep apo from, out from + noun gen.f.s. katabole foundation, beginning + noun gen.m.s. kosmos]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 8

1. The perspective changes as there is a change from the use of past tenses to the future tense.
2. This prophecy anticipates the world-wide success the Beast will have in garnering worship of his person.
3. The limiting factor will be the refusal of millions of believers who will refuse to line up with state coerced obedience to the cult of the Antichrist.
4. Some will worship him enthusiastically and others will worship him to avoid the consequences of non compliance.
5. Since the Antichrist will not bring into his orbit all nations, it follows that those peoples will cling to their ancestral deities.
6. We know idolatry will continue to exist long into the tribulation even though the Beast will suppress all faiths (cf. Rev. 9:21 after the sixth trumpet judgment).
7. The masculine pronoun auton ("him") confirms the conclusion that the Beast is a person as well as a kingdom (cf. v.1).
8. With the neuter therion ("beast") as the antecedent of the pronoun, grammatical agreement would have called for a neuter pronoun, but the text has the masculine form because the agent (i.e. the beast) of the dragon is a living king.
9. Also, a masculine relative pronoun hos ("who") in 13:14, referring to the same beast, is additional verification of his humanity.
10. The words "all who dwell on the earth" reintroduces the earth-dwellers into the scene.
11. They have appeared at 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10 [2x] and will play a role in the last days (cf. 13:14 [2x]; 17:8.
12. The hardness of men’s hearts results in their rejection of the evidence of God’s purposes culminating in the advent of the Lamb and their embracing of the big lie.
13. The addition of pantes ("all") to the usual technical expression brings out the universality of beast worship during the era.
14. A further characteristic of the earth-dwellers is the absence of their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
15. The negation of the perfect tense ("are…written") emphasizes a permanent state of affairs.
16. The Lamb’s Book of Life is a register of the names of all believers through the ages of human history.
17. This record existed before the physical creation.
18. In fact, it has always existed.
19. It is the record of God’s eternal foreknowledge with respect to who would come to saving faith.
20. God eternally knew who would make the salvation adjustment and conversely who would not (cf. Rom. 8:29; 1Pet. 1:2; cp. Rom. 11:2; 1Pet. 1:20).
21. The Book of Life of the Lamb contains the names of all who possess eternal life based on faith in Christ (cf. Phil. 4:2; Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27).
22. It is not to be confused with the record of all humanity.
23. When an unbeliever dies his name is erased from this book (Ps. 69:28; "book of the living").
24. It is impossible to imagine that David was praying for something that was a doctrinal absurdity in Psalm 69!
25. David’s imprecation was directed towards those within the community who were impostures, that is, who were non believers.
26. Which book is Moses referring to in Ex. 32:32?
27. Moses is probably referring to the book of eternal salvation.
28. His plea is if God will not forgive the great sin associated with ‘operation golden calf" then he could just as easily be erased from the book of salvation.
29. Apparently the Exodus Generation was forgiven this sin as they came under the rebound adjustment.
30. When all is said and done the names written in the book of eternal salvation (e.g., Lamb’s Book of Life) will match the names remaining in the book of human existence.
31. In Revelation the Lamb is the preferred title to the victor over the Beast, which is this man’s preferred title in Revelation.
32. In chapter 5 He is the only one qualified to open the seals (5:6,8,12) and is the one appointed to redeem men (5:9).
33. In chapter 6, men hide themselves from His wrath (6:16).
34. In chapter 7, His blood has cleansing power (7:14) and He receives worship as God (7:10).
35. In chapter 19, it is His marriage that is celebrated (19:7,9, and in chapter 21, He illumines the city of God (21:14,23).
36. "The Lamb who has been slain" identifies him with the slain Lamb of 5:6.
37. The phrase "from the foundation of the world" occurs six other times in the NT: Matt. 11:35; 25:34; Lk. 11:50; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; Rev. 17:8.
38. As with a similar expression "before the foundation of the world" (cf. Jn. 17:24; Eph. 1:4; 1Pet. 1:20) "world" cannot be limited to the beginning of human history, but must refer to the founding of the whole universe, since planet earth had its beginning at the same moment as the greater universe.
39. Some take the phrase "from the foundation of the world" with its closest phrase which is "the Lamb who has been slain."
40. This presents Christ’s work as something foreknown and predestined in the eternal purposes of God, which is true.
41. But in Rev. 17:8 the same finite verb ("written") and the same phrase must have a direct connection because the verse has no statement about the Lamb and His work on the cross.
42. Connecting the statement about names not being recorded in the Book of Life with "from the foundation of the world" makes better sense.
43. It advances the argument that continues through 13:10 by implying that the elect who refrain from the worship of the Beast have what gives them final victory even though they suffer at the hands of the Beast.
44. This was made possible because the Lamb suffered for sins on their behalf, and their names cannot be removed from the record documenting eternal security.
45. The fact the names of unbelievers are not found in the Book of Life tells us that this is not the same record as the one containing the names of all humanity for all time.
46. This verse all tells us that the record containing the names of believers was from eternity past.
47. A believer’s name is not written down at the point of the salvation adjustment, but has been a part of this record from before the creation of the universe.
48. This record is based on divine foreknowledge.
49. There is another record that contains the names of all humanity.
50. Names are blotted out of it when unbelievers pass into the afterlife.
51. This is based on the interpretation of Psalm 69:28 noted above.
52. Believers’ names cannot be erased from the Book of Life of the Lamb because of the doctrine of eternal security.

A Word of Orientation for Believers (vv. 9-19).

VERSE 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear (Ei; tij e;cei ou=j avkousa,tw [conditional particle; if + pro.indef.nom.m.s. tis anyone, someone + pres.act.ind.3s. echo have + noun acc.nt.s. ous ear + aor.act.imper.3s. akouo hear]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 9

1. The prophecy is interrupted as this point for a direct word to believers regarding their orientation during these difficult times.
2. The charge to hear does not refer to what precedes in verses 1-8 (as in Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mk. 4:9, 23; Lk. 8:8; 14:35) but rather to what follows it in verse 10.
3. It is prospective rather than retrospective.
4. This calls differs from those in chapters 2-3 of Revelation (cf. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22), only in the fact that here the omission "to the churches" is apropos since the church is destined to be preserved away from the scene of misery.
5. The call in verse 9 to hear what follows in verse 10 is presented to a future body of believers.
6. In verse 10 they are told what their response should be in the face of the horrific treatment at the hands of the Beast.
7. The use of the familiar saying to pay attention in verse 9 is followed by a proverbial saying intended to provide support and orientation for believers living under the genocide of the Beast.

Call to Orient to Suffering (v.10)

VERSE 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes (ei; tij eivj aivcmalwsi,an( eivj aivcmalwsi,an u`pa,gei [conditional conj ei if + indef.pro.nom.m.s. tis any(one) + prep eis into, to + noun acc.f.s. aschmalosia captivity + prep eis into, to + noun acc.f.s. aschmalosia captivity + pres.act.ind.3s. huago lead; "he goes"]; if anyone kills with the sword, [it is necessary for] him to be killed with the sword [ei; tij evn macai,rh| avpoktanqh/nai auvto.n evn macai,rh| avpoktanqh/nai [conditional part ei if + indef.pro.nom.m.s. tis any(one) + prep en in; "with" + noun instr.f.s. machaira sword + aor.pass.infin. apokteino kill + pro.acc.m.s. autos the same; "him" + prep en in; "with" + noun instr.f.s. machaira sword + aor.pass.infin. apokteino kill]).

Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints (_Wde, evstin h` u`pomonh. kai. h` pi,stij tw/n a`gi,wn [adv hode here + pres.act.ind.3s. eimi is + art.w/noun nom.f.s. hupomone endurance, perseverance + conj kai + art.w/noun nom.f.s. pistis faith + art.w/adj.gen.m.p. hagios saint]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 10

1. Several very different approaches have been taken to the interpretation of this verse.
2. Corrected translation: "if anyone is [destined] for captivity, into captivity he goes; if anyone is to be killed by the sword [it is necessary for] him to be killed by the sword."
3. This proposed translation brings out the intended meaning of the original in the present context dealing with believers in the tribulation, not their persecutors.
4. Some take it as a warning of divine retribution to persecutors.
5. This has the indirect effect of providing encouragement to the saints living in the tribulation.
6. This also serves to warn the persecutors (cf. 13:5; 16:6; etc.).
7. This line of reasoning does not harmonize with the immediate context.
8. These words are addressed to believers, not to persecutors as this view proposes.
9. Verse 9 seems a most unlikely way to introduce a threat.
10. The main support for this view is the OT scripture John alludes to, namely Jer. 15:2 and 43:11, verses that affirm the downfall of sinners.
11. Here John uses license to assign Jeremiah’s words a different or opposite sense in which they were used in the OT.
12. A second interpretation of v. 10 see it as addressing saints encouraging readiness for destined sufferings and warning them not to retaliate against the Beast.
13. This view takes the first protasis-apodosis of v. 10 as supporting the duty of resignation and of the second protasis-apodosis as suggesting the law of human requital.
14. This view rests on a weak textual reading that takes the verb "must be killed" as a future "will kill" instead of the well supported reading "to be killed" (infinitive).
15. A third view has v. 10 as warning the saints of the impending persecution by the Beast and urging them to submit to it.
16. The verse contains no reference to their engaging in any form of resistance.
17. It stresses the inevitability of persecution and martyrdom for the faithful.
18. This interpretation fits well with the exhortation to hear in v.9.
19. It also fits with the call to endurance in v. 10.
20. It tells the adjusted to recognize that the actions of the false christ have been decreed by God as indicated by the fourfold use of "it was granted to him" (13:5,7,14,15) in this chapter.
21. This meaning coincides with the emphasis on divine providence in the Jeremiah passages to which John alludes (cf. Jer. 15:2; 43:11).
22. The emphasis in the chapter on the success of the Beast over the saints leaves little room for any other meaning except an directive to accept captivity and death as part of their allotment of sufferings.
23. The last line in v. 10 cites the qualities needed to finish Ph 2 in good order.
24. The adverb "here" focuses on the attitude of submission to the inevitable.
25. Here and in 14:12 this word draws attention on endurance, but in 13:18 and 17:9 the word introduces acquiring wisdom in order to excel in the angelic conflict.
26. The idea of inevitability implies the primacy of God’s will in the life of every believer promoting the ultimate good and blessing of the community of positive volition in terms of eternal reward.
27. "Endurance" is the overt outlook of John and his contemporaries under suffering in the angelic conflict (cf. Rev. 1:9).
28. The churches of Ephesus, Thyatira, and Philadelphia received commendation for their perseverance as well (Rev. 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10).
29. Endurance is a Christian virtue necessary to running and finishing the race being set before us under face to face teaching.
30. "Faith" here is faith in its active sense which looks beyond the present form of things to the final outcome when the Beast is destroyed and the righteous inherit the kingdom.
31. Faith is fueled by BD or wisdom which tells these saints what they need to know in order to overcome the enemy.
32. These believers must recognize that in spite of the Beast’s power and success, he has only a short time.
33. Knowledge of this and other factors leading to the vindication of the elect will enable believers to endure the most horrific sufferings in order to gain eternal approbation.

The False Prophet out of the Land (v. 11-18)

VERSE 11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth (Kai. ei=don a;llo qhri,on avnabai/non evk th/j gh/j [conj kai + aor.act.ind.1s. eidon saw + adj.acc.nt.s. allos another (same kind) + noun acc.nt.s. therion beast + pres.act.part.acc.nt.s. anabaino ascend + prep ek from + art.w/noun abl.f.s. ge earth; land]; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon [kai. ei=cen ke,rata du,o o[moia avrni,w| kai. evla,lei w`j dra,kwn [conj kai + imperf.act.ind.3s. echo have + noun acc.nt.p. keras horn + adj.acc.nt.p. duo two + adj.acc.nt.p. hmoios resembling + noun dat.nt.s. arnion lamb; diminutive of arnon sheep + conj kai + imperf.act.ind.3s. laleo speak, communicate + conj hos as, like + noun nom.m.s. drakon dragon]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 13

1. The introductory "and I saw" marks a new scene of the vision beginning in 12:1, one that brings a new beast to John’s attention.
2. This beast ascends out of the earth rather than out of the sea and plays a secondary role to the beast arising from the sea.
3. In the minds of the ancients, none of the terrestrial beasts/animals could compare in magnitude with monsters from the deep, so coming out of the earth in itself suggests a degree of inferiority to the first beast.
4. He is in the same category as the first beast as seen in the adjective "another" or "another of the same kind."
5. His supporting role as will be demonstrated in the verses that follow is that of a religious leader, hence his title of "false prophet" mentioned later in the book (cf. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).
6. His likeness to a lamb indicates spiritual deception as over against the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, featured in this book.
7. This individual is not to be confused with the "many false prophets" of the last days spoken of by Jesus in His Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:24), as one of the signs of the end.
8. A view that has its antecedents all the way back to Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Victorinus, is that this beast is the henchman of the first beast or the Antichrist.
9. All of chapter 13 is a parody with its counterfeit trinity, death and resurrection.
10. So this beast has an outwardly pious image as suggested in the lamb imagery.
11. Like the two prophets of God in chapter 11, this man performs great signs, stands before the one he represents (11:4; 13:12), has special power over fire (11:5; 13:13), has connection with resurrection (11:11; 13:14-15), convinces men of their superior’s supreme power (11:5-6; 13;17), and directs men to worship the one they promote (11:13; 13:15).
12. It is apparent that this second beast heads up an organized system that is religious in nature, albeit demonic and occultic.
13. To fulfill his role he will most probably be a Jew.
14. He will garner accreditation through the signs and wonders Satan enables him to perform (2Thess. 2:9).
15. The Lamb in 5:7 has seven horns, but this beast has only two horns.
16. This likeness to a lamb points to the humble and gentle nature of the true Lamb of God.
17. His outward persona is that of a typical religious person.
18. But his speech betrays this persona as noted in the words "and spoke as a dragon."
19. While this man’s mannerisms come off as humble, his words are satanic (cf. Matt. 7:15; wolf in sheep’s clothing).
20. "Dragon", though anarthrous, undoubtedly refers to the personality featured in chapter 12 (cf. 13:2).
21. When he speaks his manner contrast to the fierce blasphemy of the first beast (13:6), but the content is the same.
22. He will exhibit a much less arrogant tone, but the things he espouse will be every bit as much destructive to those who buy into his satanic doctrine.

His Role as Implementer (v.12)

VERSE 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence (kai. th.n evxousi,an tou/ prw,tou qhri,ou pa/san poiei/ evnw,pion auvtou/ [conj kai + art.w/noun acc.f.s. ekousia authority + art.w/adj.gen.nt.s protos first + noun gen.nt.s. therion beast + adj.acc.f.s. pas all + pres.act.ind.3s. poieo do; "exercises" + prep enopion in the presence + pro.gen.nt.s. autos his], and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed [kai. poiei/ th.n gh/n kai. tou.j evn auvth/| katoikou/ntaj i[na proskunh,sousin to. qhri,on to. prw/ton( ou- evqerapeu,qh h` plhgh. tou/ qana,tou auvtou/ [conj kai + pres.act.ind.3s. poieo do, make, cause + art.w/noun acc.f.s. ge earth + conj kai + art.w/pres.act.part.acc.m.p. katiokeo settle down, dwell + prep en in + pro.loc.f.s. autos it + conj hina that (goal) + fut.act.ind.3p. proskuneo worship + art.w/noun acc.nt.s. therion beast + art.w/adj.acc.nt.s. protos first + pro.gen.nt.s. hos who + aor.pass.ind.3s. therapeuo heal + art.w/noun nom.f.s. plege wound + art.w/noun gen.m.s. thanatos death + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his"]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 12

1. Beast #2 is the implementer of the first beast’s cult.
2. The words "he exercises all the authority of the first beast" anticipate the formulation and execution of the 666 regime with all its horrors.
3. The verb "exercises" (poieo) occurs 5x in verses 12, 13, and 16 in reference to the 2^nd beast’s actions.
4. Four of the five use of poieo are "dramatic" uses of the present tense to emphasize the habitual practice of this beast in doing all the things related to the cult of the false Christ.
5. This individual will exercise authority to enforce worship; produce great signs and wonders, including bringing fire down out of heaven, and cause people to take the mark of initiation.
6. He will be the head of the propaganda ministry as well as the massive genocide against believers residing in the domains of the Antichrist.
7. The first beast places full confidence in the second beast intrusting him with his authority.
8. This man is second in command in the kingdom of the Beast.
9. The first beast handles the military endeavors and the second beast the implementation of the cult.
10. The first beast has oversight of the second’s activities, as seen in the words "in his presence."
11. It is comparable to the relationship between Moses and Aaron (cf. Ex. 4:16; 7:9), and between the Lord and Elijah (cf. 1Kgs. 17:1).
12. Their association is intimate.
13. They will be seen together on a regular basis on the dais.
14. This second beast will be a very accomplished individual in his own right.
15. The primal exercise of his authority is to bring men to worship the first beast as God.
16. The goal beginning with the ten nations that make up the first beast’s confederacy is to compel all humanity to worship the beast from the abyss.
17. The expression "the earth and those who dwell in it" is a Hebrew figure of speech denoting redundancy (pleonasm).
18. This phrase must be taken in the wider biblical context thus allowing for exceptions.
19. The goal is to bring all humanity into the Luciferian cult of the Antichrist.
20. In other words, to bring mankind to a place where the only faith is the faith that the man of sin embraces, out and out worship of Lucifer.
21. Those who refuse are rounded up, placed in camps and executed if they do not submit to the satanic initiation.
22. All other faiths will be declared illegitimate.
23. The exceptions include the 144,000, the Jews in exile, believers who survive the tribulation and people not brought into the Beast’s political sphere.
24. So while the language may be taken to include every last person, we know this is not the case.
25. For the masses at large the most visceral aspect of the false prophet’s propaganda is the miraculous recovery of the first beast.
26. This event orchestrated by God and milked for all it’s worth will be the foremost pillar in the propaganda blitz of these two agents of deception.
27. This will counterfeit the reason believers worship the Lamb, His resurrection from the dead (cf. Acts 17:30-31).
28. The healing of the beast will ape the resurrection of Jesus Christ visible scars and all.
29. The healed wound on the head of the beast (v. 3) equals the wound on the man who heads up the RRE (vv. 12,14).
30. Very early in his seven year career the first beast will suffer death at the hand of an assassin, to rise and live again.
31. God will heal him and leave a physical reminder to test humanity as to whether they will believe the lie or what the Bible says.
32. Two clear-cut choices confront the human race.
33. The truth as to the beast’s true identity will be broadcast around the world do to the ministry of the two witnesses as well as angelic pronouncements.

Deceptive Signs (v.13)

VERSE 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men (kai. poiei/ shmei/a mega,la( i[na kai. pu/r poih/| evk tou/ ouvranou/ katabai,nein eivj th.n gh/n evnw,pion tw/n avnqrw,pwn [conj kai + pres.act.ind.3s. poieo do, perform + noun acc.nt.p. semeion sign + adj.acc.nt.p. megas great + conj hina so that + conj kai even + noun acc.nt.s. pur fire + pres.act.subj.3s. poieo make, do + prep ek from + art.w/noun abl.m.s. ouranos heaven + pres.act.infin. katabaino descend, come down + prep eis in + art.w/noun acc.f.s. ge earth + prep enopion in sight/presence + art.w/noun gen.m.p. anthropos man]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 13

1. Exploits of the second beast include "great signs."
2. In his gospel, John generally employs the combination "I do signs" to designate the miracle of Christ, but Jesus warned that counterfeit signs would accompany the arrival of false Christs (Matt. 24:24-25), thus deceiving many in the last days.
3. These counterfeit signs parody the genuine signs as a part of Satan’s plan to authenticate the false messiah through his pseudo-prophet (cf. 2Thess. 2:9 "the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, will all power and signs and false wonders")
4. These pseudo miracles will be designed to win over men to the biggest con of all.
5. The efforts of the second beast will far outstrip what the Egyptian magicians did (e.g., Ex. 7:10-12) or what Simon Magus in Acts was able to do.
6. These will be genuine miracles not mere skill in trickery or pyrotechnics.
7. These signs will be carried out by unseen entities, that is, demons.
8. They will be of such a kind as to even deceive the elect (Matt. 24:24).
9. Again, believers will have a heads-up on all this just as we do from the study of Scripture.
10. This beast’s sign-producing authority even extends to the calling fire down out of heaven.
11. John and his brother James had asked Jesus permission to wield this power (Lk. 9:54), but were refused.
12. The parallel to Elijah and the two witnesses is obvious.
13. This miracle will be designed to counter the calling down of fire from heaven to destroy would-be attackers sent to kill the two witnesses.

Predictable Result (v.14)

VERSE 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast (kai. plana/| tou.j katoikou/ntaj evpi. th/j gh/j dia. ta. shmei/a a] evdo,qh auvtw/| poih/sai evnw,pion tou/ qhri,ou [conj kai + pres.act.ind.3s. planao lead astray, deceive + art.w/pres.act.part.acc.m.p. katoikeo settle down, dwell + prep epi on + art.w/noun gen.f.s. ge earth + prep dia because + art.w/noun acc.nt.p. semeion sign + pro.nom.nt.p. ho which + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give, grant + pro.dat.nt.s. autos him + aor.act.infin. poieo do, perform + prep enopion in the presence of + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast]), telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life [le,gwn toi/j katoikou/sin evpi. th/j gh/j poih/sai eivko,na tw/| qhri,w|( o]j e;cei th.n plhgh.n th/j macai,rhj kai. e;zhsen [pres.act.part.nom.m.s. lego say; "telling" + art.w/pres.act.part.dat.m.p. katoikeo dwell + prep epi on + art.w/noun gen.f.s. ge earth + noun acc.f.s. eikon image, embodiment + art.w/noun dat.nt.s. therion beast + pro.nom.m.s. hos who + pres.act.ind.3s. echo have + art.w/noun acc.f.s. plege wound + art.w/noun gen.f.s. machaira sword; weapon + conj kai + aor.act.ind.3s. zao live]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 14

1. Mass deception will take place under the direction of the second beast (cf. Matt. 24:24).
2. The signs performed by beast will deceive negative volition around the world.
3. The signs will be used to advance the cult of the Antichrist to the point where men idol worship will come to pass.
4. The verb "he deceives" is frequent in John’s writings in connection with false worship (2:20; 12:9; 18:23; 19:20; 20:3, 8, 10; 1Jn. 2:26; 3:7).
5. The verb planao is a dramatic present portraying the same repetitive action as poieo in verse 12.
6. This man will keep on fooling negative volition into believing the big lie.
7. The victims of these pseudo signs and miracles are designated by the semi technical phrase "those who dwell upon the earth."
8. This phrase occurs 9x in Revelation (3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10 [2x]; 13:14 [2x]; 17:2, 8).
9. The doing of these signs "before the beast" means two things: (a) the 2^nd beast has the full approval of the 1^st beast, and (b) the signs are performed with the 1^st beast in attendance at the rallies.
10. A state sponsored directive comes into play brings the cult full circle.
11. "Telling" is the practical equivalent of "commanding" as the directive is not optional.
12. The substance of the command is to construct an image to the first beast.
13. It is not enough that posters of the beast are seen all around his domains but now the subjects are told "to make an image to the beast" for the purpose of establishing state sponsored idolatry.
14. In John’s day emperor worship was featured in temples around the empire.
15. For instance the cities of Asia, Pergamum in particular has such a temple.
16. Its design will be state sponsored utilizing the most advanced knowledge available.
17. The next verse describes the unprecedented nature of this image or idol.
18. The directive "telling" is not a call to fashion some run of the mill idol or icon.
19. The command is not carried out by the usual artisans.
20. This directive does not result in the usual plethora of statutes.
21. This, as the next verse makes clear, is one image that is in a class by itself.
22. All of this will come to pass soon after the resuscitation of the Beast.
23. This propaganda and the signs will deceive "those who dwell on the earth" to do something they would not do under normal circumstances.
24. That something, is fanatical worship of a living human being as God.
25. The resurrection language here is an inspired interpretation of verses 3 and 12.
26. The paranormal or signs seduces negative volition or sets them up to take the big step of out-and-out idolatry.
27. The propaganda and sloganeering will serve to cement humanity to full blown idolatry and Satanism.
28. More vital to the cult than the fact of who the Beast is, is the event that results in his resuscitation.
29. The miracle of the Beast’s return to life from a deadly wound will be incontrovertible proof to negative volition that this man is invincible as worthy of unquestioned devotion.
30. He will possess many other features that will draw the flesh to him.
31. His miraculous recovery will be the thing that unites his followers.

The Ultimate Idol (v.15)

VERSE 15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast (kai. evdo,qh auvtw/| dou/nai pneu/ma th/| eivko,ni tou/ qhri,ou [conj kai + aor.pass.ind.3s. didomi give + pro.dat.m.s. autos him + aor.act.infin. didomi give + noun acc.nt.s. pneuma spirit, breath, life + art.w/noun dat.f.s. eikon image, form + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast], so that the image of the beast would even speak [i[na kai. lalh,sh| h` eivkw.n tou/ qhri,ou [conj hina so that + conj kai even, also + aor.act.subj.3s. laleo speak, communicate + art.w/noun nom.f.s. eikon image] and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed [kai. poih,sh| Îi[naÐ o[soi eva.n mh. proskunh,swsin th/| eivko,ni tou/ qhri,ou avpoktanqw/sin [conj kai + conj hina so that + pro.nom.m.p. hosos as many as + part ean + neg. me; expresses a negative condition + aor.act.subj.3p. proskuneo worship + art.w/noun dat.f.s. eikon image + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast + aor.pass.subj.3p. apokteino kill]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 15

1. Functioning under the permissive will of God the second beast will direct the creation of a real flesh and blood humanoid, a biologically and genetically cloned entity "created" by man under the authority of the false prophet.
2. Guessing as what this might turn out to be there is a possibility that the image could be a combined robotic humanoid entity.
3. Advanced demon enhanced technology using advanced stem cells to grow a humanoid minus a living soul.
4. With the completion of the genome project the technology is out there.
5. About the human genome project go to www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human Genome/project/about.shtml
6. The project goals is to "identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA, determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up the DNA, store this information in databases, improve tools for data analysis, transfer related technologies to the private sector, and address the ethical, legal and social issues that may arise from the project", according to the government web site.
7. The web page states "Another important feature of the project was the federal government’s long-standing dedication to the transfer of technology to the private sector. By licensing technologies to private companies and awarding grants for innovative research, the project catalyzed the multibillion-dollar U.S. biotechnology industry and fostered the development of new medical applications."
8. This site defines a genome as follows: "A genome is all the DNA in an organism, including its genes. Genes carry information for making all the proteins required by all organisms. These proteins determine, among other things, how the organism looks, how well its body metabolizes food or fights infection, and sometimes even how it behaves."
9. "DNA is made up of four similar chemicals (called bases and abbreviated A, T, C, and G) that are repeated millions or billions of times throughout a genome. The human genome, for example, has 3 billion pairs of bases."
10. "The particular order of As, Ts, Cs, and Gs is extremely important. The order underlies all of life's diversity, even dictating whether an organism is human or another species such as yeast, rice, or fruit fly, all of which have their own genomes and are themselves the focus of genome projects. Because all organisms are related through similarities in DNA sequences, insights gained from nonhuman genomes often lead to new knowledge about human biology."
11. The end product will be so spectacular and ‘miraculous’ that it will provide plausible evidence to negative volition that man is godlike since he created a representation of the god-man, Alexander.
12. This image will not be a "computer image" which is no miracle.
13. This image, commission by the false prophet (cf. v.14) and inspired by Satan, will be one of kind, totally unlike anything that precedes it.
14. This biological-occult technology is probably already under the control of occult technocrats within the New World Order.
15. The pseudo-life breathed into this man-made entity comes via the second beast and his connection to the satanic hierarchy.
16. It would appear that a mortal man could not do this apart from supernatural assistance wedded to advanced science.
17. One of the main things that will be accomplished will be the counterfeiting of the creation of human life by God in Gen. 2:7.
18. This replication of the first beast by the second beast will be touted as proof-positive that mankind has attained the final stage of evolutionary development!
19. This sign will support the new age Luciferian doctrine promoting the goal of moving beyond homo sapiens to homo noeticus, of which the Antichrist is the prototype.
20. When this image begins its career the humanoid will look exactly like the first beast.
21. In other words, the two will, by all outward appearances look like identical twins!
22. The humanoid type image will breathe and talk (does not say it will move around).
23. It will retain all known knowledge, including the personal data on human beings taken from the official computer records.
24. This "person" or humanoid will see to it that all who do not worship the first beast are arrested and executed.
25. How could a regular image or a computer-type image "cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed"?
26. The inauguration of this image apparently comes when it is set up in the temple in Jerusalem (Dan. 12:11; Matt. 24:15).
27. God permits this monster to come into existence as per "it was granted to him (2^nd beast) to give breath to the image."
28. The second beast will be the ‘mad scientist’ who with demonic aid, mimic the "breath of life" of Genesis.
29. This is not trickery or clairvoyance.
30. How exactly the image will "cause as many as would not worship the beast to be killed" is not told us.
31. In other words, what part does this humanoid have in the actual process of killing those who will not take the mark and worship the image?
32. Once this humanoid receives life, counterfeiting the creation of man in Gen. 2:7, he can speak, and somehow cause people to be killed.
33. In order to speak one needs to breathe.
34. Intelligent speech requires information in the brain-computer.
35. The human brain utilizes a small percentage of its capacity.
36. Idols are typically lifeless entities made of rock, wood or metal.
37. Those living in the tribulation will be amazed at the dynamics of this idol.
38. But when it is all said and done, it is just an artifice of man’s evil making.

Mark of the Beast (vv. 16-18)

VERSE 16 And he causes all, the small and the great (kai. poiei/ pa,ntaj( tou.j mikrou.j kai. tou.j mega,louj [conj kai + pres.act.ind.3s. poieo make, do, cause + adj.acc.m.p. pas all + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. mikros small + conj kai + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. megas great], and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves [conj kai + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. plousios rich + conj kai + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. ptochos poor + conj kai + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. eleutheros free + conj kai + art.w/adj.acc.m.p. doulos slave], to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead [i[na dw/sin auvtoi/j ca,ragma evpi. th/j ceiro.j auvtw/n th/j dexia/j h' evpi. to. me,twpon auvtw/ [conj hina so that + aor.act.subj.3p. didomi give + pro.dat.m.p. autos "their" + noun acc.nt.s. charagma mark + prep epi upon + art.w/noun gen.f.s. cheir hand + pro.gen.m.p. autos "their"+ art.w/adj.gen.f.s. dexios right + conj e or + prep epi upon + art.w/noun acc.nt.s. metopon forehead; only in Revelation: 7:3; 9:4; 13:16; 14:1,9; 17:5; 20:4; 22:4; majority of times in the genitive but several times in the accusative case; when a plural it is genitive; when singular, accusative + pro.gen.m.p. autos "their]),

ANALYSIS: VERSE 16

1. Verses 16 & 17 have as its subject the humanoid introduced in verse 15.
2. The idol possessing human-like intelligence is, according to verse 15, the entity that can both speak and cause people to be killed if they refuse to worship the creature.
3. This "creature" is a product of advanced human science overseen by the second beast who is connected with the paranormal (e.g. the demonic).
4. Back in verse 12 we learned that the second beast "exercises all the authority [or power] of the first beast."
5. Verse 16 is a continuation of the things the super idol does.
6. The opening statement of verse 15 is the last direct reference to what the second beast does, and that is "to give breath to the image of the beast."
7. Once this entity is functional this humanoid proceeds via its programming to carry out specific functions on behalf of the second beast who serves the first beast who in turn serves the dragon.
8. He breathes, speaks and causes the death of many.
9. Additionally, he institutes a system of mandatory mass identification via a mark on the right hand or forehead obligating men to worship the first beast.
10. This biological-mechanical clone will have incredible powers far surpassing the talents of the most gifted human.
11. This is because of the mechanical component and the resultant programming of this creature with the world’s data banks.
12. The humanoid adds the obligation of receiving a mark (presumably an invisible 666 numeric prefix) associated with the first beast.
13. Every human will be required by law on the pain of death to receive this mark.
14. The words "he causes" has as its subject the super humanoid.
15. The fact it breathes and speaks rules out a mere super computer like the one in Brussels dubbed "the beast."
16. When this entity is brought "on-line" it will have downloaded all the information available at that time.
17. The image will be operational when it is set up in the Most Holy Place of the Temple at the mid-point of the tribulation.
18. This image may or may not be operative prior to this.
19. Certainly the machinery to catalogue and prosecute dissenters will be instituted during those early years.
20. The earliest victims of this tyranny are seen under the 5^th seal which is opened late into the first half of the tribulation (cf. Rev. 6:9-11).
21. The words "both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave" indicates universal mandatory compliance.
22. It mandates that all civic ranks comply or else as noted in the words "the small and the great."
23. These classes are ranked according to wealth, "the rich and the poor," and according to civil rights, "the free and the slaves."
24. Individuals with wealth and power will not be permitted to opt out of the system.
25. All will be treated as friends or foes of the beast accordingly.
26. This mark, like the image that authorizes it, represents the most advanced state of personal identification.
27. Personal privacy will be virtually non-existent.
28. Everything about a person will be written on each chip including one’s whereabouts 24-7.
29. Those who refuse to receive the mark will be arrested and taken to death camps.
30. This is the first decree of the image is the mandatory marking of all who come into the orbit of the first beast’s conquests.
31. The mark also denotes ownership as was branding of slaves throughout history.
32. Satan mimics the sealing of the 144,000 (cf. Rev. 7:3; 9:4; 14:1; cp. 22:4).
33. This mark/tattoo will probably not be visible to the naked eye, but will definitely be scanable.
34. If a person is missing a right hand it will be placed on the forehead.
35. Perhaps people have a choice.
36. In Rev. 20:4 "and" connects the two areas on the human body because that verse speaks to those who received the mark in neither place.
37. Wherever people conduct business there will be scanners able to determine such routine things as buying or selling as the next verse demonstrates.

A Second Directive (v.17)

VERSE 17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell (kai. i[na mh, tij du,nhtai avgora,sai h' pwlh/sai [conj kai + conj hoti that + neg me + pro.nom.m.s. tis one + pres.dep.subj.3s. dunamai be able + aor.act.infin. agorazo buy + conj e or + aor.act.inf. poleo sell], except the one who has the mark [eiv mh. o` e;cwn to. ca,ragma [part ei if + neg me "except" + art.w/pres.act.part.nom.m.s. echo have + art.w/noun acc.nt.s. charagma mark], either the name of the beast or the number of his name [to. o;noma tou/ qhri,ou h' to.n avriqmo.n tou/ ovno,matoj auvtou/ [art.w/noun acc.nt.s. onoma name + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast + conj e or + art.w/noun acc.m.s. arithmos number + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. onoma name + pro.gen.m.s. autos "his"]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 17

1. A second directive emanating from the humanoid (programmed) requires that no one can transact commerce apart from the implanted chip/mark.
2. This is the second explicit mention of economic hardship in Revelation.
3. The first is in connection with the third seal.
4. Under this seal people living in the nations ruled by the beast suffer scarcity as a result of the economic fallout when America goes down.
5. This, however, is an artificial tool imposed to punish those who refuse to comply with the requirement of the tyranny for universal compliance to the directive of verse 16.
6. Idolatry is tied to economic survival as additional pressure upon God’s people.
7. Employment and the purchase of necessities is tied to having or not having the mark.
8. Until such time as individuals are arrested believers must suffer hardship with respect to the getting of basic living grace for themselves and their families.
9. Believers who have businesses will lose their means of livelihood and those who are employed will lose their jobs.
10. The mark contains either the name or the number of the first beast.
11. "The name" stands in apposition to "the mark" signifying that the mark consists of the name "or" the number of the Beast.
12. The equivalency here means that as a name it is written in letters, but as a number it is written in numbers adding up to the numbers in the name.
13. The name is the name the first beast will called as the leader.
14. Whatever name he is referred to by the peoples is a name that is equivalent to 666.
15. In summary, the mark consists of a name which is represented either by letters or numbers which somehow add up to 666.
16. By contrast overcomers in Philadelphia are promised as a part of Ph 3 sanctification that the name of God and the New Jerusalem would be inscribed on them (Rev. 3:12).
17. This is a token of ownership.
18. Here it is a blatant expression of adherence to the worship of Lucifer and his christ.

Sanctified Cabalism (v.18)

VERSE 18 Here is wisdom (_Wde h` sofi,a evsti,n [adv hode here + pres.act.ind.3s. eimi is + art.w/noun nom.f.s. sophia wisdom]).

Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast [o` e;cwn nou/n yhfisa,tw to.n avriqmo.n tou/ qhri,ou [art.w/pres.act.part.nom.m.s. echo have + noun acc.m.s. nous mind, intellect, awarness; "understanding" + aor.act.imper.3s. psephizo calculate (with pebbles), count up, add up; 2x: Lk. 14:28 + art./noun acc.m.s. arithmos number; sum + art.w/noun gen.nt.s. therion beast], for the number is that of a man [avriqmo.j ga.r avnqrw,pou evsti,n [noun nom.m.s. arithmos number + conj gar for + noun gen.m.s. anthropos man + pres.act.ind.3s. eimi is]; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six [kai. o` avriqmo.j auvtou/ e`xako,sioi e`xh,konta e[x [conj kai + art.w/noun nom.m.s. arithmos number + pro.gen.nt.s. autos "his" + adj.nom.m.p. exadosioi six hundred + adj.nom.m.p. exekonta sixty + adj.nom.m.p. hex six]).

ANALYSIS: VERSE 18

1. Now we come to the questions involving the infamous 666.
2. John momentarily drops his role as seer and becomes, in a manner of speaking a cabalist speaking in riddles (Moffat).
3. Verse 10 has a similar "here" to introduce a formulaic saying.
4. Here and in 17:9, the adverb ("here") anticipates what follows, but in 13:10 and 14:12, it refers to what follows.
5. This verse supplies the reader who possesses spiritual moxy (intelligence) with a clue as to the identity of the first beast.
6. The noun sophia ("wisdom") is attributed to anyone who has the skill to solve the riddle of the Beast’s name or title (cf. Dan. 9:22).
7. This is not the same as the spiritual gift of wisdom granted to believers living during the apostolic era (cf. 1Cor. 12:8) but along with the noun nous ("understanding") the special intelligence granted to believers contemporaneous with the false christ.
8. Believers who a serious students of prophecy will be granted the ability to unravel the mystery of the number.
9. Dan. 12:10 speaks of this special understanding as well.
10. The way to attain this wisdom or understanding is by calculating/counting.
11. He "who has understanding" refers to a positive believer who in his spiritual journey is granted the wherewithal to "calculate the number."
12. The verb "calculate" (psephizo) comes from the practice of using pebbles (Gk. psephos) to keep track of whatever is being numbered.
13. Here we have a command to "count" with the intention of matching the number 666 with the letters in a man’s name.
14. This unfamiliar technique called gematria comes into play here.
15. In ancient times, letters of the alphabet served as numbers.
16. The first nine letters stood for the numbers one through nine, and the next nine letters for the numbers ten through ninety, and so on.
17. Every name yielded a riddle telling us something about the individual.
18. For example in the Sibylline Oracles 1.324-29 has the number of the name Jesus (Iesous) as 888.
19. While it is true that 666 has a secondary implication regarding human limitation (e.g., one short of seven the number of perfection), its primary meaning will be to assist believers to recognize the false christ when he is revealed.
20. The conjunction "for" offers the reason for making the calculation.
21. It is because it is the number of a mortal man, and not a God-man.
22. The words "it is a number of a man" draws the conclusion that this is a mysterious hint about the man whose name adds up to 666.
23. Only when the Antichrist’s name is revealed will it be possible to fulfill the command to "calculate the number."