Revelation (Written)

Monday, 29 March 2021

Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. Revelation 13:18

The previous verse referred to the mark, “and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” With that, John now says, “Here is wisdom.” The Greek reads, “Here is the wisdom.” It is a particular wisdom that is set forth.

The words have several possible meanings. The first is that of calling for wisdom, just as John did in Revelation 13:10 when he said, “Here is the patience of the saints.” There, it is “calling for” patience. In this interpretation, it would mean that a special wisdom would be needed to determine what will next be said.

Another possibility is that it is saying there is a special wisdom that has been demonstrated in the laying out of what will next be expressed. That wisdom then calls for those with understanding to pay heed.

Other lesser likely possibilities have been suggested for the meaning. The most normal interpretation would be the first option, wisdom is necessary in order to determine what John is conveying. However, an obvious problem with that is that unless that wisdom is a “simple” wisdom, meaning that anyone can readily understand it, then it will not be attainable to the “simple.” In other words, it says in Proverbs 9:10 –

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

The words of the proverb reveal a “simple” wisdom. Anyone can do it. It doesn’t take a textbook and years of study to grasp what is plainly stated – “Fear the Lord and you will be wise.” Those who do not have understanding will take the mark, not knowing to refuse it

If it is a simple wisdom, it is something that anyone can readily understand and be warned about. Thus, a highly intelligent person may know the meaning and still take the mark because he has no wisdom. But a person simple in the head, but who is wise towards the Lord will demonstrate “the wisdom” and not take the mark. With that considered, John next says, “Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast.”

This follows the same theme as the proverb just cited. The first clause spoke of the beginning of wisdom. The second refers to knowledge of the Holy One being understanding. The two thoughts are parallel. The same is probably the case here. The understanding is displayed in calculating the number of the beast.

The word translated as “calculate” is used only in Luke 14:28 and here. It comes from a root meaning to use pebbles in enumeration. Thus, it is to count or to add up. In the commentary of the previous verse, the study of gematria was referred to. That is where a specific value is assigned to each letter of an alphabet. From there, the total is added up. For example, it was noted that the gematria of Jesus in Greek (the language of the New Testament) is 888.

This same method of gematria is probably what is being referred to. Eight is the number of superabundance. It is also the starting of a new series of numbers. In this, one could say “new beginnings,” because seven is the number of completion and rest. EW Bullinger shows that six in Scripture is “the “number of imperfection; the human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ.”

With this in mind, John next says, “for it is the number of a man.” This actually aligns perfectly with Bullinger’s commentary on biblical numbers. This is dealing with a man and not a “god.” He bears imperfection and he is without God. Thus, he is set in opposition to Jesus. The verse says that this is the number of the beast, but the beast is represented by a man.

A question arises which is left open to speculation though. Is this “beast” the beast out of the sea, or is it the beast out of the earth? In verse 13:15, it says, “He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.”

The word “he” that opens the verse is referring to the beast out of the earth. The words then refer to the image of the beast. That is referring to the beast out of the sea, led by the antichrist. However, if the “image” of the beast is simply a copying of the system set forth by the antichrist, then the words now refer to the beast out of the earth (led by the false prophet) and not the beast out of the sea (led by the antichrist). Verse 13:16 continues referring to the beast out of the earth – “He causes all.”

Either way, the number is that of a man. John finishes the verse and the chapter with “His number is 666.” This may be the most studied, debated, misused, and twisted set of words in the entire Bible. People who don’t even believe in the truth of the Bible seem to find themselves drawn in by them. From the earliest days after John received Revelation, people have tried to fit someone they don’t like, or some contemporary ruler, into the number of this man.

In order to find fulfillment of the verse at the time of John, people have attempted to align the number with the emperor Nero. In doing this, one must spell his name wrong and convert his name to Hebrew (which makes no sense as the New Testament is written in Greek). Or as an option, they will use the number 616, not 666.

In order to substantiate this as valid they use a variation in manuscripts that has the number 616 instead of 666. However, the overall consensus of manuscripts, and of ancient commentaries on this number, clearly state that the correct number is 666. But in order to justify that the antichrist was Nero, someone changed a manuscript after calculating the number.

This view is popular with replacement theologians, because it then places the events of Revelation in the first century AD, and it means that the church has replaced Israel. This is not sound. Nero wasn’t the antichrist and only a foolish attempt at biblical interpretation could come to this conclusion.

Another habit of those desperate to solve the mystery is to convert one’s own language, such as English, into gematria and then “solve” the mystery of the number. Again, this is unsound. The Bible was not written in English. Such manipulations of the intent of the words in this verse are always popular, but they are not theologically sound.

Countless attempts have been made to match this number with many other world leaders for the past two thousand years. But this approach is actually pointless for Christians, because Paul explains in 2 Thessalonians 2 that this man, be it the antichrist or the false prophet, won’t be revealed until the Day of the Lord. This period will only begin after the rapture of the church –

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4

A few things we can know from this verse –

1) The wise will be able to understand who this person is when he is finally revealed.
2) The number requires a sort of calculation that can be understood from a biblical perspective.
3) It is the number of a man.

Life application: It is exciting to try to figure out what John is saying in this verse because people want to be the ones with the secret “wisdom” that nobody else possesses – “Everyone else has been wrong. I am right. I am the man of wisdom.” In order to demonstrate that wisdom, they then show themselves unwise.

Until this person is revealed during the tribulation period, we can only make guesses as to who this person is. Should we be wrong, as so many have been throughout the ages, we only bring discredit upon ourselves, and we give those who look for reasons to dismiss the Bible abundant reason to mock Christianity.

The best approach concerning the number is to not spend an inordinate amount of time on it, but rather direct our attention to the greatness of Jesus, the true Christ. Save your money and don’t buy the book. Save your time and don’t watch the video. Don’t waste your effort and attempt to show yourself wise. The number will be understandable at the time when this man is revealed. If you want wisdom now, fear the Lord, seek after God as He has presented Himself, and call out for His Gift of life and restoration. Call out for JESUS!

Lord Jesus, Your word asks us to fix our thoughts and eyes on You. Help us to remember this and to not get sidetracked by hype and sensationalism – especially over things that are hidden until the time they are to be revealed. You alone are worthy of our devotion and praise, so help us to remember this as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.

Sunday, 28 March 2021

and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:17

For context, the verse should be taken with the previous verse –

“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, ¹⁷ and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

“He” is referring to the beast out of the earth. Or it may refer to the leader of this beast if it is the false prophet to be introduced later. Either way, he has the authority and power to cause all people under his authority to receive a mark on the right hand or the forehead. This mark is to be an identifier so “that no one may buy or sell” without the mark of the beast.

In past ages, there was always a way of getting around such things. However, with the advent of digital money, along with all of the other advances in digital selling, accounting, inventory keeping, and so on, such a scenario seems not only possible, but likely. Government has become more than a controlling factor in the lives of people. Rather, it has become an all-controlling overload. Freedom is a word that no longer has the same meaning it did even a short time ago.

For those under the scope of the authority of the beast, they will either take the mark or they will be completely unable to buy or sell anything. As buying and selling includes pretty much every aspect of physical human existence, it means that life will become almost completely impossible without taking this mark.

As this commentary is typed (the year 2021), test cases for such a system are actively in the works. The world of 2020 faced a supposed biological crisis with the COVID-19 sniffles. Entire economies have been placed into varied levels of lockdown, and certain rights and privileges have been granted to those who obediently have taken a vaccine. For those who have not, privileges have been denied, and threats and accusations have come against them from associates, friends, and even family members.

One can see that if such a scenario is extended to total authority over the people, how quickly those with the mark will rat out those who refuse it. When the mark is mandated, all general commerce will cease without the explicit approval of this beast. As John says, “except one who has the mark or the name of the beast.”

There is a variation in some manuscripts –

except one who has the mark or the name of the beast (NKJV)
unless he had the mark—the name of the beast (BSB)

The word “or” would mean they are different things. Without the “or,” the second clause would define the first. The latter seems more likely. The mark is an identifier on the person that carries the name of the beast as a mark of approval. Having this identifier means a rejection of any other system, and a complete allegiance to the authority of the beast. Whether the scope of this particular beast is worldwide, or only in the land of Israel is debatable. Yet, the beast’s total authority is not in question. Each person will be marked with the name of the beast, “or the number of his name.”

The meaning of this is open to endless speculation. The actual number will be given in the next verse, but what relation the number is to the name is currently unknown. One possibility is the assignment of numbers to a name based on the characters of the alphabet. This is known as gematria.

In gematria, a specific value is assigned to each letter. From there, the total is added up. The name of Jesus in Greek gematria is, interestingly, 888. A second-century writing says the following, confirming the use of gematria –

“He will come upon earth clothed with flesh like mortal men. His name contains four vowels and two consonants: two of the former being sounded together. And I will declare the entire number. For the name will exhibit to incredulous men eight units, eight tens, and eight hundreds.”

Gematria is one possibility of what the number of the beast is. However, there are innumerable other ways of coming up with a particular number. As the beast is future to us now, as its name is unknown, and as the means of determining the numerical value of the name is unclear at this time, speculation on what the number is could go on and on – and it does. But each speculation is just that, speculation.

Life application: Jesus’ words of Matthew 10 will take on a whole new context in the tribulation period. Not only will people shun one another over the name of Jesus, but they will probably be rewarded for betraying those who refuse the mark of the beast. He said –

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; ³⁶ and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ ³⁷ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. ³⁸ And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. ³⁹ He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:34-39

Regardless of whether the mark of the beast is visible or tangible or not, it will represent an allegiance to the beast. It will be based on a vow of allegiance and a mental assertion that this is the only right way. Because this beast is filled with the power of Satan and because it will perform false signs, vowing allegiance to it is the same as making a vow to Satan.

As the world already falls under the devil’s sway, this vow merely solidifies what is already true – that those who make this vow have no part in the promises of God; they can never be saved. This will become evident in the chapters ahead.

If such a vow of allegiance is refused, it will, in essence, lead to death from starvation. At a minimum, it would lead to a network of crime simply to feed oneself. Those who refuse the mark are destined for terrible times, but if they hold fast to the end by refusing to show allegiance to the beast, then they can be saved.

It is important to note that this type of system has never been fulfilled in past history, and therefore it can only mean that these verses are speaking of the future. Only a view of Scripture that says that there is still a plan and a purpose for Israel after the rapture of the church makes any sense.

In order to deny this, verses must be “spiritualized” to such an extent that their meaning and context actually say nothing worthwhile at all. But when looked at through the lens of God’s promises to the people of Israel from the Old Testament as coming to fulfillment at a future date, the entire scenario not only retains sense, but the Bible comes into clarity of focus. God has not rejected His people Israel, but before Jesus returns to them, many difficult times and many hard choices will have to be made.

For all who are wise, they will – right now – pay heed. They will turn their hearts towards God’s Gift of grace and mercy. They will turn to JESUS.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the great abundance and blessing You provide to the people You have created. You open Your hand and fill us with good things. Your grace is evident with each meal we eat. Thank You for Your kindness and for the many blessings you provide each day. Amen.

Saturday, 27 March 2021

He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, Revelation 13:16

This is still referring to the beast out of the earth introduced in 13:11. This is an entity with two seats of power (two horns) that has the same influence over it (meaning the devil) that the beast out of the sea has. The constant question since the introduction of this beast is, “What is the scope of its authority?” Is it limited to the land of Israel? Is it a worldwide religious entity? At our point of looking forward, it is impossible to be dogmatic.

However, this beast deceives the people under its authority, and it will take total control over their lives. As John next says, “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave.”

Generally, the term “all” is simply a superlative. If the Bible says, “all Jerusalem,” as in Matthew 2:3, it doesn’t mean “each and every.” It simply means, “all in general.” This is often true throughout Scripture. However, by defining “all” with all of the various categories seen in this verse, it is a way of explicitly saying “each and every.” By stating different categories in polar opposites the verse leaves no exception for any class – “small and great,” “rich and poor,” “free and slave.” Nobody is exempt. All people under the authority of this beast will be required “to receive a mark.” Those who do not will be considered enemies to be dealt with.

Concerning the word “mark,” in Greek it is charagma. It is generally a literal, visible mark. The word is found once in Acts 17:29 when referring to a thing graven by art. It is then found seven more times in Revelation. It is a brand-mark that provides “undeniable identification,” or an “irrefutable connection between parties” (HELPS Word Studies).

All people under the authority of this beast will be branded “on their right hand or on their foreheads.” The word epi, or on, is used. The KJV translates this as “in,” thus giving an incorrect sense of what is being conveyed. This will be a branding of some sort as means of identifying with the beast.

It is of note that the same general terminology is found in Exodus 13 –

“And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. … It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:11, 12 & 16

Both Exodus 13:16 and Revelation 13:16 use the same terminology – the sign is on the hand and on the forehead. This numerical parallel appears purposeful. The identification in Exodus ultimately anticipates the coming Messiah, Jesus, and is thus an identification with Him.

The place between the eyes mentioned in Exodus is the forehead. In the Bible, the forehead is the place of conscience and identification. Therefore, this symbolizes that a person is to set his mind on the law of the Lord. In the New Testament, it is reflective of what Paul says to the Colossians –

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1, 2

Therefore, the people of Israel were to mentally acknowledge the Lord by thinking on His law and of His handiwork in everything they do. In contrast to this, the mark of the beast on the right hand or on the forehead of those in the tribulation period signifies an acknowledgment of the work and lordship of the devil which is followed by their obedience to him.

They have acknowledged him and have taken either a vow, represented by the right hand, or an oath of assertion, represented by the forehead, to the antichrist. The mark may be visible, but it represents the setting apart of the individual to the devil. This is all the more poignant because Israel, during the tribulation, is fulfilling the final seven years of the law (Daniel 9:27). As this is so, they are to be in compliance with the law. However, Leviticus 19 says –

“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:28

Therefore, if this mark is visible, it would be a direct violation of the very law Israel has placed itself under. Considering this mark, whether visible or not, the reader is taken back to Chapter 7 and the sealing of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. They were sealed and set apart to God.

In Chapter 14, that sealing is then described as the name of the Lamb’s Father written on their foreheads (14:1). These are then said to be “redeemed from the earth” (14:3). Thus, they are set in contrast to “those who dwell on the earth” of verse 13:14. Because of all of these internal clues since verse 13:11, it very well may be that this beast “out of the earth” is solely dealing with Israel. This may not be the case, but it is a definite possibility.

Life application: In Ezekiel 9:4, a “mark” is placed on the forehead of the faithful of the city of Jerusalem before the unfaithful were executed –

“Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

This mark in Ezekiel certainly wasn’t visible, but it was a symbolic representation of those people belonging to the Lord. They had lived their lives for Him and He would protect them during the slaughter.

Surprisingly, the “mark” in Ezekiel is the word tav. The word tav is the 22^nd letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet and originally was formed in the shape of a cross. The passage is saying, as is revealed at other times in the Old Testament, that the cross is the saving mark of the faithful – looking forward to the work of Jesus Christ.

Because of these patterns and analogies, the “mark of the beast” is probably an acknowledgment of allegiance. The right hand is used for making vows and oaths. The forehead (the spot where one’s brains are) is where the mental assertion for our actions is made. Whether visible or not for those in the end times, this mark will be a vow of allegiance which comes about by the mental assertion that the beast is due worship – something only the Creator is due. Therefore, this indicates a rejection of God and an allegiance with the devil.

This condition of obedience to the state is already being worked out in the world. Digital money, vaccines for normal life and travel, and so on, are all a part of the ability of the government to control its citizens. Eventually, total obedience will be demanded. Those who do not comply will have difficult choices to make.

Whether this beast out of the earth is only in the land of Israel or not, it is going to be patterned after the beast out of the sea. As this is so, it is an indication that the same control over the people under that beast already exists. Hence, now is the time to get right with the Lord. It is time to identify with Him and to make the necessary proclamation that you will follow God’s Christ. It is time to accept JESUS.

Lord, only You are due our total obedience, worship, and praise. Nothing else in all creation is worthy of this. May we be willing to demonstrate this fact with our lives. Give us the courage to stand and proclaim You no matter what test or trial we face. May we be strong and resolute in our proclamation and allegiance to You. Amen.

Friday, 26 March 2021

He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. Revelation 13:15

The previous verse referred to the “image to the beast” that was wounded by the sword and lived. As noted, the preposition “to” could actually be “of,” “for,” and so on. Translators will choose their translation of such words based on how they perceive what is being conveyed. The word “of” is likely what is actually being conveyed. With that in mind, it now says of this beast out of the earth that “He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast.”

The assumption set forth is that this beast (the one out of the sea of verse 13:1) is an alliance of nations that had one nation (one head) seemingly mortally wounded. However, its wound (military, financial, by pestilence, or whatever) appears to be miraculously healed. Because of the amazing turnaround of events for the beast, the beast out of the earth will follow the mold of the beast out of the sea.

As an example, to understand what might be conveyed here, we currently see the EU as an alliance of nations. If one of the nations of the EU were to have a seemingly mortal wound (economical, biological, military, etc.) and the nation were to revive, it would be an indication that this type of unity (represented by the beast here in Revelation) would be worth emulating as it has an underlying strength to heals its own problems.

The beast out of the earth may then develop an “image” or model patterned after this type of arrangement. The word “breath” can also mean “spirit” or “life.” Each of these translations is possible and the final decision is left to the individual translator. In other words, the supposed context viewed by the translator allows any of these options.

To give “life” to this image isn’t necessarily to breathe the breath of life into it as God did to Adam. Instead, it would mean to animate it in the same way the beast upon which it was patterned is animated; to make it a fully functioning organization. In this capacity, John then says, “that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.”

The beast out of the earth sees the ability of the beast out of the sea to heal, even when one of its heads appears to have died. It is a governmental structure worth emulating, and so an image, a replica of its structure, is made. In forming this image, this new government is given powers. This would refer to the authority to issue edicts and proclamations just like any governmental organization.

To “cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” then refers to its ability to enforce its edicts and proclamations with the power it has solidified. Whether this is a localized beast in Israel, or a worldwide beast, its structure will be based on the same type of organization as that of the beast out of the sea. There will be a military/religious state constructed which will only tolerate absolute obedience. It will be something like Nazi Germany on steroids, and it will be terrifying for those who won’t bow the knee to its evil ways.

Life application: Again, as has been repeatedly stated, the events here are future, and so all that is stated here is speculation. The only way to look forward with any reasonable analysis of what is coming is to look back on words and phrases that have been seen previously in Scripture and try to determine what John is seeing in relation to that.

Various options are given here because the size and scope of what is coming is completely unknown. This is because the word translated as “earth” can refer to the land of Israel specifically, to the inhabitants of the earth, or to the physical world. To be dogmatic about what lies ahead is presumptuous.

What is coming will be understood as the fulfillment of these prophecies by those who see it. This is certain, based on what is said in verse 13:18. The one who is wise will see and understand.

Until then, it is the responsibility of Christians to spread the gospel. It is the one avenue to being spared from the disastrous calamities that are coming upon the people of the world. The only hope is for them to call out now for salvation. The only hope is to call out for JESUS.

Lord, time and again we have seen nations demand absolute obedience from those who are under their scope of authority. This is because we reject You and try to do things our own way. Help us to remember that You alone are worthy of our worship, and if we reject this, we bring great calamity on ourselves. Amen.

Thursday, 25 March 2021

And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. Revelation 13:14

The words here are still referring to the beast out of the earth that had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. This beast:

*Exercises all the authority of the first beast.
*Causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast.
*Performs signs, even making fire come down from heaven.

John continues referring to this beast, saying, “And he deceives those who dwell on the earth.” In verse 13:12, it referred to those who dwell “in” the earth. Here it speaks of those who dwell “on” the earth. The difference may not be important, or it may have significance. As noted in verse 12, the word earth can mean various things, even speaking of those who live in the land of Israel. Here, the word “on” may be used to speak of those who are carnal or worldly-minded. This would provide a reason for the change in preposition. This would then follow logically with Jesus’ words of Matthew 24 (a passage speaking of the tribulation period) –

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:23, 24

Jesus didn’t say the elect would be deceived, but only “if possible.” However, those with worldly mindsets (if this is what changing to the preposition meaning “on” is signifying) are said to be deceived by this beast. They are deceived “by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast.”

The signs are the “great signs” referred to in the previous verse and which include causing fire to come down from heaven. Remembering from verse 11 that this second beast is probably a religious organizational structure with two heads (horns). The beast has deceived those who will accept its false religion. The elect of Matthew 24 will see through the deception though. For those whom this second beast deceives, it is “telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image.”

Here, the word translated as “telling” is masculine in Greek, making some determine that this must be speaking of a man. But this does not necessarily follow. The masculine was used in verse 13:8 when referring to the beast there. Thus, it can be simply a means of personification. Or this could be referring to a man who stands as the leader of the beast out of the earth, just as the antichrist stands as the leader of the beast out of the sea.

Again, the preposition “on” is used. This makes it seem probable that it is defining a category of people. As noted, it may refer to the non-elect, or worldly-minded. These people are told to make an image. The word “image” is described by Vincent’s Word Studies –

“Εἰκών is a figure or likeness. Thus Matthew 22:20, of the likeness of Caesar on the coin. Romans 1:24, an image of men, birds, beasts, etc. Colossians 3:10, ‘the image of Him that created him;’ i.e., the moral likeness of renewed men to God. Christ is called the image of God (Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Besides the idea of likeness, the word involves the idea of representation, though not of perfect representation. Thus, man is said to be the image of God (1 Corinthians 11:7). In this it resembles χαρακτήρ image in Hebrews 1:3. Caesar’s image on the coin, the reflection of the sun in the water (Plato, ‘Phaedo,’ 99); and the statue or image of the beast in this passage, are εἰκών.”

With this in mind, this beast out of the earth (maybe the land of Israel, or maybe a religious body, and made up of two leaders who appear to have the best interest of the people in mind) is telling those who dwell on the earth (the worldly-minded) to make an image. If one of the horns of this beast is the high priest in the reestablished temple (as suggested as a possibility in verse 13:11), the use of this word “image” would be especially important. The reason is that the temple service involves the final seven years of Daniel’s “seventy sevens.” It is a seven-year period granted to Israel while still under the Law of Moses. But what does the second of the Ten Commandments, which are the basis for the Law of Moses, say? It is found in Exodus 20:4 –

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;”

The Hebrew signifies an idol or image. Based on the word’s root, the implication is that it is hewn or carved. And so, the meaning of “image” here in Revelation is necessary to determine if this is a violation of the second command or not. The word translated as “image” is found ten times in Revelation. It is seen four times in this chapter and then again in 14:9, 14:11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, and 20:4.

Again, and again, it is used in connection with the term “beast” and the word “worship.” Therefore, it is a strong indication that whatever the image is, it is an idol. However, what type of idol (carved or otherwise) is not stated. Possibilities will be looked at in verse 13:15. The word translated as “make” in this verse is widely translated. It signifies to make, or to do. Therefore, and regardless of this, the image is made by those who dwell on the earth “to the beast.”

In this, the Greek reads, “make image the beast.” What this means can be debated as well. It can signify “to” the beast, “of” the beast, “for” the beast, “in honor of” the beast, etc. Even the word “image” is given a more specific translation at times, such as “statue.” As you can see, what the translators already believe is how they will make their translation.

The word probably signifies “of” because it seems to fit best with what is coming. It also seems to fit the modern world context. The false prophet has seen the beast have one of its heads receive a mortal wound and yet it recovered. As previously analyzed, it was noted that this was probably a nation within an alliance that will receive a severe wound (militarily, by pestilence, economically, or whatever). It will be so severe that it seemed that nation was dead, but it came back to life. As John says to complete the verse, “who was wounded by the sword and lived.”

The first beast had a head (a nation within its organizational structure) that was wounded so severely it was thought it was a goner, and yet it came back as if from the dead. The second beast out of the earth (Israel? A religious body?) with the two horns like a lamb (seemingly caring rulers) will see this and will deceive the people on the earth (the worldly-minded) and cause them to make an image of that first beast.

Life application: The analyses provided of these future events are almost wholly speculation. The main points of consideration – such as a beast, a head, a horn, and a diadem – can be reasonably interpreted based on past depictions (such as from the book of Daniel). However, there is a point where a particular analysis must become pure speculation. Until the present meets up with the future, these things will remain obscure.

Therefore, to be dogmatic about an interpretation is not smart. Any interpretation is speculative.

The main thought here is that if the head of the first beast could survive as it did, then it is obviously a pattern worth emulating. This then will be a worldwide system based on this pattern – a system which will be able to control not just a coalition of countries, but inclusive of Israel. Jesus’ words to the people of Israel of Matthew 24 were speaking of events in their future, at a time under law. But those who have come to Him will not be under law. They will have entered their rest, as referred to in Hebrews 4.

For those now in the dispensation of grace, the way to be kept from this time of trial coming upon the whole earth is to accept God’s provision as found in the gospel. God sent His Son, he did the work, and God asks us to believe. Let us do so today. Let us put our faith in JESUS.

Lord God, when the events of Revelation come to pass, they will fulfill Your prophecy perfectly. Only after these things occur will it be seen clearly. Until then, help us to be alert and on guard against the wiles of the devil. Give us wisdom in determining Your will for our lives. Thank You for hearing our prayer. Amen.