This chapter continues the action presented in chapter 12. The Dragon, who had totally failed in his attempts to destroy both the man child and the woman, becomes extremely enraged, and goes forth to make war with, "... the remnant of her seed", as stated in 12:17. This becomes the major theme of chapter 13.

In this chapter however, the mode of the Dragon's action changes. Rather than personally leading the effort as in chapter 12, his throne, power and authority are to be transferred to another party; identified in this chapter as the Beast. This is the same entity to which we were first introduced in chapter 11, and which was seen there as rising out of the bottomless pit.

The terms "beast", or "first beast" are used in this chapter, to identify the one who controls the body of the creature (the kingdom) which ascends out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. As with the Dragon of chapter 12, the heads and horns represent the power base from which this person will operate.

While the bodily characteristics of the Dragon and the Beast are quite different (the serpent and the leopard); the context of verse 2 indicates that there is, in reality, only one kingdom between them (the one whose dominion is transferred). The dominion transferred is that of the spiritual Kingdom of Darkness, which will be manifested through a physical kingdom of the earth.

The common thread shared by the dragon and the beast, is the seven heads and ten horns. In chapter 12, there are crowns upon the seven heads. In chapter 13, the crowns are seen upon the ten horns. This indicates a shift of power within the Dragon's base of operation.

The crowns here, as with the Dragon in chapter 12, are royal or authoritative crowns; not the honorary crowns such as worn by the woman of chapter 12, or the twenty four elders before the throne of God. The only other place in the New Testament where such crowns are found is in {19:12} , which Jesus shall wear at His revelation. Those are crown which He shall distribute to the saints, giving them power to reign over the earth.

As it shall be shown in chapter 17, the seven heads represent seven kingdoms or regions of the earth, which shall ultimately come under the dominion of the beastly person. The ten horns are ten kings which shall rise up within one of these units; be they kingdoms or regions. It is said there, that these ten give their kingdom (singular) to the Beast; for God has put it in their hearts to do so.

Just as God the Father will deliver up His Kingdom for Jesus to rule over: Satan will also deliver up the sovereignty of his kingdom, in mirrored fashion, into the hands of his beastly son, the Antichrist.

The word "Antichrist" is never used in the Book of Revelation; however, there is no mistaking the fact, that the Beast we are seeing here, is anti-christ in every sense of the word. With that understanding in place, the words "Antichrist" and "Beast" will be used interchangeable in our study of this great book.

Chapter 11:7 clearly identifies the Beast which ascends from the bottomless pit as a personal demonic being who makes war with, and prevails over, the two witnesses which came down from heaven. Dealing with these two powerful individuals will be one of the first acts of his 42 month reign. {REVIEW}.

To better understand the makeup of the kingdom over which the Beast will preside, we must go to chapter 7 of the Book of Daniel.

As previously stated, the kingdom of the Beast in Rev. 13 is a composite entity, containing the strongest characteristics of the first three beast of Dan. 7: the body of the Leopard; the feet of the Bear and the mouth of the Lion. They are listed here in Revelation in opposite order to that of Daniel.

It is widely agreed upon that the four beast of that chapter, which rise from "...the great sea...", represent four great kingdoms of antiquity (i.e. Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome). This understanding comes mainly from Dan. 2, where we see the vision of a great image. There, four kingdoms are also represented, with the head of the image, said to represent the king of Babylon.

Furthermore, when we look closely at Dan. 7, it is revealed to us that these four have a total of seven heads and ten horns, as is pictured in the single Beast of Rev, 13. The break down is as follows: Babylon, the Lion (1); Persia, the Bear (1); Greece, the Leopard (4) and Rome, the dreadful and terrible beast (1).

It is within the final kingdom of Daniel's vision where we find "...the ten horns that were in his head": and the one which devoured the first three kingdoms (Dan. 7:23), giving rise to the composite beast which appears here in chapter 13.

Of the beasts which Daniel saw in the dream, he was most intrigued by the fourth one. It is quite clear from the context of Scripture that the one commonly referred to as the Antichrist, shall rise up within a latter day manifestation of this kingdom (Rome).

While there is a teaching that the Antichrist will probably rise up within the Islamic world: it seems more probable that he will arise in a revived Roman Empire; and forge a covenant with the great city of Babylon (chapter 17), which shall rise up within the heart of Islam. The Antichrist and Babylon eventually come to a parting of ways, and become staunch enemies, as attested to in chapters 17-18.

The sequence of this however, seems somewhat muddled by those who study the matter. In the past there was much speculation that the first ten nations of the European Economic Community (now the European Union) would be the ten horns spoken of by Daniel.

This idea however, failed in that it overlooked the need for the head of the fourth beast to be manifested first, followed by the ten horns emerging out of it. The head, or region, probably representing the now expanding EU, may well be the initial phase of the latter day manifestation of the fourth beast of Daniel.

The EU currently (2009) contains 27 member states. In the future, we should be looking for Russia to be admitted to the Union. Many analyst see this as possible, but unlikely within the next 15 to 20 years. However, with the fast paced world in which we live, it should be no surprise if it happened much sooner. If, and when that should occur, and Gog comes forth from that nation, as indicated in chapter 12; it would be more understandable as to how such a person might come back to power in the same block of nations after his apparent death and resurrection. In Ez. 38, Gog is shown to be in alliance with several nations, which are now Islamic.

When the head of the fourth beast of Dan. 7 has fully emerged (be it the EU, or some other entity), then the ten horns (kings) can arise within it and begin to exert their power over that head (kingdom). The lack of consensus concerning a single leader, will set the stage for the appearance of the little horn (Antichrist) who shall arise among them, and take control of their power and the kingdom.

Verses 1 - 2

"...sand of the sea..."

In Daniel 7:2-3, the "...Great Sea..." from which the four beast arose, is probably a symbolic reference to the "sea of humanity". The sea mentioned here in chapter 13 however, appears to be a somewhat more specific reference: possibly pointing to the symbolic body of water that was created when the earth swallowed up the flood (the nations which invaded Israel) coming forth from the Dragon's mouth, as was mentioned in chapter 12.

In some translations of the Bible, Rev. 13:1 begins:

And I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast...

In other translations Rev. 13:1 begins

And it stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast...

With the former translation we have the sense that a more pronounced break exist between chapters 12 and 13; whereas, the latter translation suggests a smoother transition of ideas between the two.

We should bear in mind that chapter divisions are a relatively modern addition, and are not found in the earliest known copies of the original text. While there is a shift in emphasis between these two chapters; a very cohesive story is being presented here.

As stated, the context suggested here, is that the sea spoken of in this chapter is the same symbolic body of water created, when the Earth swallowed up the flood coming from the Dragon's mouth (i.e. the invasion and demise of Gog and his forces) in chapter 12.

This apparent carry over from {12:15-16} to 13:1, would also be logical since the Beast, which ascends from this sea, immediately receives power and authority from the Dragon, who would of necessity, be near by.

So let's begin on the premise that John sees the Dragon standing upon "...the sand of the sea...", with the Beast ascending from the water (which had come from the Dragon's mouth) to receive the "...power, throne and great authority.", as stated in verse 2.

We learn from Rev. 17:15 that the "many waters" upon which Babylon sits are a symbolic reference to "...peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues." While portrayed as sitting upon "many waters" in that chapter; she is also seen as sitting upon the same beast which shall arise from the sea, here in chapter 13.

The "...many waters..." of Rev. 17:1, appear to represent a group of nations which, by compact, lay the foundation for Babylon's revival as a functional city; whereas the "sea" from which the beast rises is more in line with a single unified political confederacy of nations which has a central government, such as the EU. This "dual level", upon which Babylon shall be seated, will be better covered in chapter 17.

Here in Chapter 13, we are seeing the rise of a "beastly" kingdom upon the earth. We are also seeing a beastly person appear on the scene, who shall gain control of it. Working in close concert with him is another beastly person, which Scripture describes elsewhere as the False Prophet (Rev. 13:11 ; 19:20).

For a short side study of a possible relationship between these two and Satan {Click Here}.

"...seven heads and ten horns...ten crowns...the name of blasphemy"

The "seven heads and ten horns" of this creature will be covered in greater detail in chapter 17, where the mystery of the Beast is revealed. Suffice it to say, at this point, that they represent divisions of the kingdom over which the beastly person shall gain authority.

There probably could not be a more blasphemous name for the Beast to apply to himself than the one which God used when he sent Moses to the children of Israel {Ex. 3:13-14}: the name: "I AM" (the One who is eternally present). The blasphemous use of this mighty name, by the one who is wounded to death and then healed; is absolutely in keeping with the same words which Jesus applied to himself (1:17-18):

":...Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last.
I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and Death."

Compare this with Rev. 17:8:

"And those who dwell on the earth will marvel... when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."

In John 8:58, When Jesus told some of the Jews , "...Before A'bra-ham was, I AM..." they took up stones to kill Him because He had applied the name reserved for God alone to Himself.

God is further blasphemed in that this name may also be applied to those who shall worship the Beast (13:17). The God of heaven has reserved His name to be applied to the foreheads of those who love Him (22:4). Yet here, we see the Beast possibly appropriating the same name for those who worship him. Many in the "New Age" movement, already take unto themselves the title,"I AM".

In Rev. 17:3, we see the Beast there is full of the names of Blasphemy. This appears to point back to verses 5-6 of this chapter, where he will be ranting and raving against the God of Heaven.

He may declare to God, "I am the one who died and lives again, not you!" " I am the one who has the power over this world, not you!" "I am the one who will build a kingdom which shall have no end, not you!!" I am the eternal "I AM", NOT YOU!!!" On and on such accusations and blasphemies will be uttered by this most sinister one, who will be well received by an awe struck world.

"...like unto a leopard...a bear...a lion"

The characteristics of the body of the beast (i.e. leopard, bear and lion), which were the major features of the first three beast of Dan. 7; may be indicative of the swiftness, power and ferocious attitude demonstrated towards those who would stand in the way of its quest for world dominion.

"...one of his heads...wounded to wounded"

The transition of power from the Dragon to the Beast will be less than ideal. Due to resistance by some of the parties involved, some harsh, but needed action, will be necessary in order to complete the transaction.

The way by which the Beastly person will gain full control over the beastly body is by inflicting a wound which appears, on the surface, to be a death blow to the kingdom. This theme is picked up in verse 3 where we see that one of the heads of the Beast's body had been "...wounded to death..."

In chapter 12 we considered that Gog, and the beastly person of this chapter are the same person, and that he received a deadly wound after invading Israel (Ez. 39:11). That line of reasoning appears to be consistent with the events taking shape in this chapter, as we see the person, who led the Dragon's unsuccessful attack on the woman, ascending with his wound healed, to carry out the third part of the Dragon's agenda: the elimination of the remnant of the woman's seed (12:17).

It is understandable therefore, from the passages of Rev. 12-13; Ez. 38-39 and Dan. 7:8, that there are actually two mortal wounds involved here. The rapidity with which these wounds occur, may give the appearance of a single wound, as suggested by verse 3.

In studying the overall context concerning these events, it becomes clear that more than one wound is required to fully explain the unfolding actions of this chapter. It is clearly indicated in 17:8, that the Beast person is wounded to death; yet Dan. 7:8 makes it clear that the Beast person himself (the little horn) shall also inflict a deadly wound upon the kingdom in order to bring all parties under his administration.

So, to summarize this we may say: the first wound is inflicted upon the Beast himself, during the invasion which he led on Israel. His apparent death will lead to his temporary incarceration in the bottomless pit. In short order however, he will ascend from there, confirming that his wound unto death has been healed. In order to {subdue the leopard} (the kingdom given him by the Dragon), he will then rise up among the ten kings, and inflict another apparent death blow: three horns plucked up by the roots {Dan 7:8}.

The wound unto death as stated in verse 3, appears to be the one inflicted upon the Kingdom by the one who is given authority over it: namely, the Antichrist. To find an actual record of this wound, we must go back to Daniel 7:8.

"I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots and there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words."

Here we see the Beast person (Antichrist) consolidating or finalizing his control of the Kingdom by replacing, three of the ten horns (kings) who resisted his rise to power. Remember that the ten horns of Dan. 7 are found in the seventh head as we have counted above (the head of the fourth beast).

Verse 24 states:

"The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:
and another shall rise after them;
and he shall be diverse from the first,
and he shall subdue three kings."

So initially we see this beastly person gaining full control over the kingdom by subduing three "kings" who will resist his ascent to power. This wound, like the original wound of the Beast person, will be healed, because in Rev. 17:13 it is stated that the the ten kings are of one mind, and give their power to the Beast (person). In Dan. 7, we find that three of the ten kings are not, initially, of the same mind as the other seven.

The Hebrew word for "plucked" as used in Daniel 7:8 is pronounced, "aw-kar' ", and as described in Strong's Concordance, has having the following meanings: "to hamstring, exterminate, dig down, hough, pluck up".

Hamstringing was an ancient military tactic whereby those taken prisoner during a battle had the hamstring tendon on the back of their legs cut, so as to incapacitate them, thus removing them as a factor in the outcome of the battle. The sense here is that the three are severed as by an instrument (i.e. a sword), rather than being pulled up by hand (as one would pull a clump of grass). A swift and violent action (assassination) is indicated here, rather than a slow methodical twisting (forcing them from office) to remove the deeply embedded and offending entities.

We are, in fact, told in 13:14 that the wound unto death was "by the sword", which may be applied to both the death blow dealt to the Beast person (chapter 12), and the removal of the three dissenting kings, who will oppose his ascent to power (chapter 13). We will look at who these three dissenting kings might possibly be a little later in this chapter.

After taking full control of the kingdom, he will resume the task of going forth "...conquering and to conquer" (6:2), which had been interrupted by his deadly wound. The adversaries, who had previously come under his control, were apparently delivered up to Babylon with whom he had established a covenant. Infuriated by being written off after his apparent death, the Beast will become Babylon's chief rival and adversary. This will be covered more fully in chapter 17.

Verses 4-10

These verses are related to not only the Beast of verse 1, but also to the second beast of verse 11. Therefore, to gain better insight into this area, we shall step ahead to look at the second beast of this chapter first; and then return here to fill in and enhance our understanding. {Click Here} to view information on the second beast of Rev. 13.

Verse 4

"...who is able to make war with him?..."

As we have just seen in the previous window, an astonishing thing has just occurred. Three highly respected religious leaders of the world, whose seats of power had been established centuries earlier, have now been deposed and replaced by three others (Dan. 7:24). The one who ascended from the bottomless pit and affected this coup, now goes forth to makes war with, and prevails over, the two witnesses who had brought such grief and devastation upon the earth (Rev. 11:7).

At last, the world has a glimmer of hope. A "resurrected" saviour has come forth with the power to get things done! The question is posed, "who is able to make war with him?". As we saw in chapter 11, the question will be quickly answered when the two witnesses are resurrected 3 1/2 days later and taken up to heaven. The God of heaven is able to make war with him; and the God of heaven will also prevail over him!

Verse 5-6

"...he opened his mouth in blasphemy..."

In these two verses we see the Beast given a blasphemous mouth and a tenure of 42 months (3 1/2 years) to gloat about his own greatness. With the two witnesses ascending up to heaven, and his image somewhat tarnished, he will open his mouth to blaspheme God and those (including the two witnesses) who dwell in heaven. There is clear understanding in this, that the Antichrist will not reveal himself as Jesus Christ. That would be inconsistent with blaspheming the God of Heaven, whom Jesus always honored. He will rather, present himself as the true Messiah, and Jesus as a false would be Messiah.

Verse 7-8

"...make war with the saints..."

Here we are seeing the beginning of the fulfillment of {Dan. 7:21-22}. He receives authority to act for 42 months. This is comparable to Dan. 7:25 and Rev. 12:7 which state that, "...the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time."

Also in Rev. 12:14, the woman who flees into the wilderness, remains there for, "...a time and times and half a time...". This is understood by those who study prophecy to be the same as 42 months or 3 1/2 years ("time"= 1 year + "times" = 2 years + "half of time" = 1/2 year). Using a calendar of thirty days per month: we also see the 42 months equaling 1,260 days (42 months x30 days = 1,260); a time period also associated with the presence of the two witnesses of chapter 11.

"...power...over all kindreds, and tongue and nations."

Many who study Bible Prophecy believe that the Antichrist will have unbridled authority over all nations for the full 3 1/2 year period. While this is true in one respect (the three religious communities with a large global population comes under his control): he will not actually achieve this ultimate control until he destroys Babylon, at the very end of the tribulation period. He will then regroup at Megiddo, and all of the "kings of the earth" will submit themselves to him. This will be covered in more detail in chapter 16.

"...all who dwell upon the earth shall worship him..."

At first glance, this phrase seems to indicate that every individual on earth will worship the Beast. However, as we read on, we find that the "all" here, is a "qualified all" : it's all, "...whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb..." will worship him.

We know for a certainty that the tribulation saints, many of which will be killed, will not worship him; and there will also be those in this group who will survive the great tribulation (Matt. 25:32-39) without resorting to the worship of the Beast. The same can be said of the Jews who will be defending Jerusalem at the time when Jesus is revealed from heaven (Zech. 14:3-5).

This verse is essentially speaking of those mentioned in II Thess. 2:7-12; who have given themselves up to wickedness and are deceived by the two beastly persons of Rev. 13.

In II Thess. 2, we are shown that the Revelation, or second coming, of Jesus cannot occur until a mass defection (apostasy) from the faith takes place. When that happens, the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) which the world cannot receive, will be withdrawn from the lives of those, "...who love not the truth..." They will then be wide open to receive the great deception which will, forever, damn their souls.

When the fullness of iniquity has run its course, then Jesus will be revealed from heaven to execute judgment upon them, deliver Israel from the proposed annihilation at the hands of the Beast, and destroy him, "...with the brightness of His coming." (II Thess. 2:8).

Verse 9-10

"If any man have an ear let him hear."

These two verses speak to the persecution of the saints of God during the tribulation period, who are encouraged to persevere, because God is the avenger of the faithful who suffer from such treatment.

In paraphrase it is said to them, "If anyone puts you in prison, they shall also go into prison. If anyone shall kill you, they shall also be killed". The difference here is, that the saints will overcome both captivity and death: but those who cause the saints to go into captivity or be killed, shall themselves go into permanent captivity in the lake of fire and be made partakers of the second death, from which there is no escape.

Verse 13-15

"...he maketh fire come down from heaven..."

By the power given to him from the first Beast, the False Prophet is able to perform amazing theatrics. His calling fire down from heaven is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah, who challenged the prophets of Baal (I Kings, chapter 18). Such amazing feats will be viewed by many as a sign from heaven, and will be easily sway them to follow the leadership of the False Prophet by proclaiming their allegiance to the first beast.

"...make an image to the beast..."

Because the three religious communities, mentioned previously, are already deeply rooted in the use of images and icons; making an image of the beast will not be a difficult decision for the masses to accept, especially for those who have bought into the deception. Many however, will not go along with it, only to suffer martyrdom as is indicated by verse 15.

The False Prophet will be given power to animate this image so that it appears to have the ability to speak and comprehend speech. It may be that the "breath of life", which the False Prophet gives to the image, is simply the imparting of a demonic spirit into the image causing it to become animated.

It seems to be a satanic replay of Gen. 2:7, wherein God, "...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul."

In 16:13, we also read of three unclean spirits going out of the mouths of Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet, performing signs. That may well be the case with the animation of this image. An otherwise in-animate object, becomes "...a living soul" through working of a miracle by the False Prophet.

From another point of view, computer technology now allows for the creation of amazingly realistic animations of human figures which appear to possess these abilities. Technological refinement of facial and other muscular movements make these robotic creations so realistic that one has to really look close to determine if they are real or created. Future enhancement of this technology is sure to produce an animated human look-alike, where it will be virtually impossible to determine to truth.

This will be especially true for those who fall for the deception created by the miracles wrought by the False Prophet. Whatever, method is used to achieve this, it will be presented to a world wide open to such deception.

Verse 16-18

"...he causeth all...to receive a mark..."

The system for controlling these great religious communities, and ultimately the world, now begins to unfold. As shown by these verses, the Antichrist does not directly impose his "mark of the beast" system, but acts through his agent: the False Prophet to achieve this goal. The mark is a part of the system of allegiance which is interwoven with worship, and has drastic economic and legal consequences for those under its jurisdiction who do not conform.

There are varying technologies currently available which would make the imposition of such a system a quick reality. Many believe the implanting micro-chips will be used as the vehicle for this system. Others see bar-coding as a possible method. In fact, the UPC (Universal Products Code), which is found on virtually every packaged commodity for general sale, appears to be built on a "triple-6" (6-6-6) framework.

Creators of the system deny this claim, but close examination of a bar-code certainly seems to support its possible use for purposes other than for which it was intended. Even if there was no wrongful intent, which is likely the case in the developement of the UPC; the possibility of a sinister person gaining control of the system and using it as an ID control mechanism remains a definite possibility. {Click Here} to view information on how the UPC may someday be used in connection with the mark of the beast.

The United States Government has issued a Patent for a system which employs bar-coding people for the purpose of electronic sales transactions, which it appears, could be easily intergrated with such an idea, as stated above. {Cover Page ; Graphic}

The final system may possibly be comprised of several alternative methods, depending on how advanced a country is in its technology. More advanced economies which make extensive use of computer systems to conduct their business, may opt to use the micro-chip or barcode options; while third world countries may simple require a tatoo of the name or number upon the person to authenticate their legitamate access to the system.

Verse 17 indicates that one cannot buy or sell except they have either: the mark; the name of the beast; or the number of his name (666). So there may be more than one method incorporated to cover the widest range of people.

"...Here is wisdom..."

In ancient times, each letter of both the Greek and Hebrew alphabets was assigned a numerical value. We may also say that with Roman Numerals, the number system used in Jesus' day; the "666" number is the sum total of the first 6 letters upon which the system is built. I=1; V=5; X=10; L=50; C=100; D=500. Six letters which represent the numerical total of "....six hundred three score and six."

Will the Beast take, and proclaim to the world, a six letter name having a numerical value of 666? That is a possibility. It's also a curious thing that the name, Abaddon, whom we have reckoned earlier in this study, to be this same person, contains seven letters: seven being the symbolic number of completion.

The Greek equivalent, Apollyon, contains eight letters: eight being the symbolic number of new beginnings. What the Antichrist proposes is certainly a new beginning; but not a beginning that holds any beneficial conclusions.

Whatever the case may be, here in verse 18 we are presented with a sort of riddle: If anyone has understanding, let him count the number of (the name of) the Beast. It is the number of a man's name, and the sum of the alphabetic characters, of his name, is equal to the number "...six hundred three score and six." (666). In other words, the name which the Beast will apply to himself has the same numerical value as the name of a certain man.

From this statement, it would appear that he will most likely adopt the name of a well known historical personage. However, as we have seen previously, this name will not be made known until the Antichrist reveals it, and proclaims himself to be God at the mid-point of the seven years of tribulation.

It also seem a little strange that it says that the name of the Beast will be the same as name of a man; except for the understanding that the Beast is not human, but an angelic being who shall be manifested in human form, as stated previously in our study in chapter 9.

If he were a real human, there would be no need to say that his name will be the same as a man's name. This is another small hint that we are dealing with a unique being, and not just with a demon posessed, or satanically controlled human. The"...number of the beast...is the number of a man:".

Since the Book of Revelation was given, there have been countless attempts to identify the name of the Beast through out the centuries (i.e. Nero, the Pope, Napolean, Hitler and Ronald Reagan, to name a few). All attempts to do so will continue to fail, because it remains for him to reveal his own name in due time.

Just as Jesus will reveal His new name at His revelation (19:11); so will the Beast do the same, at his revelation at the mid-point of the tribulation (13:2). There will be those who are in the world at that time, who will succeed in identifying this person; but woe to them for those shall be the worst days of human history!