Revelation 13
The Beast
The Beast is the description given to the one who will head up the Revived Roman Empire (or the ten-kingdom federation). It is possible that he is in the world today, but his activities are restrained by the Restrainer (see 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). He is a Gentile; he rises out of the sea, the Gentile nations (see Revelation 13; 17:15). The nature of the kingdom is terrible (see Revelation 13:1). He is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion. [Consider the common market - the ten toes of iron and clay] The Antichrist is the political leader of the empire and for a time he rules over all nations (see Revelation 6:2; 13:7). His rise to fame comes through his peace program. See Daniel 7:3,
“Four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea.”
“And I saw and beheld a white horse; and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.”
As head of the federated empire, he makes a seven year covenant with the Jews (see Daniel 9:27):
He breaks it after 3 ½ years.
He sets himself up as God (see Daniel 11:36-37).
He is the head of Satan’s lawless system (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
He becomes the bitter enemy of Israel (see Dan 7:21).
He heads the nations of the world at the last great battle.
His rule is terminated by direct judgment from God (see Rev 19:19-20).
He is cast into the lake of fire (see Revelation 19:20).
The False Prophet
The False Prophet is also called the second beast. This individual is a Jew – he arises out of the earth or the land (see Revelation 13:11).
He is the “religious leader” of the whole world.
He has two horns like a lamb – a voice like a dragon (see Revelation 13:11).
He promotes the worship of the beast (see Revelation 13:12).
His ministry is authenticated by signs and miracles.
He compels worship of the beast.
He also controls the economic scene (see Revelation 13:16-17).
His doom is revealed in Revelation 19:20.
“The beast and the false prophet were taken and cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
A Description of the Army from the Far East (Revelation 9:13-21)
Four angels are loosed from the Euphrates for a very specific purpose. Note how God has a plan and a program – a year – a month – a day – an hour (see Revelation 9:15). At this point in time, God will smite or kill one third of the men through the released angels (see Revelation 9:15). When the fourth seal was opened, the rider on the pale horse was given the power to kill ¼ (750 million) of the population (see Revelation 6:8). These two judgments together would account for just over ½ of the world’s population (one billion seven hundred and fifty million people).
In Revelation 9:16, the numbers of the invading army from the East is given at two hundred million. In Revelation 9:17, we are given a description of the invaders (breastplates of fire = red, jacinth = blue, and brimstone = yellow). The description of the “horses” would equate with the armaments of modern warfare, such as tanks, guns, flamethrowers, etc. Out of their mouths issued fire, smoke, and brimstone. These three things were responsible for the death of 1/3 of the world’s population.
The world’s population is 3½ billion. One billion people will be slain. Do you question this? See Revelation 9:20-21. Scientists are talking about total annihilation by means of a hydrogen bomb. What effect had this upon the survivors? They repented not. They continued to worship demons (demonism). There was much spiritualism along with idolatry, murder, sex, and theft.
Sorceries - In proof of our belief that the Bible throws light on this present time, let us take the word “sorceries.” Each time it is mentioned in Revelation (a total of four times), it has the same root word “pharmacy.” A sorcerer is one who enchants. In this instance, he does it with drugs. Consider for a moment the present drug problem. How did John know what would happen 1900 years from then? It was divine inspiration. What we see now going on will be nothing compared with what will prevail during the Tribulation.