Rev. 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Rev. 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
It makes sense to see the Antichrist being shown as a beast at this point in John’s narrative. It is at the mid-point of the tribulation that he reveals his true colors. Remember, he arose on the world stage as a man championing peace.
Immediately I made a connection with Revelation 12:3 and Daniel 7. In chapter 12, the dragon had 7 heads and 10 horns with 7 crowns on his heads. This beast has 7 heads, 10 horns and 10 crowns on his horns. In Daniel 7 is a description of four beasts that correlate to this beast. The 4th beast in Daniel has 10 horns, but another little horn emerges that uproots 3 of the 10 horns.
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
Daniel 7:3-7 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Chris White made an interesting observation: “If you take the beasts in Daniel 7, that is a lion with wings, a bear, a four-headed leopard, and a 10 horned beast, and you combined them all into one beast, you would have a 7 headed ten horned beast with characteristics of a bear, leopard and a lion, exactly what we see in Revelation 13.”
Another interesting verse that makes connection here is found in Isaiah.
Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
In Revelation 13:1 it is the beast that rises from the sea, and in the verse in Isaiah it is the dragon that is in the sea. I think they are so intertwined with one another, that it is hard to distinguish them. The beast, the Antichrist, is dependent upon the dragon, Satan (cf 12:9), for his power and authority. When Satan is thrown out of heaven in the middle of the tribulation, I believe he indwells the Antichrist. They are two independent beings and will meet their own judgment at different times, but they operate in the tribulation as an inseparable unit. The Antichrist has completely sold his soul to the devil.
When I looked up the verses referencing “the sand of the sea,” there appeared to be two main references—regarding the seed of Abraham and regarding an incalculable number. This verse seems to be placing John’s position at the seashore, probably the Mediterranean from his point of reference. Could that also be a clue as to the origin of the beast?
Arthur Pink has this to say about the sea in his book The Antichrist: “In scripture, the troubled ‘sea’ is frequently a figure of restless humanity away from God. The Antichrist will come upon the scene at a time of unprecedented social disturbance and governmental upheaval. He will appear at a crisis in the history of the world.”
Scripture depicts the sea as a place that causes fear.
Psalm 89:8-9 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.
Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
I liked this observation by David Guzik: “…Jewish people in biblical times regarded the sea as a wild, untamed, frightening place…. From the place identified with evil and chaos and resisting God, a beast comes forth.”
This beast also wears “the name of blasphemy” on his heads. The word for blasphemy indicates evil speaking, defaming, and despising the name of God. This beast will be an enemy of all that is godly.
It seems to indicate that the Antichrist will possess the combined strengths of the rulers represented by the kingdoms Daniel saw. Then we are told that the beast is given his power (includes miraculous power), seat (his throne, his position), and greatauthority (includes ability, privilege, superhuman mastery, jurisdiction) by the dragon, already identified as Satan.
Rev. 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
As John is watching, he sees one of the heads wounded to death. The word for wounded is “sphazo, sfad´-zo; a primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently):—kill, slay, wound.”
John notes that the wound that appeared to be fatal to the beast, the Antichrist, is healed to the amazement of all in the world (see verses 12&14 below).
The expanded Greek translation by Kenneth Wuest adds clarification: “And one of his heads appeared to have been mortally wounded, the throat having been slashed. And his death stroke was healed.”
Arnold Fruchtenbaum states that “as it were wounded unto death” is an idiom for a resurrected individual and that real death is involved. The same phrasing is used in reference to the Messiah in chapter 5, verse 6. I wish I could read the Greek myself to compare; I just don’t see this. Only God has the power to give life.
Rev. 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
It is probably this apparently miraculous resurrection that will convince the world as a whole to give the Antichrist the authority to lead a “new world order.” “They” refers back to “all the world.” John tells us that the world will worship the dragon (Satan) and the beast (Antichrist) since he appears to be invincible.
2Thessalonians 2:3 refers to the man of sin as “the son of perdition.” This term is only used of one other person in scripture—Judas Iscariot. Both Luke (22:3) and John (13:27) tell us that Satan entered or possessed Judas. I believe Antichrist is the second man possessed personally by Satan.
The question becomes--Why do they worship the dragon? Is the beast publicly crediting his powers to Satan? It seems obvious to me that the Antichrist is trying to mirror Christ in every way possible. He credits his authority as “god” to Satan in the same way that Jesus accredited His authority to His Father in heaven. He works lying wonders to deceive in contrast to the true miracles Jesus worked to inspire faith. He stages an apparent resurrection from the dead in light of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Rev. 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Rev. 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Him = the beast.
As Satan always does, he blasphemes God and everything connected to Him. He blasphemes the name of God. The name of God is indicative of things precious to God throughout the scripture—among them the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. God is very jealous concerning His name.
Numbers 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
2Chronicles 6:6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
Isaiah 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
Satan is aware of the scripture and all that is embodied in the name of God, and it is no small thing that he chooses to blaspheme the name of God.
The beast also blasphemes God’s tabernacle, His dwelling place. Although believers are indwelt by the Spirit in this age of grace, I am not sure that is a given in the 7 years of tribulation. People of faith in Old Testament times weren’t indwelt by the Spirit except at specific times. The seventieth week of Daniel is going back to a time that God is dealing primarily with the Jews, and it would seem that He would continue to work during that time as He did during the first 69 weeks.
It’s interesting that the beast also blasphemes “them that dwell in heaven (the sky; by extension, heaven--as the abode of God).” Satan is well aware of the reality of heaven as God’s dwelling place; he’s had access all these years to accuse the brethren. Is he just thinking of the angels that remained true to God and refused to rebel with him? I think he is also thinking of the saints that are at home in heaven with the Savior as well. He has now been kicked out forever, and it’s like he is cursing to vent his anger.
Daniel also spoke of the “great things” and blasphemies that would be spoken by this ruler.
Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel 11:36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Although he is given his power by Satan, the time established in which this power will be allowed to operate with supreme authority has been determined by God—42 months, or 3.5 years. (cf Rev. 12:14 and Daniel 12:6-7) This timeframe references the last half of the 7-year tribulation period.
Daniel 12:6-7 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished
Rev. 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
The beast is allowed to make war with the saints—and to overcome them.
This is also affirmed in Daniel 7:21: “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them.” To prevail is “to overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed.” Who are the saints? Those who are holy, religious, consecrated, morally blameless—those who put their faith in Jesus.
At first my mind jumped to spiritual warfare, but the more I think about it, I think this is just talking about physical confrontation and victory. The verse goes on to say that the beast has power/authority/control over ALL kindreds (races, clans), tongues (languages), and nations (foreign, non-Jewish races, Gentiles). This seems to be directly related to physical control. Again, that is not an unbelievable thing considering the technology available in this day and age.
Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Everyone on earth will worship the beast except one group—those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb. Emphasis is given to the fact that the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world. It was a done deed from God’s perspective from the very beginning of creation.
This is another amazing affirmation that God’s total plan of redemption was in place before the world was ever created. Because our mind is so limited in understanding compared to God’s, man has a hard time accepting this truth. I have heard so many debates and read so many articles related to this subject. The bottom line is that we either accept God at His word or we don’t. His word states that He knew all before He created. His word states that He chose to give man the freedom to make choices. His word states that He is not willing that any should perish. His word states that election is His privilege and is based on His foreknowledge. I, for one, embrace it all. I have no problem accepting that the God of the Bible knew not only everything that would happen on planet earth, but that He knew what would have happened in all possible scenarios. I also believe that He set into motion the scenario that allowed man’s choices and His will to work hand-in-hand. I can’t truly fathom how He could do this; and anything less is trying to fit God into a sphere of my complete understanding. If I could do that, He would no longer be Almighty God, the God of the Bible, in my opinion.
Considering my conclusion of the truth in the above paragraph, it is not surprising to see reference to a “book of life” that provides a record of all those that would choose to follow the LORD and accept His provision for redemption through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross. According to my study, I believe that all names are written in the book of life until their opportunity for salvation has been finally rejected—at which time their name is blotted out. Both Moses and the psalmist allude to this truth.
Exodus 32:31–32 “And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”
Psalms 69:28 “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.”
The Lord Jesus also mentioned this truth in His letter to the church at Sardis.
Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
Those who choose to worship the beast face eternal damnation because their names are not included in the Lamb’s book of life—that Lamb, Jesus the Son of God, whose death and resurrection for our sin was determined before creation. Paul tells us that the Antichrist will declare himself to be “god” just as Jesus declared Himself to be God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
The HUGE difference—Satan is a liar with no real authority and Jesus is righteous and true in all He represented Himself to be.
Rev. 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Rev. 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Now we are reminded of the letters to the churches—“He that hath an ear, let him hear.” It’s a statement that shows that God is not going to force anyone to pay attention. All men have ears; but not all men choose to listen. (Any parent is well aware of that fact.)
Jon Courson made the point that this admonition to “hear” was not followed by the statement “what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Why? Because the church is in heaven at this point.
John now records a warning for those who are reading this scripture during the tribulation to pay careful attention to what he is about to read. Many will suffer captivity and death during this time. The saints are to be prepared for this and persevere in their faith; in the end, they will emerge as overcomers.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
I like the way the New Living Translation puts the second half of the verse:
Revelation 13:10b ….. But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance and faith.
This thought is comparable to that expressed in 14:12. Another good reference that sheds light on having this patience and endurance is found in 1 Peter.
1Peter 2:19-21 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps….
E. W. Bullinger posits that verse 10 begins with a Hebraism that expresses destiny and makes reference to the following scriptures. It seems to be a sound application to me.
Jeremiah 43:11 And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword.
Jeremiah 15:1-2 Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth. And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.
Zechariah 11:9 Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.
Rev. 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Now John sees another (different) beast coming up out of the earth. This beast has two horns like a lamb but speaks with the mouth of a dragon. I have never associated horns with lambs. Lambs are associated with sacrifice, and God provided a ram (which has horns) to Abraham as sufficient for the sacrifice. Maybe that is the connection.
Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
There has been a very distinct difference between the Lamb and the dragon in the revelation being given to John. The bible dictionary indicated that horns are also a symbol of royal dignity and power; another dictionary said strength and power. Both are applicable to the Lamb, Jesus. This would indicate that this beast would carry the type of dignity and power reflected in a man of God in leadership, but he would speak with the cunning and deceitfulness of the dragon (Satan). Because of this description, he is often referred to as the false prophet.
Rev. 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
This second beast is able to perform miraculous things like the first beast “before” him. The word for “before” indicates “in the face of, in the presence of.” This makes a clear distinction in their positions. The first beast operates at will on his own; the second beast is subject to enablement/empowerment in the presence of the first. The second beast carries enough clout to cause those on earth to worship the first beast. Again, we are told that the first beast has had a miraculous recovery from an apparently deadly wound. The fact that the second beast is directing the worship of the people also indicates a position of religious leadership.
Rev. 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
The second beast is able to do great wonders/miracles/signs. He is able to publicly call down fire from heaven to earth just like Elijah of old and the two witnesses in chapter 11.
There is a verse in Job that verifies Satan’s ability to call down fire from heaven in accordance with God’s permission.
Job 1:16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Though the fire was attributed to God, the fact is that God had given Satan permission to attack Job, and evidently the ability to call down fire from heaven was included in this permission.
I liked Kenneth Wuest’s expanded translation at this point: “And he performs great miracles the purpose of which is to attest the divine source of the words uttered by the one performing the miracle, even to the extent that he causes fire to be descending out of heaven into the earth in the sight of the men.”
Rev. 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
The second beast is able to “deceive” those living on earth because of his miracles.
Jesus warned us of Satan’s use of his powers of deceit.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Paul warned us as well.
2Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders….
There are also great verses in Deuteronomy that apply.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
“The test of a miracle is its supernaturalness; the test of its source, the end, or interest for which it is wrought. If in support of anything contrary to God and His revealed will and law, it is no less a miracle; but in that case it is the work of the Devil; for God cannot contradict Himself.” Joseph Seiss
We are again told specifically that the second beast can only do these miracles in the presence of the first beast. The same Greek word, “enopion,” is used for the word “before” in verse 12 and the phrase “in sight of” in this verse. He uses his platform of power to construct an image or statue of some sort in honor of the first beast.
Now we are told that the apparently deadly wound was caused by a sword/knife/dirk. Some scholars make a connection with this to the following verses in Zechariah. If true, the attack on the Antichrist will result in a useless arm and blindness in his right eye.
Zechariah 11:16-17 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Rev. 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
The second beast is able to give life to the image of the beast and cause it to speak.
The interesting thing here is that the word for life is “pneuma,” which means “current of air, breath, spirit” (not just a robot). The technologies of today, along with advances in the field of transhumanism, seem to be preparing the way for such an “image.” Those that refuse to worship this image will be killed. There is a verse in chapter 20 that indicates that beheading is the likely method of execution.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev. 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev. 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
The second beast will also implement a system of buying and selling that requires one to have a mark in his forehead or right hand that identifies him/her as a follower of the beast in order to make business transactions. That mark will be either the name of the beast or the number of his name. There are several ways to accomplish that with today’s technology.
The New American Standard translation of the last half of verse 17 seems to be best to me in this instance and is supported by the Greek—“except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”
Until the development of current technology, it seemed impossible to think that such worldwide economic control could be possible. I think it is important to note that neither economic nor social status will be considered with regard to compliance with this dictate. No one will be allowed to buy or sell anything without this mark.
The first step in conditioning the public to accept such “marking” was to introduce the technology as part of vital medical treatment and as a means of improving the safety and security of pets and children. In the push to get to a cashless society, it is now being touted as the most effective safeguard against identity theft, money laundering, thwarting terrorist operations, etc. As I continue to watch the news, it appears to me that many will turn to chip implants or skin tattoos just for the convenience they provide. Very few seem to consider the fact that these implants or tattoos also greatly enable the development of a “big brother” surveillance society similar to that pictured in George Orwell’s, 1984. A chip under the skin allows the powers that be to track a person’s movements and access the personal information it stores. I was surprised to find a report by Jay Stanley and Barry Steinhardt of the ACLU from January 2003 warning against the dangers connected with being part of a “Surveillance Society.” A pertinent quote from that report follows.
“If we do not take steps to control and regulate surveillance to bring it into conformity with our values, we will find ourselves being tracked, analyzed, profiled, and flagged in our daily lives to a degree we can scarcely imagine today. We will be forced into an impossible struggle to conform to the letter of every rule, law, and guideline, lest we create ammunition for enemies in the government or elsewhere. Our transgressions will become permanent Scarlet Letters that follow us throughout our lives, visible to all and used by the government, landlords, employers, insurance companies and other powerful parties to increase their leverage over average people. Americans will not be able to engage in political protest or go about their daily lives without the constant awareness that we are – or could be – under surveillance. We will be forced to constantly ask of even the smallest action taken in public, “Will this make me look suspicious? Will this hurt my chances for future employment? Will this reduce my ability to get insurance?” The exercise of free speech will be chilled as Americans become conscious that their every word may be reported to the government by FBI infiltrators, suspicious fellow citizens or an internet service provider.”
It’s interesting to me that John clearly reveals that the mark will consist of “the name of the beast or the number of his name. He even identifies the number as the number of man—666. In spite of this clear declaration from scripture, people will line up to comply with this directive. The LORD has in the past and in the future will continue to verify the truth of scripture through the fulfillment of prophecy. In spite of an abundance of fulfilled prophetic revelations, men continue to fall for the deceit of the enemy and reject the truth of God’s word. You would think that the widespread availability of the truth of God’s word today in light of biblical prophecy would promote a great revival of faith, repentance and acceptance of that truth. The pride of Satan and those that follow him in rejection of God as Lord of His Creation seems to trump truth and reason; they would rather believe a lie than submit to the Creator. This too is in fulfillment of scripture.
John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
John 5:43 “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”
2 Thessalonians 2:8–12 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
The intro phrase to verse 18 is intriguing. After looking at several translations, it seems to be saying—You are going to need wisdom (understanding, learning, cleverness) to figure out what I am going to say next. Count/compute (from the Greek) the number of the beast. It is the number of a man; man’s number is 666. Who knows in what direction this takes you. We know that all the letters of the Hebrew and Greek alphabets were assigned numbers. There are so many ways you could calculate, yet I believe that those who need and are seeking understanding will probably know exactly what this scripture means when the time comes. That is the whole purpose of revelation—revealing information. God intends for us to understand when He is giving us warning.
It is always amazing to me to see how graciously God so carefully reveals future events so as to testify to the truth of His word and to encourage people to repent and turn to Him in faith and salvation. I’ll never understand why people choose to ignore such revelation to their own peril, especially when they are made aware of the accuracy of the biblical record according to the historical record. Obviously, these words of warning from John are specifically directed to those who will be living during that terrible time.
A good quote from David Guzik: “Instead of obsessing with fear and interest about the imitation—the Antichrist—how much more appropriate is it for Christians to be interested in the genuine, Jesus Christ.”
Rev. 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Now John sees a Lamb, Jesus, standing on Mount Sion with 144,000 who have His Father’s name written in their foreheads. I believe these are the Jewish witnesses that were sealed in chapter 7. I guess it’s possible for this to represent another group of believers; but in my opinion, not probable.
In reading through this section again, I realized that there was no reason to think it out of sequence. The seal of protection for the 144,000 was according to God’s purpose to testify of His truth throughout the coming judgments. We were just told in the previous chapter that when Satan was thrown out of heaven and indwells the Antichrist and empowers the false prophet, “he was given power to war against the saints and to overcome them.” I think the ministry of the 144,000 was completed at that time, as was the ministry of the two witnesses, and that they also died as martyrs shortly thereafter—or maybe they were snatched away in similar manner to the raptured church. They will not have to endure the hardships of the “great” tribulation, the last 3.5 years before Jesus returns as King of kings. This would fit in with the precedence established in scripture of God not judging “the righteous with the wicked.”
Genesis 18:23–25 & 32 “And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?... And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.”
An upcoming verse states that God sends an angel to declare the gospel. I think this is necessitated by the fact that His previous messengers are no longer on the scene.
I just realized that this is the first time that we are told that the seal of the 144,000 was God the Father’s name written in their foreheads.
I decided to do a word search on “Sion” to see if it gave further insight, and I think there is a verse in Hebrews that is applicable.
Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels….
To interpret Sion in light of this verse, as the heavenly Jerusalem, makes sense with how I see the chronological flow of this chapter.
Rev. 14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
Rev. 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Now John hears a voice from heaven that again has the description previously associated with Jesus (Rev. 1:15, 10:3). There is a verse in Ezekiel that equates this description to the voice of God, which provides another affirmation of Father and Son as one.
Ezekiel 1:24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
He also hears the voice of harpers (a singer, one who plays and sings to the lyre) singing as they play their harps.
Point is made that these men are singing a special worship song that only the 144,000 can learn.
Rev. 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Rev. 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
The 144,000 are described as virgins (chaste), celibate men and have been set apart as the firstfruits of redeemed Israel, those who accept Jesus as the Messiah, according to the principal established in Exodus. I think the fact that they are identified as the “firstfruits” further connects to the 144,000 witnesses identified in chapter 7.
Exodus 13:2 & 12 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD’S.
“The 144,000, like the young Jewish men who survived the fiery furnace in Daniel 3, prove God’s ability to preserve His people.” --David Guzik
When these servants speak, they are without guile (deceit or trickery). They stand in the presence of God before the throne without fault (unblemished, without blame). They are speaking the truth. There appears to be a verse in Zephaniah that applies here.
Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Rev. 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Rev. 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
As always, God provides a witness to the message of salvation. The 144,000 witnesses and the two prophets are no longer on the scene, so God sends an angel to fly throughout the heavens urging the people on earth to worship the one true God, Creator of heaven and earth. This seems to be in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14—“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
His message is loud and clear. Fear God—fear, be in awe of, reverence God, the one and only. Give glory (dignity, honor, praise, worship) to Him. Why? The hour/time of His judgment (decision, condemnation, damnation) is come. There is not much time left to make a choice. They should worship God—the one that made heaven, earth, the sea (salt waters) and the fountains of waters (fresh waters).
Note: God does not depend upon man to accomplish His purposes.
Questions arise because of the message preached by the angel. It’s not--Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The word “everlasting” (perpetual, eternal) indicates to me that the gospel/good news has always been essentially the same. The full revelation of that gospel has come in increments. In every increment the required response of the individual is faith in God’s provision—even when that provision is not fully known. I rest in the fact that God is righteous and is the One Who determines whether one has responded in faith to that revelation or not.
The expanded Greek by Kenneth Wuest re the “eternal gospel”: “….a message of good news eternal in its character….”
Rev. 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
The angel that declares the gospel is followed by another angel that announces the destruction of the city of Babylon, the birthplace of false religion, and appears to be a quote from Jeremiah 51:7—Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
When I looked in the Greek, which also made a direct connect to the Hebrew origin, Babylon is the word for the capital city we associate with Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout scripture Babylon is specifically identified as being located in Shinar or Chaldea—not Rome, to which some conclude this verse refers. The prophets declared that Babylon would be destroyed as completely as Sodom and Gomorrah. That has yet to happen.
Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
Jeremiah 50:13 Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.
Jeremiah 51:37 And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.
The area of ancient Babylon is inhabited even today. This will be discussed in more detail when we reach chapters 17-18; but I believe this reference is to the rebuilt city of Babylon in the land today known as Iraq.
Rev. 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Rev. 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
Rev. 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Yet a third angel follows loudly warning that anyone that worships the beast or his image and receives his mark in hand or forehead will suffer the wrath of God and be unrelentingly tormented by fire and brimstone forever—time without end. This tells me that no one will be forced to take the mark. It will be a person’s choice. The angel will be proclaiming this message in a LOUD voice, and people on earth are going to be without excuse at the time of judgment. No one will be able to say, “But I did not know.”
The angels are appearing one after another and declaring their message to “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (v6).
God always warns before He judges.
The next two verses speak of a judgment that is everlasting (determined at the “white throne” judgment). Those who choose to reject the Savior and worship the beast will be “tormented with fire and brimstone…and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever.” There is an interesting cross reference in Psalms.
Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
I think it is interesting that the phrase “without mixture” is used. This indicates to me that although the time of judgment we refer to as the great tribulation will be terrible, God’s mercy will still be available for those who will turn to Him. His wrath is poured out without mixture on those who choose to accept the antichrist as their lord/master.
In fact, we will learn later on that Jesus will rule for 1,000 years on earth in a time of unequalled peace and justice before allowing Satan one last opportunity to gather a rebellious people. Amazingly, he will be able to gather quite an army “the number of whom is as the sand of the sea” (Rev. 20:8). When Jesus crushes this last rebellion, the time of mercy will be over. Each individual’s fate is sealed forever. Those who have rejected Him will suffer the wrath of God “without mixture.”
David Guzik made an important point. “The wine in the cup is associated with wrath (the ancient Greek work thymos), which describes a passionate anger….This is the idea behind the cup that Jesus wanted to avoid if possible. Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Jesus willingly took the cup of the Father’s wrath that we deserved; here the enemies of Jesus have no choice—the cup is forced upon them.”
It was interesting and comforting to me to know that this punishment will occur in the sight of, presence of (it’s the same word enopion that was used in Rev. 13:12 & 14) the holy angels and the Lamb. I know we will rejoice that sin is being judged, but it is hard for the human side of me to imagine that we will rejoice at watching friends and/or loved ones suffer that judgment. These people will be tormented (tortured, in pain) relentlessly, without relief. The smoke will be a continual reminder of their judgment.
It is important to understand the totally opposite positions of believers and unbelievers for eternity. Those in the presence of God are at rest; those separated from Him will never know rest.
Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The announcements of the angels are also to serve as encouragement to the saints on earth to persevere in their faith and obedience to God. I believe that everyone that is saved at any time past, present or future is saved by faith. We in the church today are indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
Ephesians 1:13–14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
In Old Testament times that was not true; David feared having the Spirit of God taken from him.
Psalms 51:10–11 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
It makes sense to me that this 70th week of Daniel is an extension of Old Testament times as were the first 69 weeks. I tend to think (and I most certainly could be wrong) that the seal of the Spirit is unique to the church age. Scripture is clear in declaring that the One that indwells the believer today is greater than he that is “the god of this world.”
1 John 4:2–4 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
It is for this reason that I think John is inspired to add these words of encouragement for people of faith to hold on to their faith just as he did when it was revealed that the Antichrist would be allowed to overcome the saints. The troubles of that time will be so bad that one would be tempted to give up and/or question God’s word. God is so gracious; He supernaturally provides for the gospel to be declared throughout the world with a warning of the dire consequences of worshipping the Antichrist and with extra encouragement for people of faith to hang on and persevere to the end—because there will be an end and the reward is great!
“keep the commandments…..and the faith” - Works and faith go hand in hand.
Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
John now hears a declaration from heaven that those believers who die during the last half of the tribulation will be blessed; they will be at rest and free from the struggle and suffering that will characterize the life of every believer on the planet during this time—except the Jewish remnant that is being supernaturally nurtured and protected in the wilderness.
I think the last phrase in this verse is a reference to the fact that the works that are done for the Lord and stand when tried by fire will remain with us and result in reward/treasure.
Matthew 6:19–20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal….
1Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
This verse also makes me think of the first couple of verses in Isaiah 57: The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
Rev. 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
At this point, John seems to be getting an explanation of what is going to happen as the angels pour out the last plagues on planet earth. The judgment will be so great that it will seem like the men of earth are being pressed in a great winepress. He sees one like unto the Son of man, Jesus, sitting on the cloud and wearing the crown of a victor; He has earned the right to judge. He is holding in His hand a sharp sickle.
I like these supportive thoughts from Joseph Seiss. “As the destroyer of the works of the devil, and as the judge of the quick and the dead, it belongs for Christ to reap the earth and to clear it of the hellish seed of the great enemy….And to this end, the heaven-crowned King holds ‘in His hand a sharp sickle.’ There is nowhere such a description or holding forth of the instrument in any harvest scene referring to the gracious home-bringing of the good. The earth is to be cleared of its ill products now, therefore, only a cutting implement is in hand and so conspicuously displayed. The work is one of vengeance and sore judgment; therefore, it is sharp. Thus seated in regal majesty, with His terrible instrument in hand for His appointed judicial work as the Son of Man, there goes up to Him a mighty cry to send forth His sickle and reap, claiming that the time of reaping has come, and that ‘the harvest of the earth’ (not the church) is dried to dead ripeness.”
Rev. 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
Rev. 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Yet another angel comes out of the heavenly temple and loudly tells the one on the cloud (Jesus) that the time has come for Him to use His sickle to reap the harvest of the earth. The word for “crying” is krazo, which means to scream, call aloud, intreat. The angel wouldn’t have dreamed of imploring the Son unless he had been instructed to do so by the Father; he is just the messenger. Jesus complies. He is God the Father’s chosen instrument of judgment.
John 5:22 & 26-27 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son….For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Again, it is significant that there is a time that has been predetermined as right for this judgment. It seems that sin has reached its fullness worldwide. I think that God’s statement regarding the withholding of judgment from the Amorites established the precedent for revealing God’s timing for implementing judgment.
Genesis 15:13–16 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
Rev. 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Rev. 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
Rev. 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Now we have another angel coming out of the heavenly temple who also has a sharp sickle. Yet another angel with power over fire comes from the altar and LOUDLY tells the angel with the sickle to put it to use and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth. The angel obeys and casts the grapes that are gathered into the great winepress of the wrath of God. This is obviously a picture of judgment that I think summarizes the wrath of God being poured out on the wicked and culminating in the last seven judgments. I think this section parallels the teaching of Jesus recorded in Matthew 13.
Matthew 13:36–43 & 49-50 “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear….So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
I am also reminded of a passage in Joel: Joel 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Note: Both uses of the sickle are for judgment.
A couple of things seem to stand out. These angels don’t do anything unobtrusively or quietly. Their actions are being announced with confidence and relish. I think that they have been waiting for this time of judgment with “righteous indignation.” They love their Lord. They are eager to see Him in His rightful position as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Rev. 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
The winepress is identified as being located without the city (of Jerusalem, I believe). I think this verse is making reference to the last great battle at Armaggedon in the Valley of Megiddo and appears to include the Valley of Jehoshaphat, the Valley of Decision, if (as I believe) verses in Joel apply here.
Joel 3:12-14 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Another set of verses that seems to be related to this verse is found in Isaiah.
Isaiah 63:1-4 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
The statement regarding the amount of blood indicates the intensity of the battle that will take place. I have a hard time not accepting that the amount of bloodshed stated is not an actual figure since specific definition is given concerning it. It won’t surprise me to find that man will again be using horses at the time of this battle due to the capabilities that exist to disrupt the effectiveness of current technology.
Joseph Seiss gives a possible explanation: “The probabilities are…that a line of encamped forces shall extend from Bozrah, on the southeast, to Megiddo, on the northwest. And, singularly enough, this would measure exactly 1600 stadia (furlongs), the distance named in the text as that over which the blood from this great winepress of Jehovah’s anger flows.”
This meshes with the verses from Isaiah that picture Jesus headed to Jerusalem from Bozrah in garments drenched in blood. Bozrah is a reference to Petra, a place that many believe scripture indicates will be that special place in the wilderness in which God will protect the Jewish remnant.