The Beast from the Sea

3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Revelation 13:1–18 (ESV)

1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marvelled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Introduction

The connection between chapter 12 and this one is evident in the word dragon. Satan appearing as the dragon dominates the scene in both chapters. In the one (chapter 12) he persecutes the church, and in the other (chapter 13) his helpers are portrayed. The beast arising out of the sea as the Antichrist reveals brute force, and the beast coming out of the earth appears as the false prophet p 376 who discloses the power of deception. In short, chapter 13 is an explication of the preceding chapter. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, pp. 374–376). Baker Book House.

Symbols – The Book is largely symbolical

Not Chronological – The Book is not a chronological account from Chap 1:1 to 22:21

Not Futuristic – The Book is not futuristic in that from Chap 4:1 we have a prophecy of what is going to occur at the end of the world.

As we read through the book, we cannot fail to be struck by the fact that it has certain natural divisions – natural, and not artificial, divisions.

1. Christ in the Midst of the Lampstands – Chapters 1-3

2. The Vision of Heaven and the Seals – Chapters 4-7

3. The Seven Trumpets - Chapters – 8-12

4. The Persecuting Dragon – Chapters 12-14

5. The Seven Bowls – Chapters 15-16

6. The Fall of Babylon – Chapters 17-19

7. The Great Consummation – Chapters 20-22

Each of these sections cover the same period of time from the first Advent to the second Advent of Christ.

Origin v1a

Appearance v1b-2a

Authority v2b-3a

Worshipped v3b-4

Arrogant v5-6

Conqueror v7

The Saints v8-10

1. Origin v1a

Revelation 13:1 (ESV)

1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea,

Revelation 17:15 ESV

15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

Isaiah 17:12 (ESV)

12 Ah, the thunder of many peoples; they thunder like the thundering of the sea! Ah, the roar of nations; they roar like the roaring of mighty waters!

The sea-born beast symbolises the persecuting power of Satan embodied in all the nations and governments of the world throughout all history. World-dominion directed against God’s people wherever and whenever it appears in history, that is the beast. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 145). Baker Books.

2. Appearance v1b-2a

Revelation 13:1–2 (ESV)

a. Horns, Heads and Diadems v1

These are all figurative portrayals of earthly powers; the numbers, the heads, the horns, and the crowns—all of these together exemplify a tremendous force that no one should take for granted. Satan uses world powers to advance his cause on earth, for he knows that his time is short. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 378). Baker Book House.

Revelation 12:12 (ESV)

12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

b. Blasphemous Names v1b

Revelation 13:1 (ESV)

1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

The term blasphemous names displayed on the seven heads of the beast points to a motto, slogan, or creed a government has adopted. In John’s day, Caesar was revered as dominus et deus (Lord and God), which no Christian could confess. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 378). Baker Book House.

For his imagery in this chapter, the author of Revelation relies on Daniel 7. This verse also has its origin in that chapter. In it Daniel portrays four beasts, of which three are named—a lion, a bear, a leopard (vv. 4–6)—and the fourth is described as terrifying (v. 7) These beasts depict four successive world empires: Neo-Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. But John combines them into one beast to denote all the world powers hostile to Jesus Christ. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 378). Baker Book House.

c. Leopard, Bear and Lion v2

Revelation 13:2 (ESV)

2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth.

The first portrayal is that of the leopard, noted for stalking its prey, its amazing speed in capturing prey, and its swiftness in dealing the deathblow. The second picture is that of a bear, who with its powerful paws is able to tear its victims apart. And third, the lion’s mouth symbolises cruelty as it kills and devours wild animals. The three pictures of these beasts are a depiction of force, speed, and savagery. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 378). Baker Book House.

3. Authority v2b-3

Revelation 13:2–3 (ESV)

2 And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marvelled as they followed the beast.

a. Satanic v2b

The Dragon is Satan.

Revelation 12:7–9 ESV

7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Satan gives authority to the beast.

b. Mortal Wound v3a

Revelation 13:3 (ESV)

3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed,

The agent who inflicted the mortal wound is not mentioned, but the Scriptures relate how God pronounced a curse on the serpent in the Garden of Eden, whereby the seed of the woman would crush his head (Gen 3:15). John relates that the wound was caused by the sword (v. 14), which is indicative of a battle that had taken place. This spiritual battle took place when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead; thus he defeated Satan. Although Satan’s wound had been fatal, it had healed (v. 12). With this description of Satan, John delineates a parody of the death and resurrection of Jesus, whose place the beast wants to usurp. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 379). Baker Book House.

4. Worshipped v3b-4

Revelation 13:3–4 (ESV)

3 and the whole earth marvelled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

Not just single individuals—believers are excluded—but the whole world of unbelievers marvelled and worshipped the beast. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 380). Baker Book House.

1 Corinthians 10:19–22 ESV

19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

The world worships the dragon. This is evident in that people believe the lie instead of the truth; they uphold the death of innocents instead of the sanctity of life; and they practice immorality instead of striving to live a moral and upright life. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 380). Baker Book House.

Satan, who wants to occupy God’s place, appears in the form of the beast. Brazenly he queries whether there is anyone like the beast. This question expects a negative answer, for with the authority the beast has received there is no one on earth who is able to oppose him. With the second part of the question, the beast challenges God’s people to engage him in battle. His aim is to overpower them, lead them into captivity, and p 381 kill them (vv. 7, 10). Does the lie triumph over truth, evil over good, injustice over justice, dishonesty over honesty, vice over virtue? The answer is no, because God is in control. Through his Son, God establishes justice, truth, righteousness, and peace. The beast and ultimately Satan will face the wrath of God and the Lamb (17:14; 19:19–21; 20:10). Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, pp. 380–381). Baker Book House.

5. Arrogant v5-6

a. Blasphemous v5

Revelation 13:5 (ESV)

5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.

Forty two months is the Gospel Age

Arrogant with power and authority, the beast uses modern means of communication to spread the lie, subvert justice, teach false doctrines, and revile the name of God and his Christ. He thinks himself to be in full control yet knows that he is unable to subvert God’s people, that he is accountable to God, and that his time is short. God allots him a total of forty-two months to rule on the face of this earth. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 381). Baker Book House.

These references signify the entire period during which the gospel is proclaimed, from the time of Jesus’ first coming to his promised return. In that period, Satan through the beast blasphemes God’s name, bans the preaching of his Word, and attempts to destroy the church. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 382). Baker Book House.

His sole purpose of existence is to be in opposition to God and his Christ. He wants to occupy the place of God and thus speak constantly against his name, his dwelling place, and his people. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 382). Baker Book House.

a. His Name v6

Revelation 13:6 ESV

6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

The names of God are the same as the revelation of God, for the Almighty makes himself known to us through his names. The beast denies that God and his Son have anything at all to say in the world in which Satan functions as prince. Thus, in Satan’s kingdom the written Word of God may not be read, heard, or distributed. God’s commandments may not be observed as rules of life in society; and the name of Jesus must be confined at best to private worship and under no circumstances can enter the numerous spheres of life. The beast teaches that everything in the world has come into existence by human power and serves to glorify human achievements. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 382). Baker Book House.

b. His Dwelling

His dwelling. The choice of words is interesting, for the literal translation is “tent,” that is, “tabernacle.” The word appears only three times in the Apocalypse and refers to God’s dwelling in the midst of his people (13:6; 15:5; 21:3). The image of the Old Testament tabernacle in the desert comes to mind when a cloud covered this tent and God’s glory filled it (Exod. 40:34–35). It is the tabernacle with its two compartments: the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (Lev. 16:2–3; Heb. 9:12; 10:19). Into the Holy of Holies the high priest entered once a year as representative of God’s people to atone for sins by the sprinkling of animal blood. The beast desires to occupy God’s place and dwell in the midst of humanity on this earth, ruling over mankind. Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 382). Baker Book House.

c. His People

c. His people. John uses the noun tent for God’s dwelling place and the verb to tent for God’s people. The Greek literally reads, “and his tent and those who tent in heaven.” Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 382). Baker Book House.

6. Conqueror v7

Revelation 13:7 ESV

7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,

7. The Saints v8-10

Revelation 13:8 ESV

8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 13:10 (ESV)

10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

a. God’s Judgment

God’s people realise that although the forces of the evil one are strong and able to overcome them, deliverance comes from God. Satan increasingly governs every tribe, people, language, and nation; nonetheless, even if the devil seems to have power over the saints on earth, he is unable to separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:38–39). Jesus told his followers that no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:28). Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 383). Baker Book House.

Isaiah 33:1 (ESV)

1 Ah, you destroyer, who yourself have not been destroyed, you traitor, whom none has betrayed! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you.

Jeremiah 15:2 (ESV)

2 And when they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “ ‘Those who are for pestilence, to pestilence, and those who are for the sword, to the sword; those who are for famine, to famine, and those who are for captivity, to captivity.’

Jeremiah 43:11 ESV

11 He shall come and strike the land of Egypt, giving over to the pestilence those who are doomed to the pestilence, to captivity those who are doomed to captivity, and to the sword those who are doomed to the sword.

b. Faithful Endurance

Revelation 13:10 (ESV)

10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Revelation 12:11 ESV

11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Conclusion

Colossians 1:9–11 ESV

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;

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