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Revelation 13 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. ²The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. ³One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. ⁴They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” ⁵The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. ⁶And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. ⁷Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. ⁸And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. ⁹He who has an ear, let him hear: ¹⁰“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints. ¹¹Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. ¹²And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. ¹³And the second beast performed great signs to cause even fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. ¹⁴Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. ¹⁵The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. ¹⁶And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, ¹⁷so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name. ¹⁸Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Revelation

Revelation 13

"The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth"

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Detailed Analysis

Event Description

Emergence of the Beast: The chapter begins with a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and blasphemous names on its heads. This beast symbolizes a powerful, blasphemous, and oppressive worldly power, often interpreted as a corrupt political system or leader. The Dragon's Authority: The beast is given authority by the dragon (Satan), and one of its heads seems to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. This miraculous recovery leads the whole world to marvel and follow the beast. Blasphemy and Persecution: The beast speaks blasphemous words against God, and it is allowed to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. It has authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. The Call for Endurance: The passage ends with a call for God's people to endure and remain faithful, even facing captivity or death.

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

The Tyranny of the Beasts and the Challenge of Faithfulness

Terror from the Sea: Visualize the imposing beast emerging from the sea, a symbol of tyrannical power and blasphemy, captivating and intimidating the world with its might and recovery from a mortal wound. Deception from the Earth: Picture the second beast, appearing gentle like a lamb but speaking deceptively like a dragon, manipulating the masses into worshipping the first beast and enforcing the oppressive mark of the beast.

The Tyranny of the Beasts and the Challenge of Faithfulness

Song

The Reign of the Beasts

Full Poem

THE SEA BEAST'S RISE From the sea's depths, a beast ascends, Blasphemy and awe, its power extends. A wounded head, yet healed to dismay, The world in awe, led astray. THE EARTH BEAST'S DECEIT Another beast, from the earth it comes, Lamb-like horns, but dragon hums. Signs and wonders, to deceive, The mark of the beast, all must receive.

Conclusion

Antichrist Power and the Challenge of Faithfulness: Chapter 13 explores the themes of antichrist power, the allure of evil, and the challenge to Christian faithfulness in the face of oppressive and deceptive forces. Cross-References: Daniel 7: A vision of beasts representing different kingdoms, similar to the symbolic beasts in Revelation. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: The prophecy of the man of lawlessness, who opposes and exalts himself over God, akin to the blasphemy of the first beast. Matthew 24:24: Jesus' warning about false prophets performing great signs and wonders to deceive, reflecting the actions of the second beast. In summary, Revelation 13 presents a chilling depiction of evil's power in the form of two beasts, representing political tyranny, religious deception, and opposition to God. The chapter challenges believers to remain steadfast and faithful, highlighting the pervasive influence and intimidation of these antichrist forces and the critical need for discernment and endurance in the face of such overwhelming deception and oppression.