The Second Beast will Speak like the Dragon.
“and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.” – Revelation 13:11 and 12
Notice the second beast does all this “in the presence” of the first beast. The dragon is clearly identified in Revelation 12:9 as the devil, so now it’s obvious that there has been a change of character of the second beast. The ‘earth-beast’ becomes the mouthpiece of satan! This is why the rest of the book of Revelation refers to him as the “false prophet.” See e.g. Rev 16:13, 19:20 and 20:10)
“Telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast” (v14). By deception, persuasion, and finally by coercion, he will cause those on the earth to worship the beast. Of course, this is Idolatry, but the beast, the false prophet, and the dragon are united in bringing this about. When the scripture says that a beast will “speak” and “cause”, this means that it will legislate and enforce.
There are several factors in verses 15-17 that help us understand what is happening. An image to the first beast means that it will be similar to it, and the sea beast (the papal power) is a civil and religious power. Thus, we find here the union of church and state, just as it was in medieval times.
The earth beast, or false prophet, has enough power to bring this to pass because he gives breath to the image of the beast.
Those he cannot persuade, he will force, by not permitting them to buy or sell unless they have the mark of the beast, or the number of his name. (Notice that the mark of the beast and the number of his name are not the same thing.)
Symbolism and numerology are used throughout the book of Revelation, and this is the last piece of evidence to identify the sea beast. The number 7 is the divine number and stands for completeness. From ancient times, the number 6 has been a human number, or as the text says, “the number of a man,” falling short of the divine 7.
One of the characteristics of the beast is that he blasphemes the name of God (v6). This is necessary in order to receive worship. Therefore, he must put himself in the place of God – “so that he sits as God in the temple, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4.) The name of the Roman pontiff Vicarious Filii Dei (Vicar of the Son of God.) In Roman/latin numerals adds up to 666.
We previously recognised six as the number of humanity (created on the 6th day etc). What makes sense here then is that 3 repeats are indicative of the number of unity (3) as per the trinity which we explored in devotional #159. The number 6 also represents works that fall short of perfect rest. A trinity of sixes identifies a humanistic works-based religion that can never bring us into the Sabbath rest that Paul talks about in Hebrews 4:9-11. Here the Sabbath is spiritualized to represent the rest we have in a finished work of salvation.
We previously noted that the true God is expressed as a Holy Trinity each with a different function but part of the whole. Seven, being the number of perfection, the Godhead could legitimately be designated by the number 777. So, it is hardly surprising that this counterfeit trinity falls short of that perfection, producing instead a trinity of created beings – something less than divine trying to emulate the divine.
It is not hard to notice that this passage (vs15-18) is echoed in Daniel 3 where Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden replica of the statue in his dream in chapter 2 and then required that everyone bow down to the image he created. The number six (being the base number of the Babylonian system) is prominently displayed in this chapter. This includes a description of the measurements, and the number of instruments used. Notice also that the issue was worship, followed by a death decree for the recalcitrant. The story ends in deliverance for those who refused to bow down. Clearly Revelation 13 is alluding to this historical story.
Ancient Babylonian priests claimed that God worked by mathematics. Their religion was a conglomeration of religion, astrology, alchemy, physical and mental science, and mathematics. We still carry the remnants of this Babylonian system in our base #12. E.g. why are there 360 degrees in a circle, 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute etc. All multiples of 6. Ancient astrology divided the starry heavens into 36 constellations. These were represented by different amulets called “Sigilla Solis,” or the sun seal. These amulets were worn by the pagan priests, and they contained all the numbers from 1 to 36 in a grid 6×6. Horizontally or vertically the numbers added to 111 and by adding the 111’s horizontally and vertically gives a total of 666 in the bottom right-hand quarter. The number of Babylon. By these figures they claimed to be able to foretell future events. These amulets were usually made of gold, yellow being the sun color. While being carried, these amulets were wrapped in yellow silk, as it was thought that the bearer would thus receive the beneficial powers believed to emanate from the jewel. (Google ‘amulet worn by Babylonian priests’ for pictures of this.)
Once we have established who the beast is, we can find out what his mark is, and how one receives it, and how one can keep from receiving it. John goes into more detail concerning the mark in Revelation 14.
Every time I read one of your outlines (I have them all stored ready for a thorough study down the track-can’t keep up with your amazing output!))…I sense how good your outline is. Great times to for anyone like me, to return to DnR.
Thanks so much.
Thank you Archie, it is encouraging to know they are being useful in the spiritual journey of others. I beleive we are approaching the curtain call of history.
I too like Archie haven’t kept up with the readings, but now lm fasting n resting l ll catch up..l find your articles/exposition of Revelation very helpful inspirational and fascinating..learning lots Pr Ross..thank you..very much appreciated Rosie
Thanks Rosie
I thought the false prophet was the Sunday keeping apostate protestants of USA? What lve always believed and was taught?? Rosie
The false prophet is the lamb like beast who ends up speaking like the dragon, so you are no too far from the truth.