REVELATION 13. This chapter records the appearance of two beasts: (_a)_ the one rising from the sea (Revelation 13:1), (_b)_ the other springing from the earth (Revelation 13:11). The first beast is conquered by the dragon, the second beast derives its authority from the first. The chapter throughou... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION 13:1. A BEAST COMING UP OUT OF THE SEA: _cf._ the vision of the four great beasts that come up out of the sea in Daniel 7:3. As the beasts in Daniel represent empires, we may suppose that this beast also stands for an empire. TEN HORNS: the horns represent emperors, either beginning with... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SECOND BEAST. This represents the spirit of paganism, and more particularly the priestly system which was organised to enforce Cæ sar-worship. Revelation 13:11 f. The second beast is regarded as inferior to, and deriving its authority from, the first. Revelation 13:12. to worship: an allusion... [ Continue Reading ]