Revelation 13:16

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

A. There has been far too much speculation about the mark mentioned here. What is that mark? Is it a literal mark? It is literally placed on the forehead?

B. Some of the theories common today include: Social security number, Credit card accounts, a coming cashless society where some other method is used. Some have imagined that the time will come when all people will have a small computer chip implanted in their foreheads. As you enter a store, the chip will be scanned. If you do not have the chip implant, you will not be allowed to enter the store and buy what you need.

C. This mark is not a literal mark that could be seen by others. It is a figurative method of indicating who has pledged himself or herself loyal to the emperor or not.

D. The symbolism is similar to the seal of God in 14:1. God’s name is not literally tattooed in our forehead. Neither is the mark of the beast.

E. The forehead represents the mind, will, and intellect of man. In Deuteronomy 6:1-25, parents were to keep the commands of God before their children, writing it on their foreheads. This was a figurative way of saying make sure these truths are deeply implanted in the heart and mind of your children.

F. The right hand (even though I am left-handed) represents, physical labor or work. A rancher will hire extra “hands” to round up cattle. The right hand is the symbol of work, labor and skill.