Observe here, 1. The place where St. John had the vision related in this chapter; he apprehends himself to stand on the SEA-SHORE,. place fit for the sight he was to see, namely, A BEAST RISING OUT OF THE SEA. Where note, That it is usual in the prophets, Daniel especially, to set out temporal mona... [ Continue Reading ]
St. John here proceeds in giving. farther description of this monstrous beast; it was in appearance like. LEOPARD, spotted with divers kinds of idolatry, with variety of idol gods; with FEET like. BEAR, denoting its strength and fierceness; its mouth like. LION, that is, cruel and ravenous. Next an... [ Continue Reading ]
Here St. John farther declares what he saw concerning this beast; namely, 1. That ONE OF ITS HEADS WAS WOUNDED; by which head many understand the fall of the ancient imperial power, the decay of its wonted glory, and that ample jurisdiction which Rome heretofore had under the Pagan emperors: and by... [ Continue Reading ]
From admiration in the former verse, they proceed to adoration in this, they worship both the dragon and the best, that is, they did worship idols, which are often in scripture called devils; like the Gentiles of old, who are said by St. Paul to sacrifice to devils, and not unto God, 1 Corinthians 1... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. war proclaimed; the BEAST makes war upon the saints, by bloodshed and persecution, and by the force of those weapons overcomes them; that is, to outward appearance, and in the opinion of the world, they seem to be totally overcome, because visibly slain: but really do the saints ove... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That this acclamation, IF ANY MAN HAVE AN EAR, LET him hear, IS ADDED IN SCRIPTURE WHEN SOMETHING WENT BEFORE, WHICH REQUIRED. VERY DILIGENT ATTENTION AND CLOSE APPLICATION OF MIND: If any man have an ear, THAT IS,. SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING TO DISCERN THE MEANING OF WHAT HAS BEEN FOR... [ Continue Reading ]
Here St. John enters upon the description of. second beast, very different from the former, yet not succeeding the former, but appearing during his continuance; and this beast (whoever he is) we find sundry ways here described, namely, 1. By his original he ASCENDED OUT OF THE EARTH, Revelation 13:... [ Continue Reading ]
St. John proceeds here to give. farther character and description of the beast, which he had begun to describe, Revelation 13:11. And, 1. His bloody cruelty is set forth, Revelation 13:15. HE CAUSETH THEM TO BE KILLED THAT WOULD NOT WORSHIP THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST. Where mark, It is not said that h... [ Continue Reading ]