Topics Research

Question

What does the earth beast (second beast/false prophet) of Rev 13:11-18 represent? What is the image of the beast? What is the mark vs. the seal? What is the significance of 666? How does the mark-worship test function as the antitypical Day of Atonement decision?

Topics

SEAL

A stamp used for signifying documents. Given as a pledge (Gen 38:18). Engraved (Exo 28:11,21,36; 39:6,14,30; 2 Tim 2:19). Decrees signified by (1 Ki 21:8; Est 8:8). Documents sealed with: Ahab's letter (1 Ki 21:8), covenants (Neh 9:38; 10:1; Isa 8:16), decrees (Est 8:8; Dan 6:9), deeds (Jer 32:10). Treasures secured by (Deu 32:34). Lion's den secured by (Dan 6:17). Gravesite of Jesus (Mat 27:66). Circumcision as seal of righteousness (Rom 4:11). FIGURATIVE: Of secrecy (Dan 12:9; Rev 5:1). Of certainty of divine approval (Jhn 6:27; Rom 15:28; 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30; Rev 7:3,4).

IMAGE

For idols — see IDOLATRY. FIGURATIVE: Man created in image of God (Gen 1:26,27; 5:1; 9:6; Jas 3:9). Regenerated into (Psa 17:15; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10; 1 Jn 3:1-3). Christ, image of God (Col 1:15; Heb 1:3). Of jealousy (Ezk 8:3,5).

WORSHIP

Rendered only to God (Exo 20:3; Deu 5:7; 6:13; Mat 4:10; Luk 4:8; Act 10:26; 14:15; Col 2:18; Rev 19:10; 22:8). Of angels, forbidden (Rev 19:10; 22:8,9). God's presence in worship (Lev 19:30; Psa 77:13; 84:4; Isa 56:7; Heb 10:25). COMMANDED (Gen 35:1; Exo 23:17,18; Deu 12:5-7; Psa 96:8,9; 97:7; Rev 14:7; 19:10). The whole nation required to assemble (Deu 16:11; 31:11-13). Key text: Rev 14:6,7; 15:4 — worship him that made heaven, earth, sea.

IDOLATRY

WICKED PRACTICES: Human sacrifices (Lev 18:21; Deu 12:31; 2 Ki 16:3; Ezk 16:20,21). Licentiousness (Exo 32:6,25; Num 25:1-3; Rev 2:14,20-22; 9:20,21; 14:8; 17:1-6). Music in idol worship (Dan 3:5-7). DENUNCIATIONS (Exo 20:3-6; Deu 4:15-23; 11:16,17,28; 27:15; 1 Sa 15:23; 1 Co 10:7,14,20-22; 1 Jn 5:21; Rev 9:20; 21:8; 22:15). FOLLY OF (Psa 115:4,5,8; 135:15-18; Isa 44:9-20; Act 17:22,23,29; 1 Co 8:4,5; Rev 9:20). WARNINGS AND PUNISHMENTS (Deu 17:2-5; Jer 1:15,16; Ezk 6; 8:5-18; 9; 14:1-14).

LAMB OF GOD

A name of Jesus (Jhn 1:29; Rev 6:16; 7:9,10,14,17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1,4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:17; 21:9,14,22,23,27; 22:1,3). The earth beast's horns are "like a lamb" (Rev 13:11) — the diminutive ἀρνίον is the same word used for Christ as "the Lamb."

HORN

Used for anointing oil (1 Sa 16:1; 1 Ki 1:39). FIGURATIVE: Divine protection (2 Sa 22:3); power (1 Ki 22:11; Psa 89:24; 92:10; 132:17). SYMBOLICAL (Dan 7:7-24; 8:3-9,20; Amo 6:13; Mic 4:13; Hab 3:4; Zec 1:18-21; Rev 5:6; 12:3; 13:1,11; 17:3-16). Horns represent power/authority throughout prophetic symbolism.

MARTYRDOM

General scriptures (Psa 44:22; Mat 10:21,22,39; 16:25; 23:34,35; 24:9; Mrk 13:12; Luk 9:24; 11:50; 21:16,17; Jhn 12:25; Rom 8:36; 1 Co 13:3; Rev 6:9-11; 11:7-12; 12:11; 16:6; 17:6). Instances: Abel, prophets killed by Jezebel, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Jesus, Stephen, James. Rev 20:4 — those beheaded for the witness of Jesus who refused the mark.

SIGN

A miracle to confirm faith (Mat 12:38; 16:4; 24:3,30; Mrk 8:11,12; 13:4; Jhn 2:11; 3:2; 4:48). Given to Abraham (Gen 15:8-17), Moses (Exo 4:1-9), Gideon (Jdg 6:17,36-40), Hezekiah (2 Ki 20:8). The Sabbath as SIGN (Exo 31:13,17; Ezk 20:12,20).

DECEPTION

Instances: Satan (Gen 3:4); Abraham; Jacob; Gibeonites; Delilah; David; Herod (Mat 2:8); Pharisees (Mat 22:16); Ananias and Sapphira (Act 5:1). The earth beast DECEIVES those who dwell on the earth (Rev 13:14; 19:20).

ENGRAVING

In making idols (Exo 32:4). On stones in priest's breastplate (Exo 28:9-11,21,36; 39:8-14). In priest's girdle (Exo 39:6). In priest's crown (Exo 39:30). The word charagma (mark) is etymologically related to engraving/etching.

GLORIFYING GOD

Commanded (1 Ch 16:28; Psa 22:23; Isa 42:12). For holiness (Psa 99:9; Rev 15:4). For judgments (Isa 25:3; Ezk 28:22; Rev 14:7). Required in body and spirit (1 Co 6:20). Shall be universal (Psa 86:9; Rev 5:13). The first angel's message commands: "Fear God and give glory to him" (Rev 14:7).

COMMERCE

Laws concerning (Lev 19:36,37; 25:14,17). Articles of commerce include bodies and souls of men (Rev 18:13). Babylonian commerce (Rev 18:3,11-13,19). Rev 13:17 — no buying or selling without the mark.

SEVEN

Symbolical uses in Revelation: seven congregations (Rev 1:4,20); seven seals (Rev 5:1); seven heads and crowns (Rev 12:3; 13:1; 17:9); seven kings (Rev 17:10); seven spirits (Rev 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6); seven horns and eyes (Rev 5:6). The number 666 is triple-six — falling short of divine seven.

Related Topics Discovered

FALSE PROPHETS

Connected via G5578 pseudoprophetes. Jesus warned: "there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders" (Mat 24:24). The earth beast IS the false prophet (Rev 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). Deuteronomy 13:1-3 provides the OT test for false prophets: signs that come true but lead to other gods.

SABBATH (as SIGN)

Exo 31:13,17 — "it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations." Ezk 20:12,20 — "I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them." The Sabbath as the seal of God contrasts with the mark of the beast.