Bible Basics

The Beast

In our study of Revelation 20, we’ve seen the figurative resurrection of the souls of those martyred because they “had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands” (v. 4). The “beast” referred to is first introduced in John’s vision in chapter 13. In fact, there are two beast introduced, one “rising up out of the sea” (13:1) and “another beast coming up out of the earth” (13:11). You can read the fantastic descriptions of these beasts with their heads and horns in these verses. But remember: the language is figurative. What these beasts represent is real, but the description is not of a literal beast. When we remember the context of Revelation is to encourage Christians of the first century who were under enormous persecution from Rome, it becomes apparent the sea beast represents this world empire. Satan was using the Roman Empire in attempt to destroy the Lord’s church. Satan had used other empires in times past, but they had been destroyed as is symbolized by the healed “deadly wound” on one of the beast’s seven heads (13:3). The land-beast appears to represent false religion; in fact, in all other references to him he is known as “the false prophet” (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). This beast represents the pagan false religion that worshipped Caesar as god.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics