Blasphemy - Rumor notes 105

 Revelation 13

5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. 6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.

A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him

They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 13:4)

This blasphemy is part of what comes with the authority from the dragon. The dragon is a potty mouth, and the very name Satan means accuser, which is what he does incessantly. His derogatory accusations are blasphemy, for blasphemy means deliberately misrepresenting and attacking God's reputation. It involves intentionally lying about God, seeking to deface His reflection in creation, ruining His reputation and slandering His character.

The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire. People were scorched with great heat, and people blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn't repent and give him glory. The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They didn't repent of their works. (Revelation 16:8-11)

Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe. (Revelation 16:21)

Whenever people insist that God must resort to using methods of the dragon to accomplish His will, defeat His enemies or protect His allies, they are aligning with the slander of Satan saying that God has selfish motives just like those in rebellion to His law of love. Doing so puts us in participation with this blasphemy inspired by the spirit of the beast.

Notice who it is screaming that the God of heaven is behind the scorching heat of the son, the cause of dreadful pains and sores and the instigator of the severe plague of hail. It is the people identified as blaspheming, those refusing to repent and give God glory who rehearse this mantra. Instead of believing the truth of God's consistent goodness, they continually blame Him for all the bad things happening to them. This was the problem of the Israelites in the desert. Sadly for too long we have joined them in similar accusations. It is time to reconsider what we accuse God of doing and being.

Additionally, indulging in lust and falling into temptation by those claiming to reflect God can encourage blasphemy in others.

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against Yahweh." Nathan said to David, "Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to Yahweh's enemies to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." (2 Samuel 12:13-14)

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you. This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you; the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. Whom have you defied and blasphemed? and against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

By your messengers you have defied the Lord, and have said, With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars of it, and the choice fir trees of it; and I will enter into his farthest lodging place, the forest of his fruitful field. I have dug and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt.

Haven't you heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? now have I brought it to pass, that it should be yours to lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps. Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as grain blasted before it is grown up. But I know your sitting down, and your going out, and your coming in, and your raging against me. Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance is come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came. (2 Kings 19:20-28)

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, "I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north! I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!" Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

By the way, how does he exalt his throne? This is a central part of blasphemy, and the following verse exposes the nature of his means of subverting honor and allegiance away from God.

Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with you, which brings about mischief by statute? (Psalms 94:20)

Yes, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt, and had committed awful blasphemies; yet you in your manifold mercies didn't forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud didn't depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. (Nehemiah 9:18-19)

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their back, and killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies. (Nehemiah 9:26)

How long, God, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme your name forever? (Psalms 74:10)

Remember this, that the enemy has mocked you, Yahweh. Foolish people have blasphemed your name. (Psalms 74:18)

Awake, awake, put on your strength, Zion; put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne, Jerusalem: loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion. For thus says Yahweh, You were sold for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money.

For thus says the Lord Yahweh, My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there: and the Assyrian has oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, what do I here, says Yahweh, seeing that my people is taken away for nothing? those who rule over them do howl, says Yahweh, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.

Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he who does speak; behold, it is I. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!

The voice of your watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for Yahweh has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. Yahweh has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:1-10)

Notice particularly this method presented here for addressing the problem involving blasphemy. It is also how the salvation of God's reputation is accomplished. The solution to resolving all of these problems brought about by sin, distrust and separation from God, is the opposite of what causes sin and blasphemy in the first place. It is engaging the New Song, focusing on the only true source of strength which is soaking in and sharing the true gospel of God's goodness. This alone is the effective antidote to defeat all evil and to bring us into our true identity as overcomers.

Awake, awake, put on your strength, Zion; put on your beautiful garments

Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne

loose yourself from the bonds of your neck

know my name...know in that day that I am he who does speak; behold, it is I

beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns

lift up the voice, together do they sing

see eye to eye

Break forth into joy, sing together

This is how God's salvation is accomplished, when His reflectors on earth embrace the New Song which is revealing the real truth about God's heart so that evil loses all of its seductive, deceptive power over our hearts and minds. This is how the Lamb leads His followers to victory, when they overcome the same way Jesus overcame, by reflecting perfectly the agape love of God's heart continually in praise, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, kindness and love received into the heart and reflected to others without resistance at all times and in all circumstances.

But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. (Matthew 15:18-19)

Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. (Mark 3:28-29)

What is the reason for this condition of losing access to forgiveness? An eternal sin could be caused by perpetual resistance, meaning a person refuses to quit doing it, refuses to repent, to change their opinion, their thinking, their decided entrenched beliefs about God, thus resisting forgiveness.

To summarize what we have looked at in relation to the meaning of blasphemy, here is a list.

Accusing God of being the source of plagues, torment and deliberate harm.

Claiming that God's character is reflected in the sins and exploitation done by His followers.

Defying God by asserting that ability to overwhelm God's chosen people proves that He is too weak to defend them, when it was actually God's power withdrawn that allowed it to happen.

Exalting one's self in importance in attempts to displace God's place of honor and esteem in the hearts of created beings.

Giving credit to other gods for the wonderful works of salvation provided by God.

Turning one's back on God's principles and laws and attacking the messengers sent by Him.

Foolish people mocking God's reputation and character.

Oppressing God's people without cause is continually blaspheming God's reputation.

Blasphemy, along with all other evil, originates in the heart and finds outward expression.

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is impossible to forgive, not because God retains a spirit of offense, but because forgiveness can only be experienced by cooperation with the Spirit.

Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him

He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time. (Daniel 7:25)

Most of these concepts have been reviewed extensively in previous studies. The nature of authority, both as exercised in God's original design as well as the counterfeit version we are accustomed to in hierarchy, have been discussed many times here. Likewise the concept of making war has been examined repeatedly and will continue to surface, both in this chapter and throughout the book. This war is an extension of the initial war carried out in heaven with Michael originally and now being repeated on earth, even after the invasion of heaven by the incarnation of God's Son to recapture lost territory. Also the 42 months is one of the various labels given to the same length of prophetic time that we have seen surfacing recently, and the phrase given to him has been reviewed recently in this same chapter and even the first part of this verse in our last study. Because of this I would like to move forward to other themes and insights maybe not so thoroughly examined as we move through the center of this book into even more turbulent metaphoric waters.

A pattern that may be noted here is that verses 5 through 10 could be seen as amplifying and expanding verses 1 through 4. This also coincides with a similar prophecy found in Daniel 7 where these same events are given in even more detail involving the little horn who greatly exalts itself by relying on dragon-like powers and with similar disposition.

He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God

This statement is a preamble for the following list of three specific items that parallels a similar list of three seen near the end of this chapter. This is no coincidence as they may well relate to the same thing. This list is God's name, His dwelling and those who dwell with Him. At the end of this chapter where we examine the meaning of the mark of the beast, what becomes more clear is that it is not merely a single mark that is dangerous to have but rather three different and distinct identifiers.

He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads; and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:16-17)

How might these two lists align with each other?

If we put them side by side and observe what aligns, it could look like this.

God's name vs. the name of the beast

God's dwelling vs. the mark of the beast.

Those who dwell in heaven (144,000?) vs. the number (666) of the name of the beast.

First let's look at what the symbols may mean. God's name references His true character. This is in contrast to the opposite character of the beast reflecting the character of the dragon Satan, the devil, the archenemy of God. So the first pair could be summarized as relating to character or nature.

Next let's go to the end of the list and then come back to the second. Those who dwell in heaven refers to all who have chosen to embrace their true identity in Christ and consent for Christ to dwell in them. In doing so their ID from heaven's perspective is that they already dwell in heaven, for heaven is wherever the presence of God's Spirit is allowed to have full access. How could this correspond to the number of the beast? What if this number is like an address describing where one dwells? Those who embrace the ways, motives and methods of the Lamb exclusively, refusing to be sucked into the motives and methods of the dragon and his surrogates, have their address as located in heaven, not among all those who dwell on the earth. This theme runs throughout this book and is determined by who people have chosen to follow. Some have chosen to dwell in heaven, and the rest are those who choose to dwell on the earth. In the end these will be the only two classes of people left.

Now let's look at the second one, God's dwelling vs. the mark of the name of the beast. God's dwelling place is the hearts of all who are willing to be occupied by His Spirit alone. These are those who surrender to be transformed back into the true image of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. As a result their condition becomes conformed to their true identity as God's children. They learn to act like themselves because the same Spirit that actuated everything Jesus did while on earth actuates them. Thus the seal of God which is His Spirit, seals them as mentioned in chapter 7, and the glory of God's character reflected through them becomes permanent. This is in stark contrast to the mark which is evidence exhibited in the lives in all who embrace the identity of the dragon, his character of selfishness, rebellion and resistance to truth, mercy and the consistent kindness of God.

Before going into a deeper study of the mark of the beast, we can see that the important thing about it is the nature of its disposition, more so than merely outward symptoms resulting from this disposition. The mark is simply evidence of what the character inside is like. So choosing to follow the Lamb wherever He leads will reflect the disposition of the Lamb, while those rejecting that version of God receive the mark that identifies them as having the same view of God as Satan asserts Him to be like. Thus in all who allow God's Spirit to dwell in them, the reflection of their life will be the glory of His character in sharp contrast with the mark of ugliness that results from the defacing of God's image in all who refuse a love of the truth so that they might be saved.

...those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10)

to blaspheme his name

What is God's name? Is it the string of sounds or syllables we use to identify who we imagine is in charge up in heaven? Many believe this is the most important thing to get right or He will be offended. Yet insisting that God will be offended if we say His name wrong, or we use the wrong language to address Him can be a distracting tactic of the enemy to keep us in constant fear of offending God. This is not the message brought to us by Jesus Christ the Son of God who brings the light of truth into the world resulting in judgment. It is the spirit of the accuser, and we must be weaned away from parroting his fears and superstitions in traditions that have manipulated our thinking and religion far too long. This view of God actually leads into danger of blasphemy, for those who follow the Lamb let go of all lies that darken their reflection of God's true character of pure agape love.

I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1)

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. (Revelation 3:12)

His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called "The Word of God." (Revelation 19:12-13)

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)

Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." He said, "Why is it that you ask what my name is?" He blessed him there. (Genesis 32:29)

I want to interject that there are times when we miss huge opportunities to receive greater blessings from God because we fail to answer questions God brings to us. When we lose such opportunities, God respects our choice, yet He is likely saddened when we settle for something far less than what His magnanimous heart longs for us to experience if we would only respond to His questions.

Moses said to God, "Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you;' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What should I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," and he said, "You shall tell the children of Israel this: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:13-14)

Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight: and consider that this nation is your people." He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." He said to him, "If your presence doesn't go with me, don't carry us up from here. For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn't it in that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?"

Yahweh said to Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." He said, "Please show me your glory." He said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." (Exodus 33:13-19)

Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of Yahweh. Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children's children, on the third and on the fourth generation." Moses hurried and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. (Exodus 34:5-8)

This whole chapter is filled with references to blasphemy related to this beast. It is the very nature of this beast. Here is Strong's definition of the word blasphemy: vilification (especially against God):--blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.

Here are a few more examples of what is involved in blasphemy.

yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. (2 Peter 2:11-12 NIV)

But when the archangel Michael contended with the devil and disputed about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these people slander whatever they do not understand, and they are destroyed by those things that, like irrational animals, they know by instinct. Woe to them! For they go the way of Cain, and abandon themselves to Balaam's error for the sake of gain, and perish in Korah's rebellion. (Jude 1:9-11 NRSV)

Blasphemy is denying or contradicting the truth about God, how God describes Himself and especially how His Son reveals Him specifically. Blasphemy is what Lucifer initiated in heaven where he first defamed God's reputation. One of our greatest temptations is to react in the same spirit as those who blaspheme, for this is not merely what is being said but also the spirit of the one communicating. It involves the motives which in turn reflect what we imagine God's disposition is towards us.

We are looking specifically at slandering God's name, His reputation. This means anything that misrepresents the truth about His character is to some extent under the category of blasphemy. But true blasphemy is intentional, motivated by the spirit of the original accuser, so we must guard against the contamination of the spirit rather than merely avoiding anything that slanders God's reputation. One can say good things about God while misrepresenting Him in a spirit foreign to the gentleness and kindness that defines the truth about God as revealed by Jesus.

his dwelling

The following passages make it clear that God's dwelling involves His people, not a location.

I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 21:3)

Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. (Revelation 7:15)

After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. (Revelation 15:5)

Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; (Colossians 2:9-10)

Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

those who dwell in heaven

Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time." (Revelation 12:12)

"Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has judged your judgment on her." (Revelation 18:20)

After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God: (Revelation 19:1)

Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation; neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)

Fatal Wound Enigma - Rumor notes 104

 Revelation 13

3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally

ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. (v. 1)

There is only one of the seven heads that is wounded with an apparently fatal blow. Yet all of the heads have blasphemous names. We need to keep this in mind, for as we have noted above, the entire system of governance and this kind of authority is foreign to God's system because it was conceived in iniquity . What this passage highlights here is that one head in particular receives the great blow, meaning that likely this one entity likely was the most assertive, outspoken and aggressive in its rebellion against God's principles of love.

This head that is wounded is described more fully in the following verses.

A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. (Revelation 13:5-8)

This apparently fatal wound resonates with the very first prophecy given designed to bring hope after the initial entrance of sin into our world, indicating there would be a compelling pushback by the kingdom of light to resist the dominion of Satan.

I [Yahweh] will put enmity between you [serpent/dragon] and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

I want to point out an important correlation between two events that may be alluded to here. First, Satan seized control of the dominion of this planet as soon as Adam acquiesced to eat from the Tree, relinquishing his dominion by presenting himself to serve the dragon through eating the fruit from the tree representing the serpent's form of governance.

Don't you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

Humanity's head chose deliberately to obey the author of the counterfeit system of governance, so all of Adam's descendants were brought under the tyranny of slavery and lost their freedom collectively. That is the law of inheritance operating. Children born to slaves are also slaves and owned by the slave-master who owned their parents. This is what we are up against living in these last days longing for full deliverance from the power of our fallen flesh nature.

The first major blow to the dragon's authority happened when Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead, given Him the right to take away Satan's authority as representative of humanity in the courts of heaven to assume that position Himself. Additionally, the stunning revelation of the truth about God's character of pure love, light, truth and humility was exposed through the perfect reflection of God's heart in the human demonstration by the Son of Man. This caused the dragon to be exposed as the great fraud that he is and sent him scrambling to invent new deceptions to recover his credibility and to cover up and suppress the truth that had been released by Christ that was like a fatal blow to the entire system based on inventions originating in the head of the dragon.

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

The arrest of the Pope in Rome in 1798 by a french general to put an end to the reign of terror propagated by the Holy Roman Empire was an apparently fatal wound not unlike the one the dragon had experienced around 1800 years previous. For a time it appeared that this wound would be irreversible, yet given enough time we see that this same power that received that mortal wound is coming back with even greater force, though presently still seeking to camouflage its true agenda until the time is ripe to reassert its power and make war on the saints of God to overcome them.

This reference to Rome must be kept in the forefront, for in the vision of Daniel it was represented by the fourth beast coming after the other three beasts already mentioned here in Revelation 13.

After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:7-8)

As political Rome weakened in power, its tactics and character were absorbed into a new amalgamation power that mingled both politics and religion, gaining ascendancy over other weaker powers until becoming the prominent force that dominated the Western hemisphere, ruling the world through relentless tyranny and relying on the principles and methods of the dragon in order to increase and assert its authority mercilessly until it confronted by the French revolution.

After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts. (Daniel 7:7-8 NAS95)

I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them (Daniel 7:21 NAS95)

As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:24-25 NAS95)

This entity figures prominently in both the prophecies of Daniel as well as in Revelation, meaning that it must be a major player in the war between the dragon with the forces of darkness, against the Lamb leading all who choose to embrace the true light about God. This is given to alert us to watch and be ready in our minds and hearts in order that we not be caught unawares when these events explode in the last assaults initiated by the dragon in his fierce attempts to exterminate all who dare retain their loyalty to the Lamb and all that He stands for.

His fatal wound was healed

He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. (Revelation 13:12)

He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. (Revelation 13:14)

One way of 'healing' the apparent fatal wound that was initially delivered by the true Lamb who exposed the charges of Satan against God as invalid, has been through the development of a matrix of new compelling lies about the meaning of the cross of Christ. All the world generally embraces the lies of appeasement atonement that eclipses the radical revelation of the true atonement.

The second and primary application of this healing refers specifically to the recovery of papal power resurfacing presently and soon to be fully recovered in an astonishing display of religious and political clout. This will be achieved partly by gaining the admiration, cooperation and renewed authority from the world who gives it power to finally accomplish its original sinister goal of crushing out all resistance to its teachings and world domination.

This amalgamated beast worked ardently to reestablish old lies along with myriads of new ones until its power was curtailed by its overthrow in 1798. But again it strangely survived, primarily because the underlying misrepresentations of God developed by Satan have remained in tact, so despite the political blow dealt to this surrogate power by an earthly political power, the root belief system has been able to regain status in the world and strengthen its base until today it is once again poised to assert its power with the same motives and methods as that used by the dragon.

the whole earth marveled at the beast

I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. The angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. (Revelation 17:6-8)

These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. (Jude 1:16 NIV)

But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of God." They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. (Acts 8:9-11)

Practice sorcery – magic, a magician, one who practices sorcery.

The word sorcery itself has very compelling inferences especially in what we are seeing happen around the world right now. Consider the chilling prediction of heaven in reference to how deception will be accomplished in the last days.

The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived. (Revelation 18:23)

Here the word sorcery comes from the Greek word pharmakeia: medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively):--sorcery, witchcraft.

In turn this word is based on another Greek word pharmakeus: from pharmakon (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion); a druggist ("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician:--sorcerer.

In the Hebrew this word is `anan and means to cover; to cloud over; figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. practice magic, enchanter, observer of times, soothsayer, sorcerer. It also means a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud: cloudy.

With these clear definitions relating to deception by obscuring the light of truth, I can't help but see strong links to another prophecy we studied sometime ago in chapter 9.

The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. Then out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those people who don't have God's seal on their foreheads. They were given power not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes a person. In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them. The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people's faces. They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like those of lions. They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war. They have tails like those of scorpions, and stings. In their tails they have power to harm men for five months. They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon," but in Greek, he has the name "Apollyon." (Revelation 9:1-11)

What else can we do but to connect the dots that God has laid out long ago. Those who have ears, let them hear as Jesus said a number of times.

They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast

Worship involves who we rely on to show to us what God is like, which in turn is how we determine what it is like us to act like ourselves in whatever situation we come into. The god we worship is whomever is given our authority to guide our decisions and reactions and define how like to act like ourselves in our group identity as defined by that god. The reason they worship both the dragon and the beast is because they share common attributes, common goals, common craving for power, worship and control to dominate the world. As the dragon brings to the forefront his surrogate agents to carry our his agenda on earth, the attention and compliance given to them is by extension worship directly given to him, for it is through embracing the spirit and coming to share desires and beliefs about what methods God should use to win the war that constitutes the worship given to them.

When we appreciate the actual way authority is given to another, this phrase takes on new perspective. True transfer of authority means consent for someone else to access the soul, to get involved in their life. It involves the exercise of the will, so in order to give God authority in our lives we must make choices to give Him access to our will and consent to let Him have His way rather than insisting on our desires. We defer everything to God, trusting in His goodness and superior perspective in every situation. This was exampled by Jesus when He prayed in the garden for God's will to be done rather than His own. This is how God was given full authority in the life of Christ, not just in that instance but all throughout His life where here on earth.

What would it look like for the dragon to give his authority to the beast given this perspective of how authority is released? I don't think the dragon consents to defer to the beast as the final word, that is unless the beast is already so tuned to the spirit of the dragon that it would make no difference. What this could refer to is the investment of power, for when we give God full authority through submission of our will to always defer to His will, God's power is then authorized to carry out God's work in and through us which is part of the good news of the gospel.

What we are witnessing here is the operation of the counterfeit imitating the true power of the gospel from God in our lives. It is the power of Satan that is released through manipulation and cooperation of these entities making their appearance in this chapter who all synchronize with the agenda and spirit of the dragon and who are so bent on taking control that the dragon trusts them with his power to do his will in them. And we know what the desire and will of the dragon is, for it has not changed since the outset of this war. The dragon wants to overcome and destroy all who are in alignment with the light of truth and love, for that is a mortal threat to the very existence of the dragon and his agenda to exalt himself and gain power, not just over this world but to extend it to the whole universe if possible. He wants to consolidate his power first here on earth, and if that is achieved he might be in a position to export his rebellion further once God's authority is eliminated from this planet. Introducing a false trinity and creating an image to the beast and bringing it to life like God did with Adam at the beginning could then replace God's likeness in humanity with the likeness of Satan's version of God. That is what this whole war is all about, who humanity will reflect in regards to how we perceive God as His created reflectors.

The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn't repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn't worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk. (Revelation 9:20)

They served their idols, which became a snare to them. Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. The land was polluted with blood. (Psalms 106:36-38)

Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" (Matthew 4:8-10)

But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don't desire that you would have communion with demons. You can't both drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can't both partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? (1 Corinthians 10:20-22)

Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish; in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them. For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake; (2 Corinthians 4:3-5)

they worshiped the beast

A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11 NIV)

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn't worship the beast nor his image, and didn't receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived, and reigned with Christ for the thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

The head mentioned as receiving an apparently fatal wound, was the singular power that engaged most aggressively after the ascent of the Son in misrepresenting God, distorting His image by portraying Him as harsh, severe, condemning, demanding and needing to be bribed before relenting to grant forgiveness. These beliefs had been developed in pagan religions long before, but now they become amalgamated into an entity resembling the dragon, meaning that this power reflects the attributes and disposition of the dragon rather than the Lamb. In doing so the dragon is worshiped, for whenever we view God according to the spin placed on Him by this massive religious-political entity or anything similar, our perception of reality and how to act like ourselves is shaped by this power that claims to be God's representative vicar on earth, and in effect the dragon is worshiped.

Given the definition of worship explained above, what does it mean to worship the beast? This whole passage actually explains how worship happens, and it begins with marveling or wonder, amazement over something or someone, even if we do not like what we are witnessing. Wonder and amazement is how our imagination is captured, and since our imagination is synonymous with faith, you can see the implications of allowing our imagination to be riveted by a sinister, evil power that so preoccupies our thinking that it blinds us to the light of truth, love and wonder for God that we must have in order to remain close to the Lamb. This is why the angel guide for John in this vision reacted so strongly when he was caught up in this kind of wonder when he caught sight of the woman in the wilderness that had transformed herself into a superstar prostitute wielding magical spells over all the kings of the earth and in tight collusion with the dragon beast.

Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

Who is like... This directly alerts us that this really has to do with character shaped by what we have chosen to believe about what God is like. To be human means to reflect whatever image we imagine God's heart is towards us, and the process over time of beholding or imagining our character is transformed into the same image, either forming a character in harmony with the character of God as reflected by His Son as a human being on earth, or into the image of the beast's version of God that reflects the disposition and character of the dragon, the opposite of God.

God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion...." (Genesis 1:26 WEB)

Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

These people are wondering after the beast, living in amazement over its power, intimidated by its threats of overwhelming force designed to compel any and all opposition to conform to its agenda. By convincing people there is no possible way this compelling force can be defeated, whether or not they agree with its agenda, they end up complying to its demands just to preserve their own lives.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it. (Mark 8:35)

This is not just a promise but a statement of a foundational principle of reality. We must remain constantly aware that what we allow to occupy our imagination most of the time will define the nature of the character we end up with, for it is impossible not to take on the spirit and nature of whatever it is that occupies our imagination. Our imagination is our faith, and whoever receives our faith has the deciding influence over our destiny. This is where the real war is being fought, and today we see it intensifying as never before as these surrogates of the dragon unleash their strategy and articulate deceptions to capture the imagination of every person on the planet through use of intimidation, threats, enticements and compulsion.

Who is able to make war with him?

They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:16-17)

Hear, Israel: you are to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, Who can stand before the sons of Anak? Know therefore this day, that Yahweh your God is he who goes over before you as a devouring fire; he will destroy them, and he will bring them down before you: so shall you drive them out, and make them to perish quickly, as Yahweh has spoken to you. (Deuteronomy 9:1-3)

He struck of the men of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of Yahweh, he struck of the people fifty thousand seventy men; and the people mourned, because Yahweh had struck the people with a great slaughter. The men of Beth Shemesh said, Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God? and to whom shall he go up from us? They sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Yahweh; come you down, and bring it up to you. (1 Samuel 6:19-21)

As he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke according to the same words: and David heard them. All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. (1 Samuel 17:23-24)

Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook, or press down its tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in its nose, or pierce its jaw with a hook? Will it make many supplications to you? Will it speak soft words to you? Will it make a covenant with you to be taken as your servant forever? Will you play with it as with a bird, or will you put it on leash for your girls? Will traders bargain over it? Will they divide it up among the merchants? Can you fill its skin with harpoons, or its head with fishing spears? Lay hands on it; think of the battle; you will not do it again! Any hope of capturing it will be disappointed; were not even the gods overwhelmed at the sight of it? No one is so fierce as to dare to stir it up. Who can stand before it? (Job 41:1-10 NRSV)

Nebuchadnezzar answered them, Is it on purpose, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if you don't worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands? (Daniel 3:14-15)

Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another? (James 4:12)

Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. They didn't prevail, neither was a place found for him any more in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)

These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)

I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)

A wise man has great power; and a knowledgeable man increases strength; for by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors. (Proverbs 24:5-6)

The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, will be like a dream, a vision of the night. It will be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats; but he awakes, and his hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks; but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and he is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that. (Isaiah 29:7-8)

For thus says Yahweh to me, "As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them, so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights. (Isaiah 31:4)

He shall come into the realm of the king of the south, but he shall return into his own land. His sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress. The king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand. The multitude shall be lifted up, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail. The king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance. In those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among your people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall. So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand. But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land, and in his hand shall be destruction. (Daniel 11:9-16)

Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? (James 4:1)

Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; (1 Peter 2:11)

In all these passages we see violence and war throughout all the history of this world. Yet what we must come to discern is what this book exposes to those open to the discernment from the Spirit of God – that the big war is not about who has greater power to crush the opposition to subjugate or destroy them by force, but rather it is a war over what kind of power will succeed in overcoming the opposition in the end.

This book highlights the reality that this war is between the Lamb and the great dragon and involves what these two opposite symbols represent, what disposition they have and which one will elicit our allegiance and will capture our imagination. Which kind of power will we choose to believe will come out on top in the end, for what we believe has the best chance of winning will be the side we will reflect in our own relationships and disposition to others.

This war is all about worship, about what source we will choose to receive our identity from, who we will admire as most worthy of our obedience, meaning who will we act like especially when under pressure. This whole chapter is describing in vivid detail the spirit and nature of the dragon's version of this war and how he intends to defeat the Lamb and all who choose to remain loyal to Him. The unavoidable challenge for each one of us is who we will choose as most trustworthy to save us in the end. Will we choose a version of God who uses force and compulsion to get His way when necessary, or will we surrender our lives entirely to the weakest of the weak, trusting that what appears impossible is in fact the path to full restoration to abundant eternal life free of all fear, pain and sorrow? The final choice is ours, not God's. And this choice is made by our choosing what version of power we will believe has the greatest chance of success in defeating the power on the other side.

When you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets; and you shall be remembered before Yahweh your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. (Numbers 10:9)

Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace. So therefore whoever of you who doesn't renounce all that he has, he can't be my disciple. (Luke 14:31-33)

Amalgamated Deceivers - Rumor notes 103

 Revelation 13

2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.

The beast which I saw was like a leopard

This refers back to the leopard symbol in the vision of Daniel representing the empire of Greece.

After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the animal had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. (Daniel 7:6)

The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. (Daniel 7:17 NIV)

A more thorough study of several of the prophecies found in the book of Daniel compared with historical narrative indicate that this symbol represents the empire of Greece thrust into power by the actions of Alexander the Great. No sooner had he finished establishing his empire by overthrowing the previous empire of the Medes and the Persians, he died at a young age and his empire was divided between his four generals. Thus the symbol of four wings and four heads.

Therefore a lion out of the forest shall kill them, a wolf of the evenings shall destroy them, a leopard shall watch against their cities; everyone who goes out there shall be torn in pieces; because their transgressions are many, and their backsliding is increased. (Jeremiah 5:6)

Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour. (Habakkuk 1:8)

Since this beast coming up out of the sea is an amalgamation of the beasts in Daniel we can note that the attribute derived from this empire might indicate swiftness along with fierce strength as alluded to in the last two passages noted above.

his feet were like those of a bear

This refers to the bear symbol in the vision of Daniel representing the empire of Medeo-Persia. Daniel himself lived through the transition between the empire of Babylon into the administration of the empire of the Medes and Persians, so some of his later prophecies began with them.

Behold, another animal, a second, like a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus to it, Arise, devour much flesh. (Daniel 7:5)

Now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when he has grown strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. (Daniel 11:2)

He looked behind him and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. Two female bears came out of the woods, and mauled forty-two of those youths. (2 Kings 2:24)

As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. (Proverbs 28:15)

I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them. (Hosea 13:8)

The attributes contributed here by the bear into this amalgamated beast based on these passages focus on fury and power used to tear apart victims with great strength. Keep in mind that all the attributes of each of these beasts that are condensed into one beast all have to do with ferocity, intimidation and raw strength used primarily to rip apart and decimate relatively helpless victims.

his mouth like the mouth of a lion

This comes from the lion symbol in the vision of Daniel representing the empire of Babylon.

The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I saw until the wings of it were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a man; and a man's heart was given to it. (Daniel 7:4)

As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. (Proverbs 28:15)

Their roaring will be like a lioness. They will roar like young lions. Yes, they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver. They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds. (Isaiah 5:29-30)

Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

The lion's contribution to this beast highlights the intimidating power of its roar, emotionally paralyzing its prey to immobilize it so it is easier to capture. This is all about the power of fear.

These collectively symbolize a composite political power resembling what were previously succeeding separate empires predicted in a vision given to Daniel. They are now amalgamated into one composite collective power combining strategic advantages of previous empires to be even more effective to exert tyrannical control over the whole world.

The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority

Note how often authority and power is given or received in these passages.

A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. (Revelation 13:5)

It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. (Revelation 13:7)

He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:14-15)

The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. (Revelation 17:12)

His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people. (Daniel 8:24)

The nature of the kind of authority relied on by the dragon is hierarchy, a top-down type of authority that relies on intimidation, manipulation, deception, fear and the principles of commerce. This is all reinforced through systems of artificial law that must be supported by violence to induce fear and strengthens selfishness as well as resentment and desires for revenge. This is the model developed by Lucifer turned accuser in heaven that originally was offered as an improvement of God's governing design that is based on the principles of love alone. Here is a text that provides a key insight to the basis of the design for Satan's counterfeit system that is now modeled by all the world's governments in how they exercise authority.

Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, Have fellowship with You? (Psalms 94:20 NKJV)

Our passage says that the dragon gave this beast his own throne, power and authority. A throne represents the type of laws upon which a kingdom depends for its very existence. Satan invented the system of artificial law requiring attached imposed rewards and punishments that are enforced through fear and violence as the primary way to maintain control and authority over people. This is in sharp contrast with God's throne that is based on natural principles that govern the operation of the circulation of life (Ezekiel 1:1-28). Satan's system misrepresents God's laws by iniquity that works mischief through both manipulation of man-made laws as well as its forced imposition. This is the system of law these amalgamated powers rely on to impose their dogmas and edicts. It was this system that was offered to Jesus to administer when He was tempted in the wilderness to endorse it rather than face the horrors that would come if He remained true to the principle of selfless love.

Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'" The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to him, "I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want. (Luke 4:4-6)

One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally

ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. (v. 1)

There is only one of the seven heads that is wounded with an apparently fatal blow. Yet all of the heads have blasphemous names. We need to keep this in mind, for as we have noted above, the entire system of governance and this kind of authority is foreign to God's system because it was conceived in iniquity . What this passage highlights here is that one head in particular receives the great blow, meaning that likely this one entity likely was the most assertive, outspoken and aggressive in its rebellion against God's principles of love.

This head that is wounded is described more fully in the following verses.

A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. (Revelation 13:5-8)

This apparently fatal wound resonates with the very first prophecy given designed to bring hope after the initial entrance of sin into our world, indicating there would be a compelling pushback by the kingdom of light to resist the dominion of Satan.

I [Yahweh] will put enmity between you [serpent/dragon] and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

I want to point out an important correlation between two events that may be alluded to here. First, Satan seized control of the dominion of this planet as soon as Adam acquiesced to eat from the Tree, relinquishing his dominion by presenting himself to serve the dragon through eating the fruit from the tree representing the serpent's form of governance.

Don't you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

Humanity's head chose deliberately to obey the author of the counterfeit system of governance, so all of Adam's descendants were brought under the tyranny of slavery and lost their freedom collectively. That is the law of inheritance operating. Children born to slaves are also slaves and owned by the slave-master who owned their parents. This is what we are up against living in these last days longing for full deliverance from the power of our fallen flesh nature.

The first major blow to the dragon's authority happened when Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead, given Him the right to take away Satan's authority as representative of humanity in the courts of heaven to assume that position Himself. Additionally, the stunning revelation of the truth about God's character of pure love, light, truth and humility was exposed through the perfect reflection of God's heart in the human demonstration by the Son of Man. This caused the dragon to be exposed as the great fraud that he is and sent him scrambling to invent new deceptions to recover his credibility and to cover up and suppress the truth that had been released by Christ that was like a fatal blow to the entire system based on inventions originating in the head of the dragon.

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

This reminds us of the pattern we have been observing from the previous chapter, how the dragon being exposed by the ascension of the Man Child into heaven caused his expulsion from his usurped role of representative for humanity. Immediately he realized he had to contrive new tactics to obscure his exposure in order to continue his agenda here on earth. Here we see this agenda emerging as one after the other, by land and by sea, surrogate beasts emerge along with an image, mimicing the roles of the three members of the Godhead and their creation of humankind. The dragon replicates in them his own character, agenda, motives and methods so they will continue what he was doing on earth previous to having his cover seriously compromised. Now by relying on surrogate powers to again distort the newly released truth about God through Christ's true followers (the remnant of her seed), the enemy of souls again obscures the liberating, glorious light unleashed by the Son of God, in order to shroud the world again in darkness, fear and misapprehension about God to keep them firmly under his control.

The head here referred to as receiving an apparently fatal wound, was the power that engaged most vociferously in misrepresenting what God is like, distorting His image by portraying Him as harsh, severe, condemning, demanding and needed to be bribed in order to find forgiveness. These beliefs had already developed in paganism long before, but now they became amalgamated into an entity resembling the dragon, meaning this power reflected the attributes and disposition of the dragon rather than the Creator God. In turn this amalgamated beast works ardently to reestablish old lies along with myriads of new ones until its power was curtailed by its overthrow in 1798.

The arrest of the Pope of Rome by a french general to put an end to the reign of terror propagated by the Holy Roman Empire was an apparently fatal wound not unlike the one the dragon had experienced around 1900 years previous. For a time it appeared that this wound would be irreversible, yet given enough time we see that this same power that received that mortal wound is coming back with even greater force, though presently still seeking to camouflage its true agenda until the time is ripe to reassert its power and make war on the saints of God to overcome them.

This reference to Rome must be kept in the forefront, for in the vision of Daniel it was represented by the fourth beast coming after the other three beasts already mentioned here in Revelation 13.

After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Daniel 7:7-8)

It is helpful to view these prophecies from multiple perspectives simultaneously so as to see how they integrate and help to explain each other, not merely between the books of Daniel and Revelation but also between verses and chapters. This is what we will notice more as we continue to study the following verses in even greater detail. But for now, just be aware of what is referenced here as receiving the deadly wound and how it correlates to the flow of history. Daniel's vision laid out sequentially the beast symbols representing succeeding empires, while this composite beast simply retains key elements of each of those empires which most closely resemble the dragon himself. This beast rising from the sea is both similar to the dragon and is also intimately linked with the fourth beast in Daniel representing the most powerful, forceful, violent empire of Rome.

As political Rome weakened in power, its tactics and character were absorbed into a new amalgamation power that mingled both politics and religion, gaining ascendancy over other weaker powers until becoming the prominent force that dominated the Western hemisphere, ruling the world through relentless tyranny and relying on the principles and methods of the dragon in order to increase and assert its authority mercilessly until it confronted by the French revolution.

After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts. (Daniel 7:7-8 NAS95)

I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them (Daniel 7:21 NAS95)

As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:24-25 NAS95)

This entity figures prominently in both the prophecies of Daniel as well as in Revelation, meaning that it must be a major player in the war between the dragon with the forces of darkness, against the Lamb leading all who choose to embrace the true light about God. This is given to alert us to watch and be ready in our minds and hearts in order that we not be caught unawares when these events explode in the last assaults initiated by the dragon in his fierce attempts to exterminate all who dare retain their loyalty to the Lamb and all that He stands for.