Mystifying Beast - Rumor notes 185

 

Revelation 17

8 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. 9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 12 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. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 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."

Here is the mind that has wisdom

Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six. (Revelation 13:18)

If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:10)

Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language; to whom he said, "This is the resting place. Give rest to weary;" and "This is the refreshing;" yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:11-12)

Then if any man tells you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or, 'There,' don't believe it. (Matthew 24:23)

The seven heads are seven mountains

They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. (Revelation 17:10)

The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood, (Revelation 8:8)

What does the symbol of mountain refer to in prophecy? It may be simplistic to default to the common interpretation that this merely points to the city of Rome built on 7 hills. Consistent with how we study this book, everything is first viewed as symbolic before considering it might also be literal. The Greek word translated ‘mountains’ here means to lift up, as to raised ground above a plain. It could infer something to do with self-exaltation, resonating with Isaiah’s description of Lucifer’s revolt in heaven.

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4)

On a high and lofty mountain have you set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice. Behind the doors and the posts have you set up your memorial: for you have uncovered yourself to another than me, and are gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them: you loved their bed where you saw it. You went to the king with oil, and did increase your perfumes, and did send your ambassadors far off, and did debase yourself even to Sheol. You were wearied with the length of your way; yet you didn't say, It is in vain: you found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren't faint.

Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven't I held my peace even of long time, and you don't fear me? I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they shall not profit you. When you cry, let those who you have gathered deliver you; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. (Isaiah 57:7-13)

What are more obvious characteristics associated with mountains?

They are prominent, meaning they are hard to hide unless by dense clouds or fog.

They are like an elevated platform making what goes on at the top more readily noticeable.

They are generally made of hard stone material exuding the idea of strength.

They often provide strategic advantage during military conflicts, largely due to gravity.

Mountains and their surrounding topography often provide hiding places unlike plains.

Mountains can sometimes visually invoke as sense of majesty, stunning beauty and stability.

I will render to Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, says Yahweh. Behold, I am against you, destroying mountain, says Yahweh, which destroys all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand on you, and roll you down from the rocks, and will make you a burnt mountain. (Jeremiah 51:24-25)

This directly links the symbol of a mountain with Babylon which figures prominently in Revelation.

If he fathers a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood, and who does any one of these things, and who does not any of those duties, but even has eaten on the mountains, and defiled his neighbor's wife, has wronged the poor and needy, has taken by robbery, has not restored the pledge, and has lifted up his eyes to the idols, has committed abomination, has given forth on interest, and has taken increase; shall he then live? he shall not live: he has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be on him. (Ezekiel 18:10-13)

Slanderous men have been in you to shed blood; and in you they have eaten on the mountains: in the midst of you they have committed lewdness. (Ezekiel 22:9)

Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husbands, "Bring us drinks!" The Lord Yahweh has sworn by his holiness that behold, "The days shall come on you that they will take you away with hooks, and the last of you with fish hooks." (Amos 4:1-2)

Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come! (Amos 6:1)

Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. (Matthew 4:8)

While there seems to be very little in Scripture that refers to a cluster of mountains, much less a set of 7, mountains figure prominently in religion throughout history. Clearly Mt. Sinai is one of the most memorable mountains used by God to make a deep impression when delivering the 10 commandment law in a spectacular display of smoke and fire. And like everything God does, there will also be counterfeits to mimic the effect and draw away attention to similar spectacles in order to deceive. But at the same time, there can be counterparts where God seeks to clarify misunderstandings, particularly in the ministry of His Son while living with us on earth.

Interestingly, the account of what is called the Sermon on the Mount was delivered on a plain at the base of a mountain. Yet clearly there was also mountain involved.

Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 4:23 – 5:3)

He looked around at them all, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did, and his hand was restored as sound as the other. But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus.

It happened in these days, that he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles…. He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed. All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. (Luke 6:10-20)

The story of the feeding of the 5,000 describes a mountain and also a deserted place.

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:13-14, 21-23)

When his [John’s] disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught. He said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.

They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. (Mark 6: 29-34, 44-46)

Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" He sought to see him. The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida. But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and he cured those who needed healing. (Luke 9:9-11)

A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick. Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, "This is truly the prophet who comes into the world." Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (John 6:2-6, 13-15)

Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there. Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing--and they glorified the God of Israel. (Matthew 15:29-31)

This last account refers to a later feeding involving 4,000 but also includes reference to a mountain.

Another significant reference to a mountain involving Jesus is this one.

It happened about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. (Luke 9:28-29)

How might these accounts contribute to understanding of this prophecy of the famous harlot sitting on 7 mountains?

on which the woman sits

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, (Revelation 17:1)

He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3)

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. (Revelation 17:7)

He said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. (Revelation 17:15)

The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:18)

However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, 'I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.' (Revelation 18:7)

What does sitting on these mountains represent? Seven is a symbol of completeness, and these represent sources of power and authority for her. She depends on them for power for the duration of time she can survive. But when they lose power or their relationship with her sours, this arrangement comes to a fiery end (Revelation 17:16).

They are seven kings

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. (Revelation 12:3)

Crowns and kings generally associate with each other pretty tightly. The fact that there were 7 crowns on the 7 heads of the dragon in chapter 12, and that here the 7 heads are identified as 7 hills/mountains transitioning into being identified as 7 kings, all seems to indicate a pretty close collusion if not meaning the very same thing.

In this context we need to keep in mind that this is not the same kings as the 10 kings mentioned 2 verses later.

I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. They told me, "You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings." (Revelation 10:10-11)

Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come

This resonates with a similar phrase repeated twice in verse 8.

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 17:8)

This distinctly lays out a sequence of timing. If these 5 kings represent world dominating empires described in the image in Daniel 2, the one who is could refer to an attempt at a global world power initiated just before the Second Coming of Christ initiated by Satan attempting to seize control of the whole world personally. This power grab could be prepared for by the activities of the beasts and image to the beast in chapter 13. The one not yet come could be in reference to the last hurrah of Satan's political career involving the collective forces of all the lost after the last resurrection as he unifies all the world for a final massive assault against the kingdom of heaven outlined in chapter 20.

When he comes, he must continue a little while

This phrase links vividly with a similar one in chapter 20 which is why there is good reason to allow this part of the prophecy to include both events previous and extending beyond the millennium.

The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction…. (Revelation 17:8)

He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time. (Revelation 20:2-3)

The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven

The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. (Revelation 17:8)

As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings. 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. But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end. (Daniel 7:24-26)

An initial problem here is that we are dealing with 7 kings and an 8^th, while in Daniel we see 10 horns plus an additional one, so the numbers don’t seem to align with each other. What we do see is the additional one making up a parallel pattern to each other. Yet after the new diverse horn uproots 3 of the 10 horns, that leaves 7 left which now matches perfectly and what we are looking at here and also makes the new horn an 8^th.

he goes to destruction

Again, this resonates with a similar phrase repeated in verse 8.

The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. (Revelation 17:8)

And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison, and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. They went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God, and devoured them. The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Marvelous Beast - Rumor notes 184

 Revelation 17

8 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. 9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 12 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. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 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."

Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world

Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

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 13:7-8)

In what way does name and book relate to the foundation of the world?

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)

What might it mean that Jesus has His own new name that He can write on others?

Is this simply about noting whose in and whose not? Is this a boarding list for getting on heaven’s plane destined for eternity? Is having the name of Jesus a pseudo-name we acquire through some transaction in order to secure our ticket, or does this name go far deeper than an external label we use?

We have discussed several times what the phrase those who dwell on the earth means in prophecy. It is a mindset of viewing reality and God through the perceptions of the flesh as Paul would put it. So how might this affect the meaning of the word name here?

Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. (2 Corinthians 5:16)

In what way do we interpret a name not being written in the Book of Life?

How does anyone’s name get into that book in the first place?

Is everyone’s name there at some point, and if so, how does it come up missing at this point?

The phrasing from the foundation of the earth can be misleading depending on the disposition of those who translate the Bible. Does this mean that some names get written into that book when the world was created, while others are left out? If so, it would support Calvinism and predestination where in reality no one has any actual freedom to choose for themselves whether they will be saved or lost, but they don’t even know which side they are on until the day of judgment. But if this were the case, then without real freedom to choose, agape love also is a fraud and God is nothing more than a puppet master, a robot maker but not the loving Father Jesus presents Him to be.

What is it that exists at the foundation of the world?

Is that the publishing date of the Book of Life?

Is that when the names who will be saved are written into it?

Or is this related more to the Lamb?

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-- all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (Revelation 13:8 NIV)

This makes it more clear that the time stamp of the foundation or origin point of this world is here connected to the slaying of the Lamb, not necessarily the writing of the names in the book. Of course that raises even more questions, for historically we presume that the Lamb of God as Jesus the Messiah, was slain only 2,000 years ago, much later than the creation of the world 6,000 years ago. What this challenges the serious learner to do is to expand our thinking to perceive reality and truth in a much larger perspective than the narrow confines of how we perceive history sequentially and particularly how God experiences this war between light and darkness, evil and love, Satan and Christ.

This also challenges how we interpret what is meant by the death of the Lamb. Without a heavenly perspective about the cause of that death, it will be nearly impossible to make sense of what this is referring to here. This makes a big difference in how we perceive reality, the gospel and how we come to interpret what this is really conveying. Our appreciation of the reality that everyone is always free to respond to His love positively, yet will ever remain free to reject it absent any threat of recrimination from God, affects significantly how we perceive what this verse means.

Is this verse stating when or how names get written into the Book of Life?

Does this inform us at all about how names in that Book might somehow come up missing here?

In the Greek the word written also means described. The word translated name also means character. This might be better translated as those whose character is not described in the Book of Life.

At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1)

I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

When we examine other passages referring to this Book of Life, it becomes more clear how names that once were in there can come up missing later on.

He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5)

Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold. Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin – and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written."

Yahweh said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Now go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin." (Exodus 32:31-34)

Charge them with crime upon crime. Don't let them come into your righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous. (Psalms 69:27-28)

While David was a man after God’s heart, he also had immature perceptions about God’s methods and motives. God had to block David from building the temple he so wanted to do for God, citing that David’s penchant for killing people disqualified him from being that closely linked to the place of worship that would affect how people thought about God for many generations to come.

This whole chapter in Psalms is something of a rant of David wanting God to use His power to punish people who were against David. Its like he is trying to think of every way possible to return evil for evil to them, and one of the ways he imagines would serve to give them what they deserve is to make certain they are not listed among the righteous in God’s Book of Life. Of course David considers himself as one of the righteous whose name should remain there, and David was certainly on the path to a better understanding of God’s graciousness. But he was not yet aware of the far greater revelation of the radical gospel that would be revealed to the watching and stunned universe through the Son of David who would far supersede David’s dim reflection of God’s heart.

David’s perception of how the Book of Life functioned is parallel to how many today perceive it. Most view this book as a passenger list of those who will be admitted into paradise predicated on how well they behave while living on earth or if they get the right formula in place to secure a safe pass despite their sins. Yet this view misses the truth almost entirely, partly because it presumes that God is the one deciding who is in and who is out. With this mindset, the emphasis becomes focusing on what it takes to affect God’s disposition towards us when in reality the whole issue of salvation is all about changing our disposition towards God so we can enjoy being in His fiery presence.

the book of life belonging to the Lamb

Those who think of the result of hastening or hindering the gospel think of it in relation to themselves and to the world. Few think of its relation to God. Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ's agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to reach His ideal, brings grief to Him. {Ed 263}

I believe it is important to keep in mind that the suffering witnessed at the cross of Christ is merely the externalization of how the entire Godhead has felt ever since the foundation of the world. This has led me to think that possibly this phrase foundation of the world may actually refer to when Satan seized the dominion over this world from Adam at the fall and displaced God’s style of government with his own system of imposed laws reinforced by his externally imposed reward/punishment design that misrepresents God’s government so profanely. This is what he promised to Eve in his enticing words, declaring boldly that God knows both good and evil. When Adam choose the system of governance that uses fear of death to control and manipulate people rather than love, the world as we know it now had its foundations laid. And it was into this kind of world that Jesus came to expose its illegitimacy and break open the prison of hopeless despair so that humanity could once again choose which system they would embrace for themselves.

What is the relation between this thing called the Book of Life, and the Lamb that it is so closely associated with? I find it hard to believe it is a literal book with paper pages or even a papyrus scroll. I don’t imagine our technology is what they are limited to in heaven. After pondering this for many years, I have come to the conclusion that the Book of Life is nothing less than the memory bank of Christ Himself. It is the list of all those who have chosen to embrace their true identity in Christ and allowed His Spirit to have access to the throne of their heart, transforming them into being a part of the very temple of God. The Book of Life is composed of all who are willingly a part of the body of Christ. There is no need for any external inscriptions, for all such language is adaptations heaven uses to convey to us realities beyond our physical existence we rely on to define what we imagine is real.

Clearly at this point in the sequence of Revelation, there are only two classes of people left alive at this point in the war: either their name is in the Book of Life or it is not. This is in no way due to any arbitrary decision on the part of God or anyone else in heaven for that matter. It is entirely the outcome of the choices that every person on planet earth has come to make concerning how they have chosen to relate to the gospel fully exposed by this time through the outpouring of the bowls. There will be no other category, not because God arbitrarily forces it to be so, but because circumstances described in the past few chapters have polarized every person on earth who have made their final choice as to whom they will trust, worship and emulate, whose image has shaped their character. That now determines how they react when exposed to the intense glory of God’s presence before the Lamb and holy angels. It is this factor that is revealed by how each person reacts during events that test the entire planet, and this revelation of character is vividly described in the previous couple chapters leading up to this. Testing here means a time of discernment, judgment, revealing what is hidden deep inside each individual that is exposed for all to see.

Which class each person will be found in, hinges on the central issue of freedom on the part of each person to choose. God never forces the will of anyone, for that directly contradicts who He is – agape love that has no hint or shadow of darkness whatsoever. Judgment is how people react to the light Jesus brings to this world. What we are seeing here is the outcome of judgment.

will marvel when they see that

One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. (Revelation 13:3)

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. (Revelation 17:6-7)

We covered this pretty exhaustively in one of our recent studies. This is the mindset of all who allow the beast mentality to shape their disposition and character as first noted in chapter 13.

was, and is not; and shall be present

This refers to what we looked at previously when we studied verse 8 and shows up several times in this chapter. While I don’t yet have a strong definitive understanding of what all this might mean, it seems to clearly involve the 3 ways we relate to time – past, present and future.

The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. (Revelation 17:8)

The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. (Revelation 17:11)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)

Mystery Beast - Rumor notes 183

 Revelation 17

8 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. 9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 12 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. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 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."

The beast that you saw

He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3)

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. (Revelation 17:7)

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one thousand two hundred sixty days. (Revelation 12:3-6)

We must not miss the synchronous symbols that link these passages. In chapter 12 the dragon stands before the woman with diabolical intent. This dragon is identified mainly by the number of heads and horns that uniquely define it. This raises serious questions over what these numerous references relate to in these chapters. Here in chapter 17 the woman is seen riding on top of the dragon. Does that mean she has subdued it? Not likely. Rather, given the radical transformation that has transformed this woman’s disposition and appearances, it appears she is now synchronizing with him.

In chapter 12 the wilderness was a refuge where the woman fled, a place of nurture prepared for her by God. Yet we find the great prostitute in the same place, but whose nurture has she received?

When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. The serpent spewed water out of his mouth after the woman like a river, that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon spewed out of his mouth. The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony. (Revelation 12:13-17)

In chapter 12 the dragon is the woman’s protagonist. In 17 the dragon is portrayed in a very different relationship with her, more as a coconspirator as the woman has turned prostitute.

In 12 the waters are spewed from the mouth of the dragon with intent to sweep her away with them. In that description the waters were absorbed by an earth apparently in sympathy with the woman. In 17 the woman is described not only as sitting on the dragon but also sitting on the waters, later defined as peoples of the earth. Might this be a counterfeit of the ark of Noah safely sitting on top of the decimating waters? It might also resonate with the messianic prophecy of Psalm 18 describing Jesus trusting God to rescue Him from the peoples/waters. This had been His experience repeatedly up to the time He was ‘handed over’ by God to allow His enemies to do whatever they desired to Him.

He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. (Psalms 18:16-17)

The Lamb’s loyal followers near the end will likely experience similar feelings as well.

Then I [or the dragon] stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. [ever shifting identity] 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. One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 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?"

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. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:1-9)

This is where it appears the dragon conjures up a clone of sorts to mask the fact that there is very little difference between him and the beast who operates just like him.

was, and is not; and is about to come

This is likely a mimicking of one of the trademarks of the Son of God. Here are some of the passages referring to the original that is here likely being counterfeited.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)

While this beast and its originating dragon, very much lust after the power of the Almighty, they deny the validity of the true character that possesses that power. They grasp for power without love. Ironically the very essence of true power is ignored in their lust for selfish, exploitive power.

But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

This description clearly mimics the eternal nature of Christ and His Father. It also shifts away from the descriptions about the time of persecution of the woman and her seed, here using a different measure. This could be part of the continual shifting identity of this deceptive player in the war between righteousness and evil, where counterfeits multiply to deceive the entire world to worship the dragon, despite his previously losing his war with Michael in heaven.

Alternative interpretation

This may well be an assessment of the span of effective existence of this beast, past, present and demise. It parallels similar descriptions of God which this beast so violently opposes and seeks to defeat. Yet from heaven’s perspective from beyond the confining restriction of time awareness, God declares the end from the beginning and informs us of how this is all going to play out. In short, this is a good example of the power of God’s prophetic perspective, not to make thing happen to suit Him but simply to inform everyone ahead of time of just how things are going to transpire.

come up out of the abyss

When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. (Revelation 11:7-8)

This raises interesting questions that should have attention. Clearly an identical phrase links these two passages.

Is this referring to the exact same actor? Very likely.

Is this referring to the very same events? Not necessarily.

Does this provide a useful pattern to see how the enemy operates? Very likely.

How likely is this beast identical to the one described in 13:1?

It appears nearly identical, yet so does the dragon who raised up this beast.

In the previous verse this description also included this same ID (the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns), linking it with the dragon described in chapter 12.

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. (Revelation 12:3-4)

A few verses later we find one of the most extensive positive IDs in the book, to be sure we don’t mistake who this is actually talking about.

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 12:9)

These constitute a trail of clues about this entity connected by references that link it with the abyss.

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. (Revelation 9:1)

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 9:11)

I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time. (Revelation 20:1-3)

As we connect these together, we can compile a dossier for this case:

Someone seen as a star fallen from heaven to earth is given the key to the abyss.

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! (Isaiah 14:12)

A few verses later we find a king, one called the angel of the abyss, positively ID’d as Satan.

A couple chapters later the beast that comes up out of the abyss wars with, overcomes and kills the two witnesses of heaven.

Here this mystery beast is about to come out of the abyss but is headed into destruction.

In chapter 20 another angel (clearly not the same one) comes down out of heaven (not fallen from heaven) now possessing the key to the abyss. This angel seizes the one again ID’d as the dragon/serpent/devil/Satan and casts him into the abyss, this time locking him securely there for 1,000 year until the next transition demands he be released.

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. Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; (2 Thessalonians 2:3-8)

While the word abyss is used in these previous verses, it is not the same word used to describe where a nearly identical beast comes up out of the sea. Yet that doesn’t mean there is no connection, for the sea in ancient times was often viewed as synonymous with the abyss. The dragon Leviathan in Job lived in the sea and it likely represents Satan. The ancients generally viewed the vast deeps of the ocean as the mysterious unknown region and often referred to it as the abyss.

And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. (Revelation 13:1 NAS95)

to go into destruction

The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. (Revelation 17:11)

If anyone has captivity, he will go. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:10)

It appears the destruction alluded to here will be at the hands of those the beast has manipulated.

The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:20-21)

This lake of fire as defined from Scripture, is not about God punishing with literal fire, but can mean living under intense fury and vicious retaliation and shame heaped on someone after they are exposed as the main cause of problems that brought so much pain and destruction to others through deception.

The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

But you are cast away from your tomb like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, who are thrust through with the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit; like a dead body trodden under foot. You will not join them in burial, because you have destroyed your land. You have killed your people. The seed of evil-doers will not be named forever. (Isaiah 14:19-20)

I saw at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I saw even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. (Daniel 7:11)

But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end. (Daniel 7:26)

He shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Daniel 11:45)

Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation [epiphaneia] of his coming; even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12)