Chapter 13

Introduction

We now enter one of the favorite chapters of today's eschatological junkies. This is the famous "Mark of the beast passage." For an accurate interpretation it would help to remember the context. When we left the 12^th chapter, Satan was raging and ranting against the church. In this section we encounter two of Satan's pawns: Rome and false teachers. Just has heaven contains the divine trinity. Earth contained an unholy trinity consisting of Satan, the Emperor and those who taught and enforced his worship.

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

The Hebrews were never a seafaring people. As a result they viewed the sea as a terrifying part of creation. The prophets occasionally used the sea as a symbol of the teaming masses of wicked people that surrounded and threatened them (Isaiah 57:20f; Jeremiah 49:23). It was also used to describe the foreign forces that destroy a nation by invasion (Jeremiah 51:42, 55f.). Ezekiel compared many nations to the sea and its waves as it overwhelmed Tyre (Ezek. 26:3).

In Daniel chapter 7 we have the image of the beast coming out of the sea to conquer. In that context the sea is clearly the teaming masses of the world from which the world leaders or empires arise. The beast rising out of the world's masses had great intelligence (SEVEN HEADS), power (TEN HORNS), and authority to rule (TEN CROWNS). The BLASPHEMOUS NAMES suggest that he has a sacrilegious attitude toward God.

2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

These verses are drawing from the imagery of Daniel 7. In that chapter the four world empires are compared to a lion (v. 4), a bear (v. 5), a leopard (v. 6), and an unnamed beast which was terrible with great teeth of iron and TEN HORNS. In Daniel's book the fourth beast is clearly Rome. Here Rome is set forth once again as the culmination of all great empires of history. Note that the source of Rome's power is Satan.

3 I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

Commentators have suggested many interpretations of this passage. The most reasonable seems to be that Nero was the first Emperor to persecute the church. His persecution was resurrected in the form of Domitian, whose persecution was more widespread and severe.

4-5 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" ⁵ And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

THEY (the world) worshiped the one who gave authority to the beast. Notice that this passage indicates that Those worshiping the beast were actually worshiping the one who had empowered him.

With such formidable enemies the cause of Christ would seem to have little hope of survival. However, God has determined an end to this reign of terror. The beast's power would endure for only FORTY-TWO MONTHS. This was a period used several times in (Revelation 11:2; 12:6,14. this is the same period of time represented by Daniel's times, and times and half a time (Daniel 7:21, 25). All of these refer to the time of persecution by the Roman Empire.

6-7 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ and it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The beast speaks against God, his church and those in Heaven. It couldn't be any other way. Little else could come from such an evil source (Matthew 2:34-36).

Such a wicked individual will never be satisfied with the power he has been given. Even though he ruled in every nation, he was not satisfied. He made war against the saints. Daniel (7:21 ff.) also prophesied this destruction of God’s people.

8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

In response to those who would compromise and participate in the cultic rituals demanded in worship to the emperor, thinking that it is alright as long as they cross their mental fingers, John informs us that the all who worship the beast do not have their names written in the book of Life. The LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE is mentioned several times in the Bible (Psalms 139:16; Philippians 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:19). It is God's ledger of the saved. It tracks us from before birth until the judgement. It could be thought of as a citizenship ledger.

9-10 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. ¹⁰ He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Notice that the source of PATIENCE (endurance) for the saints is faith in the conviction that ". . . all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). This is the mindset of the beatitudes-in-action and is the mindset that leads to real victory.

11-12 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. ¹² And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

ANOTHER indicates another beast of the same kind as the first. He is the essence of deception. Although he appeared as a LAMB he SPOKE LIKE A DRAGON. The dragon of chapter 12 is clearly Satan who is the "Father" of lies (John 8:44). He is the spokesman for the first beast. His mission is clearly to deceive the world to worship Satan by worshiping the beast. The TWO HORNS probably represent the dual power of the political branch of the province and the religious branch of the province (the commune).

The second beast is clearly inferior to the first because he receives his authority from the first. It was important to religious and political officials in the province that due benevolence is rendered to Domitian so that the province could remain in good standing with Rome.

13-15 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. ¹⁴ And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. ¹⁵ He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

The question arises as to how God could allow Satan to work miracles. God did not allow Satan to work real miracles. True signs came from God to confirm the word (mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3).

In Contrast, the false prophet confirmed his word by deception (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). He used the false signs to deceive the worldly minded ones described as, THOSE WHO DWELL ON THE EARTH. Satan deceived them into worshiping himself by worshiping the image of the beast that he (Satan) had empowered.

16-17 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, ¹⁷ and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Just as God had given a sign on the forehead to mark his people (7:3; 9:4; 14:1) The beast marks the right hand and forehead of those who worship his image.

What was the mark of the beast? The word MARK (charagma) means a stamp, engraving or etching. It could be an engraved stone, or a brand on a slave or horse. The Beast establishes a policy that all must receive this mark regardless of station.

This passage contains an apocalyptic element. In apocalyptic literature there is a powerful dualism. Dualism is the concept that the forces of evil and good are locked in mortal combat. this conflict is such that all men must choose between the two sides. Compromise is not an alternative. To compromise is to choose darkness and evil instead of God, good and light.

yet, we still ask what was the MARK? Was it a literal or a figurative mark. Some of the most incredible and ingenious hermeneutical speculation ever generated centers around conjecture about the identity of this mark and the identity of the beast. The mark has been variously identified as the social security card, ration stamps, war bonds, etc. A currant popular belief is that a great world leader will cause a UPC symbol to be emblazoned on the forehead and hand of every man woman and child via laser. A laser scanner will then scan this symbol. It is believed that a great super computer will be used by the world leader in conjunction with scanners to force all people to worship him or be denied access to check out lines of super markets and stores. Many are teaching that the technology for all if this is now in place. All that remains is for the right Anti Christ to arise and utilize it.

We know too little about the setting of Revelation to give a definite answer as to what the mark was, yet we can easily deal with much of today's speculation. However, if we accept the concept that the purpose of this book was to deal with Domitian's persecution, then we can immediately dismiss all of the modern speculation. Yet, if we rule out all applications that deal with modern times. Although we have narrowed down the field, we still have not determined what the mark was. We do not have enough evidence to determine whether there was a literal mark, engraved stone,, coin, token, etc. given to those who worshiped Domitian. however, if the seal given to the faithful Christians was not literal, then the Satanic seal may not have been literal.

It is this writers conviction that the seal on the forehead of the 144,000 was not literal. It was for all God's servants on the Earth and we can be certain that if the circumcision of God's people is no longer a literal circumcision (Romans 2:28-29), then the seal given God's people was not literal. It was on the forehead (where all could see it). It may have been the faithful life of the Christian. If the Seal on the Christian was not literal then the mark of the beast may not have been literal. It was on the right hand (the hand with which the person reached forth the incense for Domitian's alter), and on the forehead (the action was public for all to see).

The mark could also correspond with the third seal (black horse). The black horse, represented selective famine and hunger ("do not harm the oil and the wine" [Revelation 6:6 ]) . When Roman cultic officials entered a town, they would construct an altar in the town and require citizens to come, place incense on the altar and declare Domitian Lord. It is said that some compromised the faith while others refused to bow before the image of Caesar. Those who refused to compromise were denied the right to practice their trades or buy in the market place.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The beast is identified in this verse by the number 666. Expositors have gone to great extremes with this passage. On the one hand are those who say It is impossible to know who is meant. On the other are those popular writers and preachers with a constantly changing kaleidoscope of bizarre interpretations. It seems that each time a new despot arises, books begin to proclaim this new world leader to be the beast of Revelation. Mathematical formulas are often created to prove that the latest despot is the beast.

Irenaeus used a numerological scheme (Genatria) in which letters were given numerical value. he came up with three possible meanings for the number 666. Alford who concluded that 666 signified Lateinon for Latin rule and paganism that culminated in the Latin church modified one of his possibilities.

The most popular numerical formula is one that produces the name NERO CAESAR. To do this one must convert "Nero Caesar" to the Hebrew consonant equivalent "Nron Ksr" and add up the numerical equivalent for each letter. The Hebrew system of Gematria is then applied to each letter. The letters are then summed up to equal 666. This all sounds quite plausible until one realizes that equally plausible systems have been used to spell Hitler and even Kissenger. Even if the NERO theory were correct remember that Domitian is Nero revived (13:3).

It is this writer's conviction that the number 666 applies to Domitian. Note that it is the number of a man. Six was the number for man (Confer  Link on Numerology). the number three stood for God. So the number 6 (man) three (God) times would stand for one who claimed to be God.

Chapter 14

1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.

Two questions arise immediately concerning this verse--what and where. What is the significance of the name written on the forehead and where are the 144,000? The 144,000 are the same group of people we encountered in the seventh chapter. There they were described as "the servants of our God" (7:3). They were sealed on the forehead (7:4). The seal is not described in chapter 7. It is logical to assume that the seal on the forehead (7:4) and the "Father's name written on their foreheads" are one and the same. Notice once again that either Satan or God seals everyone.

In chapter seven we encountered this group on the earth, but where are they located in this context? They are with the lamb standing on Mount Zion. the Phrase "with the Lamb" does not help us since our Lord is with us in this world and will be with us in the world to come (Matthew 28:20; Phil. 1:23). So, we must consider the question, what or where is Mount Zion? Mount Zion is first used to describe the stronghold and city of David (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Chronicles 11:5). Because God dwells there it is a place of refuge (Psalms 48:3,13). It is the city to which the Messiah would come and from which he would send forth his law and reign--physical Jerusalem--(Isaiah 2:2f).

In the New Testament, "Mount Zion" is mentioned in six other passages Matthew and John quote Zechariah 9:9 as being fulfilled by the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5; John 12:15). Peter and John quote Isaiah 28:16, "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. . ." So far, all of these passages seem to refer to literal Jerusalem, however, Heaven is also called Zion:

Hebrews 12:22-24,

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, ²⁴ to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Here Mount Zion is clearly the church in Heaven. But, in this chapter is it the church on earth or in Heaven? In spite of the challenges of the unholy trinity of chapter 13, the saints now possess a greater kingdom--Mount Zion. And, in the future they will possess the only kingdom--the heavenly Mount Zion (21:2). In this passage the 144,000 are either on Earth exalting over the final victory over the Beast and false prophet or they are in heaven at the final destruction of Satan Himself. Which view is correct? It is hard to say, but either interpretations would be true.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.

John first sees the 144,000 rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. He next hears a great voice from heaven this voice sounds like, many waters, loud thunder, and harpists playing on their harps. the voice of many waters may allude to Christ (1:15), the loud thunder (6:1; 19:6) is a loud sound of authority that demands attention and respect, and the many harps would suggest a melodious voice.

3 And they sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

Who sang the new Song? It is generally assumed that the 144,000 sang the new song, but no such assumption can be proven. There are several possibilities as to the identity of the singers: the elders, the living creatures, and the 144,000. Contrary to popular belief it does not appear to be the 144,000 for they are still learning the song. It could be the multitude mentioned in chapter seven.

4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God.

This passage presents some interesting problems for those who claim that only the 144,000 will enter Heaven. First, as we have already noticed. the 144,000 can not be placed (with certainty) in heaven. But even more problematic for our Watchtower friends is the description of the 144,000 found in this chapter. Normally Witnesses do not allude to this passage. They try to keep the student involved in the other context (chapter 7). The reason is obvious. This passage clearly indicates that those numbered and sealed are all male virgins. Here, Witnesses find themselves on the horns of a dilemma. They insist that the number must be taken literally. But they cannot take the rest of the description literally. Witnesses hold that there are married men, women and even divorced men in the number. In fact, their own founder was divorced by his wife. In court proceedings, he was proven to be an adulterer.

The answer to this dilemma is simple. Both the number and the description are figurative language. The 144,000 is a figurative number for all of God's people on earth at any one time. They are called virgins because they have been married to God and have refused to defile that relationship by associating with other Gods. In the Old Testament idolatry was often referred to as adultery.

They were the firstfruits. The firstfruits were offered to God. They testified to the fact that the harvest all belonged to God and that more would follow (I Cor. 15:20,23). The fact that the 144,000 are the firstfruits would add weight to the position that the 144,000 are those on earth who are exalting over the conquest of the beast instead of the final exaltation since the fact that they are first fruit would suggest there would be more to follow.

6-7 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth; to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people; ⁷ saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."

The midst of heaven refers to the position of the Sun at noontime. The everlasting gospel represents the totality of the good news contained in the New Testament. Some allude to I Corinthians 15:1-4 as proof that the gospel only pertains to the facts of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. However Paul said:

Galatians 3:8

"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.'"

In this passage the gospel clearly includes more than the facts of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. Several passages indicate that although the death burial and resurrection are the crux (Latin for cross) of the gospel that the rest of the good news proclaimed in the New Testament can also be called the gospel (Matthew 4:23; Luke 9:6).

In this context the part of the good news intended is described: "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water"

8 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

The Babylon here mentioned is not literal ancient Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had been God's instrument of Justice. God had given him a throne and an empire. Jehovah had used him to punish the Jews for their idolatry. He destroyed Jerusalem, carried away the chief people and the implements from the temple (Jer. 27:6,8; 2 Chron. 36). Yet his grandson Belshazzar had failed to recognize Jehovah as benefactor and--in a drunken, idolatrous orgy--defiled the implements dedicated to God (Daniel 5). That very night God destroyed the apparently invincible Babylonian Empire for its blasphemy against God.

This ancient Babylon is not the one intended in Revelation. Babylon did not exist as a great city at the time Revelation was written. Peter referred to the church in Babylon (1 Pet. 5:13). There is no evidence that there was a church in historical Babylon in the first century. Peter was probably referring to the City of Rome. In Revelation 17, Babylon is portrayed as a woman who sets on seven mountains. Ancient Babylon sat in a flat plain. Rome sets on seven hills.

Thus Rome is called Babylon. Like Babylon, Rome had taken the power and blessings showered on it by God and used them for wicked and idolatrous uses. Her great sin was fornication idolatrous worship of Satan through the beast.

The phrase Babylon is fallen is past tense. This is an example of the prophetic past tense. Prophets would occasionally predict events in the past tense instead of the future to emphasis the certainty of the events. The complete destruction of Rome is about to be described. But it is such a certainty that an angel goes before announcing its destruction as an accomplished fact.

9-11 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ "he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹ "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

The angel warns that those who worshipped the beast will share in his judgement.

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

The word patience does not mean passive acceptance of life's trials. It means to endure, to bear up under, and to carry the load. The word was used to describe beasts of burden that could carry huge loads. The endurance of the saints is found in the fact that they keep on obeying the commandments, even in times of enormous strain because of their faith in Jesus (James 1:1-12; Rom. 8:28).

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

Verse 13 may be in contrast to verses 10 and 11. Those who chose to follow the beast enjoyed the pleasure of sin for a season as they followed the beast. But their works followed them to their just reward, and the works of the Christians followed them to their just reward. These saints needed to endure and work now. But the time of their rest would come. Also the death of the saint was not a sign of defeat. Rather it was deliverance to his ultimate reward.

14 And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.

This is the victorious Christ (crown) ready to reap the harvest. For those who have sown to the flesh it will be a bitter harvest (Gal. 6:7-8).

15-19 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." ¹⁶ So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. ¹⁷ Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. ¹⁸ And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." ¹⁹ So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

This is not the final judgement of the Earth. Note that the grapes are harvested not the vine itself. Old Testament prophets used this figure

Joel 3:13 "Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great."

20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.

Outside the city refers to outside the holy city the church (cf. comments on 11:2). Once again we are assured that when God takes vengeance on the wicked his own people will be spared. Premillennialists apply this literally to the city of Jerusalem. Such an interpretation is impossible. Israel is not 200 miles long and wide and while Jerusalem sets on a mountain the Dead Sea is 1,290 feet below sea level (the deepest place on dry land).

Chapter 15

Introduction

We now encounter the third series of sevens. There were the seven seals, and the Seven trumpets. Rome has been given ample time to Repent and has refused. Now it is time to fully execute God's judgement on this evil empire.

1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.

The time of Repentance is over this is the end of the Roman empire for these are the last plagues.

2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

The sea of glass is described as before the throne of God in chapter four. However, this time, the glass is mingled with fire. This writer has never has never heard this point made before so he hesitates to make the point. But is it possible that the significance of the sea of glass would be the ability of the God of heaven to see what is below on earth. If such were the case those who stand on the sea of glass would be martyred saints on the glass witnessing the reflection of the destruction going on below.

3-8 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! ⁴ Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested." ⁵ After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. ⁶ And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. ⁷ Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. ⁸ The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

The preparations have now been completed it is time for Rome to fall.

Chapter 16

Introduction

It is now time to pour out the seven bowls of God's final judgement on the Roman empire. This is not the end of the world or final judgement or the description of "the beginning of the end."

1-2 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." ² So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

This plague is reminiscent of the plague of boils sent on Egypt. Foul means, evil, troublesome, evil injurious. Loathsome suggests painful or serious. The sore of this passage is an open abscess.

3-7 Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. ⁴ Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. ⁵ And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. ⁶ For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. for it is their just due." ⁷ And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."

The second and third bowl reminds us of the plague that turned the Nile into blood. The pollution of the ocean would have destroyed commerce, and fish for food. the fresh water would have denied them of drinking water, which is necessary for daily survival.

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.

Now that all the drinking water is gone the Sun, which would normally be a source of life becomes a curse.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

As hard as it may be to believe, even after all of this evil people refuse to repent. This to is reminiscent of the Egyptian plagues. The plagues that brought faith the hearts of ancient Jews and modern Christians alike caused the Pharaoh to harden his own heart.

10-11 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. ¹¹ And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.

In ancient Egypt, God finally touched the house of the Pharaoh himself and he relented (temporarily). In the case of Rome, God now touches the throne of the beast himself and he still does not repent

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.

Rome had long looked at what was beyond the eastern boundary as being unknown and terrifying. The drying up of the Euphrates would signify the removal of the last barrier between them and their worst nightmares. It signifies imminent invasion.

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Instead of using their mouths to confess their sin and repent, the terrible threesome spews forth ugly lies and deceit.

14-15 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. ¹⁵ "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."

the use false miracles to prop of their claims to divinity. They go forth to do battle with the forces of good. But the child of God must be careful not to be deceived by lying words and sighs or. Instead he must be vigilant go keep his life clean.

16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.

This verse is actually a continuance of the thought of verse 14 which had been interrupted by the parenthetical statement of verse 15. Armageddon comes from Har-Magedon meaning "Mount of Megiddo." Megiddo was a strategic point that guarded the northern invasion rout into Israel and Judah. Several of the decisive battles of Israel's history were fought here. Deborah's battle against the Canaanites (Judges 4,5), Gideon's battle with the 300 against the Midiannites (Judges 7). Saul and Jonathan died in this area (1 Samuel 31). King Josiah died fighting Pharaoh Neco in this valley. This turned out to be one of the decisive battles of history in as much as it slowed down Neco's advance against the Babylon's and contributed to the victory of Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of the Babylonian empire. Thus a reference to Armageddon would suggest a battle of great significance.

17-19 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" ¹⁸ And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. ¹⁹ Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.

The voice of the Father or the Son comes declaring it is done. Not only Rome will suffer but all the kings and kingdoms that assisted in her blasphemy.

20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

This statement of Judgement on Rome is similar to language used by Old Testament prophets to describe God's judgement of wicked nations. Even the remote islands will be effected be her fall.

Ezekiel 26:18 "Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall; yes, the coastlands by the sea are troubled at your departure."

21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, every hailstone about the weight of a talent. And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great

A talent was between 75 and 100 pounds. This is similar to the plague of hailstones. Note the worldwide ramifications of the fall of Rome. The downfall of the Roman Empire was more wide ranging than that of any other empire in the history of man. Rome had given the world (with the exception of the Christians) two centuries of peace. A system of roads and commerce unparalleled in previous history. The fall of the Roman empire brought the entrance of the "Dark Ages" which were to last for 1,000 years.

Chapter 17

Introduction

The seven bowls we witnessed the complete destruction of the Roman Empire. Now we turn to the more specific destruction of the capital city itself: Rome. In chapter 12 we encountered the woman arrayed with the Sun which represented the Old and New Testament church hunted by Satan. Her Rome is a Harlot.

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,

Rome is a Harlot who sits on many waters.. The Harlotry is of course indicative of her spiritual harlotry (idolatry). Sitting on many waters is symbolical of the many peoples she ruled. This symbol presents a problem for those who apply Revelation to Jewish persecution. Judah was not ruling many peoples in the first century and did not set on many waters literally as Babylon did (Jeremiah 51:13). Nor was it a sea-going nation.

2-3 "with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." ³ So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

The scarlet beast represents the emperors. The woman riding the beast reminds us that the emperors were the true power that moved the city of Rome and the empire.

4-6 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. ⁵ And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. ⁶ And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

The harlot's clothing represents the incredible wealth of the city of Rome. And yet, after such incredible blessing from God she is a prostitute (unfaithful to God) who has ignored the source of her blessings and turned to degenerate debauchery.

6-11 But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? 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. ⁸ "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. ⁹ "Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. ¹⁰ There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. ¹¹ "And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.

The seven heads represent the seven mountains on which the city of Rome sets. The seven heads also represent the seven Kings of Rome. Verses 10 and 11 refer to the Nero Redivivus myth. Some ancient writers referred to Domitian and a resurrected Nero.

12-13 "And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. ¹³ "These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.

The ten horns represent the vassal king that drew their power from the Roman emperors.

14-15 "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." ¹⁵ And he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.

This passage explains why the destruction of the Roman Empire would also bring down the rest of the civilized world. They too had participated in the persecution of the saints. This verse also explains the figure of the waters.

16-17 "And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. ¹⁷ "For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

Rome, the emperors and the vassal kings will turn on each other and destroy each other in the process.

Chapter 18

Introduction

Once again the final fall of Babylon (Rome) is announced the peoples who prospered from their association with Rome will morn. Yet the destruction is certain and Christians should not become intertwined with the Roman empire.

1-3 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. ² And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! ³ "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury."

The Rome that the businessmen and kings of the Earth have trusted is gone.

4-8 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. ⁵ "For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ⁶ "Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix for her double. ⁷ "In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.' ⁸ "Therefore her plagues will come in one day; death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

Christians are warned to extricate themselves from unholy alliances and compromising arrangements with the forces of evil because they judgement will be sure and severe.

9-20 "And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, ¹⁰ "standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' ¹¹ "And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: ¹² "merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; ¹³ "and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. ¹⁴ "And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. ¹⁵ "The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, ¹⁶ "and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! ¹⁷ 'For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' And every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance ¹⁸ "and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?' ¹⁹ "And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.' ²⁰ "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"

The kings and merchants of the earth will mourn and wail at the destruction of Rome. But, there is no honor among thieves their grief is driven not by love for Rome, but by greed.

Chapter 19

Introduction

The Harlot has been judged and destroyed. Now the host of heaven breaks out in spontaneous joy and praise. One cannot help but be impressed with the contrast between the responses of the merchants and the saints to the death of the harlot.

1-2 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God! ² "For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her."

After these things the destruction of the city of Rome and the beast and the prophet calibration breaks out in Heaven. For begins the explanation of why they are praising God. His judgements are true and just. He judged the prostitute and avenged the blood of the saints.

3-8 Again they said, "Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever and ever!" ⁴ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!" ⁵ Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" ⁶ And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! ⁷ "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." ⁸ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

The praise of God continues. now a new reason for celebration comes. The marriage of Christ and his bride approaches. Many have misunderstood the some New Testament passages to teach that the church is now married to Christ (Ephesians 5:24f.). However, such is not the case. This passage demonstrates that the church on earth is betrothed to Christ. It was the custom of Jews to referred to betrothed couples as husband and wife. The marriage was not celebrated until the feast and ceremony. But they were considered husband in wife in every sense. In fact it took a decree of divorce to break a betrothal (Matthew 1:18-20). Paul said of the church:

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

In verse eight we see the difference between the clothing of the prostitute and the church.

9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."

The fall of Babylon was introduced in 14:8, but the description of the fall was reserved for chapter 18. In a similar fashion, the wedding feast is announced her but will not be described until chapter 21.

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Here we learn an important lesson. Only God is worthy of worship and adoration.

11-16 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

We have witnessed the judgement of the harlot (Rome). But we have not seen the judgement of the beast, false prophet and the dragon. It is now time to see the judgement of the beast of the false prophet. The destruction of the dragon (Satan). Is reserved for chapter 20.

First we see Christ riding forth to conquer. He is wearing a robe dipped in blood. This is not the blood of the martyrs. It is the blood of Christ that brings victory over sin and death.

17-18 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, ¹⁸ "that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."

In anticipation of the carnage of the impending victory the birds of carrion are summoned to the scene.

19-21 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. ²⁰ Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. ²¹ And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Now we witness the final defeat of the beast and the false prophet. For forces that seemed to be so powerful their defeat is described so briefly and matter of factly as to seem almost anti-climactic.

© David E. Parks October, 1998

dave@wcofc.org

Last changes made Friday, March 30, 2007 03:04 PM