Revelation #21: Revelation Chapter 13:1-10 – The First Beast of the Apocalypse: The Future Global Dictator

Revelation #21: Revelation Chapter 13:1-10 – The First Beast of the Apocalypse: The Future Global Dictator

Introduction

Revelation 13 presents a glimpse into a future global government that will be ruled by two key figures: the first beast (a global dictator) and the second beast (a false prophet). This passage refers to the final 3½ years before the glorious return of Jesus Christ. In the previous chapter, Revelation 12, we see a cosmic battle where Satan and his demons are cast out of heaven to Earth, filled with wrath because they know their time is short. Chapter 13 reveals what Satan will do in those final days, primarily through his instrument, the first beast.

The Description of the First Beast
Verses 1-2:

“Then I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.”

This first beast has already been introduced in Revelation 11:7, but now, Revelation 13 provides a fuller description. The beast rises from the sea, which, according to Revelation 17:15, represents nations in turmoil. It is a powerful political figure with global reach.

Seven Heads and Ten Horns
The “seven heads” are difficult to precisely identify, but Revelation 17:9-10 provides a clue, explaining that these seven heads represent “seven kings” and “seven mountains.” In the Bible, mountains often symbolize power or authority (see Daniel 2:35). These heads are marked by blasphemy, an act of declaring oneself equal to or greater than God.

The “ten horns” represent ten kings who will rule with the beast. Revelation 17:12-14 explains this confederation:

“The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.”

These ten kings will share power with the beast, forming a global coalition, but their authority will ultimately serve the beast’s absolute dominion. To fully grasp this passage, we must consider Daniel 7, which gives additional insights into this future empire.

The Beast as Depicted in Daniel’s Prophecy
In Daniel 7:7-8, the prophet describes a terrifying fourth beast that also has ten horns, symbolizing the final world empire. Daniel receives further clarification in verses 19-28, which explain that this fourth beast represents a kingdom that will devour the whole earth, and the “little horn” that rises among the ten represents the global dictator, the Antichrist. He will wage war against the saints, and his rule will last for 3½ years (time, times, and half a time).

The Beast’s Appearance: A Leopard, Bear, and Lion
The imagery of the beast in Revelation 13 echoes Daniel’s earlier visions of world empires. The leopard (representing Greece) symbolizes speed, the bear (Medo-Persia) indicates strength, and the lion (Babylon) reflects majesty. These characteristics describe the future world empire, which will combine the might and glory of previous empires. Its power will come directly from Satan, as the dragon gives the beast “his power, his throne, and great authority.”

A Miraculous Recovery and its Impact
Verses 3-4:

“One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, ‘Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?'”

The mortal wound of the beast has sparked various interpretations. Some suggest that a historical figure (such as Nero or Hitler) could be resurrected, while others propose the revival of a dead empire, such as the Roman Empire. However, it seems more likely that this refers to an assassination attempt on the future dictator, whose miraculous recovery will captivate the world. Whether this is a literal resurrection or a satanic deception, it will cause the entire world to follow and worship the beast.

Satan’s goal has always been to receive the worship that belongs to God alone, as seen in Isaiah 14:14: “I will make myself like the Most High.” During the final 42 months of the tribulation, Satan will achieve this objective by presenting the beast as a savior figure, deserving of global worship.

Blasphemy and Global Dominion
Verses 5-8:

“The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander His name and His dwelling place and those who live in heaven. It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.”

The beast will blaspheme God openly, slandering His name, His heavenly dwelling, and His saints. This aligns with Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 7:8, where the little horn speaks “arrogant words” against the Most High. Despite the beast’s global authority, his rule is divinely limited to 42 months. During this time, the beast will wage war against the saints, and many will be martyred, but God’s sovereignty over these events will remain unchallenged. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be preserved spiritually, even if they face persecution and death.

Call to Perseverance
Verses 9-10:

“Whoever has ears, let them hear. ‘If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.’ This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”

This passage closes with a call to heed the Word of God and prepare for the coming trials. It warns that those destined for captivity or death will face it, but this is not a call to despair. Rather, it is an encouragement for the saints to endure with faith, trusting that God’s justice will prevail in the end.

Conclusion
Revelation 13 paints a vivid picture of the final world empire and its dictator, the Antichrist, who will rise to power with the support of Satan. His blasphemous reign will be short-lived, and Jesus Christ will ultimately return to establish His eternal kingdom. This prophecy serves as both a warning and a source of hope, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith as the world moves closer to these events.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer