Water Monster - Revelation 13:1-10

"The dramatic scenes of Revelation 12 underscored the ongoing and bitter hatred of the devil (the antagonist, presented as a dragon) against the redeemed people of God (the protagonist, presented as a glorious Woman) and Christ (the hero, presented as the woman’s ascended child). The last episode showed the dragon rushing off to prepare for war against those who obey God. He does so by calling up two vile monsters to serve him." [1]

The first beast arose from the sea.  “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.” (Revelation 13:7–8, NIV).

Again we are reminded by John the time frame that we are looking at.  Consistent with previous references to this time frame (See note Rev 11:1–2; also 12:6), this wicked assault lasts for 42 months (i.e., 1260 days or 3 1/2 years - all depicting a time frame between Christ's first and second coming.  "To this monster the dragon gives his power and authority. John now notices, looking closely, that one of the seven heads seemed to have received a mortal wound, but the wound has been healed. The whole world follows the beast in wonder and amazement, in the spirit of adoration and worship. . .."[2]

"As those beasts symbolized kingdoms (Dan. 7:17, 23), so this beast, a composite of them all, represents every human empire." [3]  The nations with their evil governments that assault the Church rise and fall but they are all still pawns in the hands of Satan.   Interestingly John shows us that the rise and fall of empires and the allegiance they demand; and their hatred to Christianity is all part of the end time story.   Also we learn that "he beast falsely imitates the Lamb, “standing, as though it had been slain” [4]  One might think that the success of the Gospel has obliterated the war on Christ, but it has not.  It is the role of Satan to imitate Christ.  Saints must be aware of that.

God’s Reality		Satanic Imitation
the real Trinity (Father, Son [Lamb], Spirit)	1:4–5	the false trinity (dragon, beast, false prophet)	16:13; 20:10
Lamb standing, as though it had been slain	5:6	many-headed beast with mortal wound healed	13:3
sealing of the saints	7:2–3	mark of the beast	13:16–18
Bride in white	19:7–8	prostitute in purple and scarlet	17:1–6

We note that this beast was "allowed" to make war on the saints.  Ultimate power is still in the hands of Almighty God. And in light ". . . of the coming imprisonment and death of even more Christians, the readers are to maintain patient endurance and faithfulness." [5]

What a remarkable revelation to us as we see world governments rise up and claim to be our savior.  The state will keep you.  The state will help you. We also see the state demand our allegiance.  We God's people remain true to the Gospel, the state assaults them.  All this power is demonic. "In John’s day the imperial cult in Asia fostered “worship” of the empire and the emperor as divine savior and lawgiver. The abuse of religious devotion to manipulate thoughtless allegiance to the state is an ageless phenomenon." [6]

Whenever we see these evil nations fall we can be sure that in the power of Satan they will rise again to do their evil.  Christ's people must remain vigilant and faithful.

Father, evil does not come to me clothed in satanic garbs but in christly garments.  Evil comes posing as my savior; calling for my loyalty; and demanding my worship.  Grant to me and all whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, the discernment to see the reality of evil even in our governments.  Help us to persevere in truth and remain faithful to the Gospel.   All this for the sake of Jesus our true King and Messiah.









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1. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (226). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2. Hendriksen, William (1998-06-01). More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 145). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2481). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles
4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2481). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
5. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (230). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
6. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2482). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.