Free Bible Commentary
“Revelation 13:11-14”
Categories: Revelation“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life.”
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“This land-beast represents false religion; in fact, in all other references to him he is known as ‘the false prophet’ (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). Four characteristics clearly identify him: (1) ‘two horns like a lamb’ (religious appearance); (2) ‘spake as a dragon’ (an agent of Satan); (3) ‘exercised all the power of the first beast’ (backed by political power); (4) ‘caused the earth to worship the first beast’ (represents the pagan false religion that worshiped Caesar as god.” (Harkrider)
The “beast coming up out of the earth” had a harmless and inoffensive outward appearance, seemingly as meek as a lamb. Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
The goal of the “land-beast” was to make “the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast” (verse 12). We see here the combining of political authority and religious observances, which may find further symbolism in the beast’s “two horns”. The Roman Empire exercised its absolute power both politically and religiously by declaring Caesar to be a god, and demanding the full participation of its citizenry in the state religion and emperor cult as an expression of allegiance to his throne.
“He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth…” (verse 13). “The role of the false prophet was to entice men to worship the first beast. To achieve this end he was empowered to do ‘great wonders’. The devil has the power to cause ‘lying wonders’ (2 Thess. 2:9-12; Matt. 24:24), and men were deceived by the apparent miracles he could perform. Whatever signs God allows Satan to perform, they are never of the same quality as those worked by God’s servants. This difference is clearly set forth when the sorceries of Simon are seen in contrast to the attesting signs performed by Philip (Acts 8:5-13). In the biblical sense, an authentic miracle is an observable act directly produced by God with means other than physical laws of nature. If Satan could do the same, there would not be a way to determine the true message of God from the devil’s false words. Whatever signs Satan has attempted to duplicate have only been counterfeit, as Moses proved before Pharaoh (Exod. 7:10-12). (Harkrider)
The lamb creature with the dragon’s voice “deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast” (verse 14). Satan’s great power lies in his ability to deceive the masses into doing his will by his cunning and craftiness (2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Timothy 3:13). He takes things that are deadly to us, both physically and spiritually, and makes them look so enticing and beneficial (Genesis 3:1-7). He speaks like a gentle little lamb, but he bites like a venomous serpent. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:8-11)
Please read Revelation 13:15-18 for tomorrow.
Please come worship God with us today in spirit and truth at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
