DISCLAIMER: The things I wrote here contain interpretations that mostly came from people who are inspired by the Holy Spirit which gave them Understanding and Knowledge to interpret the meaning behind every symbolism. I praise the Lord for it, and I thank them for sharing what they know.

Writing the interpretation for Revelation 13 is the hardest for me unlike other chapters in the same book. I do not know how to approach this topic or how to write it. I cannot sugar coat the words written in the bible (2 Timothy 4:3-4) for the Word of the Lord and His decree must be presented the way He had said it. So, I will be straightforward with Revelation 13. Some may not accept this interpretation but it is still good to know a bit about everything there is to know.

When reading the book of Revelation, it is good to keep in mind to look at the details as if you are standing in Israel. If the verses say “North” then it is to the north of Israel and so on. Now, let’s begin Revelation 13.

THE FIRST BEAST

Revelation 12 ends with the dragon standing on the shore beside the sea. Then we begin Revelation 13 with a BEAST rising out of the sea. This Beast with 7 heads and 10 horns with 10 crowns represents the ANTICHRIST and the leaders from different nations supporting the Antichrist. This is the same BEAST FROM THE ABYSS in Revelation 11 who defeated and destroyed the 2 Witnesses (Eastern Orthodox Church and Western Catholic Church). The fact that this beast came out of the sea means it is overseas (Gentile Nations) from the vantage point of Israel.

This Beast is the same beast described in Revelation 17:3. This is also the 4th Beast Daniel saw in Daniel 7 that looks like a leopard with feet that were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth (Rev 13:2).

The 7 heads represent 7 Kings (kingdoms or empires) with a history of conquering the Jews. (Rev. 17:9) Five of them have already fallen (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece), the 6th now reigns (Rome because during the time John wrote his visions, Rome ruled over Israel), and the 7th is yet to come but his reign will be brief (Ottoman Empire came after Rome). 

The 7th head in Rev 13 has a fatal would but is miraculously healed means that this (based on our timeline) is already a fallen kingdom but will soon be revived, making it the 8th head of the Beast (rev 17:11). 

A popular belief is that Rome is the 7th Head, making it also the 8th Head. But I have to politely disagree with this. If Rome is already the 6th Head, how can it be the 7th Head and then be revived again to be the 8th Head? It just doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t fit at all.

This Beast (Antichrist and the 10 kings/leaders) will make a covenant with many (peace treaty with Israel) for 1 week (7 years) but half of the week (3.5 years) he shall break the covenant (Daniel 9:27).

The Beast will be empowered by Satan to exert near-unlimited power over the earth. This includes persecution and murder of Christians, accompanied by overt blasphemy against the God of Israel, and cult-like worship from the people of earth. The Beast will rule for 42 months (2nd half of the 7-year Tribulation period or 3.5 years).

If you also observe the description of the 1st Beast (with 7 Heads and 10 Horns in one body), this also symbolizes a Union of Several Nations or an Alliance of Nations or a Governing Body, powered by the Dragon (Satan), rather than a sole country. They do not have the SPIRIT of GOD and do not acknowledge the God of Israel.

All of those people whose name is not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb will worship the Beast (Rev. 13:9).

Rev. 13:9-10 is an instruction given to us by the Lord. These instructions might be hard to bear or to even follow. Those who are destined to be held captive will be held captive, and those who are destined to perish will perish. This is the reason why most people cling on to the belief of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture when the church will not have to go or endure the persecutions. But with Rev 13:10, I believe that God tells His church to endure and remain steadfast in faith until He returns to save us for this will be a testing of our faith.

THE SECOND BEAST

Another beast will rise out of the earth. If you will observe its description in Rev. 13:12, it mimics the description of the Lamb (Christ), but it spoke like a dragon (like Satan). This second beast is the FALSE PROPHET who will deceive many and make the people worship the First Beast. He will perform many miracles to convince many people that what he claims is true. He will also DENY THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST. He will order the people to build an image or a statue for the First Beast. This statue was given the “ability to speak,” and then the statue commanded that anyone who refuses to worship it must die. I imagine this statue could be a tower with speakers (the reason why John said the statue/image could speak), commanding people to bow down to it and worship it. This vision reminded me so much of what happened in Daniel 3 where King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all people of all races and nations and languages to bow down to his statue made of gold whenever the people will hear the sound of the horn, flute, and other musical instruments. Anyone who refused to obey King Nebuchadnezzar was immediately thrown into a blazing furnace.

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

During this time, everyone will be required to be marked on the head or on the right hand. This mark will be implemented by the Beast Government as an ID System for the citizens and no one can buy or sell anything WITHOUT this mark including food and other basic needs. Many will be enticed to get marked, but those who heard and followed the Lord’s warning will refuse the mark.

GOD CALLS US TO ENDURE AND REMAIN FAITHFUL

Allow me to give these warnings to all. You may or may not accept these, that is fine. The Tribulation Period will be a terrible day for all, especially for those who follow Christ. People will be persecuted because of their faith in the God of Israel. Many will renounce their faith to avoid persecutions and many will accept the mark and bow down before the Beast to escape hardships.

Read carefully and understand:

1. Do not bow down to the Antichrist nor swear any oaths of allegiance to him.
2. Do not take the Mark of the Beast.
3. Do not worship the image/ statue of the Beast.

God will condemn those who chose to get marked with no chance of pardon. Rev 13:8 tells us about the people who worship the Beast, and their names are not written in the Book of Life. And if anyone’s name is not found written in the book of life, he will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15).

May the Spirit of the Lord give Understanding to anyone who reads this post.