We have already covered the symbol of the beast and what he represents. We do recap on some of the discussions earlier, but as this is a deep prophetic study, if you have not covered this section, rather go back to the prophecy essentials and click on empires in prophecy ...

And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his 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. [ Rev 13:1-2 NIV ]

We know this beast according to the book of Daniel and Revelation the last world kingdom on earth at the time that Jesus returns. This beast, hereafter referred to as empire; was clearly identified as a revival of the Roman empire and consists of many nations by establishing treaties and alliances with one another.

We already mentioned that the European union is fullfiling the prophetic requirements of a Revived Roman Empire; but it does not mean that it is this empire. For instance; it might include the U.S.A., after all the U.S.A. emerged out of England.

All we know that according to Daniel 2 and 7 the Roman Empire has to be revived before Jesus returns to earth and must have a core base of 10 major regions. It is distinct from the Roman Empire, yet virtually covers the entire world.

In our discussions in prophecy essentials; we highlighted that according to the vision of Daniel 2 & 7; a head refers to a nation; whilst horns refer to a leader; whilst a beast refers to a mighty empire. This Daniel himself revealed and does not require interpretation.

The main point we now focus on is that in verse 2 above, we read that the dragon gave its power, his throne and complete authority to this kingdom. And we now also know; that this dragon is the devil or otherwise known as “Satan”. (Rev 20:2) Now we read further information regarding this beast : 

One of the beast's heads looked like it had a fatal wound, but its fatal wound was healed. And in amazement the whole world followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because it had given authority to the beast. They also worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight a war with it?" ...

This fatal wound to one of the beasts heads - what does this represent?

2 viewpoints regarding the fatal wound View 1 :

1.    The wound represents a kingdom; i.e. , a nation

From the book of Daniel, a head was referred to as a king; and obviously that king ruled over the kingdom.

Remember in this book, 5 kingdoms were identified. A country therefore refers to a nation and the beast refers to the kingdom of the Antichrist. One of these nations was fatally wounded. Notice the wound healing, caused people to be amazed by the power of the new kingdom. Also notice, that they worshipped Satan as Satan had given all its power to this kingdom.

Seeing the manner in which this kingdom has recovered, the people marvel at the greatness of this great empire and by its master leading it.

Although we can’t emphatically discount this viewpoint, it is unlikely that as a result of a nation recovering from a major set-back, that they or the antichrist are automatically worshipped by many people. There is sufficient evidence to indicate that this head does not refer to a nation, but rather to its leader, perhaps the antichrist himself.

View 2 :The wound represents a leader; presumably, “The antichrist” 

And then there are a lot of prophecy teachers who refer to this wound to the head of the beast; as that to the wound of the antichrist. In other words, the antichrist, “the one that confirms a covenant with Israel” that starts these awful events, receives an apparent fatal wound to the head and then recovers miraculously.

The devil enters the body of the antichrist and is thereby able to exercise his power over the kingdom. He is also worshipped and revered by many. Take note the beast "empire" was GIVEN authority for 42 months or 3 ½ years. This is mentioned 4 x in Revelation. This just emphasizes the subordinate role of the beast. If God did not give them authority, the beast would have no power. Being ruled by Satan, it is no mere co-incidence that this empire blasphemes God and ridicules those living in heaven … Also notice the timing of events. They are given authority for 42 months. We know that Satan is kicked out in the beginning of the 2nd half of the tribulation. It was allowed to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. He was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. We do recall that John was given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple, but to ignore the courtyards, as this is given to the gentiles for 42 months. (Rev 11 : 1 – 2).

We see here that this kingdom "beast" controls many nations of the earth during the 2nd half of the tribulation; including Israel! It also means that during the 2nd half of the tribulation; it must have conquered or taken over many countries of the world. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note here it is written that everyone whose name is not in the book of life will worship this beast. We also know that Satan is attacking this woman’s children and trying to hunt down the Jews.  God warns those on earth that believe in his word, that if they must die or go into captivity, they must endure it. They must hold on to their faith at all costs. 

This therefore implies that during this last half of the tribulation; there is still lots of Christians who are turning to Jesus and God for their salvation. God tells them not to war against the beast, but to flee and to have complete faith in him.