Simplified Overview Revelation 13 - Rise of the Beast Kingdom

    Revelation 13 can be broken down into four distinct characters, the red dragon, the beast kingdom, the little horn (antichrist), the beast out of the earth, aka: the false prophet: the  magician or sorcerer.

    Mesopotamian kingdoms had a slew of false prophets: magicians, sorcerers, star gazers,  necromancers, mediums with familiar spirits, wise men, and dream interpreters in the kings court. This is what the false prophet represents, a master magician who rules in the kings court, in service to the king and his kingdom. 

The Simplified Overview:  

Rise of the beast kingdom. Revelation 13:1-4

Rise of the little horn or antichrist: Revelation 13:5 - 10 

Rise of the false prophet: Revelation 13:11-16 

Rise of the dragons power: Revelation 13:2b, 5b 

   Of the four, the rise of the beast is the most complicated as it is the most complex. What makes it so complex is the amount of detail involved in his genetic makeup. The beast has many parts and pieces, which work together as a collective whole. There are three previous beast kingdoms, ten horns with crowns, and seven heads; and, one of his heads was slain and mortally wounded. But, when John saw the beast rise from the sea, the mortal wound was healed. There is also a bit of Biblical and historical knowledge needed to navigate the rise of previous 'beast' kingdoms and, their geographical locations. 

   Many middle eastern kingdoms simply absorbed the conquered ones, expanding their territorial boundaries. These ancient territorial markers set the boundaries for the antichrist kingdom. 

That Great City: Revelation 17:18

   But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days: 2 Timothy 3:1.

   Revelation: Greek  ἀποκάλυψις - Apokalypsis - to uncover or unveil.  

   Some of the most compelling prophecies in the Bible are found in the Book of Revelation. Revelation is the unveiling of end time events which will occur during a time of tribulation; global war, famine, pestilence, divine judgements, natural catastrophes, cosmic disturbances, the third temple and two witnesses, the rise of a global leader and his kingdom; the beast out of the sea with a religious system, the beast out of the earth. 

   This will be a time of great tribulation unlike anything the world has ever seen. These events mark a time period which must occur before the return of Christ Jesus who will have the ultimate victory, and rule from the throne of David. 

   Knowledge of these future events help us identify tribulation markers as they become visible. One of these future events is the prophecy found in Revelation 13  - the rise of the beast out of the sea: a vicious and brutal kingdom which has seven heads (seven kingdoms) and ten horns (ten kings): R 13:1-4. There is also a second beast which rises from the earth: R 13:11, which has two horns 'like a lamb' and speaks the words of the red dragon. This Beast out of the earth (clay) is the religious system of the first beast - the beast out of the sea - the tribulation kingdom of antichrist (iron). 

English Back to Greek Revelation 17:3

English Back to Greek Revelation 17:3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness; and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 

   The most interesting area of study of Revelation 17 and 18 are translating the English  interpretations back into the original Greek and breaking down the meaning behind those words. Some of the English translations were poorly chosen. 

   John chose his words very carefully when drafting his account, detailing specifics that are not found in the English translations. Studying the Greek which John used gives us a clearer picture of what John was witnessing while in the spirit. 

   In verse 7 the angel tells John that he will tell him the mystery of the woman and the beast that carries her. The angel begins to explain a succession of events surrounding the beast who carries the woman upon his seven heads. The angel begins with the beast in verse 8, but does not give John much more information concerning the woman  until the very last verse,  Here, the angel tells John that the woman which he saw was that great (μεγας) city (πολις) which reigns over the kings of the earth. Revelation 17:18. This verse transitions chapter 17 into chapter 18.

   In the Greek, μεγας, mega translates into English as great, huge, enormous by volume, overtly large by physical size. 

   πολις or, polis for city is defined in the Greek as a walled city, mother city, magistrate city of many that dominates well defined territory: Babylon the Great.

   So now we know that the woman is a metaphor for a extremely large city. 

Seven Heads of the Beast Revelation 13

   1) "And I stood on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast (kingdom) rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2) And the beast that I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat (throne) and great authority. 3) And I saw one of his heads as it were (slain) wounded to death,(εσφαγμενην), and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." 

   John is instructed to document and record a series of events: the things which he had seen, the things that are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19). After the seven letters to the seven churches, John is shown a door in heaven and is taken in the spirit. The large majority of the things recorded in Revelation consists of futuristic events, that extended far beyond John's world, to the end of the age. These events transpire during the appointed time of tribulation and move the reader forward, into the Great tribulation. 

   I think people are shocked when they discover that much of Revelation is more literal than it's given credit for. We are told that Revelation is full of prophetic symbolic imagery and it's hard to understand so, we expect to be confounded and confused. We were told how scripture should be interpreted and now, we hold onto centuries-old interpretations for dear life and pass them on. One of these ancient interpretations is that the seven heads of the beast, are the seven hills of Rome. 

   The majority of Revelation consists of the witness statement written by John; the  documented account of the events he viewed 'which shall be hereafter,' These events were witnessed and recorded by John while he was in the spirit on the Lords day. Much of his witness statement is contested by bible students and scholars who don't quite agree with the timing or, the symbology that John saw and documented. Most of the symbology is found in the old testament and, Revelation can be viewed from a biblical perspective based upon the writings of the prophets. Once we study the symbolic imagery taken from the old testament, we discover that Revelation can not only be understood but, it's fairly simple.  

English Back to Greek Revelation 17:1

   And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither, I will show you the judgment of the great whore πόρνης that sits upon many waters. Revelation 17:1

   The most interesting area of study of Revelation 17 and 18 are translating the English  interpretations back into the original Greek and breaking down the meaning behind those words. Some of the English translations (in my opinion) were poorly chosen. 

   John chose his words very carefully when drafting his account detailing specifics that are not found in the English translations. Studying the Greek which John used offers a clearer picture of what John was witnessing, while in the spirit. 

   For example the Greek word translated into the English as great (megas) 'prostitute' is  πόρνης which means commercially corrupt one, to export or sell products or commodities immorally for profit or gain. This is generally defined or translated into English by its root πόρνη which is simply pornēs, prostitute or prostitution. This is where the term harlot, wh0re or, prostitute originated from, the root of πόρνης. 

Revelation 13:3 King or Kingdom?

    I was a little late to the Revelation 13:3 social media party and almost missed it completely. After the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald J Trump, social media lit up with Revelation 13:3 quotes. This was mostly from those who don't study scripture but, are quick to use it to serve their purposes or, fit a specific narrative which has become common practice. Most comments were quite misguided, even delusional, misquoting scripture. 

   "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast" 

   The bullet grazed former President Trump's ear, whereas, the alleged shooter received a deadly head wound which ended his life and no, he will not rise again. But, the scriptural reference was directed at former President Trump and his wounded ear. Heads represent kingdoms, horns represent kings, Is Trump a kingdom? Is he a kingdom that belongs to the beast that rises from the sea, mid-tribulation? Is he even a sitting President right now? Is he a leader (king) of a middle eastern world kingdom? No, of course not. 

   Why doesn't scripture say one of the horns was wounded as to death if this verse represents a deadly head wound upon a man; a king? Because it's not a man, it's a kingdom. 

   Let me explain: 

   Revelation 13:1-4 details the rise of the antichrist-tribulation kingdom aka: the beast of ten horns, who parallels the feet and toes of iron and clay.  

Dreams of a King Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar's Prophetic Dream

   Upon claiming the throne (605 BC) after the death of his father, King Nabopolassar, King Nebuchadnezzar II inherited a bunch of mystic advisors that had once served his father. These wise men were collaborators of the dark arts who worked in service to the King. The mystic advisors were the best the kingdom had to offer, Egyptian magicians, Canaanite fortunetellers, Aramaic astrologers, and Chaldean dream interpreters. There were also soothsayers, diviners,  sorcerers, enchanters, conjurers, and illusionist available to provide counsel unto the new king.  

   But none would come close to doing what the king requested.

   King Nebuchadnezzar II was haunted by a dream that mesmerized his soul. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep, the details of his dream evaporating as soon as he woke. It intrigued  him so deeply that he called upon his court of dream translators, sorcerers, astrologers, and magicians to reveal his dream, and the meaning of it.   

   He was desperate to know the interpretation of the mysterious dream that evaded his waking moments. 

Hislop and the Mother Child Religion

   The argument used by Alexander Hislop to explain the mystery religion or, the mother - child worship predominant in the Catholic church is that every false religion in the world is connected to the worship of a woman named Semiramis and her child, Tammuz, the reincarnation of Nimrod. His argument is that the mother-child religion flooded the entire world after the fall of Babel to honor or replicate the worship of Semiramis and Tammuz. He claims that these are the same beings with different names since the languages had changed. 

    His argument is that Mary and Jesus are simply imitations of Semiramis and Tammuz reintroduced into religion, and the birth of Christ Jesus, was a replacement for this ancient Babylonian mystery religion. He ignores any reference to the rise of fertility cults consisting of a variety of deities that dominated the Mesopotamia. 

   History shows that the Mesopotamia was filled with a mixed combination of occult  rituals, idol worshipers and a saturation of fertility religions post-flood. History has no mention of a woman named Semiramis until the 8th century BC, long after the tower of Babel fell and, Nimrod no longer walked the earth. Her memory was expounded upon, and included in the writings of many Greek historians, beginning with Greek physician and historian, Ctesias (5-4th C BC) who connected her to a mythological character, King Ninus. 

   According to Greek mythology, King Ninus ruled Assyria in 3000 BC. These myths and legends are what many historians, including Alexander Hislop, based their research on. 

Debunking Alexander Hislop?

    Hislop did a fantastic job selling his bizarre hypothesis of Nimrod, Semiramis and Tammuz and the Babylon mystery religion; as it continues to be a primary teaching in many  churches today. Hislop's theory is used to explain the prophecy of the 'harlot woman' of Revelation 17. This is the only chapter in the entirety of the Bible, that many Bible teachers use an outside source for interpretation.

   The majority of parishioners aren't even aware that these tales are based upon mythology, mythical figures and fictional characters. but, we were told that this would happen: 2 Tim 4:3,4. Those who are aware, just don't care. It is taught in church and that is good enough for them. Afterall, who would question their favorite Bible teacher?  

  Surely Bible teachers had done their research on this, investing in a full analysis of Hislop's claims, before teaching it as a historical and biblical narrative? One would think so,  but it is impossible to fully analyze the conjuncture of Hislop, and still teach it as a historical or biblical narrative, with a clear conscience. Many pastors are misled by these teachings. 

   The interpretation of Alexander Hislop is the most protected non-Biblical source in modern history. The truth in the Bible supports itself, both historically and scripturally.  When you have doubts or questions, the Bible explains itself as scripture is interconnected, and scripture defines scripture. Not so with Hislop. When you have doubts or questions as to the logic of reincarnation, time travel or mythical characters, there are no discussions or debates. You become an outcast, verbally attacked as a 'crazy troublemaker', your questions or comments ignored as folly. It is something you cannot question or criticize in many churches today. The insanity of it all just boggles my mind. But, it is what it is. In the age of mass deception, truth, logic and reason become the first victims. 

   Beginning sometime around  2012 or 13, something quite uncanny occurred. Someone taught the Hislop narrative of the mystery religion of Semiramis, and before too long nearly every bible teacher was teaching it. As a result, you couldn't find a sermon on Revelation 17 without it. Almost all use the same Hislop narrative that includes Nimrod, a fabled mother / wife, named Semiramis and a son named Tammuz. 

Daniels Fourth Beast from the Sea

   The interpretation of Daniel 7 can be a bit perplexing. I thought I would attempt a quick and hopefully simple breakdown of Daniels four beasts that rise from the sea. It will aid in the interpretation of the beast kingdom in Revelation 13, and 17, and perhaps offer some clarity concerning the fourth kingdom which rises in the latter days, prior to the second coming of Christ Jesus - Yeshua Hamashiach.

    The writing below is simply a reiteration of scripture. The Bible is interconnecting as  scripture defines scripture. Daniels night vision interconnects with Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar was perplexed by a dream that prophesized the future of his kingdom. His dream began with his role as the king of Babylon, the kingdom which ruled the middle east. This kingdom was  followed by two additional kingdoms, one of silver and another of brass. These future kingdoms would rise to rule the middle east - the kingdom of Babylon. The dream ended with a fourth and final kingdom that will rise to seize world power in the latter days. The Bible doesn't require outside sources to interpret scripture but, we often find that historical events fill in the gaps. 

   Daniel 7 adds additional information that parallels the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. The kings dream revolved around four metals which represented the decline of his kingdom, and three additional kingdoms that would rise to rule the middle east - the kingdom of Babylon. 

   The four beasts parallel four metals from the dream image: 

   Four Beast: 1) Lion - Babylon 2) Bear- Mede-Persian 3) Leopard - Greek, Grecian 4) Beast of ten horns - Tribulation-Antichrist kingdom. 

   Four Metals: 1) Gold - Babylon, 2) Silver - Mede-Persian, 3) Brass - Grecian, 4a) Iron - God's judgement, fall of Babylon, 4b) Iron mixed with clay - Tribulation - Antichrist. 

Inanna and Ishtar and the Tale of Tammuz

As we move closer to Resurrection Sunday we will see memes about  Ishtar, Nimrod, Semiramis and Tammuz, that tie the Resurrection of Christ Jesus to pagan myths. 

These are absolute garbage. Let me explain: 

   The oldest goddess documented in history was Inanna. Inanna was the primary, and first fertility goddess of the southern Mesopotamia. Her origins are found in Sumer, dating back to 3000 B.C.. Inanna was the original Queen of heaven. She was NEVER called Semiramis. She was the prototype for nomadic people, who wanted a Queen of heaven of their own. 

   Inanna had a boyfriend, his name was Dumuzid or Dumuzi.  His beginnings are also found in Sumer, dating back to 3000 B.C.. as Inanna and Dumuzid were intimately linked in a romantic relationship. As their popularity grew, their deity status made its way into the Akkadian and Babylonian territories. Here, they were known as Ishtar and Tammuz. 

   Tammuz was the youthful god of pastures and plants. He was not connected to sun worship nor, was he ever a sun-god. His father was the primary god Ea or El, his mother was Dutter, goddess of ewes, in the Sumerian culture and, Davkina, mistress of the vine, in the Babylonian and Akkadian cultures. The tale of Inanna and Tammuz is documented in the form of hymns, found on Cuneiform Sumerian tablet called the Babylonian Tammuz Lamentations. The tablet is number 15 and is housed in the British museum. 

   The hymns were translated by Frederick A. Vanderburgh in 1906 and placed into a book published in 1908: Sumerian Hymns from Cuneiform Texts in the British Museum. Frederick Augustus Vanderburgh, Columbia University Press, 1908

Rise of the Post Flood Gods

    After the flood, the worship of the pre-flood Nephilim continued. When the people of Babel scattered, the notoriety of the pre-flood hybrids rose. The stories of the old gods and the men of renown from the old world, were shared throughout the post-flood cultures of the Mesopotamia. The notoriety of these gods grew as their legends were spread across the land, in various forms. 

   Nearly every ancient culture on earth, had a fabled part man and part animal god, at some time - Pan, Horus, Anubis, the Centaur, Minotaur, Satyr, Lamassu and so on. Nearly every culture has also had legends of women mating with the gods creating god-like children. The Greeks continued the tales; they were well versed in creating legends of gods and goddesses. They were quite the story-tellers, who were completely enamored with their deities. 

   One of the oldest and most recognized of these creatures can be seen in Egypt with the Sphinx. The age of the Sphinx is estimated at 4,500 years old. The Sphinx has the head of a man in a royal headdress and the body of a lion. It is believed to been sculpted from limestone 2600-2500 BC in the 4th dynasty of the Pharaohs, though it has been theorized that the Sphinx may be much older; a symbol that existed in the pre-flood world. 

   Though there are many more than the ones listed below, these few will provide an example of how the pre-flood creatures were worshiped in the new world, and the stories surrounding them. 

His Church Upon This Rock - Caesarea Philippi

   I found this deeply profound, and I just love the historical significance of places like these:  

   There is a rock outcrop that juts out below Mount Hermon (sacred mountain). It is called Caesarea Philippi. It was a place dedicated to the worship of many pagan gods such as Ba’al, the roman goddess Diane and the Greek throwback of the ancient Nephilim, Pan, the goat/man god. 

   Dug into the rock were various arched ledges for the idols of pagan gods and goddesses to sit. Temples were built so patrons could visit and worship various pagan deities, one after the other. 

   The temples had long since vanished but the etchings and ledges are still visible. Pictures: creative commons:  https://vici.org/vici/17872/

   There was a special court area built for the hypnotic flute playing Pan, the dancing goat/man god that chased woodland nymphs for sexual frolic. 😏

   There was also an area set aside for Pan and the sacred goats, and another for Pan and the nymphs. There was a temple for Echo, (the goddess Pan couldn’t catch), a Temple for Zeus and one for the Greek goddess Nemesis. 

The Woman in the Ephah Zechariah 5

Unfulfilled Prophecy in the Land of Shinar: Zechariah 5, the Woman in the Ephah 

   It was 738 B.C., the second year of Darius the Mede, when the first remnant returned to Judah after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. The prophet Zechariah was born there and returned to Judah with this first remnant. 

   After a series of failed and forgotten attempts; Zechariah was instrumental in stirring the hearts of the Israeli people to complete the rebuilding of the temple: 516 - 515 B.C.  Construction began around 536 B.C., two years after the first remnant returned, but faltered many times. Before the temple could be completed, the wickedness of Babylon had to be removed from the hearts and minds of the people and the land. 

   Yahweh called Zechariah as a messenger to receive visions of prophecies in the year 520 – 519 B.C., twenty years after the fall of Babylon. Zechariah is in Judah when he received several visions from the angel. The Woman in the Ephah was the seventh vision. After this vision, the temple was finally dedicated in 516 B.C. 

Mystery Woman of Revelation 17

Mystery Woman: 

    Who is this woman that has enchanted and mystified prophecy students for nearly 2,000 years? She sits in the wilderness with her companion, the scarlet beast at the end of world history, spreading her filth into the earth. She is even given royal treatment, carried upon  seven heads of the beast; seven world kingdoms.  

   And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me saying, come hither; I will show you the judgement of the great whore πόρνης (Greek: commercially corrupt one) that sits upon many waters. Revelation 17:1

   So, who or what is this great prostitute; the commercially corrupt one? 

    To partially answer this question, we need to look at the final verse in Revelation 17, which summarizes the entire chapter. This is the final 'clue' that the angel gave John; "I will tell you the mystery of the woman"... It is the ‘big’ picture that will define the woman and  chapter 17 and 18 with more clarity. We may not be able to identify her at this time in history but, there are many clues; so while she is being prepared, we will be able to recognize her for what she will become.  

    This interpretation is based upon scripture and the writings of the prophets which will omit the interpretation presented by Alexander Hislop taught within the church today.

    If you are not familiar with Alexander Hislop but have listened to modern Bible teachers interpret Revelation 17 as a harlot church, you are listening to, and learning the teachings of Alexander Hislop. Hislop's theories are based upon fables, mythology, reincarnation and the various gods and goddesses that ruled the Mesopotamia, and later, the Greek and Roman cultures. These teachings are taught as actual historical and biblical narratives in the majority of churches today. These are the same teachings that Paul warned about: 

   For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they will turn away their ears from the Truth and (truth) shall be turned into fables (myths). 2 Timothy 4:3,4 

    When Revelation 17 is reiterated using authentic historical context and scripture, it reveals something completely different. Modern day bible teachers are misleading the flock by teaching the Nimrod, Semiramis, Tammuz fables as historical and biblical doctrine. There is a major blind spot in biblical theology when it comes to the theories of Alexander Hislop.