Part 1
Revelation Chapter 13
Amongst Bible Students there exist several different interpretations of this chapter, as there exist with the book of Revelation as a whole, with each appearing to contain its own evidence both historical and scriptural. However, for this study we will stick mostly with the interpretation as expressed in the New Albany Notes on Revelation, and Brother Shallieu’s The Keys of Revelation, inserting where profitable the insights of any other brethren who have written upon the subject.
Note here we are not saying that any of the other various interpretations are wrong, we simply wish to remain consistent with what we have presented thus far in our study so as not to completely confuse anyone attempting to following this study. To present various views on a specific text or idea is one thing to present a whole different view of an entire chapter we believe would only serve to confound the reader especially those with a limited knowledge of Revelation, therefore we will leave that to the more advanced student who has both the time and patience to do so.
Revelation Chapter 13
A NOTE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF VERSES 1 THROUGH 10
“Brethren have struggled with the interpretation of this chapter because, historically, it appears to be out of order. This has even led to inaccurate interpretations. The prevailing Bible Student view of the wounding of one of the heads is that the Reformation accomplished this. This IS accurate.
But when we see the head wounded in Verse 3 and the 1260 years shown as taking place later, in Verse 5, it does not seem easy to reconcile THE ORDER OF INFORMATION PRESENTED. However, once we see a little secret of the construction of this narrative, we can feel very comfortable with the symbolism's and their historical fulfillment's which Brother Russell presented to us.
Once we are introduced to the Leopard Beast and its physical description (Verses 1 and 2), we are given a SERIES of histories of this beast. Each history, each part of the series, begins with what has been GIVEN to the beast. Then follows what RESULTS from the beast’s having been given these various things. With each part of the series, history CLICKS BACK, that is, looks back in time to take another look at this beast. Hence:
(1) In Verse 2, the beast is GIVEN power, throne, and authority. Then in (Verses 3 and 4) we see the HISTORY of that authority: one of the heads (authorities) is wounded; but the beast recovers.
(2) In Verse 5, the beast is GIVEN two things: A Mouth, and Authority to “DO” for 1260 years. Then in (Verse 6) we see the HISTORY of those two things: Blaspheme against God and the saints during that period.
(3) In Verse 7, the beast is GIVEN authority over the restless classes of humanity (tribes, peoples, tongues, and nations.) Then in (Verse 8) we see the HISTORY of that authority: ONLY “those who dwell on the earth” really worship him. The rest merely submits to his overwhelming control.
Verse 9 then gives the LESSON which applies to all the above histories.
Seeing this clever and consistent method of narrative makes this chapter very clear and easy of interpretation.”
Before we begin it is IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the first phrase of this verse in Chapter 13, “AND HE (the Dragon) STOOD ON THE SAND OF THE SEASHORE”, belongs to the end of Chapter 12, viz.
“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. And he stood on the sand of the sea.” Rev 12:17 (New Albany Notes on Revelation)
“This chapter somewhat parallels the twelfth chapter of Revelation. The enactment of the drama starts a little later in point of time, however. It begins where the new power is introduced under a different symbolism; that which was called Michael (the false Michael) in the previous chapter and the little horn in Daniel 7 is now designated the “beast,” which eventually forces the dragon to assume a subordinate role in the affairs of European nations.” (The Keys of Revelation)
We will begin with Verse 1 of Chapter 13 in our next post.
