VERSE 2 continued “Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.”
(As taken from The Keys of Revelation)
“In Daniel 7 Papacy is depicted by a remarkably singular horn upon the fourth beast, but in the Apocalypse a whole beast is devoted to its symbolism. The beast described here in Verse 2 possesses features of all four beasts of Daniel 7, yet in no way should this composite description be understood to signify that the first four heads of the beast in Revelation 13 commence with the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar. To prevent such a misunderstanding, the animal features of the composite beast are purposely narrated out of sequence.
Note the sequence as outlined in Daniel 7 as compared to that of Revelation 13:2
1. Babylonian lion (verse 4) …Body of a leopard
2. Medo-Persian bear (verse 5) …Feet of a bear
3. Grecian leopard (verse 6) …Mouth of a lion
4. Roman diverse beast (verse 7) …Seat of the dragon
In Rev 13:2 the various bestial features detailed are not meant to identify four successive powers that arise or to show a time relationship; instead, they call attention to cardinal (worldly) characteristics of these empires that Papacy possesses and exemplifies.
Body of a Leopard
It is implied that the main part of the body or torso of the beast consisted of the likeness of a leopard. Known for agility and secrecy in movement and for adroit and swift acceleration, the leopard contrasts markedly with, for instance, the bear with its rather slow, cumbersome movements. The leopard wastes no motion in pursuing its prey; it ripples with feline grace, having no superfluity of weight. The Holy Spirit, therefore, used the leopard to portray Greece (Dan. 7:6), particularly the military exploits and prowess of Alexander the Great.
The nation was also known for philosophy, learning, orators, diplomacy, skillful gymnasts, Olympic games, and the oracle of Delphi. The Western world generally concedes Greece (Athens) to be the seedbed of democracy, and Greek architecture and statuary are marvels of grace and beauty. Thus, Ancient Greece was aptly symbolized by the leopard that is graceful yet dangerous and lethal toward its prey: “beauty and the beast.”
The Papal Leopard
Now to return to the vision of the papal beast, which is seen to possess the body of a leopard. The papal government—its functional organization and mechanics of operation— has characteristics similar to those of the leopard. The papal system has political dexterity and maneuverability, its representatives being skilled in the art of diplomacy. When contingencies arise and events do not materialize as anticipated, Papacy always has in preparation alternate options to pursue. Its internal organization and chain of command are well defined with no excess bureaucracy to impede the implementation of its policy and political expertise. An order given by the pope is followed down the line. The organization of Papacy is so exceptional that Adolf Hitler in his book Mein Kampf just marveled at its political strength, sagacity, and longevity in weathering the storms of centuries. The dictator desired that his own political organization be patterned in its likeness.
The spots (camouflage) of the leopard also well illustrate papal tactics and change of policy were considered most useful. In other words, in democratic countries Papacy tries to appear liberal, but in lands where, in the past, ignorance and superstition have prevailed, such as Latin America, Portugal, and Spain, Papacy has assumed its true posture and conservative role.
In darkened lands where the glorious light of the gospel has shone but dimly, it is intolerant to truth. In more liberal countries, such as the British Commonwealth and America, where there is a republican form of government or parliamentary rule, Papacy tries to appear more lenient and flexible, taking advantage of the benefits of the laws of the land but stubbornly resisting reform. In one country, it is obliged to be more tolerant, yet in another it is given theocratic license. Thus, can be seen Papacy’s duplicity.
Can the Papacy truly reform and find itself in heart sympathy with a pluralistic society?
The Scripture rhetorically answers this question in the negative:
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard [change] his spots? (Jer. 13:23)
Continued with next post.
