I saw
another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people. He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn’t worship the image of the beast to be killed.
Revelation 13:11-15
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.
Revelation 13 [11.] I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people. He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived.
Revelation 13 [15.] It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn’t worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads; and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.
Meaning:
This passage presents a vivid depiction of the deceptive tactics employed by the false prophet to lead people astray and to enforce worship of the first beast, commonly understood to represent the Antichrist.
The false prophet is described as having "two horns like a lamb," which may initially appear harmless and even resembling Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God. However, his speech reveals his true nature, as he speaks like a dragon, indicating his alignment with Satan and his intent to deceive.
The false prophet exercises authority on behalf of the first beast and compels people to worship him. He performs miraculous signs and wonders, such as calling down fire from the sky, in order to deceive people and bolster his authority. These signs are granted to him by Satan and serve to further his agenda of promoting worship of the first beast.
Furthermore, the false prophet commands people to create an image of the first beast and gives it the power to speak. Those who refuse to worship the image of the beast are threatened with death, demonstrating the extreme measures taken to enforce allegiance to the Antichrist.
Revelation 13:11-15 serves as a warning about the dangers of deception and idolatry in the end times. It reminds us that Satan is the father of lies and will stop at nothing to lead people away from the truth of God's Word. As Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24, "For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect".
But amidst the deception and turmoil, there is hope. Revelation 19:20 tells us that the false prophet will ultimately be defeated, along with the beast and Satan himself. The victory belongs to Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, who will establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.
In conclusion, Revelation 13:11-15 serves as a sobering reminder of the deceptive tactics employed by the false prophet in the end times. It calls us to remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor over deception and evil. As we await His return, may we hold fast to the truth of God's Word and resist the schemes of the enemy.