In the second half of the tribulation there are about 2.5 billion people on the earth. Who are they? We will need to do a bit of math to logically make sense of who the players are at this point in time. All of our estimations are calculated as if the harpazo takes place within the next few years. Assuming (in round numbers) 7 billion people on the earth. If in thirty years the harpazo has not occurred we will have to recalibrate our numbers. Numbers tell a story and lay a good foundation for us to gain a global perspective. Once we have the thirty thousand foot view, we can then add the details.
Because of the sensitive nature of this time period we have to be cautious in naming our players. Who is the beast? Who is Babylon? Who aligns with the dragon? Who is told to come out of Babylon? All these ideas can change in the next one hundred years. Any war in these areas can change the landscape, so what we are looking at in Revelation 13 is a time in the near future, after the harpazo. We cannot look at this as if the church is still on the earth, that does not make sense, as we have studied repeatedly. Here is our first three and one half years of tribulation, the wrath of the Lamb, in round numbers.
7 billion people on the earth
-2 billion Christian people harpazo’d
———
5 billion people on the earth after the harpazo, before the first seal is opened
-1.25 billion people, 1/4th of the population die at the 4th seal
———
3.75 billion people on the earth after the 4th seal
- 1.25 billion people, 1/3 of the population are killed at the 6th trumpet.
———
2.5 billion people on the earth at the time of the 7th trumpet.
There are a few variables, such as not knowing how many were killed under the altar in seal 5 and not knowing what number “myriads” of martyrs would be. We also do not know if these people are considered Jews, Messianic Jews, or newly confessed Christians. Therefore we will leave these numbers alone. There is a reason why we are not told these numbers but told other numbers. It is similar to wanting to know the number and measure of Romans 11:25; we are simply not told.
By this time at the mid-point of the tribulation, the satan was cast out of heaven, Jesus was crowned as King from age to age, and two announcements have been made regarding his kingship. We also have seen that the satan is now angry not having access to the upper heavens where he accuses the brethren before the throne day and night, and the heavenly sons of God rejoice. Who then is on the earth at this time? Again, assuming the harpazo were to occur relatively soon, there are 1.6 billion Muslims on the earth. Of that number 85% are Sunni and 15% are Shia, again in round numbers.
The numbers look like this; 1.36 billion Sunni Muslims and 24 million Shia Muslims. There are 14 million Jews today as well.
1.6 billion Muslims
+.014 million Jews
———
1.614 Muslim and Jewish population.
2.5 billion people on earth
-1.614 Muslim and Jewish population
———
886 million “other” people on the earth.
Again these are estimates as we don’t know who was killed under the altar and who was a part of the myriads of martyred. But as a long range perspective of who is on the earth when the satan is cast down and Jesus is crowned, we see who our players may be.
Many times Americans want to Americanize the tribulation, but the players specified in the Bible are all from the middle-east. If we remember, Northern America loses 75% of it’s people at the harpazo along with Russia and Australia. South America loses 90% of it’s population along with sub-Saharan Africa. China may lose upwards of 4% of it’s population at the harpazo. Now look at a map and notice the picture that emerges.
The rift between the two Muslim groups started at the death of Muhammad, with the majority believing Muhammad’s father in law should be his successor. They became Sunnis. The minority believed Muhammad’s successor should be his cousin/son in law. That is a basic difference in the two major groups of Muslims.
If we look at a map of the middle east on the breakdown of Sunni and Shia according to geographical locations, what do we see? Iraq, Iran, and Yemen have the highest population of Shia Muslims and are in political power in those countries. Iraq and Iran are situated in the center of the Middle East. Sunni Muslims are the majority in the other Middle East nations. Can we identify where Babylon is? Is it Sunni or Shia controlled? If Babylon is in Shia land, then the beast comes out of the other majority nations.
In order to make chapter 13 more coherent we will jump ahead to the explanation that John is given in chapter 17. While generally we tend not to do this, it makes more sense for our intents and purposes in understanding who is who.
Babylon was the first actual city with people fighting against Yahweh. There were already many idolatrous practices in the Middle East by the time that Abraham was born, but the city Nimrod built was instituted as an assault against the Creator. Nimrod spoke blasphemy against the Almighty Living God. Nimrod combined religions and made a political unity and the people followed him. Yahweh specifically told people to move out over the earth, but instead people banded together in Ur and the languages were confused. Believing Nimrod to be god was the root of the whoredom. How many other kings and rulers declared themselves god? This is the root of the harlotry and why Babylon is know as the Mother of Harlots. She birthed the first man who claimed he was god, and so far there are six others claiming to be god.
Revelation 17:5 (KJV)
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Even though there are nearly three thousand years between the Tower of Babel and the start of Islam, Babylon was the birther of other religious prostitutes. At this point there are two major warring groups on the earth, the Beast and Babylon. The beast hates Babylon and kills Babylon.
Revelation 17:15-18 (KJV)
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Babylon’s kingdom will be given to the Beast. But notice something here, the Jews have been in Babylon.
Revelation 18:4 (KJV)
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Babylon is not just a city, a region, or a religion, it is also commerce; a way of buying and selling. Those who align with Babylon align with her system of trade. The Jews are doing business in Babylon and then are told to come out of her.
What do our numbers say? There are at least 1.3 billion people who align with the beast and another possibly 38 million who align with Babylon (Jews and Shia). Of the other 886 million on the earth, part of that group will be living in the region of the old Roman Empire. They will align with Babylon.
First thing we must notice is that before the satan was cast out of heaven (chapter 12) this dragon had seven heads, ten horns (rulers), and seven crowns. This wild beast has seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns. The kingdom is now expanding.
Revelation 13:1 (KJV)
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast 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.
Revelation 13:1 G2532 And G2476 I stood G1909 upon G3588 the G285 sand G3588 of the G2281 sea. G2532 And G1492 I saw G1537 from out of G3588 the G2281 sea G2342 a wild beast G305 ascending, G2192 having G2768 [2horns G1176 1ten] G2532 and G2776 [2heads G2033 1seven], G2532 and G1909 upon G3588 G2768 his horns G1473 G1176 ten G1238 diadems, G2532 and G1909 upon G3588 G2776 his heads G1473 G3686 a name G988 of blasphemy.
2342LSJ Gloss:θηρίον a wild animal, beast
Dodson:θηρίον a wild beast, animal properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute.
Thayer:
1) an animal
2) a wild animal, wild beast, beast
3) metaph. a brutal, bestial man, savage, ferocious
For Synonyms see entry G5846
θηρίον
thērion thay-ree'-on Diminutive from the same as G2339; a dangerous animal KJV Usage: (venomous, wild) beast.
2776 LSJ Gloss:κεφαλή the head
Dodson: κεφαλή the head (a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord.
Thayer:
1) the head, both of men and often of animals. Since the loss of the head destroys life, this word is used in the phrases relating to capital and extreme punishment.
2) metaph. anything supreme, chief, prominent
2a) of persons, master lord: of a husband in relation to his wife
2b) of Christ: the Lord of the husband and of the Church
2c) of things: the corner stone
κεφαλή
kephalē kef-al-ay' Probably from the primary word κάπτω kaptō (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: head.
The beast is a wild animal. That tells us he is a savage and has no ability to be tamed. Every time we see this word we should recognize this person is a wild animal. He has seven cornerstones, or rulers. He has ten horns, symbols of power. He has ten royal crowns. The angel explains.
Revelation 17:7-8 (AMP)
7 But the angel said to me, Why do you wonder? I will explain to you the [secret symbolic meaning of the] mystery of the woman, as well as of the beast having the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.
8 The beast that you saw [once] was, but [now] is no more, and he is going to come up out of the Abyss (the bottomless pit) and proceed to go to perdition. And the inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been recorded in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they look at the beast, because he [once] was, but [now] is no more, and he is [yet] to come.
It is a riddle, one in which we may not fully understand if we are not living at that time. The beast has a spirit within him which was in someone else. The evil spirit will come up out of the abyss and eventually go to eternal punishment. We have already studied who comes out of the Abyss, Apollyon/Abaddon/Gog. When people look at the wild beast they will be surprised because his evil spirit will be “resurrected”. At the time of John’s writing, the evil spirit once was, but is not on the earth at present, but will come at this mid-point of the tribulation.
Revelation 17:9 (AMP)
9 This calls for a mind [to consider that is packed] with wisdom and intelligence [it is something for a particular mode of thinking and judging of thoughts, feelings, and purposes]. The seven heads are seven hills upon which the woman is sitting;
Now pay attention here, the beast has seven heads, and the woman is enthroned on seven heads/hills. Two opposing forces both with seven heads. There is more to understand here.
The woman, Babylon, is responsible for the blood of the holy ones, and the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. She has had seven kings, five are fallen, one is, at John’s time, and one is in the future who will rule for a little while. The woman sits on many waters which are many common people, nations, and languages. This woman is the great city and has kinship over the kings of the earth until the wild beast breaks free from her.
The wild beast is the eighth ruler, a descendant from the seventh head. The wild beast has ten horns/kings in the future, and they will have power with the wild beast for an hour. These ten give their power and authority to the beast. The ten horns hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and they will devour her flesh and incinerate her with fire. This is also the group that, after killing Babylon, will attempt to make war with the Lamb and his army (17:14)
Revelation 13:1.......G2532 and G1909 upon G3588 G2776 his heads G1473 G3686 a name G988 of blasphemy.
3686LSJ Gloss:ὄνομα by name
Dodson:ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
988 LSJ Gloss:βλασφημία a profane speech
Dodson:βλασφημία abusive or scurrilous language, blasphemy.
Thayer:
1) slander, detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name
2) impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty
βλασφημία
blasphēmia blas-fay-me'-ah From G989; vilification (especially against God) KJV Usage: blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.
The heads have the name of “blasphemy”. These previous rulers, and the eighth ruler all have had a character of vilification against God. The eight rulers have an authority of profane speech against Yahweh. The seven heads and the one eighth head have a reputation of impious and reproachful speech against the Creator. Now if we want to figure out who the seven previous heads were, who were influenced by the spirit from the abyss, we have to look for past rulers who spoke against the Living God, claiming themselves to be god. We can start with Nimrod.
Revelation 13:2 And the beast which 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, and great authority.
Revelation 13:2 G2532 And G3588 the G2342 beast G3739 which G1492 I saw G1510.7.3 was G3664 likened G3917 to a leopard, G2532 and G3588 G4228 his feet G1473 G5613 as G715 a bear, G2532 and G3588 G4750 his mouth G1473 G5613 as G4750 a mouth G3023 of a lion. G2532 And G1325 [3gave G1473 4to him G3588 1the G1404 2dragon] G3588 G1411 his power, G1473 G2532 and G3588 G2362 his throne, G1473 G2532 and G1849 [2authority G3173 1great].
1411
δύναμις
dunamis doo'-nam-is From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself) KJV Usage: ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
2362
θρόνος
thronos thron'-os From θράω thraō (to sit); a stately seat (“throne”); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate KJV Usage: seat, throne.
1849
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
If we compare this section regarding the four animals with Daniel 7:1-8 we will then see the interpretation starting in verse 17. Daniel writes in an interesting way in chapter 7. It is almost as if he is scared to tell us what happens, so he continually clarifies that the saints win in the end. He doesn’t want us to forget that, but he sounds as if he is apologetic and repeats the future end result a few times so that we do not lose hope.
Daniel 7:17 (KJV)
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
Daniel 7:23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Notice the phrase time, times, and the dividing of time, is the same idea of three and one half years as seen in Revelation 12. This wild beast receives the power and throne and authority of the dragon for three and one half years. The wild beast speaks blasphemy against the saints and the Most High.
One of the beasts’ head was mortally wounded.
Revelation 13:3 (KJV)
3 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.
Revelation 13:3 G2532 And G1520 one G1537 of G3588 G2776 his heads G1473 G5616 was as G4969 having been slain G1519 to G2288 death; G2532 and G3588 the G4127 wound G3588 G2288 of his death G1473 G2323 was cured; G2532 and G2296 there was wonder G3650 in all G3588 the G1093 earth G3694 after G3588 the G2342 beast.
4969 LSJ Gloss:σφάζω to slay, slaughter
Dodson:σφάζω I slay I slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally.
Thayer:
1) to slay, slaughter, butcher
2) to put to death by violence
3) mortally wounded
σφάζω
sphazō sfad'-zo A primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specifically) to maim (violently) KJV Usage: kill, slay, wound.
2288
θάνατος
thanatos than'-at-os From G2348; (properly an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: X deadly, (be . . .) death.
4127 LSJ Gloss:πληγή a blow, stroke
Dodson:πληγή a blow, stripe, wound a blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague.
Thayer:
1) a blow, stripe, a wound
2) a public calamity, heavy affliction, plague,
πληγή
plēgē play-gay' From G4141; a stroke; by implication a wound; figuratively a calamityKJV Usage: plague, stripe, wound (-ed).
2323 LSJ Gloss:θεραπεύω to be an attendant, do service
Dodson:θεραπεύω I care for, attend, serve, heal I care for, attend, serve, treat, especially of a physician; hence: I heal.
Thayer:
1) to serve, do service
2) to heal, cure, restore to health
θεραπεύω
therapeuō ther-ap-yoo'-o From the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, that is, (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specifically) to relieve (of disease)
KJV Usage: cure, heal, worship.
2296 LSJ Gloss:θαυμάζω to wonder, marvel, be astonied
Dodson:θαυμάζω I wonder, admire(a) intrans: I wonder, marvel, (b) trans: I wonder at, admire.
Thayer:
1) to wonder, wonder at, marvel
2) to be wondered at, to be had in admiration
θαυμάζω
thaumazō thou-mad'-zo From G2295; to wonder; by implication to admire KJV Usage: admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder.
The eighth wild beast was slain to death. This wound of death was cured. Then after he was healed, people admired the wild beast. Remember this beast is the last in a line of seven previous rulers, he is the eighth and now people will also worship the dragon.
Revelation 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Revelation 13:4 G2532 And G4352 they did obeisance G3588 to the G1404 dragon, G3588 to the one G1325 giving G3588 the G1849 authority G3588 to the G2342 beast. G2532 And G4352 they did obeisance to G3588 the G2342 beast, G3004 saying, G5100 Who G3664 is likened G3588 to the G2342 beast? G2532 And G5100 who G1415 is mighty G4170 to wage war G3326 with G1473 it?
1415 LSJ Gloss:δυνατός strong, mighty, able
Dodson:δυνατός powerful, able, possible (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible.
Thayer:
1) able, powerful, mighty, strong
1a) mighty in wealth and influence
1b) strong in soul
1b1) to bear calamities and trials with fortitude and patience
1b2) strong in Christian virtue
2) to be able (to do something)
2a) mighty, excelling in something
2b) having power for something
δυνατός
dunatos doo-nat-os' From G1410; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible KJV Usage: able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong.
4170 LSJ Gloss:πολεμέω to be at war
Dodson:πολεμέω I make war, contend I make war, contend, fight, battle.
Thayer:
1) to war, carry on war
2) to fight
πολεμέω
polemeō pol-em-eh'-o From G4171; to be (engaged) in warfare, that is, to battle (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: fight, (make) war.
It is a logical conclusion for people to come to, that as long as the dragon is supplying his power no one can war against the beast. Think about that in regard to who is on the earth. Those nearly one billion people who are not following the beast are realizing that they are going to have to fight against this beast. This includes Jews, Shia, atheists, and those who have recently come to believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior. Remember the woman Babylon has her kings, and she has her commerce. She was riding the beast, meaning she was controlling the beast for years. She merged the wild beast into her religion until the dragon was cast to earth and filled the wild beast with the spirit of Apollyon/Abaddon/Gog the Locust King, the one who was and is not, but will be when he rises out of the abyss.
Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Revelation 13:5 G2532 And G1325 was given G1473 to him G4750 a mouth G2980 speaking G3173 great things G2532 and G988 blasphemy. G2532 And G1325 was given G1473 to it G1849 authority G4171 [2war G4160 1to make] G3376 [3months G5062 1forty G1417 2two].
4171 LSJ Gloss:πόλεμος battle, fight, war
Dodson:πόλεμος a war, battle, strife.
Thayer:
1) a war
2) a fight, a battle
3) a dispute, strife, quarrel
πόλεμος
polēmos pol'-em-os From πέλομαι pelomai (to bustle); warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series) KJV Usage: battle, fight, war.
The wild beast who had been controlled by Babylon, the system of commerce that merged many religions, is now officially broken free. The wild beast will now have his own seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns. The wild beast will now be worshipped along with the dragon. The 1.3 billion people under this system will now do what they have said they will do since their religion started; they will rule the world. The beast has authority to make war for forty two months. Forty two months is three and one half years. Here again is another benchmark for our mid-point in the tribulation. In order for the beast to rise up out from under Babylon, the dragon must be cast down to earth and Apollyon/Abaddon/Gog must come out of the abyss. Both of those events happen at the mid-point of the seven years.
It is likely that after the wild beast is cured from his mortal wound, that he then goes into the holy of holies, does not die, and comes out declaring that he is god. The Jews at that time leave for the desert for three and one half years. This son of perdition breaks his religious followers away from Babylon and is given the ability to make wars on the earth for three and one half years, forty two months.
Revelation 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Revelation 13:6 G2532 And G455 he opened G3588 G4750 his mouth G1473 G1519 for G988 blasphemy G4314 against G3588 G2316 God, G987 to blaspheme G3588 G3686 his name, G1473 G2532 and G3588 G4633 his tent, G1473 G2532 and G3588 the ones G1722 [2in G3588 3the G3772 4heaven G4637 1encamping].
4633 LSJ Gloss:σκηνή a covered place, a tent
Dodson:σκηνή a tent, tabernacle a tent, booth, tabernacle, abode, dwelling, mansion, habitation.
Thayer:
1) tent, tabernacle, (made of green boughs, or skins or other materials)
2) of that well known movable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built
σκηνή
skēnē skay-nay' Apparently akin to G4632 and G4639; a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: habitation, tabernacle.
4637 LSJ Gloss:σκηνόω to pitch tents, encamp
Dodson:σκηνόω I dwell as in a tent, encamp I dwell as in a tent, encamp, have my tabernacle.
Thayer:
1) to fix one's tabernacle, have one's tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle
2) to dwell
σκηνόω
skēnoō skay-no'-o From G4636; to tent or encamp, that is, (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specifically) to reside (as God did in the Tabernacle of old, a symbol fo protection and communion) KJV Usage: dwell.
After coming out of the holy of holies, the wild beast rises up in boldness, making public speeches. He blasphemes the Living God Almighty, His name, and His holy tabernacle. The wild beast speaks against the many spiritual sons of God and the saints that occupy and reside in heaven. Notice something important here, the beast does not deny the existence of Yahweh. He doesn’t deny that there is a heaven or a tabernacle of the Father, but he does speak against the Father, the Son, the angelic class and the redeemed. The rationale is that with the dragon as his spiritual power, no one can stand against him. Somehow no one on earth thinks the heavenly ruling class has any say in the affairs of the earth.
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Revelation 13:7 G2532 And G1325 was given G1473 to him G4160 to make G4171 war G3326 with G3588 the G39 holy ones, G2532 and G3528 to overcome G1473 them. G2532 And G1325 was given G1473 to him G1849 authority G1909 over G3956 every G5443 tribe, G2532 and G1100 language, G2532 and G1484 nation.
3528 LSJ Gloss:νικάω to conquer, prevail, vanquish
Dodson:νικάωI conquer, overcomeI conquer, am victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.
Thayer:
1) to conquer
1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious
1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes
1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions
1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause
νικάω
nikaō nik-ah'-o From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
5443 LSJ Gloss:φυλή a race
Dodson:φυλή a tribe, race a tribe or race of people.
Thayer:
1) a tribe
1a) in the NT all the persons descending from one of the twelve sons of the patriarch, Jacob
2) a nation, people
φυλή
phulē foo-lay' From G5453 (compare G5444); an offshoot, that is, race or clan KJV Usage: kindred, tribe.
1100 LSJ Gloss:γλῶσσα the tongue
Dodson:γλῶσσα the tongue, a language, nation the tongue, a language, a nation (usually distinguished by their speech).
Thayer:
1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
1a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations
γλῶσσα
glōssa gloce'-sah Of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired) KJV Usage: tongue.
1484 LSJ Gloss:ἔθνος a number of people accustomed to live together, a company, body of men
Dodson:ἔθνοςa race, people, the Gentiles a race, people, nation; the nations, heathen world, Gentiles.
Thayer:
1) a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together
1a) a company, troop, swarm
2) a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus
2a) the human family
3) a tribe, nation, people group
4) in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles
5) Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians
ἔθνος
ethnos eth'-nos Probably from G1486; a race (as of the same habit), that is, a tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan) KJV Usage: Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
The wild beast is now allowed to make war with the saints and conquer them. Who are the saints? The Jews and those who now believe on Jesus as Lord and confess Him before men. Remember, the beast is not going to make war with his own 1.3 billion people, he is making war with the remaining 1.2 billion people who were of Babylon; the mixed races, religions, and languages. The wild beast has authority over every race, every dialect, and every ethnic group. We know this is going to happen, and those who claim they will rule the world are correct. Babylon, who has been ruling, will lose her position to the wild animal.
This begs the question as to “what is happening with the Jews?” They recognize that the one who Paul calls the son of perdition, who walked into the holy of holies and claimed to be god, is not god. This event happens at the mid-point of the tribulation period. Many will leave for the desert as we read in chapter 12. But there are some things we must clarify.
Many people believe the Jews will flee to Petra. Petra is just over the Negev desert from Israel in the land of Edom/Esau/Jordan. It is possible that Petra will be part of Israel as the Psalm 83 war increases Israel’s borders. The Psalm 83 war does not mean Israel has to take over entire countries, but instead could take over land in parts of each surrounding country with the exception of Jordan. At the height of Petra’s time 30,000 people lived there. We can now ask, how will 14 million Jews live there? There simply isn’t enough room. We might say that there are less than 14 million Jews at this point on the earth, but even if there were 500,000 Jews left on the earth, it would still be a tight squeeze in Petra. It seems likely some will go there, but that some will travel further into the desert as well. The woman “Israel” will be sustained wherever she goes for three and one half years. Yet we know that she will be called to come out of Babylon just before Babylon is killed by the beast.
It may be seen as coincidental that just as Esau ran and hid with Jacob after killing Nimrod (when Esau gave up his birthright for food after running 20 miles), that Jacob is now running to hide in Esau. Ezra says this:
2 Esdras 6:7-10 (KJVApocrypha)
7 Then answered I and said, What shall be the parting asunder of the times? or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that followeth?
8 And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and Esau were born of him, Jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau.
9 For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning of it that followeth.
10 The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other question, Esdras, ask thou not.
The question remains, is Petra/Bozrah large enough for the Jews at this time? Is Jordan the desert that the Jews flee to for three and one half years and their gateway into Babylon?
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8 G2532 And G4352 they did obeisance to G1473 him, G3956 all G3588 the ones G2730 dwelling G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth, G3739 whose G3756 [2has not been written G1125 G3588 G3686 1name] G1722 in G3588 the G976 book G3588 of the G2222 life G3588 of the G721 lamb, G3588 of the one G4969 having being slain G575 from G2602 the founding G2889 of the world.
4969
σφάζω
sphazō sfad'-zo A primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specifically) to maim (violently)
KJV Usage: kill, slay, wound.
2602
καταβολή
katabolē kat-ab-ol-ay' From G2598; a deposition, that is, founding; figuratively conception KJV Usage: conceive, foundation.
2889
κόσμος
kosmos kos'-mos Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]) KJV Usage: adorning, world.
Jesus has a book of life. People are not predestined either to be recorded in it or not, people make the choice to be recorded in it. Those people who refuse to worship Jesus as Savior and Lord are going to change any previous allegiance they had to align with the wild beast. They will worship the wild beast so that they can have food to eat.
We see something important here. Jesus was slated to be slaughtered before the conception of the cosmos. Long before the first announcement made in Genesis 3:15 we see a plan in place to depose the one who rebelled with one third of the angelic class. Only innocent blood could overcome this blasphemous usurper. If we remember that the dragon was a fallen foe before the creation of this world we will understand the need to eradicate him. Once the dragon is locked away for one thousand years the story in the heavens will change. John then says:
Revelation 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
It is never nice to call someone a wild beast, but the reality is that there have been many ruling governmental leaders who have behaved in this manner. There have been seven previous rulers in the world who claimed to be god. If we are concerned with the future events of the world it should not be out of fear for ourselves. It will be a difficult time on the earth for those who finally seek after Yahweh. But Yahweh has long been calling, knocking, and seeking for His people. There is a special dispensation for the sons of Jacob because of the faith of Enoch, Noah, Shem, Eber, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the lineage of those who walked with Yahweh before there were laws scribed by Moses. Everyone of us has a personal responsibility to seek Him as others have. They, as we, lived in a time when there was no temple. They, as we, have one way to redemption. They, as we, will be seated in the kingdom of the Lamb.
Matthew 8:10-12 (KJV)
10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jacob was a dweller in tents (Genesis 25:27), which does not mean he was a homebody. It means he served in the tents of the Lord, the first tabernacle started by Shem in Jerusalem/Salem/Jebus. This is the honor of Jacob and the extended honor to his heirs. Will Jacob’s children enter into the kingdom? That decision can be made now. There is no need to wait.
