One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. One of the heads of the beast appeared to have been mortally wounded.This phrase suggests a significant event involving one of the heads of the beast, which symbolizes a powerful kingdom or ruler. The imagery of a "head" often represents authority or leadership. The mortal wound implies a severe, potentially fatal blow, which could be interpreted as a political or military defeat. Historically, this has been linked to the Roman Empire, which experienced significant upheavals and appeared to be on the brink of collapse. Theologically, this could also symbolize a false resurrection, mimicking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, thus serving as a counterfeit to divine power. But the mortal wound was healed,
The healing of the mortal wound indicates a restoration or revival of power. This could be seen as a resurgence of a fallen empire or leader, suggesting a return to prominence and influence. In a prophetic context, this healing can be viewed as a deceptive miracle, designed to lead people astray. It reflects the theme of false signs and wonders that are prevalent in apocalyptic literature, warning believers to discern true divine acts from those that are counterfeit. and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.
The global reaction of marveling and following the beast highlights the widespread influence and appeal of this power. This suggests a charismatic or compelling nature that captivates the masses, leading to widespread allegiance. In a historical context, this could reflect the Roman Empire's dominance and the allure of its culture and power. Biblically, this serves as a warning against idolatry and the dangers of following worldly powers instead of remaining faithful to God. The phrase underscores the theme of deception and the challenge for believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst global apostasy. Persons / Places / Events 1. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive entity or system that opposes God and His people. In the context of Revelation, the beast is often associated with political or religious powers that demand allegiance contrary to God's will. 2. The Heads of the BeastThe beast is described as having multiple heads, each representing different aspects or manifestations of its power. The head that is mortally wounded signifies a significant event or leader within this system that appears to be defeated but is revived. 3. The Mortal WoundThis wound symbolizes a seemingly fatal blow to the beast's power or influence, which is miraculously healed, leading to increased awe and allegiance from the world. 4. The Healing of the WoundThe recovery of the beast's head signifies a resurgence of its power, leading to widespread wonder and following by the people of the world. 5. The WorldRepresents the people and nations who are deceived by the beast's apparent resurrection and power, leading them to follow and worship it. Teaching Points The Deceptive Power of EvilThe beast's recovery from a mortal wound illustrates how evil can appear defeated yet rise again, deceiving many. Believers must remain vigilant and discerning, grounded in the truth of God's Word. The Allure of Worldly PowerThe world's marveling and following of the beast highlight the human tendency to be drawn to power and spectacle. Christians are called to worship God alone and not be swayed by worldly displays of power. The Sovereignty of GodDespite the beast's apparent victory, Revelation assures us of God's ultimate control and the eventual defeat of all evil. Believers can take comfort in God's sovereignty and the promise of His final victory. The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentIn a world filled with deception, Christians must cultivate spiritual discernment through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to recognize and resist false teachings and influences. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the healing of the beast's mortal wound symbolize, and how can this understanding help us recognize similar patterns in today's world? 2. How does the imagery of the beast in Revelation 13:3 connect with the visions in Daniel 7, and what insights can we gain from this connection? 3. In what ways can Christians guard against being deceived by worldly power and influence, as illustrated by the world's reaction to the beast? 4. How does the concept of God's sovereignty provide comfort and assurance in the face of evil's apparent victories? 5. What practical steps can we take to develop spiritual discernment and remain faithful to God amidst deception and false teachings? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, providing a prophetic backdrop that helps interpret the symbolism of the beast and its heads. 2 Thessalonians 2Discusses the "man of lawlessness" and the deception that leads people away from the truth, similar to the deception caused by the beast's apparent resurrection. Revelation 17Further elaborates on the beast and its heads, providing additional context and details about its nature and influence. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Amazed, Astonished, Beast, Deadly, Death, Death-stroke, Death-wound, Fatal, Fatally, Followed, Heads, Healed, Marveled, Mortal, Mortally, Seemed, Slain, Smitten, Stroke, Though, Wonder, Wondered, Wondering, Wound, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:3 5333 healing
5784 amazement Revelation 13:1-3 7735 leaders, political Revelation 13:1-6 4654 horn Revelation 13:1-8 4125 Satan, agents of
4609 beast, the Revelation 13:1-10 2565 Christ, second coming Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the Library He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy. …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GloryLetter xxxvii (Circa A. D. 1131) to Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto.
To Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto. [57] He asks his assistance in maintaining the Pontificate of Innocent against the schism of Peter Leonis. 1. We look for scent in flowers and for savour in fruits; and so, most dearly beloved brother, attracted by the scent of your name which is as perfume poured forth, I long to know you also in the fruit of your work. For it is not I alone, but even God Himself, who has need of no man, yet who, at this crisis, needs your co-operation, if you do not act falsely …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
[Sidenote: Honorius III (1216-27) and the Crusade.] The bull of summons to the Lateran Council of 1215 mentions as the two great desires of the Pope's heart the recovery of the Holy Land and the reformation of the Church Universal; and it is made clear that the various measures of reform to be placed before the General Council are intended to bring Christian princes and peoples, both clergy and laity, into the frame of mind for sending aid to Palestine. Moreover, at the Council it was agreed that …
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools. …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Fifth vision "On Earth"
E5, xiv. 6-20. The Six Angels and the Son of Man. The next vision which follows "on earth," follows closely on the last, and is preliminary to the pouring out of the seven Vials. No angel has been seen or heard since the seventh angel sounded the seventh trumpet in xi. 15. This shows us that the passage xii. 1-- 8 is parenthetical, and constitutes one series or episode. This fifth vision on earth consists of the appearance of six angels consecutively, each having his separate mission, and all but …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The First vision "On Earth"
E^1, chap. vi. 1-- 8. The Six Seals, and the sealing of the 144,000 From the whole of the first Vision "in Heaven" (H^1, vi. 1-vii. 8) for the putting forth of power "on Earth" in the completion of the redemption of the purchased inheritance. The price has been paid in the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb; and now, the necessary power is to be exercised so as to secure all its wondrous results, in wresting the inheritance from the hand of the enemy by ejecting the present usurper, and …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Links Revelation 13:3 NIVRevelation 13:3 NLTRevelation 13:3 ESVRevelation 13:3 NASBRevelation 13:3 KJV
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