Revelation 13:7

It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.  And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

• ·        Here, the main instrument of that persecution is revealed: the government of the beast will persecute and kill all those who do not bow in worship to the beast.  (DG)

• ·        Overcome does not mean that the beast can overcome the faith of the saints, but that he can destroy their physical lives, and by all appearances defeat the cause of God’s people on this earth.  (DG)

Daniel 5:19  And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him.  Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down.

Daniel 7:21  I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them.

Revelation 13:6

Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

• ·        As much as anything, this beast is a man who speaks against God and everything God stands for (His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven).  (DG)

Daniel 7:25  He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law.  Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.

Psalm 5:9  For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue.

Revelation 13:5

And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

• ·        The malice of the devil shows itself against heaven and the blessed inhabitants of heaven; all he can do is blaspheme them (MH)

• ·        The limitation of the devil’s power and success (MH)

Daniel 8:24  His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

Ezekiel 35:12  Then you shall know that I am the LORD.  I have heard all your blasphemies which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, “They are desolate; they are given to us to consume.’