Revelation 13:4

So they worship the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him.?”

• ·        They paid honor and subjection to the devil and his instruments, and thought there was no power able to withstand them (MH)

• ·        As people worship this beast and bow down before his government, it may be that they do not know they are bowing down to Satan himself; but it is worship of Satan none the less. They clearly worship both the beast and the dragon, but their worship of the dragon may be unknowing.  (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 81:9  There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god.

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed.  And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

• ·        This is a head wound, a mortal wound, not a superficial injury.  (DG)

• ·        The recovery of the beast increases his fame and authority (all the world marveled and followed the beast). Twice later (Revelation 13:12 and 13:14) this recovery is mentioned in connection to the world’s worship and devotion to the beast.   (DG)

• ·        The honor and worship paid to this infernal monster (MH)

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.

Ecclesiastes 5:8  If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

Revelation 13:2

Now the beast which I saw as 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.

• ·        This likeness to Satan is just one of the things that identifies this beast with the one popularly known as the Antichrist.  (DG)

• ·        We can begin by understanding what the title Antichrist means. The prefix anti can mean “the opposite of” or “instead of.” The Antichrist is the “opposite Jesus”; he is the “instead of” Jesus.  (DG)

Daniel 7:5  And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear.  It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.  And they said thus to it:  “Arise, devour much flesh!”

Psalm 5:4  For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.