Revelation
There’s a common theme in the book of Revelation. That is: God’s people will have to straighten their worship to God. And in so doing, they will have to undergo tribulation from the nations for about three and a half years. But once they have been tested as to their loyalty to God and his son the “Lamb,” they are accepted to rule with the Lord over the earth. There will be a tribulation that has never been seen. But when God’s kingdom is set up, blessings will be bestowed upon those who submit to Christ!
John Receives the Visions
Revelation 1-3 (WEB):
1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel[a] to his servant, John, 2 who testified to God’s word and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.
4 John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and washed us from our sins by his blood— 6 and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6 to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold,[b] he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,[c] ” says the Lord God,[d] “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
9 I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet 11 saying,[e]“What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies:[f] to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. 13 And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, Daniel 7:13 clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.
He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, 18 and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.[g] 19 Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels[h] of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.
2 “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write:
“He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lamp stands says these things:
2 “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. 3 You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have [i] not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.
8 “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
12 “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write:
“He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13 “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise.[j] 16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, [k] and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.
18 “To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write:
“The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:
19 “I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first. 20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate your[l] woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her and those who commit adultery with her into a bed of great oppression, unless they repent of her works. 23 I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don’t have this teaching, who don’t know what some call ‘the deep things of Satan,’ to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you. 25 Nevertheless, hold that which you have firmly until I come. 26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. 27 He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; Psalm 2:9 as I also have received of my Father: 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
3 “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write:
“He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things:
“I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you. 4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
7 “To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write:
“He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:
8 “I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn’t deny my name. 9 Behold, I give some of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie—behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
14 “To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write:
“The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning[m] of God’s creation, says these things:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. 21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”
Revelation 1:4-3:22 Letters to the “stars” of the 7 congregations (Revelation 1:20; 2:1)
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 have a common theme. That is that God’s people had to straighten their ways or keep their ways straight and endure so they could “conquer” Satan’s world as he did (Revelation 3:21).
Revelation 2:10 (WEB):
10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
This principle of being fully put to the test is necessary. For our day, it happens during the three and a half times mentioned in Daniel 12:7,11, and Revelation 11:2,3.
Revelation 3:3 (WEB) Jesus warns some of his followers to keep their ways straight.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.
Jesus gives encouraging advise for those who straighten their ways that they will be richly rewarded – This is shown throughout these verses and at Mark 10:29, 30 of The Emphatic Diaglott; “Jesus said, “Indeed I say to you, There is no one who has left House, or Brothers, or Sisters, or Father, or Mother, or Wife, or Children, or Lands, on my account, and on account of the GLAD TIDINGS, who will not receive a hundred-fold, now, in this TIME,- Houses, and Brothers, and Sisters, and Mothers, and Children, and Lands,- but with Persecutions; and in the AGE to COME, aionian Life.”
Revelation 3:5 (WEB):
5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:20 (WEB):
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
Do we hear the voice of Jesus, and open the door?
Revelation 3:21 (WEB):
21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Jesus had to be tested fully by Satan’s kingdom in order to conquer it. So, it will be similar with all of God’s holy people who are called and chosen. Compare Revelation 17:14.
Revelation 4 (WEB):
4 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, “Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this.”
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne 3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. 5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy[a] is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One,[b] to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!”
The Glory of the Almighty and the Lamb, with the 24 princes round about
Revelation 4:4 It is difficult, but not critical, to identify these “twenty-four elders.” However, seeing that they are “round about” and “twenty-four,” it reminds me of “twenty-four hours-a-day” sacred service completely around the earth (as the earth rotates one complete time in 24 hours). It also reminds me of the 24 “chiefs of the holy place and of the [true] God” (24 priestly divisions 1 Chronicles 24:5-19). Interestingly, there were 24 groups of 12 each that prophesied with the harp and praised Jehovah in 1 Chronicles 25. Compare Revelation 4:10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4; Isaiah 24:23
Revelation 4:6 The “glassy sea like crystal” appears to represent purity on an ultimate scale. It also looks like there is no change in time period from chapter 4 to 5. See Revelation 6:9-11 comments. Compare the difference with Revelation 15:2 where both groups are represented and in the proper time line. But in Revelation 15:2, the “glassy sea” is mingled with fire. Fire is associated with making things pure and even God’s active spirit. Remember the ones in the upper room who received God’s Holy spirit? They had what appeared to be tongues of fire above their heads. Remember Moses talking to God via the “burning bush?” Although it was not burning up. To identify this glassy sea, is not critical.
Revelation 5 (WEB):
5 I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals. 2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?” 3 No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book or to look in it. 4 Then I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look in it. 5 One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.” 6 I saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 Then he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 They sang a new song, saying,
“You are worthy to take the book
and to open its seals:
for you were killed,
and bought us for God with your blood
out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
10 and made us kings and priests to our God,
and we will reign on the earth.”
11 I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”
13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”[a]
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the[b] elders fell down and worshiped.[c]
Revelation 5:5-7 We see “the root of David, has conquered” and “he went and at once took [it] out of the right hand of the One seated on the throne.” Compare Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:1-5,10; Jeremiah 23:2-6; 33:15; Ezekiel 17:22-24; 34:23-30; 37:15-25; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12,13; Revelation 5:12 – This happens at the start of the three-and-a-half-year period. See Daniel 7:13-14 comments.
Revelation 5:6;” … a lamb…having seven horns and seven eyes…” may refer to Zechariah 3:9; “For, look! the stone that I have put before Joshua! Upon the one stone there are seven eyes…”
Revelation 5:8-10; “… And they sing a new song, saying:” Interestingly, 1 Chronicles 25:1-6 where music was used for aiding in “prophesying with the harp for thinking and praising Jehovah” (vs.3). Also, compare verses 9 and 10 where there’s going to be an earth wide kingdom set up with kings from every nation with the thought of forever in verse 13 and Daniel chapter 2:44.
At the end of chapter 5 we see the glory of the lamb who was found to be worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
Revelation 6
The first seal of seven seals of the scroll given to the lamb is opened.
The ride of the four horsemen begins.
Revelation 6:1-11 (WEB):
6 I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, “Come and see!” 2 Then a white horse appeared, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” 4 Another came out: a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.
5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come and see!” And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. 6 I heard a voice in the middle of the four living creatures saying, “A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don’t damage the oil and the wine!”
7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see!” 8 And behold, a pale horse, and the name of he who sat on it was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him.
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.
The opening of the sixth seal:
Revelation 6:12-17 (WEB):
12 I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. 13 The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. 16 They told the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?”
Revelation 6 denotes a time of not just tribulation but great tribulation and authorized conquest (vs.2). This time period fits in with Satan being “hurled” to the earth – Which is also the start of the three and a half years of tribulation and the start of Jesus’ rule in heaven –This time period seems to describe mainly the three and a half years of tribulation – Although there will still be the greatest tribulation for 45 days after the three and a half tribulation period. The first six seals seem to represent events described in this entire chapter including chapter 7:1-8. The seventh seal is described starting with chapter 8. The four angels mentioned at Revelation 7:2 aren’t the same as the four horsemen of Revelation 6. The “great day of their wrath” (Revelation 6:17) seems to be referring to “the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb” (vs.16) which would be during the 45-day period. Apparently, the four horsemen (Revelation 6:1-8) seem to be let loose at the start of the three and a half period of tribulation.
Revelation 6:2 mentions a “white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest.” This most likely doesn’t refer to Jesus because Christ doesn’t act until the end of the 3.5-year tribulation. It most likely refers to a king or kings given authority by Satan or Jehovah to carry out their work during the three and a half year time of tribulation. The other reason the rider on the white horse isn’t Christ is because he is seen as the Lamb, in verse 1.
Revelation 6:9-11 (WEB):
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.
*The footnote states that the word for “brothers” and where the context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.”
This is very important to understand.
There are two groups talked about, in this passage. The one group, also known as the “first fruits,” have died faithful and true. Their fellow servants still must complete their course because their worship is defiled. It is crooked and unmeasurable. It needs to be cleansed or “straightened” so it can be measured, in this point in time. It takes 3.5 years for the cleansing work to be completed.
Both groups together make up the symbolic bride of Christ. But until the second group is found to be measurable, to have straight worship, they will not be accepted by Yahweh. This is why, in Revelation 11:1-3 there are things measurable (acceptable) and other things not.
The group identified as: “the souls of those slaughtered because of the word of God and because of the witness work that they used to have.” and “killed as they also had been.” – So, this shows us that it includes those faithful disciples of Christ who underwent grievous trials from long ago. Another group is introduced to us as “their fellow slaves and their brothers who were about to be killed as they also had been.” – So, we are introduced to two different groups that are separated by two different times of testing. The first group is given “a white robe” and they ask; “Until when, Sovereign Lord holy and true, are you refraining from judging and avenging our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?” – This shows the two groups are in different locations – earth and heaven. Their question is answered “and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number was filled also of their fellow slaves and their brothers…” – So, the number had to be filled “also of their fellow slaves” (vs.11) and they had to rest a little while. The resting fits in with the three-and-a-half-year period where Jesus prepares his kingdom, and the “brothers” are fully tested on earth. This fits in with Zechariah 3:1-9 where “Joshua the high priest” is standing before Jehovah “in befouled garments” and is given “the clean turban upon his head and to clothe him with garments”; and “you and your companions who are sitting before you…” This also seems to fit with Zechariah 14:1-2 where “…And half of the city must go forth into the exile; but as for the remaining ones of the people, they will not be cut off from the city.” Compare also Zechariah 5:3; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 11:1-3; Revelation 14:4 comments and Micah chapters 2 and 4. Regarding the number to be filled: At 1 Chronicles 27:1-22 there were a total of 288,000 who ministered to David the king. The same will be true, in the future. There will be 288,000 who minister to the figurative king David, Christ. There will be a total of 24 divisions. Each division with its own prince. See How God’s kingdom will be as it was in ancient times.
Revelation 6:11; “…that they should rest yet a little while– until the number should be made full of their fellow-servants..” – Emphasized Bible. “…and it was told them to rest yet for a Time, till both their FELLOW-SERVANTS and their BRETHREN, who were about to be killed even as they, should be completed.” – Emphatic Diaglott. “… and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” – King James Version. “…and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little time, until their fellow-servants also their brethren, who should be killed even as they were, should have fulfilled their course.” – American Standard Version (1901). “…and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the tally should be complete of all their brothers in Christ’s service who were to be killed as they had been.” – THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE. “… and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” – REVISED STANDARD EDITION (Second Edition). The New American Bible uses the term “until the number was filled”. THE BIBLE in Living English; “…till the number…” THE NEW JERUSALEM BIBLE: “… until the roll was completed.” New International Version; “… until the number…” The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the GREEK SCRIPTURES; “should be fulfilled” is the direct translation from the Greek word. There is actually not a word for “number” in this Greek text (verse 11) but it seems that the translators try to explain the passage with surrounding context. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (1985) page 257 describes Revelation 6:11 under “FULFILL, FULFILLING, FULFILLMENT” as meaning “of number”.
Revelation 6:12-17 This happens right after the “brothers” are “killed”. This corresponds with “a finishing of the dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces” in Daniel 12:7b and Revelation 11:7 “… the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will make war with them and conquer them and kill them”. This corresponds to the 45 day period of great fearful repentance of those on the earth. The “great day of their wrath” (Jehovah and the Lamb) occurs during this 45 day period
Revelation 7 (WEB):
7 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. 2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!” 4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:
5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed,
of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,
6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,
7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,
8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand,
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, and
of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I told him, “My lord, you know.”
He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great suffering.[a]They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty any more. The sun won’t beat on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the middle of the throne shepherds them and leads them to springs of life-giving waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:1-3 These four angels hold back the four winds until the slaves of Jehovah are sealed. Revelation 7:1-8 appears to be a further elaboration of events just before Revelation 6:12-17 (compare Revelation 6:11b with Revelation 7:3)
Revelation 7:3-5 The term “sealed” is defined a bit different then the term in Ezekiel 9:4 – See Ezekiel 9:4 comments.
Revelation 7:4-8 The number mentioned here being sealed seems to be referring to the group of Jehovah’s holy people who just became “dead” and were tested fully (2 Corinthians 1:9) The thought of these verses (1-8) seems to be one of the same – that is referring to the holy people of God who have straightened their worship and are fully tested by experiencing all or part of the three and a half year period noted at Daniel 12:7,11 – Because this appears to be when the sealing is done for this group – The holy ones need to be tested fully. This is the second group of the “two witnesses” mentioned in Revelation 11:2,3 and the “fellow slaves” mentioned in Revelation 6:11 – see also Revelation 14:1-5; 20:4.
Revelation 7:9-10 This “great crowd“, “dressed in white robes” has shown repentance and submission. It seems to be made up of all those who make it through “the great day of their wrath” (Jehovah and the Lamb). This is made clearer in verses 13-17. This would occur after the “wrath” which would be very shortly after Jesus’ return.
Revelation 7:15 “… and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple…” This does not mean they (the “great crowd”) are of the sealed 144,000 mentioned earlier but they now submit themselves to Jehovah and the Lamb. They have different roles and are different groups. Notice the comments for Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 7:3-5.
Revelation 8
Here begins the vision of the seven angels that stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. These angels are talked about through chapter 10.
Revelation 8:1-13 (WEB):
8 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, then threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake followed.
6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burned up, and one third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood, 9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.
10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. 11 The name of the star is called “Wormwood.” One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn’t shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way. 13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!”
This silence seems to be described at Amos 8:2,3 as: “…And Jehovah went on to say to me: “The end has come to my people Israel. I shall no more do any further excusing of them. ‘And the songs of [the] temple will actually be a howling in that day,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘There will be many a carcass. In every place one will certainly throw [them] out–hush!” And Amos 8:11 further describes a famine for the hearing the words of Jehovah. This (Revelation 8:1) seems to describe the three and a half period of testing of Jehovah’s holy people on earth without Jehovah’s spirit so they can be tested fully. This “seventh seal” (which among other things include “seven trumpet” blasts, seems to include events starting with Jesus beginning his reign in heaven all the way through the 1000-year reign (Revelation 11:15-19).
Revelation 8:3-4 seems like it is the same time of Zechariah 3:1,2 where Joshua is presented before Jehovah for acceptance. The statement “the smoke of the incense ascended … before God.” is showing God’s acceptance of the first group of the “two witnesses” – See Revelation 11:2,3. This acceptance by or “ascending” before God is the same as Zechariah 3:3-5 where Joshua is pardoned and given “robes of state”.
Revelation 8:5 “But right away the angel took the incense vessel, and he filled it with some of the fire of the altar and hurled it to the earth….”- This is the account at Jeremiah 25:27
Revelation 8:7 thru 9:19 describe the first six “trumpet blasts” – These correspond with the prophetic messages of the “two witnesses” till their “death” at Revelation 11:2-7. The “four angels” mentioned in 9:14 are not the same as Revelation 7:2 or Revelation 6:2-8 because they carry out actions in different time periods. The “four angels” and their actions mentioned at 9:14-19 happen, most likely during the three and a half year time period because some who do not repent remain (Revelation 9:20-21). Keep in mind that the definition for “angels” can mean messenger.
9 The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. 2 He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a[a] burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke came locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those people who don’t have God’s seal on their foreheads. 5 They were given power, not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a person. 6 In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people’s faces. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like those of lions. 9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war. 10 They have tails like those of scorpions, and stings. In their tails they have power to harm men for five months. 11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is “Abaddon”,[b] but in Greek, he has the name “Apollyon”.[c] 12 The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this.
13 The sixth angel sounded. I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Free the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!”
15 The four angels were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year, so that they might kill one third of mankind. 16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million.[d] I heard the number of them. 17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them, having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the horses’ heads resembled lions’ heads. Out of their mouths proceed fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18 By these three plagues were one third of mankind killed: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur, which proceeded out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails. For their tails are like serpents, and have heads, and with them they harm. 20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn’t repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn’t worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can’t see, hear, or walk. 21 They didn’t repent of their murders, their sorceries,[e] their sexual immorality, or their thefts.
Revelation 9:2 The term “and the sun was darkened” – see comments for Revelation 16:10
Revelation 9:16 “And the number of the armies of cavalry was “; 200,000 (Ref. note). This reminds me of the army of insects symbolized as people in Joel chapters 1 and 2 although in Joel, the “insects” were stripping Jehovah’s people bare – Here God’s people are not harmed from these creatures (9:4).
10 I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land. 3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don’t write them.”
5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets. 8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.”
9 I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book.
He said to me, “Take it, and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”
10 I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11 They[a] told me, “You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
Revelation 10:7 “but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to blow his trumpet, the sacred secret of God according to the good news which he declared to his own slaves the prophets is indeed brought to a finish.” // It is important to realize when this happens. The Greek word for “about” is “mello” (#3195 – Strong’s Concordance) and is defined as: “..to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something..)” // Compare Amos 3:7; The time period of Daniel 11:33-35; 12:7,12; Malachi 3:1; 4:5,6; Revelation 11:15
Revelation 10: 8-11 This appears to indicate how the messages to the nations from God’s people change from “sweet” to ” bitter.” This is made more evident in chapter 11:5-6.
11 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don’t measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. 3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, standing before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. 7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations, people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly.
15 The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God’s throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
19 God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.
Revelation 11:1 It is interesting that three things are mentioned to be measured – That is, they are “straight” so they can be measured – The temple, altar, and those worshipping in it. Those “worshipping in it” would most likely be the first group (of two) who have already been fully tested “to death” as mentioned at Revelation 6:9-11. Compare Zechariah 5:6-11 where the first group would be represented by the measurable “ephah”. See also 1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 14:4 “first fruits”; Proverbs 3:5-6 where it shows that those who follow God have their ways made straight (see footnote in the American Standard Version) Contrast Revelation 11:2-3 (things not measured) with Revelation 21:10-21 (things with perfect measurements)
Revelation 11:2-3 This “courtyard that is outside the temple [sanctuary]” is not measured but “given to the nations” to be trampled upon for 42 months. This event in time corresponds within the three and a half times or 1,290 days mentioned in Daniel 12:7,11 where God’s holy people are cleansed, and their power is dashed to pieces so they can be tested fully. They will be in “sackcloth”. This will be a spiritual famine too as one brought out in Amos chapter 8. These “two witnesses” seem to be two groups of holy people who “conquer” Satan’s kingdom. One group was most likely from the first century period and the other group is for our day. Both groups must go through the tribulation period of which there is a king of the north which especially takes the lead in “killing” the holy people of God – See Daniel 7:25; 8;11;12 and Revelation 6:9-11 comments and the book of Lamentations.
Revelation 11:4 – Reference Zechariah 4:11-14
Revelation 11:5-6 This appears to be the prophetic stinging messages of Jehovah’s people while in “sackcloth.” See Revelation 8:7 thru 9:19 and 10:8-11 comments. Prophets of old such as Elijah and Moses performed literal feats as mentioned here.
Revelation 11:7 The holy people are “killed” by the wild beast – See Daniel 12:7. They have been tested fully as their companions had been – Revelation 6:9-11.
Revelation 11:8-10 The “corpses” are on open display to their enemies who now rejoice – The stinging prophetic work of this group is legally “killed” for a literal three and a half days – Very similar to Jonah in a death-like state in the belly of the big fish. This would correspond with the first literal approximate three days of the 45-day period commented upon in Daniel 12:11-12. This would correspond with Daniel 12:7 as noted. The Holy People have their power dashed to pieces. The tribulation for God’s people is basically over. Their worship has now been straightened out and tested. Now it is time for the great tribulation of the nations!
Revelation 11:11-13 Just after an approximate three literal days (Hosea 6:1-3), a great sign or signs show God’s protection and favor on his “two witnesses” who were “killed”. The people of the nations “go crazy” because repentance including the showing of servitude and glory to Jehovah – on their part – means their very lives! – See comments for verses 8-10. This is a most fitting time for the people that the “Harlot” that sits upon her people is destroyed “in one hour” (Revelation chapters 17 and 18). The phrase “come on up here” could refer to the invitation for God’s holy ones to be judged before Jehovah to be worthy and/or it could include a visible sign such as Elijah and Elisha experienced (2 Kings 2:9-12,23). See What happens when Jesus comes?
Revelation 11: 14-18 This appears to take place during the 45-day period at day 1,335. Notice verse 19 comments. See Revelation 14:14-20; 19:11-21)
Revelation 11:18 “ruining the earth” the word translated here as “ruining” is Literally “corrupting through” – Ref. note. See also Revelation 19:2.
Revelation 11:19 “And the temple [sanctuary] of God that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple [sanctuary]. And there occurred lightnings and voices and thunders and an earthquake and a great hail.” It appears that this is a clue to figuring out the timing of this vision by referencing what appears to be the same event at Revelation 15:5
Revelation 12 (WEB):
12 A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to give birth. 3 Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. 4 His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one thousand two hundred sixty days.
7 There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. 8 They didn’t prevail. No place was found for them any more in heaven. 9 The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death. 12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time.”
13 When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 The serpent spewed water out of his mouth after the woman like a river, that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. 16 The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon spewed out of his mouth. 17 The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her offspring,[a] who keep God’s commandments and hold Jesus’ testimony.
John describes a war in heaven in which Michael and his angels battle with the dragon and his angels. Michael prevails and the great dragon who is Satan who misleads the entire earth is hurled out of heaven and restricted to the earth! See Is Michael, Jesus?
Revelation 12:6 “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and sixty days.” This happens at the start of the 1,290-day period in Daniel 12:7,11. This is a time of testing of God’s servants – See comments for Revelation 11:2-4 and Zechariah 5:5-11
Revelation 12:7-9 Occurs basically at the same time as 12:6.
Revelation 12:10-12 This occurs basically at the same time as 12:6. However, verse 11 talks about the first group of the “two witnesses” not the holy ones yet to undergo trials – see comments for Revelation 6:9-11.
Revelation 12:13-14 pictures Satan restricted to the earth and Jehovah removing his spirit from his people by the “woman” fleeing into the wilderness. This may be the same thing as mentioned in Zechariah 5:9-11.
Revelation 12:15-17 “And the serpent disgorged water like a river from its mouth after the woman, to cause her to be drowned by the river. But the earth came to the woman’s help, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river that the dragon disgorged from its mouth. And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” // All the verses happen during the same time period (three and a half times). Actually, it appears that verse 17 repeats what is mentioned in verses 15 and 16. They simply seem to be the same thing. This “disgorged water” are attempts by Satan to destroy the remaining of God’s holy people, but they find protection (“the earth came to the woman’s help”) among some people and possibly laws of the nations. See the attitudes found at Daniel 7:25 and Isaiah 16:4.
13 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. 2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. 6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. 8 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. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 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.[a] Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.
11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. 12 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. 13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people. 14 He deceives my own[b] 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. 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. 16 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; 17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 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.
Here we are introduced to what John describes as a 7 headed beast with ten horns.
Revelation 13:1 “blasphemous names” could easily denote blasphemous actions. The “heads” or “horns” would represent kingdoms or possibly groups of kingdoms.
Revelation 13:2 It is interesting how this wild beast encompasses characteristics of the first three beasts mentioned in Daniel 7:4-6 (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece (possibly with Rome)) However, it may be depicting the descendant nations of the previous world powers or just similar qualities. When taking into consideration Daniel’s account of this beast along with this account, it seems that it represents Satan’s entire kingdom of human governments. Different “horns” represent different kingdoms.
Revelation 13:2 where it mentions “And the dragon gave to [the beast] its power and its throne and great authority.” This most likely occurs as soon as Satan is “hurled” to the earth (Revelation 12:7,13). An unprecedented amount of authority is given to it – most likely more then what was given to the king of the north in the first century mainly due to the dragon being “restricted” to the earth. Because “the dragon” gives the wild beast its throne, anyone “worshiping” (or doing service for) would be considered serving a god rather than Jehovah.
Revelation 13:3 “And I saw one of its heads as though slaughtered to death, but its death-stroke got healed…” It is hard to say when this takes place. Taking into consideration what Daniel describes as the wild beast for our day and the conflicts between its kingdoms, this could represent a kingdom that was “on the verge or death” being revived. So, it most likely would not represent the king of the north because he is not conquered until his end, and he does not recover (Daniel 7;11). It is a slim possibility that this “head as though slaughtered to death” could represent the kingdom of Israel (Including Jerusalem). This “slaughtered” head most likely would not represent America because of the greatness of the injury. For our near future, Daniel 11 does show some victory of the king of the north over the king of the south but not to this degree. This “slaughtered to death” could be a financial slaughtering – it is a possibility, but I believe a slim one. It could be Israel or another nation coming back from defeat from the king of the north the aid of other nations before the end of the king of the north. – Time will tell. Could be ISIS. Who knows?
Revelation 13:4 It seems that the “wild beast” has “heads” that fight against one another. That is some represent different national interests, but they all belong to the same political time period. The phrase “Who is like the wild beast, and who can do battle with it?” can indicate a show of force has been exercised. Perhaps the king of the north is “pushed back” or “stopped” by the principal part of the wild beast (Most likely the United Nations or a large group of nations), for a time (until the king of the north pushes again – but to his end – Daniel 11:40-45 comments).
Revelation 13:5-8 “And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given it, and authority to act forty-two months was given it.” This is certainly the complete worldly political system of our day – not just “the king of the north”(vs.7b “and authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation”) – whether they fight with one another or not. The timing of the given authority to act forty-two months (Three and a half years) seems to begin with the destruction or conquering of Jerusalem. It also wages war with the holy ones (see comments for Revelation 17:14) and speaks blasphemies against God (possibly by speaking against God’s holy ones). For those who “worship” it, they render it service to support its objective of “killing” or “wage war” and “conquer” Jehovah’s “holy ones” thus they willingly mark themselves as worshippers or servants of Satan’s throne. (see 13:17). This “worship” (could also be defined as: “to give aid to” or “serve”) could – but does not have to be – something as simple as a type of “tax”. If that were to happen, a person of God would rather be “restricted” as Paul was – rather than to render a service to this wild beast.
Revelation 13:8 Notice that referring to a scroll related to those who serve this wild beast; “… all those who dwell on the earth will worship it; the name of not one of them stands written in the scroll of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered, from the founding of the world.” -This is the same beast described at Revelation 17:8.
Revelation 13:9-10 “. Here is where it means the endurance and faith of the holy ones.” The holy ones will need endurance to “conquer” (or “prove faithful”) this wild beast. This is the three and a half times.
Revelation 13:11-13 “And I saw another wild beast ascending out of the earth…” This beast has a different beginning, “the earth”, then the wild beast mentioned in verse 1. Notice verse 11: “… And it had two horns like a lamb, but it began speaking as a dragon.” – This highly indicates a dual world power (This is based upon other visions and their descriptions with “horns”) that began to have great power (like at the end of World War 2). This beast evidently exists at the/or about same time as the wild beast of the nations (vs.7) when it is stated “in its sight” (vs.12). Verse 12 also shows that this other dual-horned beast is the force behind making “the earth and those who dwell in it worship the first wild beast…”. It makes most sense that this is the dual world power of America and the British kingdoms.
Revelation 13:13 “And it performs great signs, so that it should even make fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind.” – This “fire” could be what is mentioned in verse 14. I personally believe it could mean literally prophesy – and the prophesy would come true. That is another reason why it is important to be able to distinguish between a true and false prophet. This “fire” could also represent literal military might or something else.
Revelation 13:14 “And it misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that were granted it to perform in the sight of the wild beast…” This beast is also identified as the “false prophet” (See Revelation 19:20) – It misleads people into false worship (“worship” is also known as “service”)
Revelation 13:14 “… while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived.” Images were and are used in acts of false worship. In this case, “to make an image” may denote the promoting of the means to “worship” or to “serve” the first wild beast which would include supporting its warring (or any opposition) against the holy ones and speaking against Jehovah (Revelation 13:5-8 comments) Reflecting on what Jesus mentioned in John 14:9 “He that has seen me has seen the Father [also]…” and what Hebrews 1:3 states: “He is the reflection of [his] glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power..” – it is also possible that the image of the wild beast be represented not just by an organization of nations but also by a principle leader or leaders.
Revelation 13:15-17 “And there was granted it to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who would not in any way worship the image of the wild beast. And it puts under compulsion all persons, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, that they should give these a mark in their right hand or upon their forehead, and that nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name.” This shows the intensity of Satan’s will to destroy Jehovah’s holy people by trying to force everyone to submit to his (Satan’s) will. This “cause to be killed” could very easily be symbolic such as being barred from doing business or buying something or it could include the real thing too – See Revelation 20:4b comments. However, for any of God’s people who are “in sackcloth”, Satan would only need one act of servitude to “mark” someone – This could be in the form of a king telling the “two witnesses” that all they would have to do is sign a piece of paper or pay some type of fee – with the deceptive reasoning such as “if you do this – just once – we will allow you to worship your God freely!”. Watch out! -See Daniel 11:32.
Revelation 13:18 Comments and speculation on the number of the beast 666: It is interesting that the wild beast mentioned in Rev. 13:11 speaks as a dragon and gives life “to the image” of the wild beast (Revelation 13:1-8) – There are two separate “beasts” working here on a common campaign. It seems that this campaign time frame is listed as 666. It can be calculated as 666*2 (because of two beasts with same thought) = 1,332. This is very close to the time from when (according to Daniel) the beginning of the last time period of the nations begin – That is, it begins with the fall of the literal Jerusalem, includes the fall of the king of the north and the 45 “days to repent.” Daniel puts the completed days at 1,335 days, the primary end of the wicked. One could say that it would be the end of Armageddon. Just like the end of the flood.
Revelation 14 (WEB):
14 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. 2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. 3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. 4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.
6 I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 He said with a loud voice, “Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!”
8 Another, a second angel, followed, saying, “Babylon the great has fallen, which has made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality.”
9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 12 Here is the perseverance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
13 I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”
14 I looked, and saw a white cloud, and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, Daniel 7:13 having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 Another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Send your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!” 16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17 Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Send your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth’s grapes are fully ripe!” 19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20 The wine press was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out of the wine press, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.
Revelation 14:1 “And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.” // This helps to confirm how the “Lamb”, the “Father”, and the “hundred and forty-four thousand” are separate.
Revelation 14:1-5 seems to describe the first group of the 144,000 (“two witnesses” – See Revelation 11:2-3; 6:9-11; 21:16b-17a comments) because it appears that the events of the entire chapter happen in order. Although the thought that this group in these verses is not identified as “not receiving” the mark of the beast does not resolve the matter. However, see the comments in Revelation 15:2; 20:4 where I believe it shows the two groups together – With one of them partly identified as “who had not received the mark” (20:4). See also Revelation 7:3-8 comments.
Revelation 14:4a “These are the ones that did not defile themselves with women; in fact, they are virgins.” // Denoting that spiritually they are pure not defiling themselves with apostate or foreign wives serving other gods – Compare Ezekiel 44:15-22. The phrase “they are virgins,” could denote different things. It is possible it could denote their spiritual purity (being forgiven by Jehovah) and that they would be virgins from the standpoint that they are to make up the “bride” of Jesus.
Revelation 14:4b, c “These are the ones that keep following the Lamb no matter where he goes. These were bought from among mankind as first-fruits to God and to the Lamb” // This identifies the first of the “two witnesses” as spoken of in Revelation 11:1-3. Compare Zechariah 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 6:9-11
Revelation 14:6-12 occurs during the 45-day period.
Revelation 14:6-7 Here is where the nations see great signs and they realize they need to repent and submit in order to survive the upcoming time of the wrath of God (Revelation 11:11-13 comments)
Revelation 14:8 It seems that the nations of people, in their eagerness to show repentance and submission, destroy Babylon the Great. The Great harlot most definitely “marked” (see Revelation 13:14-17 comments) herself too by serving the wild beast in “killing” God’s holy people.
Revelation 14:9-12 Is a proclaimed fact that the nations have been “tormented” with when the “two witnesses” prophesied. This partial group of the “two witnesses” was helped to be “killed” by anyone who bore the beasts mark (Revelation 11; 13:15-18)
Revelation 14:13 Those who were “killed” or “died” have been fully tested and now the testing is done, and the nations know for a certainty that they are God’s holy people. They can “rest.” This starts at the beginning of the 45-day period.
Revelation 14:14-20 Jesus has arrived in kingdom might and starts the separating work of those who have submitted and do not bear the mark of the beast from the ones who bear the mark of the beast along with any who do not submit (See Revelation 11:16-18; 19:11-21)
Revelation 15 (WEB):
15 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God’s wrath is finished. 2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image,[a] and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
“Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
4 Who wouldn’t fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you only are holy.
For all the nations will come and worship before you.
For your righteous acts have been revealed.”
5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.
7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
Revelation 15:1 starts us off in a different time period as brought out in verse 2 (which takes place during the 45-day period)
Revelation 15:2 “And I saw what seemed to be a glassy sea mingled with fire, and those who come off victorious from the wild beast and from its image and from the number of its name standing by the glassy sea, having harps of God.” – Compare THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (1971); “I saw what seemed a sea of glass shot with fire, and beside the sea of glass, holding the harps which God had given them, were those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and the number of its name.” – I prefer the later rendering of the verse because it makes this difficult verse easier to understand on how it harmonizes with prophetic events. This “sea of glass shot with fire” represents the second group of “the two witnesses.” They have just been “killed” by Satan’s wild beast. They have “conquered it.” They just have been fully tested and cleansed and are standing beside the first group of the “two witnesses” when the “seven bowls of the anger of God” get poured into the earth (Revelation 16:1 comments). They were just “made alive” after being “killed” or “dead” for 3 days and were accepted by Jehovah with any past sins (most likely of apostasy) wiped away. So now both groups are together.
The understanding of the text is important. Because if one thinks this is only talking about the first group, it puts different emphasis on what may or may not be literal in the following verses. Especially in Revelation 16:12 where it could be thought to be referring to the end of the king of the north for our day (Daniel 11:44-45) and even Revelation 16:16.
Revelation 15:5 “And after these things I saw, and the sanctuary of the tent of the witness was opened in heaven, and the seven angels with the seven plagues emerged from the sanctuary” – This “tent of the witness” is also translated as “the TEMPLE of the TABERNACLE of the TESTIMONY” – EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT.
Revelation 15:5-16:21 Refer to the pouring out of “the seven bowls of the anger of God” (16:1) by “the seven angels” (15:6)
Revelation 16 (WEB):
16 I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!”
2 The first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth, and it became a harmful and evil sore on the people who had the mark of the beast, and who worshiped his image.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man. Every living thing in the sea died.
4 The third poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 I heard the angel of the waters saying, “You are righteous, who are and who were, O Holy One, because you have judged these things. 6 For they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this.” 7 I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.”
8 The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 People were scorched with great heat, and people blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn’t repent and give him glory.
10 The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain, 11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They still didn’t repent of their works.
12 The sixth poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings that come from the sunrise. 13 I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, something like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go out to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of that great day of God, the Almighty.
15 “Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.” 16 He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, “Megiddo”.
17 The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as has not happened since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, and so mighty. 19 The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.
Revelation 16:1-11 Refer to the first five “bowls of the anger of God.” The time frame for this is the 45 day period – Because the “two witnesses” are joined in heaven (Revelation 15:2) and Revelation 16:12 seems to explain events just before Michael stands up in judicial power. Just as Moses performed miracles similar to these, most of these can be literal. The “great crowd” will be protected. Notice how many do not repent although they see miracles – It is like Pharaoh in Moses day. It would be the unrepentant who would gather together to fight Michael in “the war of the great day of God the Almighty”- see comments for Revelation 16:14b; 16:16.
Revelation 16:10 “And the fifth one poured out his bowl upon the throne of the wild beast. And its kingdom became darkened, and they began to gnaw their tongues for [their] pain.” This term “darkened” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (1984) page 145 as: “to darken,” is used (a) of the heavenly bodies, Revelation 9:2; 16:10″. This is most likely literal.
Revelation 16:12 “And the sixth one poured out his bowl upon the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the rising of the sun.” // “the kings from the rising of the sun” would denote those new kings with Jesus. We also see Babylon’s water dried up – her defenses are gone. In this case, it seems that Babylon’s organization is destroyed by man because God put it into their hearts.
Revelation 16:13-16 This “Har-Magedon” is a literal and righteous war between Jesus himself and any who have not submitted or repented. This takes place during the 45 day period after Michael stands up. Notice that in verses 14 and 16, they are gathered (or prepared themselves) “to the war” – This “war” does not happen until the seventh angel pours out his bowl of the anger of God. – Compare Psalms 2:1-3
Revelation 16:14b An alternate rendering from the EMPAHTIC DIAGLOTT – as it is directly from the Greek language: “… to-gather-together them for the war of-the day of-that of-the great of-the God of-the almighty.” (hyphens have been added – I recommend seeing this in the publication so one can understand it more clearly – I have attempted to type it in as it is in the book, but it is not “perfectly possible” due to keyboard restrictions.
Revelation 16:17 “…It has come to pass!” This may denote that Satan finally lost all his authority in heaven and on earth by him being bound and his political element “dashed to pieces” (Genesis 3:15 (because I believe Jehovah destroys Satan himself))
Revelation 16:19 “… and Babylon the Great was remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of the anger of his wrath.” – It seems that although the organization of Babylon the Great was destroyed by the people (God put it in their minds to do that. Plus, it was the financial gain that people were going to miss as they saw her destroyed – not the people), many of her “former” members remain to be judged by Jesus to fully complete the destruction of the harlot. Time will tell.
Revelation 17 (WEB):
17 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality. Those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality.” 3 He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth. 5 And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 6 I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. 7 The angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present.[a] 9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.” 15 He said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 16 The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, will make her desolate, will strip her naked, will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire. 17 For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished. 18 The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation 17:1-6 Identifying “Babylon the Great” – Compare Jeremiah 51:57
To identify the “wild beast” in Revelation 17:
Revelation 17:8 An important clue is that “their names have not been written upon the scroll of life” is similar and most likely the same scroll mentioned at Revelation 13:8 and the same beast. Another important clue is to the time period that this descending and ascending takes place: “those who dwell on the earth will wonder admiringly, but their names have not been written upon the scroll of life from the founding of the world.”. “Those who dwell on the earth” are shown not to have their names written on this scroll of life. The time period of this “scroll” is given as “from the founding of the world”- And it continues into the time period of the vision which is when this beast goes “off into destruction.” So, the time period for “those who dwell on the earth” covers a long period of time. // This also shows the love of Jehovah’s arranging for Jesus’ sacrifice and the “two groups of” sacrifices of his holy people to pronounce certain judgment against Satan’s rulership – so that – “those who dwell on the earth” have an opportunity to have their names written in the “scroll of life” – See Jehovah’s rulership.
Revelation 17:8a “The wild beast that you saw was, but is not, and yet is about to ascend out of the abyss, and it is to go off into destruction…” This wild beast is the political powers that Satan uses in both time periods to “kill” Jehovah’s holy people. That is, back in the first century when Jerusalem was destroyed, then it gradually went into “the abyss” (Daniel 11:19,20 Rome’s uneventful demise – But in the time of the writing of Revelation, the king of the north (Rome – the political power Satan used) had already done most of its work by scattering Jehovah’s people and destroying Jerusalem and putting many to test. Gradually, Rome faded away. But the appearance of the “beast” in this vision – in the stream of time – is most important) This beast ascends out of the abyss by receiving authority over Jehovah’s holy people for a second time (Remember, concerning the first time, when Jesus told Simon that “Satan has demanded to have YOU men to sift YOU as wheat” (Luke 22:31)) – This occurs when Jerusalem is destroyed (or conquered) by the king of the north again (Daniel 11:31)
Revelation 17:10-11 “And there are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet arrived, but when he does arrive, he must remain a short while. And the wild beast that was but is not, it is also itself an eighth [king], but springs from the seven, and it goes off into destruction”. The identification of the beast is done so we will attempt to identify these kings. I agree with the illustration in the Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand book on page 252 that shows “The Succession of Seven World Powers” as being Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and Anglo-America. I believe the phrase “but springs from the seven” can be translated “but owes its existence to the seven.” – Ref. footnote. This succession of world powers agrees with the “immense image” at Daniel 2.
Revelation 17:12-14 “And the ten horns that you saw mean ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but they do receive authority as kings one hour with the wild beast. These have one thought, and so they give their power and authority to the wild beast. These will battle with the lamb, but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him [will do so].”
Revelation 17:12 The phrase “ten kings” seems to indicate a completeness of the kings of the earth. But who knows? Things become clearer as time goes on.
Revelation 17:12 The phrase “one hour” seems to indicate a brief time.
Revelation 17:13 The phrase “one thought” is generally defined in verse 14; to “battle with the Lamb.” This is when Michael stands up and the remaining ones of the bride class are gathered and brought “up” with their other brothers.
Revelation 17:14 The phrase “conquer them” does not mean Jesus destroying his enemies. Rather God’s holy people are “killed” by Satan’s kingdom in order to conquer it – as Jesus did. – See Revelation chapters 2 and 3 comments; Revelation 3:21; 6:11; 11:7; 12:17; 13:5,7,15; 14:12,13; Daniel 7:21 (concerning the king of the north’s actions for our near future); Matthew 25:40 comments. This is during the three and a half year time period. This should not be confused with “Har-Mageddon” at Revelation 16:16 or Revelation 19:19.
Revelation 17:16 shows us how the nations turn and “completely” destroy the harlot.
Revelation 17:17 This happens during the 45 days of repentance.
Revelation 18 (WEB):
18 After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 He cried with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird! 3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality, the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from the abundance of her luxury.”
4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues, 5 for her sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Return to her just as she returned, and repay her double as she did, and according to her works. In the cup which she mixed, mix to her double. 7 However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’ 8 Therefore in one day her plagues will come: death, mourning, and famine; and she will be utterly burned with fire; for the Lord God who has judged her is strong. 9 The kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with her will weep and wail over her, when they look at the smoke of her burning, 10 standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.’ 11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more: 12 merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and people’s bodies and souls. 14 The fruits which your soul lusted after have been lost to you. All things that were dainty and sumptuous have perished from you, and you will find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand far away for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning, 16 saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.’ Every ship master, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away, 18 and cried out as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like the great city?’ 19 They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!’ For she is made desolate in one hour.
20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has judged your judgment on her.” 21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all. 22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftsman, of whatever craft, will be found any more at all in you. The sound of a mill will be heard no more at all in you. 23 The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on the earth.”
Revelation 18:1-8 Describes the harlot and her demise as happening “in one day.” This also happens during the 45-day period. This harlot is the primary instrument of Satan to keep people from learning about or serving Jehovah properly – That is most likely why there is so much rejoicing when she is destroyed.
Revelation 18:4-8 describes the basic information that the nations will find out when they realize that they just “killed” God’s holy people. They will “go crazy” (my terminology) in destroying the harlot so as not “to receive part of her plagues” (vs.4). This also happens during the 45-day period. See Revelation 16:17-21 comments.
Revelation 18:9-19 The different groups of people all stand at a distance when the harlot is destroyed because; “because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong.” (vs.8)
Revelation 18:21 “And a strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: “Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again.” – See Jeremiah 51:63,64
Revelation 19 (WEB):
19 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God; 2 for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”
3 A second said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever.” 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!”
5 A voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!”
6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! 7 Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
9 He said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.’” He said to me, “These are true words of God.”
10 I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”
11 I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. 13 He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.” 14 The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. 15 Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod .Psalm 2:9 He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
17 I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, “Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God,[a] 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, small and great.” 19 I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came out of his mouth. So all the birds were filled with their flesh.
Revelation 19:2b “For he has executed judgment upon the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged the blood of his slaves at her hand.” Compare this “corrupted the earth” with Revelation 11:18 footnote “corrupting through.”
Revelation 19:6 “a great crowd” – See also Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17.
Revelation 19:11 This “white horse” and its rider is Jesus. This is most likely not the white horse of the “four horsemen” – see comments of Revelation 6:1-8.
Revelation 19:11-21 (See also Revelation 14:14-21; 11:16-18) Michael “stands up” (Daniel 12:1,2).
Revelation 19:15b “He treads too the winepress of the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty.” Comment: I personally think the “too” in this verse does not belong and it makes things not so clear. The Emphatic Diaglott words it this way; “…and He treads the WINEPRESS of the WINE of the INDIGNATION of the WRATH of GOD.” This “winepress” also reminds me of the gathering (or separating) work – See Revelation 14:14-20 comments.
Revelation 19:17-21 describe “the great evening meal of God” resulting from Jesus destroying any who oppose him. This includes the wild beast (Revelation 17), false prophet (Revelation 13:12 also known as the king of the south for our time (Daniel 11), “those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image” – See Revelation 13 comments. This likely begins right away in the “1,336” day period. However, it could be included or included entirely in the 45 day period where the nations destroy the symbolic Babylon the Great. It’s a gray area. Time will tell. – See Revelation 16:13-16 comments.
Revelation 20 (WEB):
20 I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time. 4 I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.
7 And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up over the width of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God and devoured them. 10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. 12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the
lake of fire.
Revelation 20:1-3 “Satan” is “bound … for a thousand years.” – This is most likely executed immediately before the events of Revelation 19:17-21. This assumption is based upon the principle that Jesus mentioned at Matthew 12:29 (Strong man). See Isaiah 24:21-23
Revelation 20:4a “And I saw thrones, and there were those who sat down on them, and power of judging was given them.” (See also Revelation 14:1-5; 7:3-8 comments)
Revelation 20:4b “Yes, I saw the souls of those executed with the ax for the witness they bore to Jesus and for speaking about God,” -This seems to be referring to the first group of the “two witnesses” – Compare Revelation 11:1
Revelation 20:4b “…and those who had worshiped neither the wild beast nor its image and who had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand.” – This seems to be referring to the second group of the “two witnesses” – See Revelation chapters 11 and 13. Esp. Revelation 11:2,3. Further comments: It appears – but does not mean it is – that a common general “testing” of each group is listed.
Revelation 20:4c “And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ for a thousand years.” – Although they lived in different time periods and “came to life” at different times, they rule as kings at the same time. – See Revelation 11
Revelation 20:5a “(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.)” – This seems to be describing those on earth that still need to be fully tested when Satan is unbound. This is an unusual verse because it does not seem to fit. Could it be spurious? Time will tell. At least it is not critical.
Revelation 20:5b “This is the first resurrection.” – This seems to be referring to the “coming to life” or “standing up” (Ref. footnote) of the proven faithful of those who are to rule with Jesus in verse 20:4a, b.
Revelation 20:6 “Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection…” Although anyone will be happy to make it to this point in time (after the initial cleansing mentioned at Revelation 19:15b-21), this reminds me of Daniel 12:12.
Revelation 20:8 “… Gog and Maygog.”- See the description of the battle between Jehovah and Satan with “Gog and Maygog” at Ezekiel 38 thru 39:20
Revelation 20:8 This battle is described as “the war” and happens after the 1000-year reign of Jesus after he hands the kingdom over to his Father.
Revelation 20:11-15 This seems to be after “the war” and is similar to after the three and a half year time period in that God’s people have been tested. It appears that in both cases, judging happens, and it is based upon the stand people took during the “tribulation” period. However, in this case, it is Jehovah himself that does the judging and executing of Satan and his crowd.
Revelation 21(WEB):
21 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
5 He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.” 6 He said to me, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb’s bride.” 10 He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. 13 On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. 15 He who spoke with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city is square, and its length is as great as its width. He measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, width, and height are equal. 17 Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass. 19 The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. 23 The city has no need for the sun or moon to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 25 Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there), 26 and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter. 27 There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:1-8 Describes conditions during the 1000-year reign of Jesus and what the “conquering” ones will inherit. The actual “conquering” happens before they rule with Jesus when they are fully tested – See Revelation 17:14 comments.
Revelation 21:9-27 Describes “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” – See Isaiah 54:5,6,11-14; 62:4,5
Revelation 21:16b-17a “And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs; its length and breadth and height are equal. Also, he measured its wall, one hundred and forty-four cubits”
Notice a marked difference between this “holy city of Jerusalem” and the one mentioned in Revelation 11:1-3. The one in Revelation 11:1-3 has its “courtyard that is outside the temple … cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.” But the one mentioned in Revelation 21:15,16 does get its city measured; “… that he might measure the city and its gates and its wall. And the city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth…”
It is also interesting how New Jerusalem is not prepared “as a bride” – that is – ready to be married to the Lamb, until she can be fully measured. Her “wall” had been “measured” (denoting being presented to Jehovah and accepted and her sins forgiven (could be referring to any sins against Jehovah (like un-pure worship whether knowingly or not)) – Zechariah 3:1-5) in Revelation 11:1-3 but she was not ready for marriage, yet. Her “courtyard” must be (“refined” or) “straightened out” (See Malachi 4:5,6 comments) so it can be measured. – This primarily happens during the three-and-a-half-year tribulation period on earth. During this tribulation period, it is this heavenly “unprepared” bride that flees to the wilderness to wait to become fully prepared. She becomes fully prepared once her “companions” or “courtyard” can be measured. It is at this time that Revelation 21:2 takes place; “I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
Revelation 21:22-27 Shows how true worship is continuous – the gates are not even closed. However, the wicked “will in no way enter into it”. Compare Isaiah 60:11,12,18-21; Zechariah 14:7-9; Revelation 22:1-5. See Daniel 8:11,12,13 and 1 Chronicles 23:31 (quoted in Daniel 8:11 comments) about (“the continuous [sacrifice]”)
Revelation 22 (WEB):
22 He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
6 He said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.”
7 “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. 9 He said to me, “See you don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
12 “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely. 18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book. 19 If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. 20 He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.”
Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
Revelation 22:2 Shows us two sides of a river producing fruit for the “curing of the nations”. I believe these represent the “two witnesses” united and rendering blessings to the nations (of course, this is during the 1,000-year reign of God’s Son). See Revelation 6:9-11 comments.
Revelation 22:3-5 Shows us that the spiritual light of pure worship is continuous – compare Revelation 21:22-27 comments.
Revelation 22:6,7 “And he said to me: “These words are faithful and true; yes, Jehovah the God of the inspired expressions of the prophets sent his angel forth to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. And, look! I am coming quickly. Happy is anyone observing the words of the prophesy of this scroll.” I honestly think that now I am able to help other servants of Jehovah to understand Revelation much more clearly including understanding the urgent need to make things straight. (Malachi 3:4,5) The EMPHASIZED BIBLE translates it this way; “And he said unto me- ||These words|| are faithful and true; and ||the Lord the God of the spirits of the prophets|| hath sent his messenger to point out unto his servants the things which must needs come to pass with speed. And- Lo! I come speedily! |Happy| is he that keepeth the words of the prophesy of this scroll.” // Also compare Malachi 3:1
Revelation 22:6,20 EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT: “And he said to me, “These WORDS are faithful and true; and the Lord GOD of the SPIRITS of the PROPHETS sent his ANGEL to show to his SERVANTS what it is necessary to have done speedily.”; “HE who TESTIFIES these things says, “Yes, I am coming speedily.” Amen! Come! Lord Jesus.”
Revelation 22:20 “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” – Along with (Revelation 22:7), by deductive reasoning (and with hardly the ability to type (Wow!)), JESUS IS COMING QUICKLY! // According to the ABINGDON’S STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, the term “bears witness” is derived from the Greek word numbered as 3140 which basically means to give evidence, to be a witness, testify, bear record, bear witness, give witness, obtain witness.
Personal comments: For those who do not think Revelation is inspired: In my opinion, it certainly is beyond doubt, inspired. I have never read something so well put together – never. It draws on prophesy throughout the inspired scriptures and puts it together. In many ways, it complements and “finishes” many prophesies for our day. Only with unadulterated understanding of other inspired scriptures can it be understood. This would lend its understanding to true lovers of Jehovah – those seeking His righteousness – not their own or their father’s. In my opinion and I believe it to be true, the book of Revelation could only have been created by a “genius of geniuses” – which is far above normal human ability.