The Beast Out of The Earth

The Beast Out of the Earth (Revelation 13:11-18)

The Beast out of the Earth, also known as the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10), is a key figure in the end times. This beast works in partnership with the Beast out of the Sea to deceive humanity, enforce worship of the first beast, and establish a global system of control that opposes God.

1. Key Passage: Revelation 13:11-18

Revelation 13:11-12:
“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.”

2. Description of the Beast Out of the Earth

A. Appearance

  1. Two Horns Like a Lamb:
    • The beast appears gentle and harmless, resembling a lamb, which may symbolize its deceptive, pseudo-religious nature.
    • It presents itself as a benevolent or spiritual leader.
  2. Spoke Like a Dragon:
    • Despite its lamb-like appearance, its speech reveals its true nature—aligned with Satan (the dragon).
    • It promotes lies, deception, and rebellion against God.

B. Power and Authority

  1. Delegated Authority:
    • The beast exercises the authority of the first beast (the Beast out of the Sea) and works on its behalf.
    • This shows its role as an enforcer and promoter of the first beast’s power.
  2. Promotes Worship of the First Beast:
    • It compels humanity to worship the Beast out of the Sea, whose “fatal wound” had been healed, further solidifying the first beast’s influence.

3. Deceptive Signs and Wonders (Revelation 13:13-14)

Revelation 13:13-14:
“And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth.”

  1. Miraculous Signs:
    • The beast performs extraordinary signs, such as calling fire from heaven, imitating the miracles of true prophets (e.g., Elijah in 1 Kings 18:38).
    • These signs are intended to deceive people into believing its divine authority.
  2. Deception:
    • The beast uses these signs to lead humanity astray, convincing them to worship the first beast and accept its rule.

4. The Image of the Beast (Revelation 13:14-15)

  1. Setting Up an Image:
    • The beast orders the creation of an image of the first beast, representing its authority and power.
  2. The Image Given Life:
    • The second beast gives “breath” to the image, enabling it to speak and issue commands.
    • Those who refuse to worship the image are killed, demonstrating the oppressive and coercive nature of this system.

5. The Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18)

Revelation 13:16-17:
“It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

  1. Universal Enforcement:
    • The beast forces all people to receive a mark, signifying allegiance to the first beast.
  2. Economic Control:
    • Without the mark, individuals cannot participate in the economy, creating a system of total control and exclusion for those who refuse to comply.
  3. The Mark and the Number:
    • The mark represents the beast’s authority and identity.
    • 666:
      • Identified as “the number of a man,” it is symbolic of human imperfection (falling short of God’s number, 7).
      • Interpretations vary widely, but it may represent a specific individual, system, or symbol of ultimate rebellion against God.

6. Symbolism and Themes

A. Counterfeit Trinity

  • The Beast out of the Earth (False Prophet) mirrors the Holy Spirit’s role in glorifying Christ:
    • Just as the Holy Spirit points to Jesus, the False Prophet points to and enforces worship of the Beast out of the Sea.

B. Deception and Control

  • The beast uses deception, miracles, and coercion to lead humanity into idolatry and rebellion against God.
  • Its mark symbolizes allegiance to a system that opposes God.

C. Spiritual and Economic Persecution

  • Those who refuse the mark face exclusion, suffering, and death, illustrating the cost of faithfulness to God in the face of worldly oppression.

7. Reflection Questions

  1. How does the beast’s deceptive appearance remind you to discern truth carefully in spiritual matters?
  2. What does the mark of the beast symbolize about allegiance and worship?
  3. How can you prepare to stand firm in your faith amid cultural or economic pressures?

8. Application

  1. Discern Spiritual Truth:
    • Test all teachings and leaders against Scripture to avoid being deceived by false signs and wonders (1 John 4:1).
  2. Resist Idolatry:
    • Commit to worshiping God alone, even when worldly systems demand allegiance to other powers or ideologies.
  3. Endure Persecution:
    • Be prepared to face opposition for your faith, trusting in God’s ultimate victory.
  4. Stay Focused on Christ:
    • The beast’s deceptive power highlights the need for believers to remain rooted in the truth of the gospel.

9. Conclusion

The Beast out of the Earth represents a false prophet-like figure who deceives humanity into worshiping the Beast out of the Sea and enforces its oppressive rule. This passage warns believers about the dangers of deception, idolatry, and compromise, while encouraging them to stand firm in their faith and allegiance to Christ. It also highlights the contrast between the fleeting power of the beast and the eternal reign of God.