The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous wordsThis phrase indicates that the beast, a symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive entity, is granted the ability to speak with pride and irreverence towards God. The concept of blasphemy is significant in biblical texts, often associated with speaking against God or claiming divine status ( Mark 2:7, John 10:33). The beast's arrogance mirrors the pride of historical figures like Nebuchadnezzar ( Daniel 4:30) and the little horn in Daniel 7:8, which also speaks boastfully. This suggests a recurring theme of human or demonic powers challenging divine authority. The granting of a mouth implies that this ability is allowed by God, aligning with the biblical theme of divine sovereignty over all events, even those involving evil ( Job 1:12, Romans 9:17). and authority to act for 42 months
The period of 42 months, equivalent to three and a half years, is a significant timeframe in apocalyptic literature, often symbolizing a limited period of tribulation or persecution (Daniel 7:25, 12:7; Revelation 11:2, 12:6). This duration is half of seven, a number symbolizing completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that the beast's reign is divinely limited and incomplete. Historically, this period may reflect the time of intense persecution faced by early Christians under Roman emperors, such as Nero or Domitian. Theologically, it points to a future time of trial before the ultimate victory of Christ, echoing the trials faced by the faithful throughout biblical history. The authority given to the beast is temporary, underscoring the ultimate sovereignty of God and the eventual triumph of His kingdom (Revelation 11:15, 19:11-21). Persons / Places / Events 1. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive entity or system that opposes God and His people. In the context of Revelation, the beast is often associated with political or religious powers that blaspheme against God. 2. Arrogant and Blasphemous WordsThe beast is characterized by its prideful and irreverent speech against God, which is a hallmark of its rebellion and opposition to divine authority. 3. Forty-Two MonthsThis time period, equivalent to three and a half years, is significant in apocalyptic literature, symbolizing a limited period during which evil is allowed to prevail. It reflects a time of testing and tribulation for believers. 4. AuthorityThe beast's authority is permitted by God, indicating that even in times of trial, God remains sovereign and in control of the unfolding events. 5. The AudienceThe early Christian communities to whom the Book of Revelation was addressed, who were facing persecution and needed encouragement to remain faithful. Teaching Points Understanding God's SovereigntyDespite the beast's authority, it is crucial to remember that God permits this for a limited time. Believers can find comfort in God's ultimate control over history. Recognizing the Nature of EvilThe beast's blasphemous words serve as a reminder of the nature of evil, which is characterized by pride and rebellion against God. Christians are called to discern and resist such influences. Endurance in TribulationThe forty-two months symbolize a period of testing. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that trials are temporary and serve a purpose in God's plan. The Power of WordsThe beast's use of arrogant speech highlights the power of words to influence and deceive. Christians should be mindful of their speech and the messages they endorse. Hope in Christ's VictoryWhile the beast's reign is temporary, Christ's victory is eternal. This assurance should inspire hope and perseverance among believers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the beast in Revelation 13:5 challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual warfare? 2. In what ways can the concept of "forty-two months" encourage believers facing trials today? 3. How can Christians discern and respond to "arrogant and blasphemous words" in contemporary culture? 4. What parallels can you draw between the beast's authority and other biblical examples of God allowing temporary evil for a greater purpose? 5. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty in Revelation 13:5 impact your daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, highlighting the theme of earthly kingdoms opposing God. 2 Thessalonians 2Discusses the "man of lawlessness" who exalts himself against God, similar to the beast's blasphemous nature. Matthew 24Jesus speaks of a time of great tribulation, which aligns with the period of forty-two months mentioned in Revelation. Exodus 5Pharaoh's arrogant words against God can be seen as a precursor to the beast's blasphemous speech. Psalm 2Describes the nations' rebellion against God, echoing the beast's defiance. People JohnPlaces PatmosTopics Act, Action, Allowed, Arrogant, Authority, Beast, Blasphemies, Blasphemous, Blasphemy, Boastful, Career, Continue, Evil-speakings, Exercise, Forty, Forty-two, Full, Granted, Haughty, Liberty, Months, Mouth, Power, Pride, Proud, Pursue, Speaking, Utter, Uttering, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 13:5 1652 numbers, 3-5
5800 blasphemy Revelation 13:1-6 4654 horn Revelation 13:1-8 4125 Satan, agents of
4609 beast, the Revelation 13:1-10 2565 Christ, second coming Revelation 13:1-18 9115 antichrist, the Revelation 13:4-7 8787 opposition, to God Revelation 13:5-6 5167 mouth Revelation 13:5-7 8401 challenges Revelation 13:5-10 8707 apostasy, personal Library He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy. …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GloryLetter xxxvii (Circa A. D. 1131) to Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto.
To Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto. [57] He asks his assistance in maintaining the Pontificate of Innocent against the schism of Peter Leonis. 1. We look for scent in flowers and for savour in fruits; and so, most dearly beloved brother, attracted by the scent of your name which is as perfume poured forth, I long to know you also in the fruit of your work. For it is not I alone, but even God Himself, who has need of no man, yet who, at this crisis, needs your co-operation, if you do not act falsely …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
[Sidenote: Honorius III (1216-27) and the Crusade.] The bull of summons to the Lateran Council of 1215 mentions as the two great desires of the Pope's heart the recovery of the Holy Land and the reformation of the Church Universal; and it is made clear that the various measures of reform to be placed before the General Council are intended to bring Christian princes and peoples, both clergy and laity, into the frame of mind for sending aid to Palestine. Moreover, at the Council it was agreed that …
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools. …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Fifth vision "On Earth"
E5, xiv. 6-20. The Six Angels and the Son of Man. The next vision which follows "on earth," follows closely on the last, and is preliminary to the pouring out of the seven Vials. No angel has been seen or heard since the seventh angel sounded the seventh trumpet in xi. 15. This shows us that the passage xii. 1-- 8 is parenthetical, and constitutes one series or episode. This fifth vision on earth consists of the appearance of six angels consecutively, each having his separate mission, and all but …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The First vision "On Earth"
E^1, chap. vi. 1-- 8. The Six Seals, and the sealing of the 144,000 From the whole of the first Vision "in Heaven" (H^1, vi. 1-vii. 8) for the putting forth of power "on Earth" in the completion of the redemption of the purchased inheritance. The price has been paid in the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb; and now, the necessary power is to be exercised so as to secure all its wondrous results, in wresting the inheritance from the hand of the enemy by ejecting the present usurper, and …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation Links Revelation 13:5 NIVRevelation 13:5 NLTRevelation 13:5 ESVRevelation 13:5 NASBRevelation 13:5 KJV
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