Babylon hath been a golden cup... that made all the earth drunken... (Jer. 51:7) |
What is the "Seven-Headed Beast" of Revelation? A lot of controversy thrives about the "end times;" and what the "seven- headed beast" of Revelation might really be. What happened to the world after Nimrod and Esau? What had the Mystery system(s) of ancient Babylon morphed itself into, or passed itself off as, over the years? First, as we recall from "Birds" and "Beasts", when the Bible makes reference to a "beast" it doesn't always mean something negative, or derogatory. In the book of Revelation, for example, we see the word "beast" even used as the description of a good, angelic being of God (Rev. 4:6-8)! And we've already surmised the Bahemah (beasts) and Chay (beast) of the Field as groups of Pre-Adamite peoples - not necessarily derogatory. Yet, there is another famous "beast" of the Bible, and this one is negative, and derogatory: the Antichrist of Revelation! Just who might this "beast" be; and how would it relate to these stories of our past, as well as to our future? Let's look. The book of Revelation clearly does refer to this beast as a person; as well as at least one system of influence which may be related to this person. It's like associating Babylon with the man Nimrod; as well as associating Babylon with the political and religious influences Nimrod helped usher into the post-flood world. As we look into the past, we also recall that the Serpent was "more subtle than all the beasts of the field" (Gen. 3:1 KJV). He could have once been either one of these angelic beasts; or, perhaps, a leader of other people in the Garden (i.e. the Bahemah (beasts) or the Chay (beast) of the Field). On top of it, could there be some connection between this evil "beast" of our past and the future "beast" of Revelation? We know the original Serpent of the Garden of Eden was also, probably, known by other names (such as Nachash, Amalek, and Azazel). And we also know that Satan "rode" a top of this Serpent; being the driving force behind most everything the Serpent said or did to seduce Eve.[1] As we dig deeper, we'll see, according to the Bible and other ancient sources, that many fallen angels were reportedly said to have been put into chains - inside a spiritual place of despair - for their disobedience to God before the flood. This spiritual place was said to have been inside the deep, depths of the earth (II Pet. 2:4). And, possibly, the Serpent was also among them! Sources also state that none of the original antediluvian Nephilim and Watchers had survived Noah's flood (just some of their mixed offspring). They all died just the way God told them they would - without hope; without any chance for redemption. We also see that, in the Book of Revelation, an angel would be released from chains such as these. During the coming "end times" of our world, this angel would be allowed to ascend to the surface of the earth, to wreak havoc and destroy. Could this angel, known as Abaddon, be Satan himself? Or, could he be the Serpent? Or both? The Bible states that, in Rev. 20:1-2, there would be an old serpent (or, a serpent from the "times of old") who would eventually be tossed back, into the bottomless pit, again. Does that mean he was actually released, for a while? This same serpent was also considered to be the dragon, the Devil, Satan, etc. So, is it fair to conclude that the same Serpent of old (in the Garden) would be allowed to return to earth - along with Satan himself - to be able to pair up... one last time? Could this "beast" of the future be the same angelic beast(s) of the Garden - the Serpent with Satan as his mouthpiece? Interestingly enough, we recall that, in the Garden of Eden, we had two seductive, angelic beasts (the Serpent and Satan, himself). Revelation also says we will have two human beasts: known as the beast and the false prophet. On top of it, Revelation also says there will be two systems of influence at work on our world, here - two systematic beasts, if you will![2] As one can surmise, these two systems of influence began to be popularized by Cush and Nimrod in Babylon - one morphed into influences on our world which are political; the other religious. As a descriptive way to incorporate meaning, the book of Revelation describes these two sides - the political and religious - as beasts coming from the earth and sea. The beast (or system of influence) who comes from the "sea" has already been interpreted in the Bible as the beast who came from the political arena - or sea - of individuals. Naturally, the beast (or system of influence) from the "earth" would, then, most probably stem from the world of religion.[3] Interestingly enough, according to Revelation, this religious beast (of the earth) would be able to "ride" atop of this political beast (of the sea); supporting him, and trying to tell him what to say and do (Rev. 13:12) - this was the same as what happened in the Garden of Eden! Interpreted: a religious system will back a political system in the future. It will totally support the politics of this first, political beast. It had in the past - it continues today. It's amazing to see the parallels - past to future. Next, we move on to see that both systematic beasts (political and religious) were said, in Revelation, to have seven heads. What could these "heads" be, in regards to each? First, as far as this political beast, these seven heads could, very well, represent the number of "heads of state," or empires, who had some type of upper hand over God's people - the Israelites. These seven held sway over their world in the past, and not so distant past. It does make sense, if we look at it: Jacob, a grandson of Abraham, had his named changed to "Israel" by an angel of God Himself! He was the father of this promised nation of God. Over time, Jacob and his 12 sons (i.e. the "twelve tribes of Israel") were imprisoned by the Egyptians. Egypt was one of many heads of state who could fit this bill (they, as well, adopted the many pagan influences of which Cush, Nimrod, and Semiramis passed down from Babylon, interestingly enough). Through this, we could conclude that Egypt was head "number 1." Since then, the descendants of Israel were held sway by 5 other "heads of state:" the Assyrians ("number 2"); the Babylonians - a later Babylonian empire, under king Nebuchanezzer ("number 3"); Media/Persia ("number 4"); Greece ("number 5"); and Rome ("number 6"). The total now is up to 6 "heads." Interestingly enough, there seems to be Scriptural proof of the above. It lies in the book of Daniel, Chap. 8: the prophet Daniel predicted there would be four empires - since his time - which would also lead up to this same end- result: (Nebuchanezzer's) Babylon, Media/Persia, Greece, and Rome - the same last four as the above. Yet, the Bible said there would be seven "heads" to this political/empiric beast; not six. Where did the seventh come from? We already know, by the end of time the book of Revelation was written (in approx. 70 A.D.), the Roman Empire held sway, and dominated, all of Israel - the six "heads" were already in place. And, there is a verse of Revelation which clearly states: And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is... - Rev. 17:10 (KJV) This seems to fit perfectly what we are saying - so far. The verse seems to agree that these political "heads" are "heads of state," or "kings." Five kings (or empires) had, indeed, fallen; each one absorbed by the empire which conquered over it. And, also, we know that Rome was the empire in charge over Israel at this time - the one that is! Let's find out what the seventh political empire is, according to Revelation - by looking further into the verse: And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. - Rev. 17:10 (KJV) And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed... - Rev. 13:3 (KJV) What does this all mean? Simply, this seventh "head" is the "other" head which has not yet come; it would also appear, in the future, as an empire which was once wounded, as if it were wounded to death; but came back, as if healed. In other words, this seventh, political "head" will come out of the sixth "head;" and be revived again. As we recall, the last, sixth "head" was Rome. The "head" that ruled over Israel at the time Revelation was written was Rome. The final "head" of Daniel was Rome. Could the Roman Empire be the "head" that was once wounded; only to be revived? Interestingly enough, the last time Israel was a nation on its own (before it was disbursed), it was under the domain of the Roman Empire. The people of Israel were scattered just after the time of Christ; not to be a nation again for almost two thousand years. In 1948, however, the nation of Israel was, once again, re-established. Interestingly enough, around this same time, the influences of the city of Rome were, once again, rising in their political hold. The European Union was established in, approximately, the same time as Israel! It went down with the "Treaty of Rome." The nation that now encompasses Rome (i.e. Italy) was one of the founding countries of the E.U. The Treaty of Rome formed a conglomerate of nations - nations which actually resemble a "revived" conglomeration of the lands the Roman Empire once had sway over, way back when! Yes; had the seventh "head" of this political "beast" revived itself? Was it of the sixth head - a stronghold once "wounded to death;" but healed, in a way? In our age, we indeed seem to have a "revived Roman Empire," here - which began at this Treaty of Rome. What fits this bill better? The E.U. surely could be this seventh "head!" ...and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. - Rev. 17:10 (KJV) This seventh "head," at the time Revelation was written, had not yet come; and when it does, it will continue only for a short space. The European Union has only been in existence for some 50 years; a far cry from the hundreds of years these empires of the past held their power. Also, the prophet Daniel mentions that this last conglomerate of nations will be held together by "clay" (Dan. 2:43); which might mean that it will become a group of nations, independent of each other, but held together the same way objects could be held together by clay. They are close together, in some ways; but not concrete; not solidly. The European Union holds itself together this same way: a fragile agreement, at best, between its member countries. The Bible also talks of ten "horns," or "kings;" which relate to this final, seventh "head" - now, just who are they? Interestingly enough, when we look at the E.U., today, we see something more, according to Rev. 17:11- 13. And the beast that was, and is not (i.e. Rome), even he is the eighth, and is of the seven… - Rev. 7:11 (KJV) We already postulated the “seventh” revived empire of John’s time was Rome – as the European Union. Now, we see that there even another conglomeration which comes out of the European Union: the eighth "head;" coming out of the “seventh.” Now, what is this eighth conglomeration of nations? Simple: for the first time since the Roman Empire of old, we now have a conglomeration of countries in Europe which have combined, even further. These countries, all coming out of the E.U., have agreed to keep their currency the same - and this block of nations are called the “Eurozone.” The Eurozone came into existence on January 1st, 2002. On this day, twelve countries all began to distribute the monetary unit of this Eurozone - the Euro - as legal tender. All of these lands also once belonged to the original Roman Empire at the time of John. They are: Austria Belgium Finland France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Luxembourg The Netherlands Portugal Spain At that beginning, there were 12 total. But, to understand who the "ten horns" are, let’s continue on, in Revelation: And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. - Rev. 17:12 (KJV) Now, to find out who these “ten horns” (or “kings”) are, we bring in verses of Daniel, Chap. 7. Here, Daniel had a dream of prophecy. In it, we have more information on these “ten horns.” …and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots… - Dan. 7:7-8 (KJV) Again, the King James Translators tried to translate this text with the best of intentions, assuredly. But, as we see, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense, as it sets. Once we look at the Strong numbers for the original Hebrew, here, we might be able to interpret these verses in yet another way. Let’s look at a couple of the English words used here, with their Strong meanings: the words “considered” and “before” were, both, translated from two Hebrew words, here; not one: considered (is translated from the Hebrew): hava - meaning "to come to pass," "to let become known," "come to be," or "to fall"[4] sekal (or sakal) - meaning "wisely understand," "to have insight," or "contemplate"[5] & before (is translated from the Hebrew): qodam - meaning "in front of" or "from before"[6] min - meaning "as a result of" or "by reason of"[7] Combine the four together, and we can have another reinterpretation of Dan. 7:7-8: …and it had ten horns. I understood what happened to (or understood the fall of) the horns: behold, there came up among them another little horn, by reason of what happened in front of (or before) this... there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots… - Dan. 7:7-8 (in retranslation) In other words, Daniel, in this dream, understood "what happened to" the horns, or "what was the reason behind their fall" (the horns being the 12 countries which first made up the Eurozone). And, another “little horn” (or country) would have to come up, or rise, “by reason of what happened before.” Now, what's this all about? What could have happened before? And, what is this "fall?" If we look at some of today’s news, we might see that a number of these original countries (or "horns”) of the Eurozone are in financial trouble. There are three or four now in jeopardy of actually dropping, or "falling," out of it; among them Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. What if three of these horns become “plucked up by the roots;" and leave the Eurozone?” What “little horn” (or country) will be able to come in, and try to save the euro from collapse? If 3 countries do drop out of the original 12 - and, if you add in this 1 country (this "little horn), you then come up with a total of 10 countries - the ten "horns." This “little horn,” of whom quite possibly could be Great Britain, might come in, and try to save the euro from total collapse. And, the Bible says, when this happens, the Antichrist (the leader of this “little horn”) might also be revealed! Scary times we might be living in... We continue, in the book of Daniel: ...and behold, in this horn [were] eyes like eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. - Dan. 7:8 (KJV) We also see, from the book of Revelation: And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. - Rev. 17:12-13 (KJV) Is this beast already amongst us? Will this part of Europe back him? How many people are pushing this unification? Are we near to finding out just who this Antichrist might be? We may be closer to the "end times" than many of us think! God help us. As far as the seven-headed religious beast, things are a little different; but, also, somewhat the same: And here the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman (or whore) sitteth. - Rev. 17:9 (KJV) Rome is one of the only few cities in the world which sits on seven hills. On top of this, there is a verse that confirms the meaning of these "heads," as clear as day: And the woman (or whore) which thou saweth is THAT GREAT CITY, WHICH REIGNETH OVER THE KINGS of the earth. - Rev. 17:18 (KJV) There was, indeed, an empire named after this great city of Rome. Rome does sit on seven hills. There, indeed, was a treaty that led to a conglomeration of former Roman lands at that city. There is also a religion named for this city. It also states in Revelation that a church, or religious authority, will "ride" atop of a political system (or beast). This happens today, in actuality. The church, since inception, has always been a huge influence over a lot of political affairs in Europe. What other systems do we have, today, with this kind of set-up? What other empire - complete with "city" - appears to have been "revived," in this way? As we begin to unravel the "seven-headed beast" of Revelation, we recall that it's actually the modern parallel of ancient Babylon: the same mindset; the same way of looking at things. Today, we begin to see the same thing being promoted in the socio/cultural, political, and religious beliefs of the ruling authorities of Europe, as well as its people. This was, and is, the "torch" of influence - being passed on from ancient Babylon, and, eventually to Rome - all the way from Babylon to its modern, mystery forms (or systems) in Europe, and beyond. We recall, from Legacy of Nimrod, Esau upstarted the authority of ancient Babylon - assuming another "birthright," here. His descendants would, eventually, go on to form the Edomites. Some of these Edomites would be there to help establish a major world empire - the empire of Rome! It all makes sense, especially when we think of this as sibling rivalry on a grand scale: Jacob (a.k.a. Israel) was Esau's brother. Israel's descendants have been at odds with Esau's descendants ever since their twin births. Since Esau killed the ruler of Babylon at the time - the current "Nimrod" - and stole those powerful clothes he had on, he could have easily assumed some sort of "divine" right to the power and authority associated with this possession. This sibling rivalry - between Israel and Rome - continued from then on: from the conquering of the Holy Land by the Romans to the Crusades. This must be why God really hated Esau, as stated in the Bible![8] Rome has done all she could to take over the sovereignty and majesty of Israel, all throughout history. They continue to be at odds for one very important reason - their origins. Rome continues with its undying attempt to take over some sort of divine authority over all of Judeo/Christian belief. Many of us may have considered why Rome, in the past, seemed to have such a dominating hold, or majesty, over the planet? Why are so many people seemingly attracted to this city, as well as readily yielding to its influences? We now know about Rome. We know about Esau. We know about Cush and Nimrod, before him. They've all had influence over the development of these mystery systems of old Babylon - and passing on the political and religious "torch," if you will. But, we also know the "ways" of thought, in regards to Babylon, has its roots in the Garden of Eden, the Serpent, as well as Cain. The Kenites (as we recall from Other Flood Survivors) were the post-flood descendants of Cain (and his probable father - the Serpent). The Kenites, interestingly enough, had a very special role in the development of Hebrew religion. In the book of Deuteronomy, a number of these ancient scribes of Hebrew priests were actually Kenites.[9] Later, as time went on, these Kenites would slowly assimilate themselves into priestly duties - much like a ball-boy slowly beginning to pass himself off as a real baseball player. It would be the legacy of these Kenite scribes, now turned into priests, who would eventually dominate the dogma of Judaism - even up to the time of Jesus! It would be these priests - still with Kenite blood - who would be responsible for stirring up people against Jesus at his trial, and help to facilitate his crucifixion. What this did was actually fulfill the prophecy of Genesis 3:15! Seeds of the serpent (via these Cainite/Kenite priests) would indeed "bruise the heel" of the seed of Adam and Eve (i.e. Jesus). Even though they crucified Jesus, he would rise from death on the third day; and "crush the head" of these priests - crush their power. Jesus, through this sacrifice, would also defeat the Serpent's hold of death upon the world - by rising from the dead - therefore becoming the perfect substitute sacrifice for all of mankind (all of those who wanted to believe, that is). No more animal sacrifices needed. No more need to follow the same, strict laws the priests of all "owned" (and also manipulated). The stage was set for a new way. Although this officially launched Christianity, the influences on culture, politics, and religion via these descendants of Cain would continue still, further influencing thought in our world, as well! So now, we not only have Rome trying to influence true Judeo/Christian thought from the outside, we also have these Kenites trying to influence it from within. True Christian thought would be at odds with these corrupted "ways" of tradition and interpretation by religious zealots, from then on. The "ways" of Cain, Babylon, and - ultimately - the Serpent continue to come back into the mainstream of society the same ways they always had. Its almost like a weed which always seems to come up, again and again; regardless of the attempts to kill it... because it never is truly "rooted up." There is so much more on this in the upcoming book The Rise of Mystery Babylon - which takes a good, hard look at the religious battles actually going on, here; and how to spot "which side is which." Ultimately, the Bible helps us, by exposing where the greatest seat of these systems once were out in the open: And upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. - Rev. 17:5 (KJV) Also, we know that the leaders of ancient Babylon hijacked the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 ("it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel"), as well; and used it towards their own benefit. The prediction of Christ's coming to earth actually happened, according to them at Babylon - 2000 years before the event - by Nimrod's supposed "martyr," and rebirth of Semiramis' "promised one" (in Origins of Babylon 2). Through some deception of "holiness," Babylon tried to twist their way into giving the world a "savior" - 2000 years early! This was also why the "beasts" of Revelation will be called antichrist - the prefix anti, here, can simply mean "close to, but the opposite." In other words, the "ways" of antichrist might appear to be close to Christ, but not Christ. Just like this phony deception about Nimrod and Semiramis 'savior' baby, those who perpetuate these ways will appear act "holy," and speak much of the same that might be in the Bible, but will hold onto elements of this Babylonian "machine." There is only one who fulfilled this biblical prophecy: But he (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. - Isa. 53:5 (KJV) Only one. This political and religious antichrist corruption spills over into our everyday culture; into what may or may not be considered "politically correct," today. These antichrist views people may facilitate on politics, religion, and culture may appear to be Christ-like or wholesome on the surface; but, in the end, will attempt to take people into another moral, and also leave God and Christ out of it all! For example, one might notice how much conversation there is, today, about "peace" and "safety!" Yes, they both sound moral and just. Many who also delve on pushing these topics will often leave any reference to "God" out of them, in their conversation - for the sake of political correctness. What we have left is people concentrating on the "peace" and "safety" elements that come from humanistic attempts - nothing ultimately pertaining to a strong faith in a heavenly Father. Yet, one of the scariest verse in the Bible seems to show an example of these hollow, secular, and humanistic desires for something that may sound moral - but leaves God out of it. Below is a warning for those living in the era near the up-and-coming "end-time" - a time when many would begin to adopt these hollow, politically correct "ways:" For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them... - I Thess. 5:3 (KJV) Ultimately, we see these godless "ways" should not be taken lightly; but exposed for what they really are - antichrist driven! God will be ready to take action, because man has lost their way. These thoughts are nothing new, as we know. So, understanding political, religious, and cultural thought such as this - which also thrived in "the days of Noah" - will help us increase our own powers of discernment and abilities to make proper moral decisions on out world; on what's truly right and what's truly wrong with what we're being taught... no matter how "Christ- like" people may try to make it all sound. The Way of Cain will go even deeper. Footnotes: [1] Pirke De Rabbi Eliezer, Chapter 13: The Serpent in Paradise [15A. ii.], trans. Gerald Friedlander (New York: Sepher-Hermon Press, 1981), 92; The Apocalypse of Moses / Apocalypsis Mosis, 16:5, 17:4, trans. R. H. Charles, http://www.pseudepigrapha. com/pseudepigrapha/aprmose.htm (accessed June 27, 2005); James L. Kugel, Traditions of the Bible (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1998), 124-25. [2] Rev. 13:1; Rev. 13:11. [3] Rev. Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons (Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1916), 224, 236. [4] Strong’s H1934 – hava, http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? strongs=H1934 (accessed June 11, 2012); Strong’s H1933 – hava, http://www.blueletterbible. org/lang/lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1933&t=KJV (accessed June 11, 2012). [5] Strong’s H7920 – sekal, http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? strongs=H7920 (accessed June 11, 2012); Strong’s H7919 – sakal, http://www.blueletterbible. org/lang/lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7919&t=KJV (accessed June 11, 2012). [6] Strong’s H6925 – qodam, http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? strongs=H6925 (accessed June 11, 2012). [7] Strong’s H4481 – min, http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? strongs=H4481 (accessed June 11, 2012). [8] Mal. 1:3, Rom. 9:13. [9] I Chr. 2:55. Copyright 2010, Brett T., All Rights Reserved |