Revelation 13:4 vs Exodus 20:3: Idolatry?
Compare Revelation 13:4 with Exodus 20:3. How do they relate to idolatry?

Putting the Two Verses Side by Side

Revelation 13:4 — “They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, asking, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?’”

Exodus 20:3 — “You shall have no other gods before Me.”


What Happens in Revelation 13:4

• The end-time crowd bows to two figures: the dragon (Satan) and the beast (his empowered world ruler).

• Their cry “Who is like the beast?” mimics language reserved for God (cf. Exodus 15:11; Psalm 35:10).

• Worship and allegiance are openly redirected from the Creator to a creature and his demonic sponsor.


God’s First Command in Exodus 20:3

• The very first word at Sinai sets the non-negotiable: exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

• “Before Me” means “in My presence” or “besides Me”—no rivals, no competitors.

• This command anchors the whole moral law; break it, and every other command unravels.


Idolatry’s Core Issue: Allegiance

Revelation 13 shows idolatry in its final, global form: humanity enthralled by a satanic counterfeit.

Exodus 20 exposes idolatry in its foundational form: any heart-level rival to God.

• Same sin, two horizons: the future climactic rebellion and the timeless personal temptation.


Patterns Across Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:4-5—Love the LORD “with all your heart,” leaving no space for divided loyalty.

Isaiah 42:8—“I will not give My glory to another,” God’s settled stance against idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:14—“Flee from idolatry,” Paul’s charge to believers living under pagan pressure.

1 John 5:21—“Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” the apostolic echo of the first commandment.


Guarding Our Hearts Today

• Identify competing “gods”: anything that captures ultimate trust, love, or fear.

• Worship in truth: regular Scripture intake and gathered praise keep affections centered on Christ.

• Resist counterfeit power: remember that every earthly system promising security apart from God traces to the dragon’s old lie (Genesis 3:5).

• Anticipate the true King: Revelation ends not with the beast enthroned but with Jesus reigning (Revelation 19:11-16; 22:3-4).

How can believers resist the influence of the 'beast' in Revelation 13:4?
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