What is the meaning of Revelation 13:4? They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast Satan, pictured as “the great dragon” (Revelation 12:9), receives open worship once the world recognizes that he is the unseen power behind the coming global ruler. Scripture consistently shows that the devil craves worship (Luke 4:6–7), and during the tribulation he finally gets it. • Revelation 13:2 notes, “The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority”, illustrating a direct transfer of control. • Job 1:12 and 1 John 5:19 remind us that God presently permits Satan limited authority; here the limitation is temporarily widened to expose wicked hearts. • Revelation 12:12 warns that, knowing his time is short, the devil acts with “great fury,” motivating this dark worship scene. The verse underscores literal allegiance: people will consciously honor the adversary, rejecting the Creator (Romans 1:25). and they worshiped the beast Humanity then turns its adoration to the Antichrist himself, fulfilling Daniel 7:8’s portrait of a boasting little horn. • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 predicts he “sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God”. • Revelation 13:8 states, “All who dwell on the earth will worship him—all whose names have not been written in the Book of Life.” • Revelation 14:9–11 warns that such worship brings eternal judgment, showing the choice is stark and final. Bullet points that explain this worship: – It is universal: political, economic, and religious systems merge around him (Revelation 13:16–17). – It is enforced: the later “image of the beast” compels participation under penalty of death (Revelation 13:15). – It is counterfeit: mimicking Christ’s rightful rule (Psalm 2:6–9), yet devoid of redemption. saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” This exclamation echoes the worship vocabulary reserved for God alone—“Who is like You, O LORD?” (Exodus 15:11). • The question springs from awe at the beast’s seeming invincibility; Revelation 11:7 shows he overcomes God’s witnesses, and Daniel 7:21 pictures him conquering saints. • Revelation 17:12–13 explains that ten kings “give their power and authority to the beast,” bolstering the impression of unbeatable might. • Yet Revelation 19:19–20 proves the boast false: the Lamb easily defeats him, and 17:14 promises, “the Lamb will triumph, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings”. The verse exposes humanity’s misplaced confidence—trusting visible power rather than the sovereign Lord. summary Revelation 13:4 reveals a future moment when the world, blinded by deception, grants worship first to Satan and then to his chosen ruler, the Antichrist. The dragon offers power; the beast receives it; the populace responds with adoration and fatal loyalty, convinced no force can oppose their hero. Scripture, however, assures that the apparent invincibility is short-lived. Only God deserves the cry, “Who is like You?” and only Christ will ultimately prove undefeatable. |
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