How does Revelation 13:7 illustrate the power given to the beast? Setting the Scene “Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.” (Revelation 13:7) Key Observations from the Verse • “was permitted” – the beast’s power is derivative, not autonomous. • “to wage war against the saints” – the target is explicitly God’s faithful people. • “and to conquer them” – a temporary, outward victory is foreseen. • “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation” – global scope and unprecedented reach. Where the Authority Comes From • Revelation 13:2: “The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.” • Job 1:12; 2:6 – precedent that God may allow Satan limited room to act. • Daniel 4:17 – “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will.” God remains sovereign; even evil power operates under His permissive will. Connecting to Daniel’s Vision • Daniel 7:21-25: the “little horn” makes war on the saints and prevails “for a time, times, and half a time.” • Parallel language confirms the same end-time dictatorship. • Both texts present a limited, God-set duration for the beast’s success. Limitations Built into the Beast’s Power 1. Time-bound: Revelation 13:5 names the span as forty-two months. 2. Countered by heaven: Revelation 11:7 shows the beast killing the two witnesses, yet their resurrection follows. 3. Ultimately judged: Revelation 17:12-14 depicts the Lamb conquering the beast and its allies. Why the Saints Can Be “Conquered” Yet Still Overcome • Conquest here is external—persecution, martyrdom, political suppression. • Revelation 12:11: “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Inner victory remains intact. • Romans 8:37-39 guarantees nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love. Implications for Believers Today • Expect hostility that may escalate to global proportions. • Recognize God’s sovereignty; the beast’s power is “permitted,” not ultimate. • Hold fast to endurance and faith (Revelation 13:10); divine justice will prevail. • Fix hope on Revelation 19:11-16—Christ’s return ends the beast’s reign. Summary Revelation 13:7 vividly displays a God-allowed, Satan-empowered political system that temporarily subdues the saints and exerts worldwide control. Yet the verse’s very wording—“was permitted”—signals its dependence on God’s overarching authority and foreshadows its certain downfall. |
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