(Post #31) Beast Opened His Mouth In Blasphemy

Revelation 13:5 “And it (the “little horn”- the Antichrist) opened the mouth of it in blasphemy (irreverence) toward God, to blasphemy the name of Him [through presumptuous claims], and (vehemently condemned) the temple of Him [the “Church of New Jerusalem” – portrayed as a city “adorned with precious stones,” “pearls,” and “gold” and clothed “ in bright, pure linen,” which respectively represents the glorious reflection of God’s presence], and those (called and chosen- the genuine warriors- of God and to the Lamb) tabernacling in Heaven (“to denote a place of worship, considered as the dwelling-place of God, regarded at the true place of worship”). And was given to it (the “beast’) to make war with the saints, and to [usurp their divinely sanctioned position, thusly to] overcome them. And was given to it authority over every tribe and tongue and nation [universal dominion as an invisible reign of terror among the visible]. And will worship it (rendering divine honors to it) all those dwelling on the earth, whose names are not written, in the life-book of the Lamb, which was slain from the foundation the world.”

MacArthur.- The words and deeds of this great and terrible monster (Antichrist) show that its true master is the devil. Several expressions of evil speech pile up here: proud words; blasphemies; blaspheme God; slander His name. To blaspheme means “to revile” or “defame someone in speech;” “to harm one’s reputation.” The slander God’s name is to defame His character.
The monster’s verbal assault on God and heaven became a physical assault against God’s people on earth. Its master – Satan – had determined to “make war” against those who obey God. One ways this will be carried out is through the monster who will conquer the saints. This can only mean that many Christians will be either imprisoned or killed. What a contrast to the beast’s loyal followers []: every tribe, people, language and nation.
The dragon gave his beloved beast authority to rule; the beast exercised that authority and parlayed it into global dominion.
In his great teaching concerning the end of the age, Jesus had warned his disciples: ‘For false Christ’s and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect- if that were possible” (Matt. 24:24). The present scene is the final fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction. The ones who will be led astray by the beast’s blasphemies are those whose names have not been written in the book of life. Of course, the reverse is also true” those whose names are written in the book will not worship the monster. The monster gained the allegiance []- and made citizens in his kingdom-

Study Notes: Antichrist’s evils will run rampant only for a short period of time. The consummation will reveal the slaughtered Lamb’s victory and rule for eternity. Planned from the creation of the world, his kingdom will endure forever and ever.

Mounce Commentary.- The beast is allowed to speak arrogantly and blaspheme for a period of forty-two months. Once again the model in the little horn of Daniel 7 with its “mouth that spoke boastfully” (Dan. 7:8), who is to “speak against the Most High” (Dan. 7:25) and “magnify himself above every god, and…say unheard-of things against the God of gods (Dan. 11:36). The “proud words” spoken by the beast are explained by the phrase that follows (“even blasphemies”).
To slander the name of God is to speak evil of all that He is and stands for.
Universal authority is given to the beast. It extends over every tribe, people, language, and nation. Although the saints are to be conquered by the beast, the real victory belongs to them. They are those who are “victorious over the beast”. In the crucial test of faith they relinquish their lives rather than their confidence in God. This is true victory!
The “creation of the world” refers to the creation of the visible order. Jesus speaks of a kingdom prepared since the creation of the world (Matt. 25:34). That is, the death of Christ was a redemptive sacrifice decreed in the counsels of eternity.

Barnes Commentary.- “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things.” These arrogant claims consisted in the assertion of a divine right; in the power assumed over the liberty, the property, and the consciences of the people; in the arbitrary commands that were issued; and in the right asserted of giving absolute law. “And blasphemies.” That is, the whole power represented by the “beast” will be blasphemous [a defamation against God’s righteous and good character].
“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name.” By his own arrogant claims; by his assumed authority in matters of conscience; by setting aside the divine authority; and by impious declarations in derogation of the divine claims.