The Beast of Revelation 17: A Suggestion (Part II)

Abstract

The first part of the article has attempted to lay a foundation for the interpretation of the
scarlet beast of Rev 17. It has also studied the connection of the sea beast with the abyss
and has seen similarities and differences between the sea beast of Rev 13 and the scarlet
beast. Its affinity to the abyss suggests that the scarlet beast is Satan working through
political powers. The second part of the article studies the phases of the sea beast, looks at
its characteristics and deals with the seven heads and the ten horns of the beast. It suggests
that the phases of the scarlet beast and the subdivisions of the heads are not parallel.
The heads begin with the Egyptian empire. From the "is not" phase onward, the
phases of the scarlet beast represent Satan's fate in connection with the Millennium
(Rev 20). The horns represent political powers at the end of human history.

Key Words: Revelation, beast, Rev 17, scarlet beast, Satan, Babylon, seven heads, ten
horns