What does Revelation 13:6 mean?
The beast depicted here is the end-times figure known as the Antichrist. He shows utter contempt for God, insulting God by declaring himself divine (2 Thessalonians 2:4). The beast blasphemes not only God but also those who dwell in heaven. In Psalm 73, Asaph described arrogant, prosperous people as setting their mouths against the heavens (Psalm 73:9). And Psalm 74:18 calls "foolish" those who revile the name of God. The beast will blaspheme God and display enormous pride, but he is foolish to do so and ultimately will discover where his foolishness lands him.In Leviticus, God pronounced the death penalty for anyone who blasphemed His name. He said, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him" (Leviticus 24:16). The Lord will put a sudden end to the beast's blasphemy by consigning him to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).
First Timothy 1:20 names two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul handed over to Satan so they would learn not to blaspheme. These scriptural references show how seriously God responds to blasphemy.
Revelation 13:5–10 further describes the actions of the figure most commonly called ''Antichrist:'' the first beast of this chapter and the sixth of seven major characters in this part of Revelation. This beast from the sea is both an empire and a ferocious ruler. He is also mentioned in Daniel 7:23–24 and Revelation 17:9–11. Matthew 4:8 demonstrates the fact that the Devil possesses the kingdoms and therefore can grant the final world empire to the beast from the sea. Daniel 2:36–41 predicts the beast's kingdom.
This chapter exposes two evil men, ''beasts'' who serve the Devil. The first beast arises from the sea, presumably the Mediterranean. The second beast arises from the land, possibly Israel. The first beast dominates the final form of the Roman Empire and sets himself up as a god to be worshiped. This first figure is the one most often labelled as ''Antichrist.'' The second beast acts as prophet, priest, and king in Israel. As such, he imitates Christ, but he is a False Prophet. This corrupted religious leader sets up an image of the first beast in the temple and commands everyone to worship it. The false prophet executes those who refuse to worship the image. Further, he causes everyone to receive the name or the number of the first beast on the right hand or on the forehead. Without this identifying mark, no one can buy or sell. The number of the beast is 666.
