From our study of the vision of the seventh chapter of Daniel, it is evident that the lion stands for Babylon, the bear for Medo-Persia, the leopard for Grecia, the nondescript beast for Rome political, the ten horns for the ten kingdoms into which Rome was divided, and the little horn for Rome ecclesiastical, or the Papacy. It is also evident that the rise and work of the fourth beast and the little horn constitute the leading theme of the vision.
The book of Revelation is the complement of the book of Daniel, and deals wholly with the period of time during which the fourth beast and the little horn are upon the stage of action. In the book of Revelation we may, therefore, expect to find additional light given, which will assist in the more complete understanding and interpretation of the vision of the seventh chapter of Daniel.
A careful reading of Rev. 13:1–10 makes it clear that the beast there described is closely related to the fourth beast and the little horn of the seventh chapter of Daniel. It has some characteristics of each of the first three beasts. Verse 2. This shows that this power reaches back through the third and second kingdoms to the first. It has ten horns. Verse 3. It is a blasphemous power. Verse 5. The same length of time is assigned to it as to the supremacy of the little horn. Verse 5. It carried on a warfare against the saints. Verse 7. By comparing these specifications with those given in the seventh chapter of Daniel, as applying to the fourth beast and the little horn, the conclusion is certainly warranted that the subject of the two prophecies is the same.
The beast of Rev. 17:3 is identical with the beast of Rev. 13:1, and therefore with the fourth beast of the seventh chapter of Daniel. Observe the seven heads, the ten horns, and the names of blasphemy.
By the interpretation given to the woman sitting on the beast (Rev. 17:18) and the interpretation given to the seven heads (verse 9), it is evident that she represents Rome; not political Rome, but the Rome which built itself up and fastened itself upon political Rome. This is ecclesiastical Rome, the Papacy. It is remarkable that this is the only ecclesiastical organization which ever took its name from a city. But the name given to this woman in the prophecy is Babylon. Rev. 17:5. This identifies ecclesiastical Rome, the Papacy, with ancient Babylon, and shows that the pretended religion of the Papacy is simply Paganism, a revival of the sophistical philosophy of the wise men of Babylon, presented under some of the forms and names of Christianity. In the light of this lesson we can see the importance of studying the principles involved in the history of ancient Babylon, for those experiences are being repeated in modern Babylon, the Papacy, and we are called to proclaim the same truth in modern Babylon as was Daniel in ancient Babylon.
QUESTIONS.
What kingdoms do the four beasts of the seventh chapter of Daniel represent?
What do the ten horns represent?
What does the little horn represent?
What is the principal theme of the vision?
How is the book of Revelation related to the book of Daniel?
What period of time is covered in the book of Revelation?
How is the first beast of the thirteenth chapter of Revelation connected with the first three beasts of Daniel?
What serves to connect this beast with the fourth beast of Daniel?
What is the first specification which connects it with the little horn? The second? The third?
What shows that the beast of Revelation 17 is identical with the first beast of Revelation 13, and so with the fourth beast of Daniel?
What statements make it clear that the woman sitting upon the beast of Revelation 17 is ecclesiastical Rome?
What name is given to this woman in the prophecy?
What conclusion follows concerning the teachings of the Papacy?
Why ought we to study the principles brought out in the history of ancient Babylon?
In what respect is our experience like that of Daniel?
