Understanding the Eighth Beast in Revelation 17

The eighth beast represents a new alliance or a specific phase of the Roman power that succeeds the seven previous forms of government, being a resurrection or restoration of the wounded seventh headEVRR630+1.

The Sequence of the Seven Heads

To understand the eighth, one must first identify the seven heads, which represent successive forms of government within the Roman EmpireSHR 1.1+1. Historically, these are identified as:

• 1. KingsSHR 38.6+1.

• 2. ConsulsSHR 38.6+1.

• 3. DecemvirsSHR 38.6+1.

• 4. DictatorsSHR 38.6+1.

• 5. TriumvirsSHR 38.6+1.

• 6. Emperors (Imperial): This was the form in power during John's timeESH 35.4+2.

• 7. Popes (Papal): This form followed the Imperial and held power for 1260 yearsSHR 38.6+2.

The transition between these heads is marked by the fact that five had fallen by the time of the vision, one was currently reigning, and the others were yet to come Revelation 17:10ESH 35.4+1.

The Meaning of "Was, and Is Not, and Yet Is"

This phrase describes the different states of the Papal power throughout historyARSH January 31, 1854, page 15.4.

• "The Beast that Was": Refers to the period of Papal supremacy during the 1260 years when the church was united with the civil power of the beast Revelation 13:5ARSH January 31, 1854, page 15.4.

• "Is Not": Describes the period starting in 1798 when the beast received a "deadly wound" and the Papacy was separated from its civil dominion Revelation 13:3BEARF 14.3+1.

• "Yet Is" (or "Shall Ascend"): Represents the future restoration where the Papacy is reunited with political power, effectively healing the deadly wound Revelation 17:8ARSH January 31, 1854, page 15.4.

Why the Eighth is "Of the Seven"

The eighth is not a brand-new power from a different empire; rather, it is a continuation or a new phase of the previous Roman formsEVRR630+1.

• Resurrection of Power: The eighth is "of the seven" because it is the same Papal church that was allied to the seventh form, now entering a new alliance Revelation 17:11ARSH January 31, 1854, page 15.4.

• Resurrected Rome: It represents Rome restored to world power after its deadly wound has been healedEVRR630.

• The Final Form: This eighth phase is the Roman power under the rule of the Papacy as it ascends out of the "bottomless pit" to continue until it finally goes into perdition Revelation 17:11ARSH December 9, 1862, page 12.10.

The Role of the Ten Horns

In the end time, ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom will give their power and authority to this beastEVRR630+1. This agreement between the civil powers and the beast fulfills the prophecy that the deadly wound shall be healed through a new alliance Revelation 17:12-13+1ARSH January 31, 1854, page 15.4. This united power will eventually make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them Revelation 17:14EVRR597. 😊