The Beast

YHWH's prophetic Word provides precise markers to identify the final kingdom that would arise before Messiah's return. Through the complementary visions given to Daniel and John, the Most High has revealed specific characteristics, timing, and actions of this power that would speak against Him and attempt to change His laws.

As we carefully examine these divine prophecies alongside historical records, we find a remarkable alignment that leaves little room for misidentification. The Scripture's detailed predictions about this final beast - its rise from Rome, its unique dual nature, its war against YHWH's saints, and its attempt to change divine times and laws - form a prophetic blueprint that demands our attention in these last days.

This study traces these prophetic markers through Scripture and history, demonstrating how YHWH has faithfully warned His people about this power that would emerge in the latter days.

I. Multiple Visions, one Prophecy

Through His prophet Daniel, YHWH revealed two complementary visions that unveil the course of history from Babylon until the end of time. In Daniel chapters 2 and 7, we witness how the Most High declared the rise and fall of world empires in advance, demonstrating His sovereign control over the kingdoms of men. Now lets take a look at the 4 beasts of Daniel 7:

"The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it." - Daniel 7:4-7

The 4 beasts:

1. A lion with eagle's wings (Daniel 7:4)

   

   - interpreted as the Babylonian Empire. The lion and eagle were common symbols in Babylonian art and architecture, and the wings being plucked off is seen as representing Nebuchadnezzar's humbling (Daniel 4).

   

   "Lion of Babylon" it's part of the famous Ishtar Gate

2. A bear with three ribs in its mouth (Daniel 7:5)

   

   - interpreted as the Medo-Persian Empire. The three ribs are understood to represent the three major conquests: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.

   

   Medo-Persias Conquest of Lydia, Egypt and Babylon

3. A leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6)

   

   - interpreted as the Greek Empire under Alexander. The four heads represent how the empire was divided into four kingdoms after Alexander's death: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Mesopotamia and Central Asia, Cassander's kingdom in Macedonia, and Lysimachus's kingdom in Thrace and Asia Minor.

   

   Alexanders Empire divided between his Generals

   
   

4. A "dreadful and terrible" beast with iron teeth and ten horns (Daniel 7:7)

   

   - interpreted as the Roman Empire. These ten horns represent the ten kingdoms that would emerge from the Roman Empire after its fall. This is crucial for understanding the later prophecy about the "little horn".

   

   The 10 Kingdoms = 10 Horns after the fall of the Roman Empire

   Confirmation trough Daniel 2 vision

   This interpretation of Daniel 7's beasts we just made, is reinforced by a parallel vision in Daniel 2, where Nebuchadnezzar sees a great statue.

"Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay." - Daniel 2:31-33

The Statue:

• Head of gold = Babylon

• Chest of silver = Medo-Persia

• Belly of bronze = Greece

• Legs of iron = Rome

• Feet of iron mixed with clay = Mystery Babylon

The feet of iron mixed with clay are particularly significant, as they represent the mixing of peoples ("they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men" - Daniel 2:43). This is interpreted as referring to Babylon, the mixing of multitudes as in the days of the Tower of Babel, showing how religious and political powers would attempt to unite but never fully cohere.

This parallel vision provides additional confirmation of the prophetic sequence, as it matches exactly with the four beasts of Daniel 7 while adding additional details about the final phase.

II. The Historical Transition: From the Roman Empire to the Papacy

YHWH revealed through Daniel and John a profound truth about the fourth beast - one that sets it apart from all previous empires. While Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece each fell to external conquest, the Roman power would undergo an extraordinary metamorphosis. This transformation, foretold in stunning detail through prophetic vision, would occur in two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Political Rome

• Represented by the iron teeth of the beast

• Military and political dominion over the known world

• Direct rule through military force and civil law

Phase 2: Religious Rome

• Represented by the little horn

• Transition from political to religious authority

• Power exercised through spiritual influence and religious decrees

Key transition points:

• 321 AD: Emperor Constantine mixes Christian and pagan traditions

• 351-476 AD: Decline of political Rome

• 538 AD: Beginning of papal supremacy

How Daniel and the Book of Revelation unveil Romes Transformation

While Daniel's visions laid the prophetic foundation in the 6th century BCE, the Revelation of John would later provide remarkable parallel insights that further illuminated these ancient prophecies. As we examine Revelation 13:1-2, we find striking similarities to Daniel's fourth beast:

"The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority." - Revelation 13:1-2

Notice how John's vision ingeniously combines elements from all four of Daniel's beasts:

• The mouth of a lion (Babylon)

• The feet of a bear (Medo-Persia)

• The appearance of a leopard (Greece)

• The ten horns (Rome)

This divine connection between the two prophetic books reveals how the fourth beast of Daniel's vision would evolve from Imperial Rome into Papal Rome. The transformation would not come through conquest as with previous empires, but through a metamorphosis of power - from political to religious authority.

The Beast of Revelation

The 7 Heads represent the 7 forms of the Roman Empire throughout the time.

1. The Kings (Rex/Monarchy) - 753-509 BC

The Roman Kingdom began with Romulus and ended with Tarquinius Superbus.

During this period:

• Absolute monarchical rule dominated

• Kings held both political and religious authority

• The period established foundational Roman institutions

• Ended with the overthrow of Tarquinius Superbus

2. The Republic (Consuls) - 509-27 BC

Rome's republican era brought significant changes:

• Rule by two elected consuls

• Rise of the Roman Senate's influence

• Development of complex political institutions

• Expansion of Roman territory and influence

3. The Triumvirate - 60-27 BC

A unique period of three-person rule:

• First Triumvirate: Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus

• Second Triumvirate: Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus

• Marked the transition from Republic to Empire

• Period of significant political upheaval

4. The Imperial Period (Caesars) - 27 BC-284 AD

The age of the Principate:

• Began with Augustus Caesar

• Emperors ruled as "first citizens"

• Period of greatest Roman expansion

• Height of Roman cultural influence

5. The Dominate - 284-476 AD

Transformation to absolute monarchy:

• Initiated by Emperor Diocletian

• Emperors claimed divine status

• More centralized administrative control

• Last phase of the Western Roman Empire

6. The Papacy (Papal Rome) - 538-1798 AD

Rise of religious authority:

• Establishment of Papal States

• Combination of spiritual and political power

• Universal claims over Christian faith

• Ended with Napoleon's capture of the Pope

7. The Modern Vatican - 1929-Present

Contemporary manifestation:

• Established through Lateran Treaty

• Creation of Vatican City State

• Global diplomatic influence

• Unprecedented international reach

This progression perfectly aligns with

"They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while." - Revelation 17:10

When John wrote Revelation:

• Five forms had fallen (Kings through Dominate)

• One was present while he wrote this (Early Papal Rome)

• One was yet to come (Modern Vatican State)

  
  

III. From little horn to great power

"I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots."  - Daniel 7:8

This continuation of the Daniel 7 prophecy about the beast with the 10 horns and the little horn emerging matches perfectly with history.

According to scripture, here's how it works:

1. The Roman Empire (the 4th beast) breaks apart

2. Ten kingdoms emerge from its territory after the fall of the western roman empire (represented by the ten horns)

3. Among these ten kingdoms, a new power begins to rise - the "little horn"

4. This little horn, interpreted as papal Rome, starts small but grows in influence

5. In its rise to power, it removes three of the original ten kingdoms

This sequence is a direct reference to the rise of the Papacy. The "little horn" emerged among the other ten horns (the Germanic kingdoms that divided the Roman Empire) and gained power by eliminating three other powers:

1. The Heruli (493 AD)

2. The Vandals (534 AD)

3. The Ostrogoths (538 AD)

   

Particularly significant is the year 538 AD, when the last resistance to papal supremacy fell with the defeat of the Ostrogoths. For many interpreters, this date marks the beginning of the 1260-year prophecy.

This transformation from political to religious power is seen as unique among world empires, as it represents a metamorphosis rather than a conquest. The same power continues, but in a different form - from ruling by the sword to ruling by religious authority.

During this time, Rome established itself as the religious center of the Christian world. The Papacy gradually took over the power of the declining Roman Empire.

Further Identifying the Beast

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws." - Daniel 7:24-25

The Most High has provided us with precise prophetic markers to identify this power that would arise after Rome's division. It would distinguish itself by making extraordinary claims of divine authority, attempting to change YHWH's appointed times and laws, and exercising global influence over both religious and secular affairs.

The beast will blaspheme against God, wear out the saints and changes times and laws. So lets take a look:

1. Blaspheme the Most High

Here is only a small collection of quotes. This section could be expanded a lot.

Direct Claims of Divinity:

"We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty" - Pope Leo XIII

"The Pope and God are the same, so he has all power in Heaven and earth" - Pope Pius V

"The Pope is not simply a man but rather God on earth" - Pope Innocent III

Claims of Authority Over Scripture and Gods Law:

"I alone... am the successor of the apostles, the vicar of Jesus Christ... I am the way, the truth, and the life..." - Pope Pius IX

"The Pope can modify divine law, since his power is not of man, but of God" - Gloss of Extravagantes of Pope John XXII

"I acknowledge no civil power; I am the subject of no prince... I am above all" - Cardinal Manning

Claims of Universal Authority:

"Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff" - Pope Boniface VIII

"The Pope is the lord and master of the whole world" - Pope Gregory IX

"The Pope is the all in all and above all, so that God Himself and the Pope, the Vicar of God, are but one consistory" - Pope Martin V

2. Wear out the Saints of the Most High

The Roman system of persecution established a prophetic pattern that would later be perfectly fulfilled by the little horn power emerging from Rome. Just as Daniel foresaw this power would "wear out the saints of the Most High," we see this pattern first emerging under Emperor Decius (250 AD), and later fully manifesting under papal authority. This comprehensive system of control demonstrated how the fourth beast would "devour the whole earth, shall tread it down, and break it in pieces"

Libellus from the Decian persecution, found in in Egypt

One of many examples of Saint persecution is the Libellus System.

Thats how it worked:

Mandatory Religious Compliance:

• Required personal appearance before authorities

• Forced participation in pagan worship rituals

• Mandatory public declaration of loyalty

• Official documentation of compliance

• Certificate (libellus) required for daily life

  
  

Penalties for Faithfulness to YHWH:

• Immediate imprisonment

• Property seizure

• Systematic torture

• Death for continued faithfulness

• Economic isolation:

  • Trading rights revoked

  • Business licenses canceled

  • Complete social exclusion

  • Loss of basic civil rights

    
    

This early Roman model targeted faithful followers of Messiah who refused to compromise YHWH's commands. It foreshadows the final system of control prophesied to emerge in the last days, where economic participation will again be tied to false worship.

"And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." - Revelation 13:16-17

3. Power to Change Times and Laws

Rome undertook several historical changes that fit that description

To list a few:

• The change of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday

• The alteration of the Ten Commandments in Catholic catechisms

• The implementation of the Gregorian calendar in 1582

• The establishment of various feast days and religious observances worldwide. Today, Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas are celebrated globally, even in non-Christian nations, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of these changes

This change of the Sabbath is seen as particularly significant as a mark of authority. The Catholic Church itself has acknowledged this in various statements, including this from the Catholic Record:

"Sunday is our mark of authority... The Church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact." - Catholic Record (London, Ontario, Sept 1, 1923):

The worldwide acceptance of Sunday as the common day of rest, even in secular and non-Christian societies, is seen as evidence of this authority's global reach. Every institution that observes Sunday rest is, according to this interpretation, acknowledging the Church's authority to change divine law, whether consciously or unconsciously.

IV. The 1260 Years and Prophetic Time Calculation

"He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time." - Daniel 7:25

A remarkable prophetic period is mentioned here.

"a time, times, and half a time"

and in Revelation 12:6 as

"1260 days".

According to the prophetic day-year principle (Ezekiel 4:6: "I have appointed thee each day for a year"), interpreters calculate:

• "Time" = 1 year

• "Times" = 2 years

• "Half a time" = 1/2 year Total: 3.5 prophetic years = 1260 prophetic days = 1260 literal years

From Rise of Power to Napoleon

This period aligns precisely with historical events discussed above:

• Beginning: 538 AD (When the Ostrogoths were defeated and papal power was established)

• End: 1798 AD (When Napoleon's general Berthier took the Pope captive)

The Book of Revelation speaks of a "deadly wound" that is healed. Interpreters see a parallel here to:

• 1798: Abolition of the Papal States by Napoleon

• 1929: Restoration through the Lateran Treaties

The Prophecy Today and the Eight Popes

"And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition." - Revelation 17:10-11

After the restoration of papal power through the Lateran Treaties in 1929, there were the following popes:

1. Pius XI (1922-1939) - In office during the Lateran Treaties

2. Pius XII (1939-1958)

3. John XXIII (1958-1963)

4. Paul VI (1963-1978)

5. John Paul I (1978) - only 33 days in office

6. John Paul II (1978-2005)

7. Benedict XVI (2005-2013) - first pope since the Middle Ages to resign

8. Francis (since 2013) - the current pope

There is a special significance in this sequence, as Revelation 17:11 speaks of an "eighth" who "is of the seven" and "goes into perdition." The fact that Pope Francis is the eighth pope since the Lateran Treaties gives this interpretation particular relevance in the eyes of future events.

Modern Developments and Global Recognition

Recent events have drawn renewed attention to these prophetic interpretations:

Unprecedented Papal Transitions

• Benedict XVI's resignation in 2013 was the first papal resignation since the Middle Ages

• Francis became the first Jesuit Pope in history

• This unique succession pattern has special significance for those studying Revelation 17's prophecy about the eighth pope

Growing Global Influence

The papacy's influence has expanded dramatically in recent decades:

• Regular meetings with world leaders and addressing global forums

• Influential voice in international politics and policy

• Celebrity culture's embrace: Hollywood stars, musicians, and athletes regularly seek papal audiences

• World leaders across political and religious divides pay tribute and seek papal counsel

Religious Diplomatic Breakthrough

Particularly notable is Catholicism's unique position in traditionally restricted regions:

• Catholic churches are permitted in Saudi Arabia and other strictly Islamic nations

• Meanwhile, evangelical preaching remains forbidden under penalty of death in these same regions

• This exclusive acceptance demonstrates unprecedented diplomatic and religious influence

Political Recognition

The modern era has seen extraordinary acknowledgment of papal authority:

• World leaders routinely suspend their schedules to meet with the Pope

• Both democratic and authoritarian leaders seek papal approval

• The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with nearly every nation

• Papal statements influence global policy on issues from climate change to economics

Conclusion

This historical interpretation of the Daniel prophecy and Revelation shows a remarkable series of correlations between biblical texts and historical events. It connects ancient prophecies with concrete historical developments over almost two millennia.

The evidence presented leaves no room for doubt - these papal claims directly challenge YHWH's supreme authority and fulfill biblical prophecy with striking accuracy. As followers of Yashua HaMashiach, who perfectly demonstrated observance to the Most High, we must choose this day whom we will serve.

Will we bow to human institutions that claim divine authority, or will we stay faithful to YHWH's unchanging Word?

The time for fence-sitting has passed.

Let us return to the ancient paths of YHWH Sabaoth, YHWH of Hosts, rejecting the traditions of men to embrace the pure truth that has stood from the beginning.

All praise to the Most High !

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