9.“This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10.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. 11.The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. Revelation 17: 9-11 NIV
(Donald Trump recently referred to himself as "the king" in a social media post, sparking reactions for its monarchic tone. Critics viewed this as an overstep of authority, adding to debates about leadership and power. Is Donald Trump the 8th King?)
Scholars connect the seven kings in Revelation to the seven hills/continents, symbolizing world powers across history. This interpretation highlights U.S. dominance through its economy, military, culture, and politics. The eighth king, often seen as a culmination of rebellion against God, symbolizes the ultimate defeat of evil.
The Eighth King: A Prophetic Connection
Revelation 17:11 describes the eighth king as one who
"belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction." This prophecy
finds a striking parallel in modern times. Donald Trump, following George W.
Bush, represents a continuation of the same political lineage--the scarlet
beast tied to the GOP, the red party. Both leaders presided during pivotal
moments of global significance, with Trump's presidency marked by his fall and
potential return, aligning with the prophecy of the beast that "was, and
is not, and yet will be" (Revelation 17:8).
The GOP's dominance under both Bush and Trump, controlling the Senate and
Congress, underscores their shared authority. Trump's re-emergence as a
political force mirrors the cyclical nature of the eighth king, stemming from
the seventh, as foretold in scripture. However, the prophecy also foretells the
eighth king's destruction--a fate that remains shrouded in mystery. Whether
through removal, downfall, or divine intervention by Jesus Christ, the manner
of this destruction is known only to God.
Revelation 19:11: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice, he judges and wages war."
Revelation 19:12-13: The rider has eyes like blazing fire, wears many crowns, and has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
Revelation 19:14: The armies of heaven follow him, also
riding white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
Revelation 19:15-16: From his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the
nations. He rules with an iron scepter and treads the winepress of the fury of
the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and thigh is written: "King of
Kings and Lord of Lords."
"The King of Kings and Lord of Lords rides forth in victory, bringing justice and fulfillment to the prophecies of old."
Seven Heads as Seven World Powers
Summary of Views on the First Six World Powers
Egypt
Scholars' View: Often seen as the first world power, representing ancient dominance and the enslavement of the Israelites.
Assyria
· Scholars' View: The second world power, known for its military conquests and control over Israel and other nations.
Babylon
· Scholars' View: Recognized as the third world power, famous for its empire and the exile of the Israelites, as described in the Book of Daniel.
Medo-Persia
· Scholars' View: A combination of the Medes and the Persians, considered the fourth world power, which conquered Babylon.
Greece
· Scholars' View: Particularly under Alexander the Great, seen as the fifth world power, known for spreading Hellenistic culture.
Rome
· Scholars' View: Often viewed as the sixth world power, known for its vast empire and influence, and is sometimes seen as the current world power.
Seventh World Power: United States
Based upon that which is listed below, the United States stands as the seventh world power due to its unparalleled global influence. This interpretation is supported by:
1. Economic Dominance: The U.S. plays a pivotal role in global finance and trade, impacting economies worldwide.
2. Military Strength: With a formidable military presence, the U.S. ensures global security and influences international relations.
3. Cultural Reach: Through its media, technology, and cultural exports, the U.S. shapes global culture and values.
4. Political Influence: The U.S. maintains significant political alliances, driving international policies and diplomacy.
Comparative Views on the Seventh King
· Keith Mathison: Suggests the seventh king could be a future Roman emperor who will reign briefly before God's kingdom is established.
· Paul M. Hoskins: Interprets the seventh king as a future ruler from the Abyss, connected to an eighth king that holds substantial power.
· Adventist Interpreters: Some associate the seventh king with recent popes, noting that Pope Benedict XVI's short papacy could signify the seventh king.
· Various Commentaries: Propose that the seventh king might be a collective group of monarchies rather than a single entity, echoing the fragmentation of ancient Rome.
· The United States is recognized as the seventh world power, marked by its unparalleled influence. This status is evidenced by its economic dominance, military strength, cultural reach, and political alliances.
The Beast with Seven Heads
Revelation 13:1-2 (NIV)
1. "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. 2. 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."
The heads represent world powers, as supported by Revelation 17:9-11, which describes a woman sitting on a beast with seven heads and ten horns:
Verse 9: "This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits."
Verse 10: "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."
Verse 11: "The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction."
The seven heads also represent the seven continents, emphasizing the global nature of these powers:
Seven Continents
1. Africa: Known for its diverse cultures, landscapes, and rich history.
2. Antarctica: The coldest continent, covered almost entirely by ice, with no permanent human population.
3. Asia: The largest continent, home to the majority of the world's population and many ancient civilizations.
4. Europe: Known for its influential history, culture, and economies, as well as its diverse nations.
5. North America: Comprising countries like the United States, Canada, and Mexico, known for its economic and cultural impact.
6. Australia: The smallest continent, known for its unique wildlife and landscapes.
7. South America: Known for its rainforests, mountains, and vibrant cultures.
The Beast with Ten Horns
Revelation 17:12-13 (NIV)
12. "The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast.
13. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast."
Daniel 7:7-8 (NIV)
7. "After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast--terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns." 8."While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully."
Ten Horns as the United States Senate
· Authority and Power: The Senate has the power to make critical decisions, including authorizing military actions, approving treaties, and confirming executive appointments, thereby wielding significant influence over national and international policies.
· Unified Purpose: The Senate often works collectively to pass laws and policies, reflecting the unified purpose of the ten horns. Despite political differences, the necessity for legislative action brings senators together in critical moments.
· Representative Body: The Senate, with its 100 members, serves as a powerful governing authority within the United States, representing the interests of the states and the people.
· Symbolic Unity: The number ten, being a multiple of 100, emphasizes the symbolic representation of the Senate. It highlights the completeness and collective power of this legislative body.
The Role of Horns in Prophetic Imagery
· Symbolism in Biblical Prophecy: Horns are frequently used as symbols of kings or rulers in the Bible, especially in the book of Daniel.
· Daniel 7 and the Fourth Beast: The ten horns on the fourth beast symbolize ten kings emerging from the kingdom, illustrating their leadership within a larger entity.
· The Little Horn: The "little horn" that uproots three others represents a leader who rises to prominence, showcasing the connection between horns and individual rulers.
· Biblical Consistency: Across prophetic texts, the horn imagery consistently ties to authority, power, and influence held by leaders within their domains.
The Beast out of the Earth
Through a series of publications, I will explain how the
events of 9/11 are represented in Revelation, Chapter 13: "Then I saw a
second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it
spoke like a dragon. It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its
behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose
fatal wound had been healed." (Revelation 13:11-12, NIV)
The two horns of this beast symbolize two U.S. Presidents—the 7th and 8th
kings. In biblical prophecy, horns often represent individual leaders, as seen
in Daniel. The President of the United States wields significant authority,
exercising the power of the first beast (Revelation 13:1).
During 9/11, President George W. Bush Jr., under the GOP, held this authority.
Now, President Donald Trump exercises the same authority under the GOP,
extending Bush’s leadership.
The prophecy foretells that the 8th king will go off into destruction. Could
this mean Trump will be removed within his term? Perhaps the answer lies in the
ultimate authority of Jesus Christ.
