What is the second beast in Revelation?
The second beast is another governmental power rising out of the earth, centered in a person. It represents a religious government whose leader has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon, receiving power from Satan. Thus it is a satanic religious system.
Les teaches that in Revelation the word "beast" does not mean a ferocious animal or a dragon-like creature; it always refers to a governmental power. John sees this second beast coming up out of the earth, whereas the first beast came up out of the sea, out of the mass of humanity. This second beast is a government, but it is centered in a person and is specifically a religious government. Some people argue that because the earth points to Israel, this beast must be a Jew; Les says he does not say he has to be, and thinks he could be, but not necessarily. The beast has two horns like a lamb because he is a religious leader, yet he speaks like a dragon, showing that he receives his power from Satan. So this second beast represents a satanic religious system.
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
More Questions
Why do some interpreters think the second beast comes from Israel?
Some interpreters say the second beast comes from Israel because it rises from the earth, and Israel is the only part of the earth God concerns Himself with.
Who is the 'another beast' in Revelation 13:11?
The 'another beast' in verse 11 is the false prophet, the religious leader, not the Antichrist.
What does the word 'beast' mean in the book of Revelation?
In the book of Revelation, the word 'beast' always refers to a governmental power, not a ferocious-looking animal or dragon.