What does 'beast' mean in Revelation?
In Revelation, the word 'beast' does not refer to a ferocious animal or dragon. It always symbolizes a governmental power. The first beast rises from the sea, representing a government from the mass of humanity; the second beast rises from the earth, a religious government centered in a person, empowered by Satan.
Les emphasizes that when studying Revelation, the word 'beast' never refers to a ferocious-looking animal or a dragon like Loch Ness. Instead, a beast in Revelation is always a governmental power. The first beast John saw came up out of the sea, meaning out of the mass of humanity. The second beast, introduced in verse 11, comes up out of the earth. Some suggest this second beast, though a government, is centered in a person—a religious government—and that he would have to be a Jew. Les says he doesn't say he has to be, but he could be. This second beast has two horns like a lamb because he is a religious leader, but he speaks like a dragon, receiving his power from Satan. So a satanic religious system comes on the scene in this second beast.