What is the beast in Revelation 17?
In Revelation 17, the beast symbolizes the old Roman Empire that seemed dead but returns with all its attributes intact. It is headed by the Antichrist, identified as the eighth king. The seven heads are seven mountains or nations, and the ten kings lose three to seven, with one still to come.
Les explains that the beast in Revelation 17:11 is the old Roman Empire that was seemingly dead and gone, but suddenly reappears with all its attributes in place. He teaches that Antichrist will head it up and is the eighth. The seven heads are seven mountains, meaning seven nations with seven prime ministers or kings. The woman sitting on the beast is the religious system described earlier in the chapter. Les notes that out of ten kings, three have already lost their identity, being usurped by seven; one is, and the other is not yet come, and when he comes he must continue a short space. He also points out that numbers have value in Scripture: three refers to the Godhead or deity, five is grace, and six is man, since man was created on the sixth day.
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
More Questions
What is the beast in Revelation 17 that was and is not?
The beast that was in Revelation 17:11 is the old Roman Empire, which seemed dead but will return to the scene with all its attributes.
What does 'go into perdition' mean for the beast in Revelation 17:11?
The phrase 'go into perdition' in Revelation 17:11 means the Lord will destroy the Antichrist (the beast) at Christ's coming.