What is the beast in Revelation 13?
Revelation 13's beast is first and foremost the revival of the old ancient Roman Empire. It is called a beast because its government will operate bestially, with no concern for human rights or individuals. It is simply a government, usually represented by seven heads and ten horns—a consortium of ten nations from old Roman Empire territory.
Les explains that the beast in Revelation 13 is first and foremost the revival of the old ancient Roman Empire. The term beast is used because the government will be so bestial in its operation, showing no concern for human rights or the individual, yet it remains just a government. The seven heads and ten horns present a twofold picture: sometimes Satan is referred to by the seven heads, indicating his power and authority, but usually the seven heads and ten horns represent the revived Roman Empire—a consortium of ten nations coming out of the old Roman Empire territory. Les notes this may be appearing in Europe as the common market or European community. He also says the number of nations may vary: it started with seven in the 70s, got to ten, now may be twelve, and could go to fourteen or fifteen, but by the signing of the seven-year treaty it will be back at ten.