Letter 3 Watching for the Beast


August 28, 2009

Is the beast the United States of America?

      For many, the belief that the USA is the beast stems from combining a belief that the population of the USA is heavily derived from the lost tribes of Israel (specifically Ephraim and Manasseh) with Rev 12 referring to the latter-day scattered descendants of Israel as being a "woman." Since Israel is also portrayed as a "woman" and since Israel has sinned and "played the harlot - Jer. 3:1), they then assume that the modern day lost tribes of Israel make up the woman who rides the beast in Rev. 17:3. Others who also believe the USA to be the beast base their belief upon America's military strength, knowing the beast will be a military superpower (Rev 13:4). But the flaws in the belief that the USA is the beast are quickly exposed when one reads all of Rev 12 in its context. For one, the dragon persecutes and seeks to destroy the woman of Rev 12 and her offspring. But we find the dragon advances the beast of Rev 13 and 17 and provides the beast with its power and authority (Rev 13:4). You cannot have it both ways. Clearly then, the woman of Rev 12 is not the same as the beast of Rev 13 and 17. Further, the beast of Rev 13 and 17 (the beast with seven heads and ten horns - verse 3) is described as being Babylonian and as persecuting and killing the saints (the Israel of God). Massive Babylonian persecution of God's people is a historical fact. To force the USA into an interpretation of Rev 17 is an incredible distortion of the facts, while ignoring the obvious.

      In the next issue of Biblical Insight we'll investigate scripturally the popular belief that Germany is the beast. In the mean time - keep studying - keep praying - keep faith and love - and keep God as the center of your mind and heart.

Blessings,