Revelation 17 – A Duality of the 7 Kings & the Beast?
Preamble:
The Revelation 17:10,11 passage of prophetic scripture is known in the commentaries as one of the mysteries of Revelation – it is my hypothesis herein, it may be a mystery because it could have an ambiguous or duality of interpretation.
Many of the great commentaries https://www.studylight.org/commentary/revelation/17-10.html seem to agree, more or less, that this passage was completely fulfilled in the past and pertains to the fall of once powerful empires (Kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes), and the Christian emperors to come. Then, some bring it forward to the Tribulation period and conclude with the antichrist and his one-world government. Some interpret it as the seven kings in the succession of Roman emperors, the beast meaning the Roman emperors, specifically Nero, and it all refers to Rome, either pagan, Christian, or papal. The eighth king being the Papacy, which takes the name of the beast, because it is the head of the beast, and the only surviving head of the beast, or Roman empire, and now has become Papal. The Papal does not fall like the other seven (Revelation 17:10), but is destroyed (as in Babylon to be destroyed in Revelation 18:10), and goes to its own perdition. Some commentary identifies the 8th King as the antichrist one world ruler (King).
In context and chronological order, the Tribulation seal, trumpet and bowl judgements have been concluded as we see in the execution of the seventh bowl judgement in Chapter 16:17-21. So Chapter 17 is not a continuation of an order of Revelation chronology, but a look back (or forward), as an angel explains the judgement of the harlot of Babylon (Revelation 17:7-18).
Many prophecy teachers have struggled as well with who is Mystery Babylon who is destroyed in one-hour (Revelation 18:10), and many believe it refers to the United States and particularly New York, for many good reasons. Again, possibly a duality in fulfillment can be interpreted here. However, it is my firm belief Mystery Babylon and Revelation 18:10 refer to Rome (see Bill Salus latest book and GAP thesis “Apocalypse Road” for his proofs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlevEujX4RA).
Is there a duality in meaning, interpretation, and in judgements in the Bible? Scripture is replete with metaphor and use of parallel meaning and dual interpretation. Proverbs 25:2 tells us “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” One interpretation of this passage states “God conceals deep truths, making them mysteries, and that is good and glorious. The good and glorious role of the most noble of men, on the other hand, is to search out those mysteries.”
Jonathan Cahn in his book “The Harbinger” sees the Isaiah 9:10 judgement as a prophetic warning to the United States. Isaiah 9:10 was clearly speaking to Israel, however, how many times does history seem to be repeating itself in America today? The words of Isaiah 9:10 were first uttered by leaders in Israel and in response to a limited strike by Assyria on the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali – an attack the prophet makes clear is actually part of a limited judgment by God against apostasy. It wasn’t meant to destroy the nation, but to awaken it [as Obama was given to America as both a judgement and to awaken it!]. However, says Cahn, Israel didn’t take the cue. Instead, the response from the people in Isaiah 9:10 is one of defiance.
Many times things in the Bible are stated as a warning and provide an example of the consequences or the probable (or actual) outcomes. The message being, if future generations do not heed the example or warning the same consequences or outcomes will be manifest on them as well. As an example, Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you” is universal and for all generations – the outcomes will be the same, a blessing or a cursing, regardless of which dispensation or generation or peoples involved.
As in Israel’s defiance of God (Isaiah 9:10), so have the the Presidents (Kings) of the U.S. defied God.
Genesis 15:18 says “On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.” Joel 3:2 God states the ultimate consequence of those trying to divide the land God (eternally) gave Israel “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” …that is the final judgement…it begins with Genesis 12:3.
Starting with King Carter through King Trump, the record is one of defiance to recognize the land covenant God made with Israel:
1. Jimmy Carter – Throughout his term he kept on declaring Israeli settlements to be illegal and an obstacle to peace. In 1980 the US voted for resolution 465, which referred to Jerusalem as part of the Occupied Territories and stated that Israel’s claims to the sovereignty of the city were void.
The Carter era was also the beginning of “Land For Peace,” which is an interpretation of UN Security Council Resolution 242 which has formed the basis of subsequent Arab-Israeli peace making.
2. Ronald Regan - less than a month after he took office, he expressed his opinion that the expansion
of Israeli settlements was not a constructive move, and maybe unnecessarily provocative.
3. George H. W. Bush – Senior Bush’s Secretary of State, James Baker, addressed AIPAC in 1989,
stating that Israeli settlement expansion had to end. Bush’s Administration also referred to East
Jerusalem as Occupied Territory and declared that the settlement issue was one of the main
obstacles for peace. In 1993 at the end of the Bush term and beginning of the Clinton term, the
Oslo Accords began. “The greatest diplomatic disaster of modern times has to be the so called ‘Oslo
Peace Accord.’ It makes Neville Chamberlain's Munich agreement pale into insignificance by
comparison. From its inception in 1993, it has been built on unrealistic wishes, myths and outright
falsehoods. Even worse, the entire agreement was based on many false assumptions.” ~ Hal Linsey
4. Bill Clinton – In 1995 Jerusalem was recognized by the Public Law 104-45 as the ‘undivided’, ‘united’
and ‘reunited’ capital of Israel, and a new U.S. embassy was ordained to be open no later than May
1999. Clinton postponed the move of the embassy during his term.
5. George W. Bush – Bush Jr. encouraged a "roadmap to peace" (Oslo II) and supported the
withdrawal from Gaza. In 2008 he held a joint news conference with Palestinian president
Mahmoud Abbas called on Israel to end its 41-year occupation of Palestinian land and predicted a
peace treaty would be signed by the time he leaves office.
6. Barack Obama – Cited by even liberal press accounts as the most hostile and anti-Israel president of
all time. He was the architect of the Iran Deal, which the Israeli Defense Ministry stated “The Iran
deal is as harmful for Israel as the Munich Agreement with Hitler. Weeks prior to leaving office, in a
dramatic departure from the longstanding U.S. policy of vetoing anti-Israel resolutions, the Obama
administration abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a
halt to Israeli construction in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, thereby allowing the measure
to pass, throwing Israel under the preverbal bus.
7. Donald Trump – Likely the most Pro-Israel President ever, however, as others before him, seeks to
be the one to establish a peace agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors – see further
below his statements from the recent Joint Press Conference with Israeli Prime Ministry Benjamin
Netanyahu, which could lead to the fulfillment of some Major Bible prophecy!
It is then in this context of a possible ambiguous or duality of the message of Revelation 17:10,11, that this
study suggests that Revelation 17:10,11 is ALSO possibly pointing to the last seven Presidents of the U.S. and their defiance of the God of Israel (trying to divide Israel), and the potential connection to the coming Antichrist, who tag teams with the Mystery Babylon and The Mother of Harlots. If the ambiguous/duality is valid, the possibility then exists that the traditional commentary accounts, and the account below, converge with the 8th King being the same in both cases.
As this study also speaks to the soon to come rapture and tribulation period, it is not the intent to try to set specific dates for any event(s) but point to the fact that we are in the very last days and the coming of Christ for His bride continues to be eminent!
Revelation 17 – A Duality of the 7 Kings & the Beast?
Revelation 17:10,11
“There are also seven kings [American Presidents, essentially “Kings of the World”]. Five have fallen [completed their term], one is [the 6th - Obama], and the other has not yet come [7th -Trump – remember all the 7’s associated with Trump – see below]. And when he comes, he [Trump] must continue a short time [something happens and his time is cut short]. The beast that was [Obama], and is not [Obama ended his term], is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition (or a state of eternal punishment and damnation).”
If this verse is read and understood during the Obama era, it makes perfect sense.
1. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981). Why start the “7-Kings” count with Carter? After the fulfillment of
Ezekiel 37 (the Jews returning to their land, becoming a State in 1948), the 1977-8 Camp David
Accords was the starting point of Israel’s False Peace Agreements.
The Camp David Accords were signed by Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on 17 September 1978, following twelve days of secret negotiations at Camp David] The two framework agreements were signed at the White House, and were witnessed by United States President Jimmy Carter. The second of these frameworks (A Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel) led directly to the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. Due to the agreement, Sadat and Begin received the shared 1978 Nobel Peace Prize.
Carter’s advisers insisted on the establishment of an Egyptian-Israeli agreement which would lead to an eventual solution to the Palestine issue. The Camp David Accords comprise two separate agreements: “A Framework for Peace in the Middle East” and “A Framework for the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty between Egypt and Israel”, the second leading towards the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty signed in March 1979. The agreements and the peace treaty were both accompanied by “side-letters” of understanding between Egypt and the U.S. and Israel and the U.S. The preamble of the “Framework for Peace in the Middle East” starts with the basis of a peaceful settlement of the Arab–Israeli conflict. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_David_Accords
It was the 1st Peace Agreement between Israel and any of its Arab neighbors since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
2. Ronald Regan
3. George H. W. Bush
4. Bill Clinton
5. George W. Bush
6. Barack Obama
7. Donald Trump – Could God’s signature be on Donald Trump?
* On the day he was elected Donald Trump was 70 years plus 7+7+7 weeks old.
* On inauguration day President Trump was 70 years, seven months, and seven days old.
* Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by 77 electoral votes.
* Donald Trump was born precisely 700 days before Israel declared her independence on May 14th, 1948.
* The nation of Israel was 77 days old precisely 777 days after the birth of Donald Trump.
* Israel’s 70th birthday will come precisely 700 days after Donald Trump’s 70th birthday.
* Donald Trump won the election on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s seventh year, seventh month, and seventh day
in office.
* Jews often leave off the first digit of the year we are in on the Hebrew calendar. We are in the Hebrew year 5777 and so most
Jews will say this is year 777. Donald Trump was elected in the Hebrew year commonly referred to as 777.
8. Barack Obama - resurfaces to lead a one-world government and as world ruler (possible King of the North Daniel 11:36-45) and “confirms the covenant” Daniel 9:27 for a False Peace with all Israel’s Arab neighbors, until he breaks that covenant and peace himself at the mid-point of Jacobs Trouble. These then are the bookends of False Peace starting with King Carter and ending with (False King of the World Obama)…this before Jesus Christ 2nd coming as “The everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) “of the increase of his government [his authority] and peace there shall be no end.” v7. “the Lord of peace Himself [Jesus Christ] give you peace always [eternal]” 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Jesus is the only one that can bring about peace, not U.S. Presidents, the UN or other world powers.
Note: Isaiah 28:14,15 confirms that Daniel 9:27 is a False Peace Agreement. “Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. You boast, ‘We have entered into a covenant with death, with the grave we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.’"
Is the American President the King of the world? (also known as The Leader of the Free World)
The US President has powers to decide key political/ social issues that impact the world. In that sense position is equal to Kings of the past era. However, today he is more accountable to his own public due to election process. Also, somewhat accountable to world at large as there are World-wide governing bodies that do have rights to raise concern.
The 7th King (Trump) recently made an astonishing statement during the recent Joint Press Conference with Israeli Prime Ministry Benjamin Netanyahu.
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: The two perquisites of peace, recognition of the Jewish state and Israel’s security needs, west of the Jordan, they remain pertinent. We have to look for new ways, new ideas, on how to re-instate and how to move peace forward. And I believe that the great opportunity for peace comes from a regional approach from involving our new found Arab partners in the pursuant of a broader peace and peace will the Palestinians. And I greatly look forward to discussing this in detail with you Mr. President, because, I think that if we work together, we have a shot.
DONALD TRUMP: And we have been discussing that and it is something that is very different, hasn't been discussed before. And it's actually a much bigger deal -- much more important deal in a sense. It would take in many, many countries and would cover a very large territory. So, I didn't know you were going to be mentioning that, but that's now (spa) that you did. I think it's a terrific thing and I think we have some pretty good cooperation from people that in the past, would never ever have even thought about doing this. So we'll see how that works out.
Earlier he stated - Our administration is committed to working with Israel and our common allies in the region towards greater security and stability. That includes working toward a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The United States will encourage a peace and really a great peace deal. We'll be working on it very, very diligently. Very important to me also, something we want to do.
Could it be the 7th King (Trump) drafts a Peace Covenant (with a broad coalition of Arab nations) and it does not get Consummated before his “short time” has abruptly ended? The 8th King then “Confirms that Covenant” Daniel 9:27.
Note: This is a good point to insert that it is becoming very clear that part of King 777’s (God ordained) role is to expose the truth in these last days of Church history – Luke 8:17 “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” If you are reading your news, from WikiLeaks document dumps to exposing all the corruption in Washington and world-wide pedophile rings, and those working for a one world government/financial system…he is uncovering and exposing it all!! Pray for his protection and that of his family as well as Vice President Pence and family, his cabinet and their families and all those who support him for truth and draining of the swamp!
Report: Valerie Jarrett Moves in With Obama to Set Up Anti-Trump 'Nerve Center'
http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03/02/valerie-jarrett-moves-obama-plot-against-trump-dc-mansion
“President Barack Obama's former top White House adviser Valerie Jarrett is moving in with him and will help with an "insurgency" against President Donald Trump… Obama's goal, according to a close family friend, is to oust Trump from the presidency either by forcing his resignation or through his impeachment.”
This could explain the “short time” of the 7th King! So could a soon Rapture event and the Sudden Destruction that follows be the cause for a shortened term? “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Also see 5777: Year of The Rapture? [that is a question mark not a statement] https://biblicalsignsintheheadlines.com/2016/09/09/5777-are-you-rapture-ready/ …could this be the reason King 777 time is cut short?
“For the mystery of lawlessness [6th & 8th King] is already at work; only He who now restrains will do
so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed [for the world to then know
- Daniel 9:27], whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the
brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all
power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception…” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10
It seems somehow appropriate that the 6th King on September 11, 2011, President Barack Obama [a lawless and lying one], read from Psalm 46 as part of the ceremony at the World Trade Center site to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxFj4mv0rRQ…stating:
Be Still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the Earth.
It is also more than interesting that September 11th also happens to be the date Jesus was likely born (Was Jesus born Sept. 11, 3 B.C.? http://www.wnd.com/2013/08/was-jesus-born-sept-11-3-b-c/).
So by choosing this date to recite the Psalm 46 passage is like foretelling or sending the message as a counterfeit Christ, of his birth as antichrist (Satanic God incarnate) and his returning to be King, and be exalted among the nations and the Earth!
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” 2 Thessalonians 2:9
The period of the 1st King Carter’s election to the fall of 2017 is 40 - years. The number forty can also represent a generation of man. Because of their sins after leaving Egypt, God swore that the generation of Israelites who left Egyptian bondage would not enter their inheritance in Canaan (Deuteronomy 1). The children of Israel were punished by wandering the wilderness for 40 years before a new generation was allowed to possess the promised land. Jesus appeared to his disciples and others for 40 days after his resurrection from the dead, after the 40-days he was taken up into Heaven. The prophet Jonah powerfully warned ancient Nineveh, for forty days, that its destruction would come because of its many sins. Forty has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence, and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement – then comes Judgement (Jacobs Trouble). Thus, a 40-year count from King Carter to the re-crowning of King Obama (beginning the Judgement) also makes sense and the other inferences of 40 as well.
A recent study by Lu Vega also has a most interesting fit with all of the above and is a very interesting study in itself and its conclusion – see THE DUALITY OF PROPHECY A Parallel Timeline of an Advent and Birthing http://nebula.wsimg.com/a7327b4eb585fde5259562a286999d44?AccessKeyId=D40106E1331C24ABD7C3&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 This study in part is an analysis of the much talked about Revelation 12 sign coming this September 2017 (5777-8). If you are somehow not up to date on this, see the following:
The Great Sign of Revelation 12 occurs in 2017
Short Video Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PFY6CNgsso
For further more detailed study: http://watchfortheday.org/1260tetrad.html
and read The Micah Prophecy - The Key to Revelation 12 http://watchfortheday.org/micah.html
also Revelation 12 – Birth Before Labor? http://watchfortheday.org/manchild.html
and “Revelation 12 – The Sign for Israel” http://watchfortheday.org/signofisrael.html
Back to September 11, 2011 and the 6th & 8th to come King, citing Psalm 46. From September 11, 2011 to September 9, 2017 (the date of the birthing of the Manchild from the ‘womb’ of Virgo, per Lu Vega linked study linked above) is 2190 days – see the possible meaning of 2190 here http://numbersbythebook.tumblr.com/post/153994170635/the-153-fish-the-fullness-of-the-gentiles
Also see Lu Vega’s “THE 153RD FISH IN THE NET” http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2017/luisv129.htm as a confirming study on the end of the Gentile Age in relation to the 153rd fish.
Is it’s possible this 40-year count is signaling the time of the Gentiles is concluding and our Catching Away is at hand…and, the 8th King is then going to be revealed!
Need more proof? If I can prove up O as the AC, then Revelation 17:10-11 in the context as presented above would potentially be validated…see The Man of Sin - Evidence That Demands A Verdict http://watchmansview.com/Man_of_Sin_files/The_Man_of_Sin_1.3.pdf
If all these things are found to be true, when understood in context, 2 Thessalonians 2, confirms that the Rapture of the church will take place BEFORE the revealing of the Antichrist. See (http://www.prophecydepotministries.net/2012/will-the-church-witness-the-antichrist/) …how close then are we to the Harpazo?
If you did not yet read Lu Vega’s thoughts in the two linked studies provided, you may want to review his study and thoughts for consideration to help answer that question. Linked again below.
“THE DUALITY OF PROPHECY A Parallel Timeline of an Advent and Birthing” http://nebula.wsimg.com/a7327b4eb585fde5259562a286999d44?AccessKeyId=D40106E1331C24ABD7C3&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
“THE 153RD FISH IN THE NET” http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2017/luisv129.htm
Update June 11, 2017 - see this post for some additional and interesting thoughts http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2017/tedp611.htm
TIME IS SHORT (Romans 13:11) WAKE-UP CHURCH! (Ephesians 5:14) Look-Up! (Luke 21:28, Buckle-Up! (Ephesians 6:13) because we are Going-Up! (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) SOON! (Revelation 22:12)
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