The Beast System: Part 2

   What do we think the meaning of the “Beast” is?        ….We find in Daniel’s accounts of Nebuchadnezzar some of the best confirmation of the meaning of the ‘Beast.’  Nebuchadnezzar had taken credit for what God had done, so God turned him into a “beast.”  It is an interesting study for us to go through and find some of the relevant references of “judgment” and work through the meanings of the grouped concepts. 

    In Ez. 14, we find the discussion of the four main components of God’s selected forms of ‘judgment.’    In  v. 21, we fine one of the clearest summary statements of  the Four Great Judgments:  War,   Famine,   Pestilence/Disease,  and “Beasts.”            

     It is through the study of these four concepts, presented by differing terms in various places,  in conjunction with the description of Nebuchadnezzar’s condition during his time of Divine Judgment,  that we can come to understand that   –  a “Beast” is a king   or authority/power  raised up by The LORD God to be an iron rod of correction in His hand.

Why does God allow the raising up of “Beast” systems?   ….A “Beast” system exists for the direct and specific purpose of carrying out God’s Judgment(s).  What is the cause for such judgment?    There is principally one example:  God’s Indictment of the Southern Kingdom in this context [i.e., the context of why they’re being turned over to a “Beast”] is mixed in with the statements of “Judgment” found in Jeremiah Chapter 5.  This first part is mostly Indictment:

    “1 Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.  If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.  2 Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ still they are swearing falsely.

    3 LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth?  You struck them, but they felt no pain; You crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.  4 I thought, These are only the poor;  they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God.  5 So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God.  But with one accord they also had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds.  6 Therefore  a lion [God, via a “Beast” system] from the forest will attack them;  – –   a wolf [God, via a “Beast” system] from the desert will ravage them;  – – a leopard  [God, via a “Beast” system] will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out.  For their [God’s people] rebellion is great and their backslidings  many.

 7 Why should I forgive you [My people]? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.  (Rev.17:5)  8 They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for another man’s wife.  9 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?  10 Go through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not destroy them completely.  Strip off her branches, for these [passive] people do not belong to the LORD.” 

  11 “The people of Israel and the people of Judah [all who call themselves My people] have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD.12 “They have lied about the LORD; they said,  “He will do nothing!  No harm will come to us;  we will never see sword or famine.  13 The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them.”

Comments are closed.