“They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against him?'” (Revelation 13:4 HCSB).
“Who is like the Lord our God?” the psalmist asked in Psalm 113:4. In a distorted echo of the psalmist’s question, the beast of Revelation chapter thirteen will elicit a similar query: “who is like him?” But more disturbing is the fact that the people of that era will worship the dragon and the beast.
This helps answer an important question regarding the events of this chapter. For instance, let’s consider the following questions: what does Satan ultimately want from humanity? What does he seek from relatively insignificant human beings? We find the principal answers to those questions here in Revelation 13:4: the devil desires to be worshiped. In other words, the adversary seeks the recognition, devotion, and respect that is befitting of God alone.
These references to worship represent a key concept in this passage. For example, the word translated “worship” here in Revelation 13:4 is proskuneo in the original language of this verse. This word carries a highly descriptive definition: “to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand, to fawn (over), (to) do reverence to, (to) adore.” (1) This illustrates the way these populations will respond to the dragon and the beast.
The book of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah sheds light on this subject and helps reveal the underlying motive behind the adversary’s objective…
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High'” (Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV).
While it’s easy to see the pretentious arrogance behind such a statement, it’s important to guard against the subtle attraction of that mindset lest a similar attitude seep into our thinking. An incident from the life of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar illustrates the human tendency to adopt a similar mentality…
“…as [Nebuchadnezzar] was walking on the roof of the royal palace in Babylon, the king exclaimed, ‘Is this not Babylon the Great that I have built by my vast power to be a royal residence and to display my majestic glory?'” (Daniel 4:29-30).
Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and arrogance brought a swift reprisal that continued until he learned to humble himself before God (see Daniel chapter four). Instead of following that poor example, the New Testament book of 1 Peter shows us a better path….
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6 NLT).
(1) G4352 – proskyneo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4352/kjv/tr/0-1/