Revelation 13 - Prophecy of Four Beasts
Revelation 13 then goes on to describe a later development in the Roman Empire. A beast arises out of the sea, once again with seven heads and ten horns (v.l), which relates this beast to Daniel's fourth beast and the dragon in Revelation 12. This beast is "like a leopard, its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth" (v.2). It appears to have a mortal head wound (v.3), but the wound is healed and the dragon gives his authority to the beast (v.4). A mouth is given to the beast (v.5) and it has power to persecute the saints and to blaspheme God for 42 months (vs.5-7).
In the description of this beast we find the prediction of a power to arise that would rule the world and persecute the true believers for 42 months or 1260 days, which again represents 1260 years. This power would speak haughty and blasphemous words against God and his dwelling, and carry out wars against God's saints to conquer them. Since this beast also has seven heads and ten horns (v.l), it must be related to the fourth beast in Daniel 7 and the dragon of Revelation 12, which both refer to the Roman Empire.
