REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 13 - Verse 7

Verse 7. And it was given unto him. By the same power that taught him to blaspheme God and his church. See Barnes "Re 12:2,5".

To make war with the saints. See this fully illustrated in See Barnes "Da 7:21, and at the end of that chapter.

And to overcome them. In those wars. This was abundantly fulfilled in the wars with the Waldenses, the Albigenses, and the other sincere followers of the Saviour in the time of the Papal persecutions. The language here used is the same as that which is found in Da 7:21: "The same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them."

And power was given him. See Barnes on "Re 13:2".

Over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. For the meaning of these words, see Barnes on "Re 7:9".

The meaning here is, that this dominion was set up over the world. Compare Da 7:25. The fact that so large a portion of the kingdoms of the earth was under the influence of the Papacy, and sustained it; and the claim which it set up to universal dominion, and to the right of deposing kings, and giving away kingdoms, corresponds entirely with the language here used.

{e} "make war" Re 11:7; 12:17; Da 7:21

{f} "power" Lu 4:6