The Throne Of The WIld Beast

Upon what does the next angel pour out his bowl? "And the fifth one poured out his bowl upon the throne of the wild beast." (Revelation 16:10a) "The wild beast" is Satan's governmental system. It does not have a literal throne, any more than the wild beast itself is literal. Mention of a throne, however, shows that the wild beast has exercised royal authority over mankind, this is in harmony with the fact that each of the beast's heads bears a royal diadem. In fact, "the throne of the wild beast is the foundation, or source of that authority.
The Bible reveals the true situation of the royal authority of the wild beast when it says that "the dragon gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority." (Revelation 13:1, 2; 1 John 5:19) Thus, the pouring out of the bowl upon the throne of the wild beast involves a proclamation revealing the true role that Satan has played and still plays in supporting and promoting the wild beast.

How is this relationship between Satan and the nations maintained? When Satan tempted Jesus, he showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a vision and offered "all this authority and the glory of them." But there was a condition-Jesus had to perform an act of worship before Satan. (Luke 4:5-7) Can we imagine that the governments of the world receive their authority at a lesser price? Not at all. According to the Bible, Satan is the god of this system of things, so that whether the nations are aware of it or not, they serve him. (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) This situation is revealed in the makeup of the present world system, which is built on narrow nationalism, hatred and self-interest. It is organized the way Satan wants it-to keep mankind under his control. The corruption in government, the lust for power, the lying diplomacy, the armaments race-these reflect Satan's debased personality. The world subscribes to Satan's unrighteous standards, thus making him its god. The throne of the wild beast will be overthrown when that beast suffers extinction and the Seed of God's woman finally abysses Satan himself. - Genesis 3;15; Revelation 19:20, 21; 20:1-3.

Next time: Darkness And Gnawing Pain.