Unholy Trinity: False Prophet

After describing the beast (antichrist) that comes up out of the sea (from outside of Israel) in verses 1-11, John now presents another beast, who will come up out of the earth (the land of Israel) in verses 11-18. This second "wild animal" is called "the false prophet" (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). He will speak like a dragon (Satan), exercise all the authority of the first beast (antichrist) and cause the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast. He will deceive people with great signs (even fire from heaven), convince people to make an image (statue) to the antichrist and then give breath to the image, causing the statue to speak. He will force people to worship the beast, killing those who refuse. Finally, he will cause all peoples (small/great, rich/poor, free/slaves) to be given a mark (an impression on coins/stamp on documents/brand on horses/engraving on temples) on their right hand or forehead, which will allow only those with the visible mark to buy or to sell. This mark of honor is the name of the antichrist or the number of his name. Anyone with a mind is commanded to calculate (count/compute) the number of the beast.