When people approach the book of Revelation, they are met with these strange and fantastic images. Horsemen, beasts, whores, numbers...and for many, it just doesn't make much sense. However, the reason for so much imagery is John knows that images tend to say more about the nature of something than just outright stating what it is. For instance, we know that both the images of the 'lion' and the 'lamb' stand for Jesus, but the images of a lion and a lamb evoke thoughts and feelings about the nature of each of these creatures. Lions evoke associations with a kingly and fierce animal, while lambs evoke feelings of gentleness and sacrifice. Both images tell us more about the nature of Jesus than if he were to just say "Jesus." Here is a brief look at some of the more well-known images and symbolism associated with Revelation.
The Four Horsemen
In John's day, horsemen represented the biggest threat to the Roman Empire: the horse-riding, bow-bearing Parthians that were constantly attacking the eastern borders of the empire. It was a constant reminder that no matter how powerful the Roman Empire may have seemed, security was never guaranteed. Thus, John draws upon this powerful image to remind his readers that putting trust and security in anything other than God, especially a government, is not true security. Conquest, war, economic instability, plague, famine, and ultimately death are all threats we face. Any trust or security we feel in these areas, the horsemen remind us that they can all be ripped away.
The 144,000
Earlier, the lion and lamb were utilized to illustrate the nature of these images. However, the passages that talk of the lion and lamb are also helpful in understanding the nature and intent of the 144,000. John heard the promise of the lion, but what he saw as fulfillment of that promise instead was the lamb. The 144,000 work in much the same way. God promises 144,000 from the tribes of Israel will be saved. But what John actually sees are a multitude that no one can count from every nation, tribe, people and language. God's promise is fulfilled over and above the expectation.
The Beast
The beast is like the dragon wearing a bad disguise, wearing 10 crowns instead of the earlier 7 the dragon wore, indicative of his increasing desire to rule. The beast bears the attributes of the leopard, bear, dragon and lion, a compilation of the animals in Daniel that represent oppressive empires. Here they have been combined to form a "super-beast." The four empires are all part of one over-arching threat--oppressive governments and rulers. The beast evokes an image of a blood-thirsty, violent, raging animal that seeks to destroy. It is evil incarnate that rages against the world like an animal that has been cornered.
The Harlot & Bride
Great cities were frequently depicted in the ancient world as a woman riding her noble steed. The Harlot is like a satirical representation of that woman and utilizes a familiar Old Testament depiction of cities that were enemies of Israel (Tyre, Babylon, Ninevah). Instead of noble and true, she's a slobbering, drunk prostitute, a fitting companion for the beast she rides. She is contrasted sharply with the other woman of Revelation: the persecuted bride. The bride (associated with Jerusalem) is pursued by a seven-headed monster while the harlot happily rides her seven-headed beastie while drinking the blood of the saints.
People are faced with a choice: ally oneself with the bride or get in bed with the harlot. John draws such a striking distinction between the two not because the choice was so clear, but because the choice was not so clear. Satire seeks to show readers something they might not otherwise see. It's humorous elements contribute to its persuasive power. If people can be persuaded to realize that what seems impressive is actually ridiculous, what looks glamorous is actually garish, what appears desirable is actually ludicrous, resisting it will be much easier. The major character flaw of the harlot and the beast ultimately, however, is how self-destructive they are. The beast winds up devouring the harlot, giving us a glimpse of the self-destructive nature of evil and oppression.
666
Speculation has abounded over the years regarding this enigmatic figure. From a tattoo (like in the Omen) to a bar code on our skin, to the number of letters in a person's name, people have been trying to figure out this "wisdom." Jewish numerology contains one clue. Six was the number of mankind, of "imperfection." (Also note the sixth seal, trumpet and bowl are all destruction and judgment oriented.) Three was the number that represented the spiritual realm. Thus, three sixes is representative of a complete spiritual imperfection. The number which is branded on the forehead and hand is like the seal of God that is put on his own followers. Again - it's a distinction between the followers of God and the followers of the beast.
While granted, names can add up to 666, (graffiti in Pompeii reveals that numbers for names were frequently used to identify people) and Nero's name when added up equaled 666, trying to find "the" beast through this number raises some problems. After all, "Cute Purple Dinosaur" can add up to 666 as can the pope's miter which reads "Vicarius Filii Dei.". However, it's more likely that John is trying to attribute a "Nero-type" quality to the beast (given Nero was already dead by the time Revelation was authored). It's sort of like when we say "It's Hitler all over again." For John's day, it would have been "It's Nero all over again."
Essentially, all these images and numbers are being utilized for one reason: to ask the question, "who do you belong to?" The lamb who was slain and his bride, or the beastly systems and harlots of the world?
