The Mark of the Beast by S. Franklin Logsdon ■T is n o t u n u s u a l for a ruling power, especially ■ in a dictatorial regime, to have an identifying insignia. Nazi Germany had its swastika; the So viet Union its hammer and sickle. Both are recog nized universally. The idea itself goes far beyond contemporary times. Babylon, the first Gentile power, was marked by a lion with eagle’s wings (Dan. 7 :4 ). The Medo- Persian empire was portrayed by a bear’s rising up with three ribs between its teeth (Dan. 7 :5 ). The Graeco-Macedonia influence was pictured as a four-headed leopard with four wings (Dan. 7 :6). Rome in her world dominion was characterized by a terrible beast with iron teeth and ten horns (Dan. 7 :7 ). Many countries have incorporated in the design of their national flag an identifying idea or stamped the same upon their coins, such as the Golden Eagle and the Latin words e pluribus unum (one country of many states). Royal families and dynasties have their own coat>of-arms. Thus, it is not novel to learn o f the mark of the beast. W hat I s I t ? The word “mark” occurs eight times in the Bible.
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