Hi Joshuastone,
Your conclusion is very interesting because I just finished reading “The Counting and the Interpretation of the Apocalyptic Number of the Beast”, by James Challis, 1881. His interpretation is based on some interesting thoughts about the woman and the second beast. I had started another response to this, but deleted it when I found some conflicting statements and conclusions based on information in apocryphal writings. But here goes . . .

“The second beast rises out of the earth, possibly as having an origin more terrestrial and recognisable than that of the first. Inasmuch as it exercises all the power of the first, and operates in its presence, it does not differ in the spirit of its influence from the latter. It appears to be only an extension in a changed form of the worldly power of the first beast; for, in fact, subsequently, as in verse 13:18, the two are spoken of conjointly as ‘the beast.’

The distinction between the two beasts I consider to be dependent on a most momentous fact in the world's history. About the commencement of the seventh century after the birth of Christ, both Mohammedanism and the Papacy began to sway the destinies of men, not by a power which was wholly physical, like that of the ancient dynasties, but by similar temporal power combined with the force of words and ordinances. The Koran of Mahomet, and the decrees of the Papacy, have both been a real power from the epoch above - mentioned to the present time, and the deeds and the convictions of a vast number of earth's inhabitants have thereby been influenced and determined. Accordingly the second beast has two horns, to signify two modes of exerting its power, and forasmuch as the power in each of the forms depends not alone on physical prowess, but in greater degree on the meaning and efficacy of writings and statutes, it ‘had horns like a lamb, and spake as a dragon’ (chap. 13:11), the horns being, as usual, symbolical of power.

On the basis of the foregoing considerations we may now undertake to answer the question, What is the beast? According to the above stated views the beast is the complex representation of the characteristics of the whole civilized world from the earliest times to the time being, embracing not only the several Pagan dynasties, but also the later kingdoms that have in succession ruled in Asia and modern Europe, as subordinately represented by the second beast. According to the prophecy the number of these following kingdoms is ten. In Revelation 12:3 crowns are said to be on the heads, whereas in chap. 13:1 the crowns are on the ten horns, indicating that the rule of the ten kingdoms occupies the final portion of the general rule of the heads.

This answer, however, so far refers to the outward or historic aspect of the beast. The same beast must also be taken account of in its spiritual aspect, which is that usually understood when we speak of the spirit of the world, as opposed to the Holy Spirit of God. Since the second beast is described as having power to ‘do great wonders,’ and ‘in the sight of the beast,’ we may infer that in its spiritual form of hostility to truth and righteousness this beast co-exists with, and in spirit pervades, the ten kingdoms that bear rule subsequently to the epoch of ‘the deadly wound.’ That rule may be generally stated to be antichristian. This appellation may undoubtedly be applied to Mohammedanism, its founder Mahomet being antichrist in the sense of personally and directly opposing the purpose and effect of the mission of JesusChrist. Some writers have been disposed to regard the religion of Mahomet with favour, because it taught idolaters the unity of the Godhead. This, however, is an erroneous view, it not being credible that the followers of Mahomet meant to proclaim that there is one God in countries which for centuries had known the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Rather it may be asserted that when a Mahometan says, ‘There is one God, and Mahomet is his prophet,’ he intends to reject the belief of Christians that Jesus Christ is God, and to maintain that Mahomet was a greater prophet. For although there have been in the world ‘many antichrists’ (1 John 2:18) and ‘many false prophets’ (1 John 4:1) no one of them has acquired by antagonism to Jesus Christ the same title to be called the false prophet (Rev. 19:20) as Mahomet.

Again, the ecclesiastical systems of Constantinople and Rome— the Greek and Roman Churches— more especially the Papacy of Rome, are antichristian in so far as their idolatries and superstitions are opposed in deeds and spirit to the Holy Spirit of God which was in Jesus Christ. Thus the two forms of opposition to divine truth, the Mahometan and the idolatrous Christian, together make up the Antichrist of Scripture.

For more completely answering the question as to the character of the beast, it remains to enquire what is signified by ‘the image of the beast’ spoken of in Rev. 13:14-15. This question has already been answered in part by what has been said respecting the character and influence of the Mohammedan and Papal powers. We have argued that the beast represents the totality of the spiritual power which is exercised by Satan, the adversary of God and man, both in individuals and in the various kingdoms of the earth; and is, therefore, opposed to all that is good and true. But this power being spiritual, in order to be objectively operative requires to be expressed by some sensible representation, as an image or idol (eikon). Now, an image is an object of human invention, set up by worldly deceivers for the ignorant and foolish multitude to worship in the place of God. The systems of Mahomet and the Papacy answer to this description. The followers of Mahomet have bestowed on the Koran, and the system of religion it inculcates, a kind of worship which is only due to words of divine authority, and the Popes of Rome have exacted and received a submission to their doctrines and ordinations which God alone is entitled to command; also both these forms have exhibited that intolerant and persecuting spirit, which is prophetically described by saying that ‘the image of the beast should cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.’ (v.15.) The Mahometan propagates his faith by the sword; the Romish hierarchy have upheld their domination by inquisitions and burnings.” The Counting and the Interpretation of the Apocalyptic Number of the Beast (pp 16-20)

An interesting point is that the author says the two horns of the second beast represent the two most influential forms of false religion claiming to represent the God of Abraham. Both the Roman Church and Islam claim to be descended from Abraham. The two largest religious organizations today are Christianity and Islam, with influence over 3.8 billion people on earth. This makes up 54% of the world population.

 

Wow Tsaphah that makes some real sense - would love to hear more information about this explanation of prophecy.