Following the Resurrected

One of the heads of the beast of Revelation 13 is slain and then healed. The term (sphazo) is the same as that used for the Lamb (5:6, 9, 12) and for the saints (6:9). The Lamb was slain and then “healed” in the resurrection and ascension. When the slain and healed Lamb appears in heaven, the angels and other creatures of heaven join in worshiping Him. They are inspired to worship by the glad surprise of the Lamb’s reappearance after death.

The beast head mimics the history of the Lamb. The Lamb is a composite beast, a Lion and a Lamb, with seven eyes and seven horns (5:6), and the composite sea beast is a parody of the Lamb. The Lamb is the true cherub, but the sea beast is an attacking cherub.

Revelation 13:3 focuses on the reaction of the people of the land, and again the contrast is between the reaction of the people of the land to the beast and the reaction of the people to the Lamb. The Lamb was slain and healed, but they were not amazed; they were enraged. When the head of the beast is slain and healed, they are amazed, and they become disciples. They “follow” (opiso) the beast, which is what Jesus called the disciples to do (Matthew 4:19; 10:38; 16:23-24). 

It seems people are generally inclined to follow resurrected leaders.