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Rev_13:15. To the second beast, it was further given ( ἐδοθη , cf. Rev_13:7): δοῦναι πνεῦμα τῇ εἰκόνι τοῦ θηρίου , i.e., to give that image of the beast a demoniacal πνεῦμα ζωῆς ,[3374] and that, too, with the intention ( ἽΝΑ ΚΑῚ ΛΑΛ .) that this might thereby speak, and also by this sign of life manifest his usurped divine glory—which must be adored (Rev_13:15 b). Rev_13:15 a must not be understood of a speaking of the spirit of heathen idols;[3375] but this feature of the description contains a suggestion of what has been reported concerning divine images actually speaking;[3376] and John appears[3377] to presuppose the reality of such demoniacal miracles.
Significant, besides, is the statement that the idol of the first beast had not the power to speak of itself, nor with the rough force with which the beast ruled the world, but that the intellectual power of the lying wisdom of the world must give that beast living speech. The false prophet with his ΠΛΑΝᾶΝ belongs thereto, if that beast is to find worship.
Incorrect is the special reference in Victorin.: “He will cause a golden image to antichrist to be placed in the temple at Jerusalem, and the vanishing angel to enter, and to give thence voices and decisions.”
κ . ποιήσῃ ἱνα
ἀποκτανθῶσι . On the construction, cf. Rev_13:12. On the historical illustration of this testimony, as in the letter of Pliny to Trajan.[3378]
[3374] Cf. Rev_11:11.
[3375] Against Hengstenb., who remarks how the heathen in his idol objectified his own views, and that, too, with a vividness which was attested by the assertions of actual speech on the part of those images.
[3376] Cf. Grot., Ew. ii., who also recalls the popular deception of speaking statues of Mary.
[3377] Cf. also Rev_13:13.
[3378] L. X., ep. 97: “When they invoked the gods, and with wine and frankincense made supplication to your image, which, for that purpose, I had commanded to be brought together with the statues of the deities, none of which things, as is said, those who are really Christians can be forced to do.” Those who remain faithful must die: “Threatening also to punish them with death. Such as persisted, I ordered them to be led away.” Cf., concerning the Neronian persecution, Tacit., Ann., xv. 44.