1. Chapter Two: The Second Jezebel

Her real name was probably not Jezebel, but her corrupting influence was so great that the Lord changed her name to associate her with the notorious wife of King Ahab. The first Jezebel cor- rupted Israel (1 Kgs. 16:31); the second Jezebel corrupted the church in Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). This study is one of twenty studies on Lesser-Known Women in the Bible. They are all available in English and Japanese.

2. Chapter Six: Wild Animals (6:8)

Why should Christians care about animals in the future tribulation period?
We believe that the removal or rapture of true believers will take place before the seven year tribulation period begins (1 Thes. 5:9). Yet, there will be many who come to faith in Christ during those seven years. Most of these will be martyred for their faith (Revelation 6:9-11), and these martyrs will call upon the Lord to avenge them (6:10). Some of these future martyrs may be killed by wild animals, somewhat like how some early martyrs were killed by wild animals in the Roman Colossium.

Why do the wild animals come last on the list in 6:8?
Apparently more people will be killed in and by war, hunger, and pandemics, than by the wild predators. Nevertheless, since the population of the world is now very large, there will still be millions killed by starving beast of prey. Being killed by a wild animal will probably be more common in rural areas, while dying from disease will be more common in the cities.

Why are these wild beasts only mentioned in 6:8?
Chapter six seems to be about the beginning of the Great Tribulation, the second half of the seven year tribulation period. Later in Revelation 19:17-18, only scavenging birds are mentioned. So perhaps most of the predators will die of starvation before the end.

Is there a connection between these wild beasts of the earth and "the beast" in 11:7?
The beast in Revelation 11:7 and many other verses (13:2-4, 14-18, 14:9-11, etc.) is the future Anitchrist who is probably called a beast because of his lack of human compassion. He is also probably the one who will wage war in Revelation 6:2 which will lead to famine and environmental collapse (6:5-8). So the beast, the Antichrist, will negatively impact the animals as well as the people.
   The beasts of the earth in Revelation 6:8 are future animals rather than those which killed believers in the Roman Colosseum, but it is interesting to note that the coming Roman Antichrist through his wars will cause starving wild beasts to kill even more.

Why is Revelation so controversial?
Apocalyptic prophecy is uncomfortable reading even for believers because we naturally dislike change, especially on a grand scale. We don't like to read about millions of people being killed by wild animals during the future tribulation period, but it is going to happen. So this passage should not be skipped or, worse still, misrepresented as what happened long ago in Roman times.

How should we apply this study?
Some may think that Revelation chapter six shows that we should work to protect the environment so that animals have enough to eat. Others may think that they should become preppers in order to have food for their family and fend off wild animals. Though these ideas may be valid to some extent, ultimately human efforts always come up short. Moreover, since the rapture will come before the tribulation period, the main thing is to believe in the Lord like Noah did in order to avoid God's judgement (1 Thes. 5:9).

3. Chapter Eight: Thoughts on Attitude

This simple descriptive study makes use of Describe-It-Yourself cards. The first photo below shows selected cards which describe an all-too-common negative attitude toward the book of Revelation and chapter eight, and the second photo below shows selected cards which describe a positive attitude toward the chapter and the book as a whole. Click this link to get your own set of cards to do your own descriptive analysis of the chapter.

God's word is good, but our attitude toward various portions of it sometimes is not. For instance, many think of Revelation chapter eight and the first four trumpet judgments as difficult to understand, dark, sad, and above all scary. Does this mean that there is something wrong with the chapter? No, of course not. Rather it indicates that there may be something wrong with our attitude.

If our attitude toward Revelation in general and chapter eight in particular were more positive, we would find it interesting, impressive, practical, and perhaps even scientific since it is about that which God has created. Some believe that this may include a gigantic meteor (8:8), a commet (8:10), and a huge volcano (8:7).

More importantly,  Rev. 8:1-13 can help us fear the Lord instead of being worldly, much like Peter's message in Second Peter chapter three does. This world and the heavenly bodies will not continue as they are forever. Judgment is coming, and everything will be changed.

4. Revelation 21:1-22:5, The New Jerusalem.

This descriptive study makes use of Describe-It-Yourself cards. The photo below shows selected cards from the set arranged in a square to describe the New Jerusalem, which most people think of as heaven. Click this link to get your own set of cards and make your own diagram.

How would you describe the New Jerusalem in Rev. 21:1-22:5? It will apparently be shaped like a gigantic cube (Rev. 21:16). So the diagram below is shaped like a great square with four main points. More important than the shape and size, however, are its PURPOSES. Why is the Lord Jesus, the Lamb, making this great place for his people?

This layout shows that life in the New Jerusalem will be gloriously different from life on earth today. Yet, it will still be a relational and active place. The passage shows that there will be plenty to do in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:24-25, 22:3), since we were created and saved to serve. This will not change in eternity. The opposition of the wicked, our human selfishness, and the weakness of the flesh will all be things of the past, however. So serving the Lord will be more joyful and fulfilling in the New Jerusalem, our eternal home.

MAKING YOUR OWN STUDIES -- with Describe-It-Yourself cards

You can make your own Descriptive Bible Studies using Describe-It-Yourself cards. All you need to do is: 1.) decide what passage(s) you wish to study, 2.) decide whom or what you wish to describe, and then 3.) use a DIY card set to help you describe what or whom you chose.

There are Four Describe-It-Yourself Card Sets to choose from. Two sets, (A) and (B), are shorter to save time. In two sets, (A) and (M), all the cards have blank lines for extra thought stimulation. Over half of the cards in the Pro (P) set have blank lines as well. Beaginners may enjoy the simplicity of the Short List (B) set, but those with time for detailed studies may like the Mid List (M) or Pro List (P) sets. Yet, the best set for most users is Short List (A).