A Short Space

n Revelation 17, we find the curious statement that tells us the seventh head of the beast "must continue a short space" (Revelation 17:10). In previous studies, we have shown this "seventh" of the beast's "heads" is indicative of seven consecutive dominions that have ruled the world since the days of Genesis.

We have also shown, using the multi-dimensional layered approach to prophecy, that the seven heads of the beast government of the end times also applies to the seven Secretaries-General that have come to power at the New York based world confederation of nations.

The "short space" that characterizes the tenure of the present Secretary-General (Kofi Annan is the seventh), is synonymous with the period of time in which the "raiser of taxes" that is described in Daniel 11 stays in power. In that amazing passage, the prophet tells us "within few days he shall be destroyed" (Daniel 11:20). Thus, we recognize Kofi Annan at the UN to be the "seventh" head that must fail (and be removed) to make way for the eighth "head," who is clearly the Antichrist, even as the "raiser of taxes" is destroyed "within few days" to make room for the "vile person" -- yet another appellation for the Antichrist.

When I first saw this amazing connection, Kofi had just come to power in early 1997, and now that he's been in power for almost 9 years, I've repeatedly pondered how such a period of time (almost two complete terms in office) can be described as "a short space." Indeed, some have grown contemptuous of this prophetic assertion, and have turned away from our ministry because of my stubborn refusal to abandon the scenario that says Kofi Annan is the seventh head, and will still the passage stating his tenure is to be considered "short."

A look at the words "short" and "space" can help us to understand this. First we may note this is the only passage in the entire Bible where these two words are used together. In fact , the actual Greek word translated here as "short" only occurs twice. We may note that the other scriptural example where the word "short" is used is also in Revelation where we find

"Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (Revelation 12:12)

We've previously synchronized this event with the passage in Revelation where four of the seven trumpets have sounded, and an angel is flying through the midst of heaven proclaiming with a loud voice "Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth...." (Revelation 8:13).

In this case, the devil knows he has a very short time before his ability to continue his deception will be curtailed. Thus, the word "short" is used as a measurement of time. However, in the Revelation 17 passage, we don't see the seventh head has a "short time" -- he has a "short space."

This is an extraordinary realization, for it seems to be pointing us to the fact that the leader that precedes the Antichrist has very little space with which to attempt to solve the world's life threatening problems. It's as though the text is stating he has very little maneuvering room -- as opposed to a specification concerning a measure of linear time in which he may continue in office.

This is consistent with other usages of the Greek word that is used for "space" in this verse. In fact, the only other example of the same Greek/English translation is also in Revelation, in chapter 14. There we see a rather fluid, metaphoric usage of the English language. In this chapter, an angel thrusts in a great sickle to reap the earth -- an event that is not in a strict chronological position in the numbered sequences of judgments. The verse in question reads

"And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridle, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs" (Revelation 14:20).

In this case, the word "space" is being used to denote distance, or a perimeter in which the blood is extended. Thus, when Revelation tells us the seventh head's reign is to continue "a short space," the subtle implication found in the language indicates he has very few options available to him with which he may attempt to perform the functions that are required of him.

For example, one of the primary problems facing an organization that is tasked with the administration of the entire world is a chronic shortage of money and authority. In effect, the world's governments are telling the UN, "you must resolve all of our problems, prevent war, and bring about justice and prosperity" -- but they have restricted the power of the institution to such a degree that the United Nations cannot possibly perform this level of achievement under it's present structure.

Thus, the seventh head (or seventh kingdom) is the last attempt to run the world in the same fashion that has been utilized for thousands of years. The effort of this "head" or dominion is destined to fail, which will open the door for a radically different approach to ruling the world: the supernaturally empowered control of the entire world under the Antichrist working in conjunction with the fallen angels. 

September 21 2005 -- James Lloyd

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