Gold, Money and The Mark of the Beast 666

One of the most convincing characteristics that suggests that the Mark of the Beast is a physical object is its requirement to buy and sell. In contrast, it's very difficult to imagine how a spiritual symbol could be used for such purposes. There's an important verse in the Old Testament that supports the Mark of the Beast's close connection to money and 666.

Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold, 1 Kings 10:14

The law of first mention gives a special significance to the first use of a word or symbol, a significance that is carried throughout the entire Bible [1]. This is the first occurrence of the number 666 in the Bible. Many scholars have attempted to link 666 to Solomon or the Queen of Sheba but the plain fact is that the direct context of 666 in this verse is gold, six hundred threescore and six talents of gold to be exact.

Another verse directly related to gold is found in the book of Daniel. This verse describes an idol that represents a succession of worldly powers, the first of which is described as a head of gold. The last kingdom, represented by the idol's feet, will rise in the last days to be ultimately destroyed by Jesus Christ (the stone that was cut without hands.)

The chapter goes on to explain that the head of gold belongs to the then current king, Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:37-38). Nebuchadnezzar was later transformed into something of a beast to graze in the field (Daniel 4:15-16). Not only do we have a link to gold but also to a kingdom and a beast. (For more info on Nebuchadnezzar and idolatry see Lucifer Has Fallen.)

There's also another "image" in Daniel that's made of gold and shares similar characteristics with the Mark of the Beast and 666. These characteristics include the numbers six and sixty as well as idolatry and punishment for those that refuse to worship the image (Revelation 13:15).

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Daniel 3:14

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:18

And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:20

The New Testament also contains a verse that hints at the Mark of the Beast's close relationship to gold. Acts is the only other book that uses the word charagma, the same Greek word translated as mark in Revelation. It's only used once, translated as "graven," and like 1 Kings is used in the same context as gold. Also alluded to is the Mark of the Beast's connection to idolotry. Note that graven implies a sharp pointed tool, very close to the syringe used to implant the Verichip.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. Acts 17:29

Gold as a Modern Currency

Gold is looked at as the de-facto standard for money. It's been used for millenia in trade and is what many currencies have been weighed against to hold their value. When a currency is backed by gold its called a gold standard [2]. The economy of the United States was based on a gold standard until 1971.

During the last decade an interesting phenomenon has taken root in Digital Gold [3]. e-Gold, e-Bullion, and e-Dinar among others have gained ground as popular currencies. The touted benefits include security, stability, anonymity, and low fees [4]. Altogether Digital Gold is a very attractive form of payment and a logical replacement for paper money.

Started in 1996, e-Gold was the first provider of Digital Gold, a full four years prior to any of its competitors [5]. e-Dinar was later founded in 2000 and is unique in its support of an Islamic gold standard.

Islamic law strictly forbids the use of paper money like the American Dollar to pay zakat [6], which is similar to the Christian tithe. This has caused some Muslim leaders to encourage the exclusive use of Islamic currency to pay zakat. An Islamic gold standard calls Muslims to use an Islamic based currency such as the gold Dinar not just for zakat but whenever and wherever possible.

It has even been suggested that a requirement of gold to purchase oil (black gold) would cause the U.S. economy to collapse. Whether or not that theory actually holds any weight is anyone's guess.

But another currency that could easily replace the exclusive use of the dollar to purchase oil is the Euro. If you take a look at any Euro coin there's a distinct 666 on the back, blazened right across Europe. It's also very interesting that the Greek two Euro coin depicts a woman riding a beast (Revelation 17:3). There's no doubt that the Euro will continue to grow stronger monetarily and may very well play a supporting role for the Mark of the Beast.

If there was ever a stable world-wide currency gold is it. And if Digital Gold continues growing in popularity it could easily become the backing to microchip payment formats like the Verichip. 666 holds some spiritual significance, none of which supports a requirement to buy and sell. The physical associations with 666 are very clear.

To close, the book of James contains a verse that sums up the hoarding of gold (and silver) in the last days.

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. James 5:3

Verses referenced in this study:

• 1 Kings 10:14
• Daniel 2:31-34; 2:37-38; 3:1; 3:14; 3:18; 3:20; 4:15-16
• Acts 17:29
• James 5:3
• Revelation 13:15; 17:3

Links referenced in this study: