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).

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1

Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Daniel 3:14

But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:18

And he ordered some of the mighty men of 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 from 1944 until 1971.

During the last few decades an interesting phenomenon has taken root in Digital Gold [3]. e-Gold and e-Bullion, among others, had gained ground as popular currencies before being shut down by the US Treasury due to their criminal adoption [4]. The touted benefits of such a currency include security, stability, anonymity, and low fees. Altogether Digital Gold is an attractive form of payment and a logical alternative for paper money, but it will never succeed widely until it can overcome the same problems of cash - accountability and traceability. It needs to be tied to identity. Bitcoin shares the same problems.

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.

When the US gave up it's gold standard it needed to ensure that the dollar would continue to hold value. They did this by striking a deal with Saudi Arabia to trade oil (black gold) exclusively for American dollars. In exchange the US would provide weapons and military backing. Other oil producers soon followed. To this day most countries must first buy dollars in order to purchase oil. This system is collectively known as the petrodollar.

It has been theorized that a switch from the petrodollar to the gold Dinar would cause the US economy to collapse. Whether or not that theory actually holds weight is anyone's guess, but it's been suggested that Gaddafi was killed for pushing that exact agenda [7]. Saddam Hussein had also started accepting the Euro for oil before being captured, tried, and hanged for crimes against humanity. Iran and Russia have recently abandoned the petrodollar and the US is no position to attack either by conventional means.

The Euro could completely replace the exclusive use of the dollar to purchase oil. 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). The Euro will continue to grow stronger and could very well play a supporting role for the Mark of the Beast.

If there was ever a stable world-wide currency, gold is it. If digital currencies continue growing in popularity they could easily become the backing for microchip payment formats like the Verichip. The number 666 and the Mark of the Beast do hold spiritual significance, but held alone such interpretations do not support a requirement to buy and sell. The physical associations with gold, money, and 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: