Revelation 17:8

The beast which thou sawest (namely, Revelation 17:3) was, &c. — This is a very observable and punctual description of the beast, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 17:10. His whole duration is here divided into three periods, which are expressed in a fourfold manner. He, 1. Was; 2 And is not; 3. And will ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition. He, 1. Was; 2. And is not; 3. And will be again. The seven heads are seven hills and seven kings: 1. Five are fallen; 2. One is; 3. The other is not come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. He, 1. Was; 2. And is not; 3 Even he is the eighth, and is one of the seven, and goeth into perdition. The first of these three is described in Revelation 13:1. This was past when the angel spoke to St. John. The second was then in its course; the third woe to come. And is not — The fifth phial brought darkness upon his kingdom: the woman took this advantage to seat herself upon him. Then it might be said, He is not. Yet shall he afterwards ascend out of the bottomless pit — Arise again with diabolical strength and fury. But he will not reign long: soon after his ascent he goeth into perdition for ever.