Exodus and Revelation

The Blueprint for the End of Times

Introduction

For those seeking clarity about the events that will unfold during the End of Times—that incomperable period of upheaval preceding the promised Era of Peace—the Lord reveals through Scripture that the Exodus provides a prophetic blueprint of these future occurrences. I strongly encourage reading the entirety of 1 Corinthians 10 for comprehensive insight, but succinctly, Saint Paul explicitly instructs that "these things happened as examples for us," urging Christians living in the End Times to learn from Israel’s Exodus experiences to prepare adequately for what lies ahead. Similarly, Saint Paul, through the Letter to the Hebrews, emphasizes the steadfast faith of the ancient heroes, notably Moses and the Israelites (Hebrews 11:23–29), as models of perseverance amid trials, illuminating how End Times Christians are expected to endure and ultimately triumph. Thus, the Exodus acts as a "type" or foreshadowing, whereas the events detailed in Revelation represent its ultimate fulfillment or "anti-type." In this article, I will systematically compare Pharaoh’s tyranny to the reign of the Antichrist, Moses’ mission to the prophetic ministry of the Two Witnesses, the deceptive magicians of Egypt to Revelation’s False Prophet, and several additional crucial parallels. My aim is to provide readers with deeper insight into the manner by which God will once again deliver His faithful, and to clearly outline how one can be counted among God’s chosen people during these decisive times.

Parallels Between the Exodus and Revelation

Although men may change, nations may change, and technology may advance, God does not change. For this reason, the Bible—and the Book of Revelation in particular—is filled with enduring imagery and recurring themes. As is fitting for Our Lord, His omniscience is magnificently displayed in the consistent employment of these patterns; they communicate complex truths, illuminate historical cycles, and reveal His divine nature to every generation, despite vastly different understandings of the world across time. Thus, the same God who rescued Israel from Egypt will redeem His people in the End Times, following a strikingly similar pattern. While there are certainly many more parallels than I may recognize, in this section I will highlight those I have observed between the Exodus and the events of the End Times described in Revelation.

Pharaoh: A Portrait of the Antichrist

In the Book of Exodus, Pharaoh appears as an evil tyrant who enslaved and oppressed God’s people, defiantly setting himself against the true God. His empire was centered in Egypt—a type of Babylon—whose influence extended throughout the known world, with numerous artifacts and cultural imprints reaching even the furthest civilizations. Historically, the Egyptians regarded Pharaoh as a living deity, reinforcing his absolute dominance over the Congregation of the Lord. Yet, despite witnessing God’s signs through Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart. As a result, God Himself not only freed the Israelites but also slew Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea, demonstrating both His mercy toward His people and His swift justice upon their enemies.

In a similar manner, the Antichrist—referred to in Revelation as the “Beast”—will blaspheme God, persecute the saints, and rule a global empire, exalting himself as divine and demanding worship (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 13:5–7). He will even establish an ‘image’ of himself to be venerated (Revelation 13:15). Like Pharaoh, the Beast will harden his heart in pride, despite the clear signs and judgments brought forth through God’s sent ones. Historically, this pattern has been seen before: during the time of the Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes, a foreshadowing of the Antichrist, defiled the Temple and exalted himself, persecuting the faithful—a prelude to the greater abomination yet to come.

Although inconceivably wicked, the Beast’s short-lived triumph over God’s people is destined to end in an even greater fall when God intervenes. His public reign during the Great Tribulation, lasting 3.5 years, will be cut short by divine decree. Our Lord assures us that these days will be shortened (cf. Matthew 24:22), and thus, in His unfathomable Mercy and in response to the earnest prayers of the saints, the Antichrist’s reign will be curtailed even further, leading swiftly to his final and irreversible defeat.