Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 13:4

"and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? And who is able to war with him?" — Revelation 13:4 (ASV)

And all the world wondered . . .—Literally, And the whole earth wondered after the wild beast, and worshipped the dragon, because he gave the authority and worshipped the wild beast, saying, Who is like to the wild beast? and who is able to war with him?

The healing of the death-blow causes wonder to all. Their wonder leads to worship. The spirit of the wild beast is adored wherever worldliness prevails. There is nothing so successful as success, and the homage of men is more often paid to power than to principle.

Who is like to the beast? The words are a parody, and a blasphemous parody, on the ascription of praise to God which the name Michael imported. (compare to Psalms 112:0, Micah 7:18.) Who is like to God? is the legend of the saints: the opposing cry is, Who is like to the beast?

“Can you not hear the words coming across the centuries from the lips of two Roman youths talking with each other, as they lounge together in the Forum?” (Maurice.) Can we not hear the echo of the words in the Champs Elysées, in Piccadilly, in the Broadway, or Unter Den Linden, from the lips of young men who have taken fashion, rank, wealth, world-power in any shape, as their god?