What John relates concerning the second beast rising out of the earth must necessarily be read in the context of Satan’s expulsion from heaven as described in Revelation 12:7–12 and his frustration at not being able to sweep away the woman (the church, the bride of the Lamb) as described in Revelation 12:13–17. The Lord has revealed that these two moments of defeat have spurred the devil “to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17), which is an effort he continues throughout the new dispensation. To assist him in that war against the believers, the dragon first allied himself with the beast arising from the sea (Revelation 13:1) and now combines forces with this second beast from the earth (Revelation 13:11). It is vital to recognize that the motive for these alliances is Revelation 12:17.
11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.