Revelation Chapter 17
A. The Concept of Babylon
1. Revelation 16:19 and Revelation 14:8 Have Already Declared Babylon’s Fall
The fall of Babylon is first introduced in Revelation 14:8:
"And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’" (Revelation 14:8, NKJV)
It is reiterated in Revelation 16:19, which states:
"Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." (Revelation 16:19, NKJV)
Chapters 17 and 18 expand on these declarations by providing detailed descriptions of Babylon’s fall, revealing its spiritual and material significance.
2. Babylon Is Mentioned 287 Times in the Scriptures, More than Any Other City Except Jerusalem
The sheer frequency of Babylon’s mention highlights its importance in biblical history and prophecy. It represents a center of rebellion against God’s authority throughout Scripture.
3. Babylon in Historical Context
a. Babylon Was a Literal City on the Euphrates River
The origins of Babylon are described in Genesis 11:1-10, which recounts the construction of the Tower of Babel.
"Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. Then they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.’"
"But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, ‘Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.’ So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:1-9, NKJV)
From its inception, Babylon was the center of organized hostility toward God, symbolizing humanity’s desire for self-exaltation and independence from divine authority.
b. Babylon Later Became the Capital of the Empire That Conquered Judah
The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, cruelly conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. This traumatic event deeply shaped Jewish thought and prophecy.
Babylon became, for the Jews, "the essence of all evil, the embodiment of cruelty, the foe of God’s people, and the lasting type of sin, carnality, lust, and greed." (Tenney)
c. Babylon Is Associated with Idolatry, Blasphemy, and Persecution of God’s People
The name Babylon is a consistent symbol of rebellion and defiance against God throughout Scripture. It represents idolatry, false religion, and the oppression of God’s people.
4. The Babylon Attitude in the New Testament
a. Rome as a Fulfillment of Babylon’s Attitude
In John’s time, Rome epitomized the hostility and opposition to the Christian faith. As Mounce notes:
"In John’s day Rome epitomized all the antagonism and opposition to the Christian faith." Rome, with its idolatry, persecution of Christians, and moral corruption, embodied the spirit of Babylon.
b. Modern Equivalents of Babylon
Today, some may view certain cities as modern embodiments of the Babylonian system due to their emphasis on materialism, immorality, and rejection of God. For example, Los Angeles, with its influence on global culture and frequent association with excess and hedonism, is often likened to Babylon.
3. The Concept of Babylon Is Greater Than Revelation 17-18 and the Antichrist’s Reign
Babylon represents more than just a future entity described in Revelation 17-18. Its essence transcends time, encompassing the world system of rebellion against God. Babylon existed in John’s day, typified by Rome, and continues in our time. Throughout history, it has symbolized a system of idolatry, immorality, and opposition to God. Under the Antichrist, Babylon’s influence—both religious and commercial—will reach unprecedented levels, controlling the world in ways never seen before.
B. The Great Harlot (Religious Babylon) Is Described
1. (Verses 1-2) Described by the Angel
"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, 'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.'” (Revelation 17:1-2, NKJV)
a. I will show you the judgment of the great harlot:
The angel begins by declaring Babylon's inevitable judgment. Her fate is certain—there is no question about her ultimate downfall and failure.
i. Babylon as a religious system:
Babylon has existed as a religious system long before the advent of Christianity. It is a Satanic imitation, anticipating the coming of the true Messiah. According to legend and religious history, Babylonian religion was founded by Semiramis, the wife of Nimrod (a great-grandson of Noah). Semiramis, a high priestess of idol worship, claimed to have miraculously conceived a son named Tammuz, regarded as a savior.
Ancient artifacts depict Semiramis holding the infant Tammuz, a motif that predates Christianity. It is also said that Tammuz was killed by a wild beast and later resurrected. In Canaan, Tammuz was identified as Baal.
ii. Biblical references to Babylonian religious practices:
The Bible specifically mentions practices tied to Babylonian religion:
Ezekiel 8:14: "So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’s house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz."
Jeremiah 7:18: "The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger."
Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25: The people openly admit offering incense to the queen of heaven and making cakes in her honor, practices tied to Babylonian idolatry.
b. Who sits on many waters:
The great harlot is described as sitting on many waters, representing her influence over many nations. This is clarified in Revelation 17:15, which states: "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues." (Revelation 17:15, NKJV)
Babylon’s universal and international character reflects a unification of idolatrous religions.
i. Unified false religion:
This system will include representatives from apostate Catholicism, Protestantism, and various world religions.
ii. The Roman Catholic Church and Babylon:
While some identify the great harlot solely with the Roman Catholic Church, it is important to note that false religion is not limited to any one denomination or church.
As Hocking notes: "The woman pictures false religion that will dominate the world in the tribulation period."
Seiss clarifies: "That Rome and the Romish system are involved, may readily be admitted; but that this is all, and that the sudden fall of Great Babylon is simply the fall of Romanism, or the utter destruction of the city of Rome, must be emphatically denied."
c. The inhabitants of the earth were made drunk:
Babylon intoxicates both kings and common people with her allure and deception.
i. Karl Marx's perspective on religion:
Karl Marx famously said, "Religion is the opiate of the masses." While his statement is not entirely accurate, it holds some truth when applied to empty and false religions that dull people’s spiritual senses.
d. Made drunk with the wine of her fornication:
In the Bible, fornication is often associated with idolatry. Babylon’s religious system will appear attractive and spiritual, yet its true nature will be rooted in immorality and rebellion against God.
2. (Verses 3-6) What John Saw
"So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement." (Revelation 17:3-6, NKJV)
a. He carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness
John is transported into the wilderness, an appropriate setting for a vision of desolation and judgment. The wilderness, barren and devoid of life, mirrors the spiritual and moral desolation associated with Babylon.
b. Sitting on a scarlet beast
The woman is seen riding a scarlet beast, which is full of names of blasphemy and has seven heads and ten horns. This is the same beast described in Revelation 13:1, symbolizing the Antichrist and his political and military power.
i. Symbolism of her position on the beast
The fact that the harlot rides the beast suggests both dependency and dominance.
As Walvoord explains: “Her position, that of riding the beast, indicates on the one hand that she is supported by the political power of the beast, and on the other that she is in a dominant role and at least outwardly controls and directs the beast.”
From God’s perspective, her association with the beast and its blasphemy is clear. However, to the people of the earth, she appears religious, offering a "faith" that appeals to all.
c. The woman was arrayed
The woman’s clothing reflects luxury and authority: she is dressed in purple and scarlet and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. Yet, her appearance is deceptive, as she offers idolatry and spiritual corruption.
i. Colors of splendor and corruption
Purple and scarlet were colors of royalty and wealth, achieved through costly dyes. These colors represent both the splendor of her outward appearance and the corruption beneath it.
ii. Temporal power and ecclesiastical corruption
Barnhouse notes: “One of the deadliest marks of ecclesiastical corruption is the lust for temporal power.” This harlot represents the corruption that occurs when religious institutions seek worldly influence.
d. On her forehead a name was written
The harlot's name—“MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH”—is emblazoned on her forehead, signifying her identity. This is reminiscent of Roman prostitutes, who wore headbands with their names.
i. Contrast with the woman of Revelation 12
The woman in Revelation 12 symbolizes Israel, God’s people, in stark contrast to this harlot, who embodies idolatrous and false religion.
Seiss writes: “As Antichrist corresponds to Christ as a rival and antagonist of Christ, so Great Babylon corresponds to the Woman that bears the Man-child, as her rival and antagonist.”
e. MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT
The name indicates a spiritual or symbolic Babylon, representing the source of idolatry and spiritual adultery.
i. The embodiment of false religion
This harlot is larger than any one religious institution. She represents the entirety of Satan’s false religious system—an ecumenical movement under the control of the world system.
ii. The world’s preparation for her seduction
The casual disregard for truth in the modern world paves the way for Babylon’s seduction. This philosophy—*“It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe”—*is crippling the church and aligning with the harlot's deception.
f. Drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus
The harlot is described as being drunk on the blood of God’s people. This graphic imagery conveys not only her persecution of the saints but also her revelry in it, as a drunk revels in wine.
i. Persecution in the name of religion
John marvels because this persecution does not come from paganism but from false religion masquerading as truth. As Walvoord states: “False religion is always the worst enemy of true religion.”
ii. Historical examples of persecution
Throughout history, some of the worst persecution against Christians has been carried out in the name of religion.
During the reign of Roman Catholic Queen Mary (Bloody Mary) in England, 288 Christians were burned at the stake between 1555 and 1558 for their commitment to Christian truth.
The first martyr, John Rogers, went to the stake with such calm and dignity that the French ambassador remarked: “He went to his death as if he was walking to his wedding.” His courage was so evident that the crowd burst into applause as he approached the flames.
g. I marveled with great amazement
John’s amazement stems from the realization that this persecution is rooted in religious error, not outright paganism. The harlot represents a pseudo-church that is thirsty for the blood of true believers.
C. The Great Harlot Is Interpreted
1. (Verse 7) The Angel Tells John the Harlot Will Be Explained
"But the angel said to me, 'Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.'" (Revelation 17:7, NKJV)
a. Why did you marvel?
The angel challenges John’s amazement, implying that the mystery of the harlot and the beast is not as perplexing as it seems. The angel will now explain their meaning in greater detail.
b. I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her
The angel clarifies that the focus of the explanation is primarily on the beast, not the woman.
i. The relationship between the harlot and the beast
The harlot appears to dominate, as she is riding the beast. However, the beast—the Antichrist—is the true power. He uses the harlot, as tyrants throughout history have used religion, as a tool to further their political and personal agendas. The harlot serves his purposes until she is no longer needed, at which point she will be discarded.
2. (Verse 8) The Beast Carrying the Woman Is Connected with the Beast of Revelation 13
"The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." (Revelation 17:8, NKJV)
a. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit
This description identifies the beast as the same entity described in Revelation 13:1-8.
Was, and is not, and will ascend: This cryptic phrase likely refers to the beast’s apparent death and resurrection. In Revelation 13:3, one of the beast's heads is described as being "mortally wounded," but the wound is healed, causing the world to marvel.
The beast’s origin from the "bottomless pit" emphasizes its demonic nature.
b. And go to perdition
The ultimate destiny of the beast is destruction. Although it will rise to great power, its end is assured, as Revelation 19:20 confirms:
"Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." (Revelation 19:20, NKJV)
c. Those who dwell on the earth will marvel
Unbelievers—those whose names are not written in the Book of Life—will marvel at the beast.
The Book of Life: This book contains the names of those redeemed by God through faith in Christ. As Revelation 20:15 states:
"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15, NKJV)Those outside of God’s redemption will be captivated by the beast’s power, deception, and apparent resurrection.
d. The beast that was, and is not, and yet is
This phrase reiterates the beast’s false resurrection, which will astound the unbelieving world. His ability to mimic Christ’s death and resurrection serves as a key element of his deception, leading many astray.
3. (Verse 9) Seven Mountains Associated with the Beast
"Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits." (Revelation 17:9, NKJV)
a. The seven heads are seven mountains
The angel explains that the seven heads of the beast represent seven mountains. Many interpreters associate these seven mountains with the city of Rome, famously known as the city of seven hills.
i. Mountains versus hills
The Greek word used here is better translated as "mountains," not "hills." While Rome is historically connected with seven hills, the passage likely has a broader symbolic meaning.
Historical interpretation: Many commentators, particularly those who view Revelation as already fulfilled in history, see this as a clear reference to Rome. For instance, Adam Clarke asserts:
"This verse has been almost universally considered to allude to the seven hills upon which Rome originally stood."Biblical symbolism: However, in biblical usage, mountains often symbolize governments or kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 2:35:
"Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:35, NKJV)
This supports the idea that the seven mountains may represent kingdoms rather than geographical locations.
b. The seven heads are seven mountains: A broader meaning
While the connection to Rome is compelling to many, the seven mountains likely symbolize the seven kings and kingdoms mentioned in Revelation 17:10.
i. Roman Catholicism and religious Babylon
The identification of religious Babylon with the Roman Catholic Church is tempting for some interpreters but insufficient to encompass the entirety of Babylon’s influence. Religious Babylon will be a global, ecumenical system far greater than any one denomination or church.
ii. The Roman Catholic Church and ecumenical tendencies
Historical tendencies within Roman Catholicism toward interfaith cooperation suggest it could play a significant role in religious Babylon, but it will not be the entirety of the system.
Pope John Paul II’s involvement in interfaith movements:
The Pope’s engagement with leaders of other religions points to a willingness to embrace a one-world religious framework. At a "prayer gathering" involving Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and others, Pope John Paul II stated:
"Their efforts were 'unleashing profound spiritual energies in the world and bringing about a new climate of peace.'"
He pledged that the Catholic Church would “share in and promote such ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation.”Commentary from the Catholic Review:
Reflecting on interfaith efforts, the Catholic Review observed:
"The unity of religion promoted by the Holy Father Pope John Paul II and approved by His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not a goal to be achieved immediately, but a day may come when the love and compassion which both Buddha and Christ preached so eloquently will unite the world in a common effort to save humanity from senseless destruction, and lead toward the light in which we all believe."
c. A system bigger than Roman Catholicism
Religious Babylon will likely incorporate elements of Roman Catholicism but will extend far beyond it. It will be an all-encompassing global religious system that merges faith traditions into a single, false unity under the influence of the beast.
4. (Verse 10) Seven Kings and Kingdoms
"There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time." (Revelation 17:10, NKJV)
a. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come
This verse presents a chronological outline of seven kings or kingdoms. Interpreting these kings as world empires provides a consistent framework:
Five have fallen: Refers to five world empires that had already passed before John’s time:
Egypt
Assyria
Babylonia
Medo-Persia
Greece
One is: Refers to the Roman Empire, which was the dominant world power during John’s day.
The other has not yet come: Refers to a future world empire, often identified as a revival of the Roman Empire under the Antichrist. This final world empire will be distinct but draw from characteristics of its predecessors.
b. When he comes, he must continue a short time
The seventh kingdom, represented by the final world empire, will exist for only a brief period before transitioning into the eighth kingdom, which is ruled by the Antichrist.
i. Symbolism or literal interpretation
While this interpretation is widely accepted, some scholars take a symbolic approach to the seven kings, representing completeness or fullness of worldly rule under Satan’s influence. However, the prophetic context suggests a literal sequence of kingdoms.
5. (Verse 11) The Beast (the Antichrist) as the Eighth King
"And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition." (Revelation 17:11, NKJV)
a. Is himself also the eighth
The beast (the Antichrist) is identified as the eighth king. He is distinct yet shares characteristics with the seven preceding kingdoms.
Of the seven: This indicates that the Antichrist’s kingdom will encompass the power, characteristics, and influence of all previous empires. It will be the culmination of Satanic rule on earth.
b. Is going to perdition
The fate of the beast is clear—he is destined for destruction. The word "perdition" emphasizes his final judgment, as seen in Revelation 19:20:
"Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." (Revelation 19:20, NKJV)
Summary of the Seven and Eighth Kings
Five have fallen: Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece.
One is: Rome (during John’s time).
The other has not yet come: A revived Roman Empire under the Antichrist.
The beast as the eighth: The final world ruler, combining elements of all previous empires, whose reign ends in destruction.
This interpretation emphasizes the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate defeat of Satan’s kingdom.
6. (Verses 12-15) Ten Kings to Come, Allies of the Antichrist
"The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful. Then he said to me, 'The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.'" (Revelation 17:12-15, NKJV)
a. Ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet
The ten horns are identified as ten kings who will rule with the Antichrist. These kings have not yet come into power, but their rise is prophesied.
i. A ten-nation confederation
Many interpret these ten kings as representing a ten-nation confederation. This idea parallels the ten toes in the image described in Daniel 2:24-45, which represent the final stage of the fourth kingdom.
Alford (1866) on the ten kingdoms:
"They are ten kingdoms which shall arise out of the fourth great kingdom there: ten European powers, which in the last time, in concert with and subjugation to the antichristian power, shall make war against Christ. In the precise number and form here indicated, they have not yet arisen… What changes in Europe may bring them into the required tale and form, it is not for us to say."
ii. Symbolic interpretation
Some view the number ten as symbolic, representing the fullness or completeness of worldly power under the Antichrist. However, the specific reference to "ten kings" suggests a literal fulfillment.
b. These are of one mind
The ten kings will act with unity, giving their power and authority to the Antichrist.
i. The European Union as a possible fulfillment
Many have speculated that the European Union could be the precursor to this ten-nation confederation. Although the EU has more than ten member states, its origins and structure reflect a revived Roman Empire.
Historical context:
The European Economic Community (EEC), which evolved into the EU, began in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome. Six European nations initially met to discuss combining their nuclear, coal, and economic resources. The Treaty of Rome symbolically tied the EU’s origins to the legacy of the Roman Empire.Alford’s perspective remains relevant:
"In the precise number and form here indicated, they have not yet arisen… What changes in Europe may bring them into the required tale and form, it is not for us to say."
ii. Their allegiance to the beast
Whatever their exact identity, the ten kings will submit entirely to the Antichrist, forming a unified coalition in rebellion against Christ.
c. They will give their power and authority to the beast
These ten kings will willingly transfer their sovereignty to the Antichrist, aiding him in his war against Christ.
The battle referenced:
This war aligns with the conflict described in the sixth and seventh bowls of wrath in Revelation 16:12-21. The Antichrist and his allies will gather at Armageddon to challenge Christ, only to be defeated.
d. The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits
The waters represent the peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues over which the harlot holds influence. This emphasizes the global reach of religious Babylon.
i. A one-world religion
The harlot’s influence is worldwide, facilitated by her connection to the beast. She represents a false, unified religious system that encompasses all nations.
ii. The harlot’s relationship with the beast
The harlot is closely tied to the Antichrist and his government. Throughout history, false religion has often aligned itself with political power, serving as a willing tool for tyrants.
Historical precedent:
Religious institutions—excluding true Christianity—have frequently supported and legitimized oppressive regimes, exemplifying the harlot’s role in the end times.
Summary
Ten kings: Represent a confederation of rulers who rise to power alongside the Antichrist.
One mind: They act in unity, giving their authority to the Antichrist.
War with the Lamb: They join the Antichrist in a final war against Christ but are defeated because “He is Lord of lords and King of kings.”
Worldwide influence: The harlot’s connection to the beast ensures her global reach, symbolizing the deceptive power of false religion.
D. The Great Harlot Is Judged
1. (Verse 16) Antichrist’s Allies Turn on the Great Harlot
"And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire." (Revelation 17:16, NKJV)
a. These will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire
This passage describes the sudden and violent destruction of the great harlot by the very allies she relied upon.
i. Timing of the judgment
This likely occurs at the midpoint of the tribulation, when the Antichrist shifts his focus to demand exclusive worship of himself. At this point, apostate religion—the great harlot—outlives its usefulness to him and is violently destroyed.
ii. The Antichrist’s ultimate goal
As described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, the Antichrist desires worship for himself alone:
"Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, NKJV)
By betraying and destroying the harlot, the Antichrist consolidates power and removes all competing systems of worship.
b. Burn her with fire
This graphic depiction of judgment underscores the complete and utter destruction of religious Babylon.
i. Tyrants’ use of religion
Tyrants throughout history have used religion as a means to gain power and control. Once their goals are achieved, they often turn against the very institutions they used. The Antichrist follows this pattern, dismantling the one-world religious system he initially supported.
2. (Verse 17) God’s Hand Ultimately Directs All This
"For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled." (Revelation 17:17, NKJV)
a. God has put it into their hearts
Though the ten kings and the Antichrist act wickedly, their actions ultimately fulfill God’s sovereign purpose. This demonstrates God’s absolute control over history, even using the schemes of the wicked to accomplish His divine plan.
i. God’s use of wicked agents
The Bible frequently shows God using wicked individuals or groups to bring judgment on others. For example, He used Assyria to judge Israel (Isaiah 10:5-6) and Babylon to judge Judah (Jeremiah 25:9).
Here, God uses the ten kings to judge the harlot, showing His sovereignty even over the plans of the Antichrist and his allies.
b. To be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast
God orchestrates the political unity of the ten kings, aligning their will with His plan. Their decision to support the Antichrist is part of God’s judgment on a world that has rejected Him.
i. God gives the world what it wants
In this act of judgment, God allows humanity to experience the full consequences of their desire for godless religion and godless rulers. This aligns with the principle described in Romans 1:24-28, where God gives people over to their sinful desires.
c. Until the words of God are fulfilled
Everything happens according to God’s sovereign timetable and His prophetic word. The judgment of the harlot fulfills the declarations of God’s Word, as His purposes are always accomplished.
Summary of the Judgment of the Great Harlot
Antichrist’s betrayal: The ten kings, under the Antichrist’s influence, violently destroy the great harlot, marking the end of the one-world religious system.
God’s sovereignty: Despite the wickedness of these events, they ultimately fulfill God’s purpose and prophetic word.
The harlot’s fate: Her destruction reflects the inevitable downfall of all false religion, paving the way for the Antichrist’s ultimate reign and eventual judgment.
3. (Verse 18) The Great Harlot Is Identified with Rome
"And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:18, NKJV)
a. That great city
In John’s day, there was no question about the identity of "that great city." Rome was the political, economic, and religious center of the known world.
i. Rome in John’s day
Rome held dominion over the kings and nations of the earth, exerting influence through its vast empire. It was the epicenter of power and the personification of the world system in rebellion against God.
ii. Babylon as the world system
Babylon is not confined to a specific city but represents the global system of rebellion against God. For Christians, this raises an important question: “Does it reign over me, or am I a citizen of a better city, the Jerusalem above?” This reflects the eternal contrast between the earthly city of rebellion and the heavenly city of God, as Paul writes in Galatians 4:26:
"But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all."
b. That great city and religious Babylon
The identification of the harlot with Rome does not mean that religious Babylon is synonymous with the Roman Catholic Church, although apostate Roman Catholicism will be part of the broader false religious system.
i. Seiss’s commentary
"It is most direct in Paganism; but it is in Mohammedanism, in Papalism, in the degenerate Catholicism of the Eastern churches, and in all the heretical isms, infidelities, and mere goodishness which afflict our Protestant Christianity as well." (Seiss)
Religious Babylon encompasses all systems of false religion and apostasy, not limited to a single institution or denomination.
c. That great city as a personification of Babylon
Rome served as the personification of Babylon in John’s time—a symbol of idolatry, immorality, and rebellion against God. Today, the same Babylonian system persists, though its influence is more dispersed.
i. Modern cities as symbols of Babylon
In the contemporary world, other cities may embody the spirit of Babylon:
Hollywood: Symbolizing cultural and moral corruption.
Wall Street: Representing greed and economic idolatry.
Washington, D.C.: Associated with political power and global influence.
The global system of rebellion against God is no longer centered in a single city but permeates nations and cultures worldwide.
Summary
Rome in John’s day: The clear identification of "that great city" as Rome emphasizes its role as the epicenter of power and rebellion against God during the time of Revelation's writing.
Babylon as the world system: Babylon transcends Rome, representing the global system of idolatry and rebellion.
Modern parallels: Today, Babylon’s influence is seen in cities and institutions that embody greed, idolatry, and moral corruption, demonstrating that the spirit of Babylon continues to dominate the world system.
Expanded and Comprehensive Study of Revelation 17
1. Overview of Revelation 17
Revelation 17 provides a detailed account of the judgment of the great harlot, representing false religion, and her relationship to the beast, which symbolizes the Antichrist’s political and military system. This chapter portrays the culmination of the world’s religious and political rebellion against God.
2. Symbolism in Revelation 17
The Woman (The Great Harlot)
Religious Babylon: The harlot represents the false religious system that spans history and culminates in the Tribulation. She is a global, ecumenical system that seduces nations and rulers with her idolatry.
Arrayed in Luxury: Her purple, scarlet, and gold signify wealth, authority, and corruption. The harlot uses the allure of materialism and religious deception to captivate the world.
The Beast
Seven Heads and Ten Horns: Symbolize the Antichrist’s empire and its rulers. This is consistent with Daniel 7:7-8 and Revelation 13:1, indicating a revived Roman Empire.
Blasphemous Names: The beast is openly opposed to God, bearing names of blasphemy that mock God’s sovereignty.
3. Key Themes in Revelation 17
a. The Relationship Between the Harlot and the Beast
The harlot initially rides the beast, suggesting that religion serves as a tool for the Antichrist to consolidate power. This alliance reflects the historic use of religion by tyrants to legitimize their rule.
Transition to Opposition: At the midpoint of the Tribulation, the beast turns against the harlot, destroying her. This marks the end of false religion, as the Antichrist demands exclusive worship (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
b. Judgment on False Religion
The destruction of the harlot demonstrates God’s judgment on idolatry and apostasy, themes consistent throughout Scripture. For example:
Jeremiah 51 condemns Babylon for its idolatry and rebellion.
Isaiah 47 portrays Babylon as a proud, immoral woman destined for judgment.
c. God’s Sovereignty in Judgment
Verse 17 emphasizes that God directs even the wicked actions of the beast and his allies to fulfill His purposes. This aligns with Proverbs 21:1: "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."
4. Historical and Prophetic Insights
a. Historical Parallels
Rome as Babylon: In John’s day, Rome epitomized Babylon through its political dominance, moral decadence, and persecution of Christians. However, Babylon’s influence transcends Rome, representing a recurring world system of rebellion.
Religious Babylon Across History: False religion can be traced to Babylonian origins (Genesis 11:1-9) and continues through various forms, including paganism, apostate Christianity, and interfaith ecumenism.
b. Prophetic Fulfillment
Revived Roman Empire: Many scholars see the ten kings of Revelation 17:12 as representing a future political confederation, likely centered in Europe, consistent with the fourth beast of Daniel 7.
One-World Religion: The harlot represents the ultimate ecumenical movement, uniting religions under the guise of peace and tolerance, but ultimately serving Satan’s agenda.
5. Connections to Revelation 18
While Revelation 17 focuses on the religious aspect of Babylon, Revelation 18 deals with commercial Babylon, the economic system that supports and promotes materialism, greed, and rebellion against God. Together, they represent the full scope of Babylon’s influence.
6. Graduate-Level Considerations
a. Theological Implications
The Nature of False Religion: Revelation 17 critiques not only overt paganism but also subtle apostasy within Christianity. This calls for vigilance in guarding doctrinal purity (1 Timothy 4:1-2, Jude 1:3-4).
God’s Sovereignty and Human Agency: The interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will is evident as God uses the actions of the wicked to accomplish His purposes.
b. Scholarly Perspectives
Idealist View: Sees Babylon as a symbol of the corrupt world system throughout history, not limited to specific entities.
Preterist View: Interprets Babylon as first-century Rome, with much of Revelation fulfilled in the early church’s persecution.
Futurist View: Anticipates a literal fulfillment in the future Tribulation, with Babylon representing a revived Roman Empire and a global false religion.
Historicist View: Views Babylon as a representation of specific institutions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, during the medieval and Reformation periods.
c. Practical Application
Spiritual Discernment: Christians are called to remain separate from the corrupt world system (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) and to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Eschatological Hope: The ultimate defeat of Babylon reminds believers that God will triumph over all rebellion, and His kingdom will endure forever.
Closing Thoughts
Revelation 17 offers a sobering and detailed view of the culmination of false religion and rebellion against God. It reminds us of the dangers of idolatry, the deceitfulness of worldly systems, and the certainty of God’s judgment. As we study this chapter, we are called to live as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, standing firm in the truth and looking forward to the return of Christ.
