Revelation 17:1-18
Q.1. Where does this chapter fit? What does it mean that Babylon committed immorality? Who is the harlot? What is her offence? – (Rev.17:1-7)
The seven bowl judgments have been poured out, issuing forth in the Battle of Armageddon (Rev.16:13-21). John was then spoken to by one of those angels. What follows expanded what had already been revealed in the previous chapter. John reported that the angel – … carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns … on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev.17:3 & 5). The harlot seems to represent the world-wide false religious system that began at the Tower of Babel (Gen.11:1-4). Prostitution symbolizes spiritual apostasy throughout the Bible (Jer.3:1-5; Ezk.16:15-43). She has capitalized on the world political system represented by the scarlet beast. She is wealthy and – full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality (Rev.17:4). False religion has always opposed the purposes of God. It culminated in the murder of God’s Son. Her guilt is increased – And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus … (Rev.17:6).
Q.2. How will the beast deceive the world? Who will be spared? How can he be identified? What will the beast do? Why will he destroy the harlot? – (Rev.17:8-18)
We have already learned that the beast will fake a death and resurrection, in order to seduce the world (Rev.13:3). [This prophecy is nearer fulfilment than ever before, with the advances in technology]. This event will deceive the ungodly – … And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast that he was and is not and will come (Rev.17:8). Blood-bought believers will be spared. The description of the seven hills was explained as – … seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while (Rev 17:10). These political heads will empower the Antichrist – These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast (Rev.17:13). As we have already learned from the previous chapter – These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful (Rev.17:14). However, before this, the Antichrist will bring the harlot to nought – And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire (Rev.17:16). No doubt it is all about power and worship. However, John was told the real reason for the harlot’s demise – For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled (Rev.17:17). God has planned to win.