# Overview Revelation Chapter 17 is a profound and symbolic depiction of judgment against the great harlot, an image of corrupt and idolatrous systems opposing #God. The chapter begins with one of the seven angels, who had the seven bowls, inviting #John to witness the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters. This harlot is described as committing adultery with the kings of the earth and intoxicating the inhabitants of the earth with the wine of her immorality. John is carried away in the Spirit into a wilderness where he sees a woman sitting on a scarlet beast full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman is adorned with luxurious garments and jewels, holding a golden cup full of abominations and the filth of her adulteries. On her forehead, a mysterious name is written: "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." John marvels greatly at the sight, prompting the angel to explain the mystery of the woman and the beast. The angel reveals that the beast John saw was, is not, and is about to rise from the abyss and go to destruction, symbolizing empires and rulers that oppose #Christ. The seven heads represent seven mountains and also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, and one is yet to come. The ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will receive authority as kings for one hour with the beast. These kings will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. The waters on which the harlot sits are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages, indicating her widespread influence. The ten horns and the beast will ultimately turn against the harlot, bringing her to ruin, fulfilling God’s purpose. The chapter concludes with the angel's clarification that the woman symbolizes the great city that rules over the kings of the earth, representing the ultimate fall of corrupt and idolatrous systems before the sovereignty of God’s kingdom. ## Theological Insights Revelation 17 presents an apocalyptic vision that offers profound insights into the conflict between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of #God's kingdom. This chapter introduces a symbolic portrayal of the "great prostitute" seated on many waters, emphasizing the pervasive and corrupting influence of #Babylon, which represents the worldly systems opposed to God's rule. This imagery echoes the Old Testament prophecies against Babylon as a symbol of rebellion against God seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 47]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 51]]. The description of the beast on which the woman sits, with seven heads and ten horns, alludes to the political powers and rulers that align themselves with this corrupt system. The number seven, often representing completeness in scripture, may suggest the full extent of evil's reach across the earth. The ten horns symbolize a coalition of kings who give their power to the beast, reminiscent of the prophecy in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]], which also speaks of a beast with ten horns. The chapter also highlights the eventual downfall of Babylon, as God’s judgment is pronounced against her. The angelic explanation in verses 15-18 reveals that the beast and the kings will ultimately turn against the prostitute, signifying that evil will self-destruct under divine sovereignty. This reflects the biblical theme that human and satanic rebellion is ultimately futile against the sovereign will of #God. The chapter ends with the identification of the woman as "the great city that rules over the kings of the earth," reinforcing the idea that Babylon represents not just a physical location, but a pervasive system of opposition to God. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of #God's ultimate victory over all false powers and authorities, as seen in the triumph of the #Messiah in [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2]], where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Revelation 17, therefore, serves as both a warning against the seductive allure of worldly power and corruption, and a promise of the eventual triumph of God's kingdom. It calls believers to remain faithful and not be swayed by the transient powers of this world, echoing the call to perseverance found throughout the New Testament, such as in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 12]]. ## Thematic Connections ### The Fall of Babylon Revelation 17 presents the imagery of the great prostitute sitting on many waters, symbolizing the city of #Babylon, which represents the epitome of worldly corruption and opposition to God. This theme connects back to the historical Babylon, which was a significant symbol of evil and rebellion against God, as seen in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 11|Genesis 11]] with the Tower of Babel, and its eventual judgment in the prophetic books like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 13|Isaiah 13]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 50|Jeremiah 50]]. The depiction in Revelation echoes God's consistent judgment against those who exalt themselves against Him. ### The Prostitute and the Beast The chapter describes the woman (prostitute) riding on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. This beast is reminiscent of the one in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7]], symbolizing kingdoms and rulers that oppose God. The alliance between the woman and the beast underscores the theme of political and religious systems uniting in rebellion against God's authority, a pattern seen throughout Scripture. ### The Mystery of the Beast Revelation 17:8 speaks of the beast who "was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit." This echoes the cyclical nature of empires and rulers who rise and fall, a theme seen in books like [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2]] with Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the statue representing successive kingdoms. It highlights the temporary nature of earthly power in contrast to the eternal reign of God. ### God's Sovereignty over Kings and Kingdoms The chapter reveals that the ten horns represent ten kings who will receive authority for a short time but will ultimately be overthrown. This reiterates the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations, as seen in passages like [[Psalm/Psalm 2|Psalm 2]] and [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 21|Proverbs 21:1]], where God is shown to direct the hearts of kings and establish His purposes, regardless of human intent. ### The Victory of the Lamb Despite the power and allure of Babylon and the beast, the Lamb will ultimately triumph. This victorious theme connects to the promise of Christ's victory over sin and death, as seen in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians 15:54-57]], and the assurance of His ultimate reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, affirmed in passages like [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2|Philippians 2:9-11]]. ### The Call for Discernment Revelation 17:9 calls for wisdom and discernment to understand the mystery of the woman and the beast she rides. This echoes the biblical call for believers to seek wisdom and understanding, as emphasized in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 4|Proverbs 4:7]] and [[James/James Chapter 1|James 1:5]]. It underscores the need for spiritual insight to navigate the complexities of the end times and remain faithful to God's truth. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Judgment of Babylon Revelation 17 speaks of the judgment of #Babylon, a prophetic theme that echoes the warnings and judgments against Babylon in the Old Testament. The fall of Babylon in Revelation recalls the prophecies found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 13]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 50]], where God pronounces judgment on the ancient city of Babylon for its pride, idolatry, and oppression. The portrayal of Babylon in Revelation as a harlot sitting on many waters and influencing kings and nations parallels these earlier prophetic pronouncements, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice over earthly powers. ### The Beast and the Ten Horns The vision of the beast with ten horns in Revelation 17 draws on the prophetic imagery found in the book of [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]], where a fourth beast with ten horns represents kingdoms that oppose God's people. Daniel's prophecy is fulfilled and expanded in Revelation, where these horns symbolize a coalition of kings who give their power to the beast, ultimately leading to their downfall as they war against the Lamb. This fulfillment highlights the temporary nature of earthly power and the ultimate victory of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the Lamb of God, over all opposition. ### The Mystery of the Woman The "mystery" of the woman and the beast upon which she rides in Revelation 17 resonates with the theme of mystery revealed through prophecy, as seen in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2:28-30]], where God reveals mysteries to Daniel concerning future kingdoms. Similarly, the angel in Revelation explains the mystery of the woman and the beast, indicating the unfolding of God's prophetic plan and the eventual destruction of those who oppose His will. ### Kings and Kingdoms The prophetic fulfillment of the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms is a central theme in Revelation 17, aligning with the declarations in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 14]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 51]] concerning the fate of earthly rulers who exalt themselves against God. The chapter describes the judgment and condemnation of these powers, fulfilling the prophetic vision of God's ultimate triumph over human pride and rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human authority in contrast to God's eternal kingdom. ### The Supremacy of the Lamb Revelation 17 concludes with the declaration that the Lamb will overcome the beast and the kings of the earth, fulfilling the promises of victory found in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 2]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9]], where the Messiah reigns supreme over all nations. This prophetic fulfillment underscores the central Christian belief in the triumph of #Christ over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, offering hope and assurance to believers in the face of persecution and adversity. ## Verses - **Revelation 17:1** - "One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven bowls came over and spoke to me. 'Come with me,' he said, 'and I will show you the judgment that is going to come on the great prostitute, who rules over many waters.'" - Note: The "seven angels" are referenced earlier in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 16]]. - **Revelation 17:2** - "The kings of the world have committed adultery with her, and the people who belong to this world have been made drunk by the wine of her immorality." - Note: References to the immorality of the nations can also be found in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 51]]. - **Revelation 17:3** - "So the angel took me in the Spirit into the wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that had seven heads and ten horns, and blasphemies against God were written all over it." - Note: The "scarlet beast" with "seven heads and ten horns" is also mentioned in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 13]]. - **Revelation 17:4** - "The woman wore purple and scarlet clothing and beautiful jewelry made of gold and precious gems and pearls. In her hand she held a gold goblet full of obscenities and the impurities of her immorality." - **Revelation 17:5** - "A mysterious name was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World.'" - Note: "Babylon the Great" is a recurring theme in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 18]]. - **Revelation 17:6** - "I could see that she was drunk—drunk with the blood of God’s holy people who were witnesses for Jesus. I stared at her in complete amazement." - Note: The persecution of God's people is mentioned in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 6]]. - **Revelation 17:7** - "'Why are you so amazed?' the angel asked. 'I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits.'" - **Revelation 17:8** - "The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died." - Note: The "Book of Life" is also mentioned in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 20]]. - **Revelation 17:9** - "'This calls for a mind with understanding: The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills where the woman rules. They also represent seven kings.'" - Note: The symbolism of kings is also explored in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]]. - **Revelation 17:10** - "'Five kings have already fallen, the sixth now reigns, and the seventh is yet to come, but his reign will be brief.'" - **Revelation 17:11** - "'The scarlet beast that was, but is no longer, is the eighth king. He is like the other seven, and he, too, is headed for destruction.'" - **Revelation 17:12** - "'The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast.'" - **Revelation 17:13** - "'They will all agree to give him their power and authority.'" - **Revelation 17:14** - "'Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.'" - Note: The victory of the Lamb is also highlighted in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 19]]. - **Revelation 17:15** - "Then the angel said to me, 'The waters where the prostitute is ruling represent masses of people of every nation and language.'" - **Revelation 17:16** - "'The scarlet beast and his ten horns all hate the prostitute. They will strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her remains with fire.'" - **Revelation 17:17** - "'For God has put a plan into their minds, a plan that will carry out his purposes. They will agree to give their authority to the scarlet beast, and so the words of God will be fulfilled.'" - **Revelation 17:18** - "And this woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world."