Introduction
Revelation 17 delves into the symbolism of the great harlot and the beast she rides, representing pervasive corruption and the aggregation of worldly powers against God. This chapter explains the relationship between the harlot—Babylon the Great—and the beast, providing insight into the spiritual and political apostasy that leads to divine judgment.
The Vision of the Woman and the Beast
The Angel’s Invitation
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls comes to John and offers to show him the punishment of the great prostitute who sits by many waters (Revelation 17:1). The waters are explained to be peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages, indicating the widespread influence of this corrupt entity (Revelation 17:15).
Description of the Woman
The woman is depicted as sitting on a scarlet beast that is covered with blasphemous names and has seven heads and ten horns, suggesting its blasphemous nature and extensive control (Revelation 17:3). The woman is dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls, holding a golden cup full of abominations—the impurities of her adulteries (Revelation 17:4). This imagery symbolizes her opulence, seductive allure, and moral corruption.
The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast
The woman is identified as “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth,” and is seen drunk with the blood of God’s holy people and the witnesses of Jesus, indicating her complicity in persecution and martyrdom (Revelation 17:5-6).
The Explanation of the Beast
The Beast’s Nature
The angel explains that the beast the woman rides was, and is not; it will come up from the Abyss and go to its destruction, which bewilders those whose names are not written in the book of life (Revelation 17:8). The description of the beast as one who “was, and is not, and yet will come” portrays its pseudo-resurrection, mimicking Christ’s death and resurrection but for deceitful purposes.
The Meaning of the Heads and Horns
The seven heads are described as seven hills on which the woman sits and as seven kings—five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come (Revelation 17:9-10). The ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will gain authority with the beast for a brief time, unanimously handing over their power to the beast (Revelation 17:12-13). This alliance represents a coalition of political powers united in opposition to God.
The Battle Against the Lamb
The beast and the ten kings will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers (Revelation 17:14). This verse reaffirms the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over all opposing forces.
Conclusion: Significance and Relevance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Revelation 17 highlights the conflict between the corrupt forces represented by the harlot and the beast, and the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ. It reassures believers of Christ’s ultimate authority and victory over all forms of evil and apostasy.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter illustrates God’s love by showing His commitment to justice and righteousness. Despite the harlot’s influence over the nations, God’s plan includes judgment against such corruption, purifying the world from its wickedness and protecting His people from deceit.
Contemporary Relevance
Revelation 17 remains relevant today by offering a profound warning about the seductive and corruptive power of worldly systems. It challenges believers to discern spiritual realities behind political and cultural structures and to maintain their allegiance to Christ amidst pervasive corruption. This chapter calls for vigilance and faithfulness, urging Christians to stand firm in their faith, assured of God’s justice and the promised victory of Christ.
Through its intricate symbolism and prophetic declarations, Revelation 17 provides crucial insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the need for perseverance, underscoring the importance of fidelity to God’s truth in a morally compromised world.