Introduction: Revelation 17 shows us the judgment of the great prostitute who represents the corrupt systems of the world, as well as a corrupted teaching of the things of God. This chapter warns of the seductive and destructive power of evil, urging believers to remain faithful to God. Through vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, Revelation 17 unveils the ultimate downfall of the forces opposed to God’s righteousness, providing hope and encouragement to those who stand firm in their faith.
I. The Vision of the Woman and the Scarlet Beast (Revelation 17:1-2)
John is summoned by one of the angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath to witness the judgment of the great prostitute. This woman symbolizes the corrupt world seducing and intoxicating the inhabitants of the earth with her immoralities. The kings of the earth have engaged in her corrupt practices, illustrating the widespread nature of her influence.
- Isaiah 1:21 (The faithful city becoming a prostitute)
- Jeremiah 51:7 (Babylon as a golden cup making the whole earth drunk)
- Nahum 3:4 (The seductive nature of Nineveh, a city of harlotry)
- James 4:4 (Adulterers and adulteresses as friends of the world)
II. The Description of the Woman (Revelation 17:3-6)
The woman is described as sitting on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names. She is adorned with precious items and holds a golden cup full of abominations. Her luxurious appearance and the cup of her fornications represent her deceptive allure and the filthiness of her idolatry. John marvels at the sight of the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, emphasizing her persecution of God’s people.
- Jeremiah 51:13 (The abundance of Babylon’s treasures)
- Daniel 7:3-8 (Beasts representing worldly kingdoms)
- 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (Man of sin exalting himself above God)
- 1 Peter 5:13 (Babylon as a symbolic place of evil)
III. The Mystery Explained (Revelation 17:7-18)
The angel explains the mystery of the woman and the beast to John. The beast, which was, is not, and is to come, represents an evil empire that challenges God’s sovereignty. The seven heads of the beast symbolize seven mountains and seven kings, while the ten horns represent ten kings who will give their power to the beast. The water where the prostitute sits comprises multitudes, peoples, and nations. The revelation concludes with the beast and the ten kings turning against the woman, illustrating the self-destructive nature of evil.
- Revelation 13:1 (The beast rising from the sea)
- Daniel 2:31-35 (Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealing successive empires)
- Daniel 7:24 (Ten horns as ten kings)
- Revelation 16:19 (The judgment of the great city)
Conclusion: Revelation 17 teaches a sobering yet hopeful message, comparing the allure and eventual judgment of the world’s corrupt systems with God’s sovereign power. It reminds believers to resist the temptations of evil, for its splendor is fleeting and its end is destruction. The chapter assures us that despite the temporary triumphs of wickedness, God remains in control and will ultimately bring about justice. The detailed description of the woman and the beast emphasizes the pervasive and insidious nature of sin, while the angel’s explanation provides clarity on the destiny of the forces of evil. As we reflect on the teachings of this chapter, let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that God’s victory is certain and His kingdom will prevail.
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