Imagine a vivid scene: a woman adorned in jewels, seated on a scarlet beast, brimming with secrets and danger. This striking image is at the heart of Revelation 17, a chapter that pulls back the curtain on the clash between earthly powers and divine truth.
The Reading: Revelation 17
World English Bible1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters,
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2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality; and those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality.”
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3 He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.
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4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.
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5 And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
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6 I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement.
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7 The angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? 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.
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8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present.
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9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
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10 They are seven kings. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When he comes, he must continue a little while.
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11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction.
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12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.
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13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast.
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14 These will war against 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.”
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15 He said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.
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16 The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute, will make her desolate, will strip her naked, will eat her flesh, and will burn her utterly with fire.
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17 For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
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18 The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Invitation to Witness
One of the angels, who previously poured out God's judgments, invites John to witness a shocking revelation. He leads John to a wilderness where he encounters a woman, referred to as 'the great prostitute.' This woman is depicted as sitting on a scarlet beast covered in blasphemous names, and she represents a corrupting influence that lures nations into immorality.
The Woman's Appearance
Dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones, this woman holds a golden cup filled with the abominations of her sexual immorality. Her forehead bears the ominous title: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." The imagery is powerful, signifying both wealth and wickedness.
The Beast and Its Meaning
The beast she rides is enigmatic, described as having seven heads and ten horns. The angel explains that the heads symbolize seven mountains and seven kings, indicating a connection to earthly powers that have risen and fallen. The beast is both present and absent - a symbol of chaos and destruction that will ultimately lead to its demise.
The Fate of the Prostitute
As the narrative unfolds, the angel reveals that the waters where the woman sits represent the diverse peoples of the earth. However, the beast and the ten horns will turn against her, leading to her destruction. This portrays the fleeting nature of human power and the eventual triumph of God's plan.
Why It Matters
Understanding Temptation and Corruption
Revelation 17 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of temptation and the corrupting influence of power. The imagery of the woman symbolizes societal allurements that can lead us away from truth and righteousness. It's vital to stay vigilant against these distractions in our lives today.
The Triumph of Good Over Evil
Despite the dark imagery, there is hope. The message that the Lamb - the symbol of Christ - will overcome the forces of evil reassures believers of God's ultimate victory. This truth encourages us to remain faithful in our journey of faith.
Finding Community and Support
In navigating life's challenges and the allure of today's 'prostitutes,' it's essential to connect with a community of believers. Sancta can help you find a church near you where you can grow in faith and support one another in resisting temptations.
Embracing Our Role
As followers of Christ, we are reminded that while the world may be chaotic, our purpose remains clear: to stand firm in our faith and to shine a light that counters the darkness around us.
Coming Up Next: Revelation 18
As we move into Revelation 18, the consequences of the great city's actions come into play. Get ready for an intense depiction of judgment and the fall of the corrupt! This next part of the journey promises to be both sobering and enlightening.