'Rev 17:1-6

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Rev 17:1-19:10 BABYLON THE GREAT

The prostitute and the beast (Rev 17:1-6)

John’s next vision is of a lavishly adorned prostitute. She is symbolic of Babylon (see Rev 17:5, 18), which in turn is symbolic of human society organized independently of God.

In different eras and cultures Babylon shows itself in different ways. In John’s day it stood for Rome, but its fullest expression will be at the end of the age as it heads for inevitable judgement. The picture is of the human race’s pursuit of prosperity and power through collective effort. Rulers make decisions based on self-interest, and their people support them.

Nations seek selfish gain through political and economic treaties, but such unions are likened to sexual relations with a prostitute. They are unions of shame and dishonour, for they ignore God’s standards and oppose his authority (Rev 17:1-2).

An angel then carries John to a place where, looking from God’s point of view, he sees the truth about the woman. She is supported by none other than the beast, the antichrist. An arrogant and defiant humanity seeks greatness, but the spirit that supports and directs it is anti-God (Rev 17:3; cf. 13:1).

The woman looks splendid to the world, but John sees that she is full of wickedness. She delights in slaughtering the people of God, as a drunkard delights in drinking wine (Rev 17:4-6).