Rev. 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
Rev. 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Rev. 17:3a So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness:
“fornication” = 4203. porneu/w porneuo, porn-yoo´-o; from 4204; to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry:—commit (fornication).
John lets us know that he recognizes the angel that is coming to talk to him next as an angel that poured out one of the seven vials. (Not that it matters, but I tend to think it was probably the fifth angel that poured out his vial over the kingdom of the beast.) This angel wants to direct John’s attention to a particular judgment and takes him “in the spirit” to a wilderness location to explain things to him. He basically begins to explain the judgment as a result of Satan’s war against God on planet earth using false religion—from its inception in Babylon to its destruction.
The judgment concerns a “great whore” that sits on many waters and who has committed fornication with the kings of the earth. She has made the inhabitants of earth drunk/intoxicated by encouraging them to practice idolatry and indulge in unlawful, sinful lusts. Jeremiah prophesied against Babylon using the same terminology.
Jeremiah 51:7&13 - Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad….O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.
Waters are used as representative of many things in scripture, but this is talking about nations and peoples according to verse 15 below.
We are also reminded of the message of the angel in Revelation 14:8: Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Rev 17:3b and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
A whore is a term used in reference to a sexually immoral woman, and it seems obvious that the woman and the whore are the same being. John sees a woman sitting on a scarlet colored beast; this is a picture of the fact that she is supported by and derives her power from the beast.
This beast is full/swelled out with blasphemies and has 7 heads and 10 horns. This has a direct connection with the Dragon and the beast from the sea, Antichrist.
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
There also seems to be a direct connection with the dream of the prophet Daniel regarding the final world kingdom so significant in bible prophecy.
Daniel 7:23-27 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Note that Daniel says that this kingdom will “devour the whole earth,” and its ruler will “wear out the saints of the most High.” This is also affirmed in Revelation.
Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Daniel also prophesies that this beast will “speak great words against the most high” and will be allowed to rule for “a time and times and the dividing of time,” 3.5 years or 42 months. (Hebrew for time = “ a set time; technically a year”……for dividing = “a half”)
Revelation 13:5–6 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Daniel tells us that the kingdom of the beast will eventually be destroyed and the kingdom of the saints of the Most High established—as will be described in these last few chapters of Revelation.
Rev. 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
The woman is wearing purple and scarlet clothes and is adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She is holding a golden cup that is filled with abominations (especially idolatry) and filthiness (moral impurities) that are part and parcel of her fornication.
Both purple and scarlet are associated with the high priest; it was one of the colors of the ephod, the girdle and the breastplate (Exodus 28:6,8,15). They are also colors associated with royalty. This seems to indicate that the woman is associated with “religion” and a position of power and influence. She represents the religious authority that is supported by and exerts great influence in league with Antichrist/Satan.
I liked this comment by E. W. Bullinger in connection with this verse: “The cup is one. This tells us that the corrupt streams which flow from this one fountainhead are all one in essence, character, and effect. It is the religion originally instituted at Babylon, by Nimrod, at the instigation of Satan. It is seen in all the great religions of the world. They are all alike in substituting another God for the God of the Bible: a god made either with the hands or with the imagination; but equally made. And a religion consisting of human merit. These things are common to all systems of false religion, and unite them in one.”
I believe the writing in her forehead in the following verse affirms Bullinger’s statement. There is nothing good about false religions; they all lead to eternal damnation.
Rev. 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Mystery – a secret or mystery, through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites (i.e., Satanism)
Babylon the Great
The Mother of: 1) Harlots and 2) Abominations of the earth
This woman called “Babylon the Great” is identified as the “mother” of harlots, all those prostituting the false religions of this world in rejection of worshipping the Almighty God, the One true God. I think it is important to note that it is as the originating source of these false religions that she is also credited with originating the “abominations of the earth.”
The Greek for abominations directly identifies idolatry. The idolatry promoted by these false religions encouraged its participants to worship false gods in direct rejection of God Almighty. The worship of these false gods justified prostitution and drunkenness. The murder of children was justified as sacrifices pleasing to these false gods.
Paul specifically addressed God’s response to these practices in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 1:20–32 “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
The comparison to the attitude currently predominant in much of the world is too obvious to ignore. I can’t help but focus on the moral culture of my own country, America, especially in light of the biblical principles upon which our nation was established. I was born in 1951 and grew up during a time in which those principles were still embraced by the nation as a whole. I memorized Psalm 23, 24, 100 and the Christmas story from Luke 2 as part of school assignments. The Bible was removed from the schools in 1963 and the moral decline of our nation has tracked steadily downward with ever increasing speed since then. As I read the passage in Romans above, I see God denouncing through Paul those things that are justified as acceptable today. In his letter to Timothy, Paul identifies such morals as characteristic of the end times that would precede the return of Jesus as King.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
It is important to note that it was through the leadership of Nimrod at the tower of Babel that idolatry took root.
Genesis 10:8-11 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
Genesis 11:5-9 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
In reading through this section again, I thought the mystery could be the seemingly resilient nature of Babylon. She has featured prominently in past history in association with Nimrod’s kingdom and again as the empire that took Judah captive. God scattered the inhabitants of Nimrod’s kingdom by confusing the language of the people according to Genesis 11 above; Archbishop Ussher dates this at 2,242 BC.
Babylon, the capital of the empire that took Judah captive, was conquered by Cyrus and made part of the Medo-Persian empire; Usher dates this at 538 BC. If my understanding is correct, the rise of Babylon to world prominence in the tribulation period will mark her third rise to prominence. This would certainly defy historical precedence and present a “mystery.” I’m just convinced that it is an area of great satanic stronghold where he exerts great influence and where false religion holds sway. At the current time, Islam, the dominant religion in that area, is quite significant on the world stage.
The “mystery” could also make reference to the many forms in which false religions have presented themselves. They have all, however, found unity in the fact that they all rejected and sought to usurp the authority of Almighty God.
Rev. 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
The word drunk implies drenched or satiated. This woman was “drunk” from the blood of saints and the martyrs of Jesus; she was responsible for killing so many that she was drenched in their blood. John looked at her much the way we are drawn to watch “terrible” accidents or situations (e.g., 9-11-01) and try to process what we are seeing.
Rev. 17:7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
The angel asks John why he is looking at the woman with such wonder. The angel tells him that he will explain the mystery/secret concerning the woman and the beast that carries her, the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns. It is significant to note that the beast is carrying (lift, endure, sustain) her. This woman could have accomplished nothing in and of herself; she needs the support of the beast.
Rev. 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Rev. 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Rev. 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
Rev. 17:11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
The angel goes on to explain to John that the beast carrying her “was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition.” We’ve already learned that the scripture uses the term “mountains” to describe both kings and kingdoms. Verse 18 below tells us that the woman is synonymous to a city, so it would make sense for the beast to represent not only Satan in the person of Antichrist but also his kingdom, her sphere of influence and power. Reminder—Her authority is spiritual or religious and has a powerful impact on economic prosperity according to chapter 18.
That provides an interesting tie-in to the following verses in Zechariah.
Zechariah 5:6-8&11 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
The ephah represents business transactions. The fact that the woman is described as wickedness indicates that Babylon will become the base of evil business operations. This is especially interesting since a worldwide base of wicked business practices could not have described the Babylon of Zechariah’s day. Today is a different story; and if, as I believe, the Antichrist establishes his economic base there, this would again have direct application to end times.
It’s like the angel is trying to help us understand by telling us that the seven heads of the beast are seven mountains upon which she sits. She sits on many waters and the beast. The many waters are peoples and nations, and the beast is Satan in the person of Antichrist, the emergent ruler of the last kingdom before Jesus establishes His kingdom on earth. The seven mountains have had seven kings; “five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space (v10).” It would seem that this woman has held sway in each of these kingdoms—each one rooted in the false religion of Babylon of old, the place where Nimrod led the world of that time in rebellion against God and went on to establish false religion in ancient Assyria.
The prophet Isaiah tells us about this Assyrian.
Isaiah 14:24–26 “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.”
Isaiah 30:31–33 “For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.”
Why is the beast described as the beast that was, and is not, and shall ascend….? I think only the future will reveal the truth.
Arthur Pink has some interesting thoughts on this scripture: “….The various time marks here concern the beast in his relation to the earth. First, he ‘was’ i.e., on the earth. Second, he ‘is not,’ i.e., now on the earth…Third, he shall ‘ascend out of the bottomless pit’ (where he now is)….4th, he shall ‘go into Perdition.’ We learn then from this scripture that at the time the Apocalypse was written that the Beast ‘was not’ then on the earth, but that he had been on it formerly. Further, we learn that in John’s day the Beast was then in the bottomless pit but should yet ascend out of it….In John 17:12 Christ termed Judas ‘the Son of Perdition’ and in 2Thessalonians 2:3 we find that the man of sin is similarly designated….These are the only two places in all the Bible where this name occurs, is it not clear then that Judas and the Man of Sin are one and the same person?”
The unbelievers dwelling on earth will be filled with great wonder when this beast manifests himself to them. Why? Because of His miracles.
2Thessalonians 2:9-10 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Again, we are reminded of God’s omniscience. The names of those who comprise the book of life have been known since the foundation of the world. As stated in the notes on chapter 13, I believe all names are written in the book of life until they are blotted out at death due to unbelief and rejection of God as Lord of their life.
Five of the kings (from John’s knowledge base I would presume) are fallen, one is, and the other is yet to come. Now he identifies the beast that was, and is not; he is the eighth king that rules one of the seven mountains and will end up in perdition.
This description makes it clear to me that we are talking about mountains as representative of kingdoms/empires—not the city of Rome (as I know many believe). Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece were the great empires of the past from John’s perspective. The Roman Empire would represent the ruling empire of John’s time. Then there is the kingdom yet to come. The king that rules the seventh kingdom only continues “a short space.” Now we are told that the beast will rule the seventh kingdom. Actually, the final king is one of the seven kings but is actually the eighth (which I think refers to the fact that Satan indwells the antichrist in the middle of the tribulation after his miraculous resurrection from the dead).
Why were other great kingdoms/empires of the world (e.g., the Ottoman’s) not included in Daniel’s/John’s visions? Because God is using the scripture to tell His-story as reflected through His dealings with the nation of Israel. After 70 AD that nation no longer existed. When Israel reemerged as a nation on the world scene in 1948, the stage was set for the rise of the last world kingdom that will precede the coming of Jesus as King.
It’s also interesting to note that point is made that those whose names are not written in the book of life will be filled with awe at the resurrection of the Antichrist. Again, this implies that those whose names are in the book of life will not be so awestruck because they will understand what is happening through the revelation of God’s word.
Rev. 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
Rev. 17:13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
Now we get into more of an explanation of the seventh kingdom—the one that is yet to come. This kingdom is represented by the ten horns/ten kings which have not yet received their kingdoms. When they do get their kingdoms, they will only “continue a short space” (cf vs. 10), one hour. They will rule with the beast/Satan willingly deferring to him as the supreme authority because they are of one accord; they have the same principles and goals. Verse 14 identifies their main goal—to “make war with the Lamb.” This Lamb is clearly identified in scripture.
John 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
One cannot objectively assess global worldviews today without having to acknowledge that this goal aligns with those views. The United States of America has exerted an ever-growing influence toward achievement of that goal. We were basically recognized as a “Christian nation” because our government was founded upon biblical principles. President Obama has made a point of stating to the world that we are not a Christian nation, and we are now leading the way in promoting moral degeneracy and rebellion against God.
The buzzword of the day is “tolerance.” True Christianity at its root is not tolerant because it identifies Jesus as the “only” way to salvation. Those pushing for the new world order that will set the stage for the rule of antichrist consider biblical Christianity as the greatest detriment to the achievement of their goal. Most disturbing to me is that those professing to be Christians contribute to their efforts by attacking the truth of the word of God and denigrating the sacrifice that Jesus made to atone for our sin.
Though most of the news making headlines today grieves me, I have hope. Not hope as the world defines it, but the hope of scripture—a confident expectation of the fulfillment of God’s word. I know these headlines are proclaiming the soon return of my LORD as King. The angel explaining things to John boldly declares, “the Lamb shall overcome them.” (cf v14 below)
Because God in His sovereignty has allowed man the privilege of choice and allowed Satan and his followers their time of influence with limited authority, many deny that He is sovereign and in control if they acknowledge His existence at all. Because God does not fit their ideas of who He should be and how He should act, they deny Him. Their refusal to accept the truth does not change the truth. God is LORD both in heaven above and on earth beneath—in fact, throughout His creation. His purposes and ways are far beyond our understanding.
Deuteronomy 4:39 “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”
Isaiah 55:8–9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:10–11 “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Note that Isaiah declares the word of God to be just as sure as the rain and snow that fall to the earth to water it and allow it to produce food for us all. Whether or not we can understand all that He tells us in His word, we can be sure that everything God has told us will come to pass just as He has foretold.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
We can say just as surely today as Solomon proclaimed when he dedicated the temple, “there hath not failed one word of all his good promise.” (IKings 8:56)
I especially rejoice in the last part of verse 14 (below), “they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” I am confident that I am one of those that will be with Him.
I think it is at this point that you have to bring in Daniel 2 and 7 since they are directly connected to this section in Revelation. These prophecies reveal more about the beast and his horns. The fourth kingdom in Daniel 2 is the Roman Empire. (See journal on Daniel for more detail.) The reason we refer to the seventh mountain (vs. 9) as the Revived Roman Empire is because the toes are part of the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision. The stone (Jesus) crushes the whole image (the resulting composite of all the kingdoms combined) and becomes a great mountain (kingdom) that rules the whole earth. The toes are obviously part of the fourth kingdom; otherwise, you would have expected Daniel to describe five different kingdoms. The reign of Messiah is obviously yet to come.
In Daniel 7 we are dealing with a vision that was given to Daniel personally that describes four beasts that are contemporaries that merge to form the kingdom of the Antichrist. Daniel tells us that the final beast/kingdom begins with ten kingdoms/kings, and then an eleventh one appears and subdues three. Maybe these first three beasts are the ones that he subdues. This seems to be indicated by Daniel 7:8.
Daniel 7:8 “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”
This would also seem to correspond to the eighth king that is of the seven in verse 11 of this chapter.
Observations about this little horn:
He has eyes like the eyes of man.
He has a mouth speaking great things. Compare to Rev. 13:5.
The horn/beast is slain, his body destroyed, and he is given to the flame. Compare with Rev. 17:8,11.
He made war with the saints and prevailed against them. Compare with Rev. 13:7.
His kingdom will devour the whole earth. Compare with Rev. 13:7.
There are 10 kings that are in power when he rises to power. Compare with Rev. 17:12.
He subdues three of these kings.
He shall speak great words against the Most High. Compare to Rev. 13:6.
He will think to change times and laws.
He will be in control for a time, times, and the dividing of time. Compare to Rev. 13:5, 17:10.
In light of these scriptures and our study to this point, I believe there will be a powerful ten-part confederacy that first comprises the coming new world order. The Antichrist will begin His rise to supremacy by in some way taking control of three of these parts. He will suffer an apparently fatal wound but will miraculously be resurrected from the dead. He will declare himself to be God and relentlessly persecute any that reject Him and choose to follow the One true God. Mercifully, his reign will be limited to 3.5 years, the last half of the tribulation period.
Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
These = the Antichrist/Satan/beast and his allies
The Lamb = Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings
Point is made that it will be the Lamb, Jesus Christ, that defeats Satan and his armies. The Lamb will also have his armies with Him—those who are called (invited, appointed, especially a saint), chosen (selected, by implication favorite, elect) and faithful (trustful, believing, true)—we believers, but we will not be required to fight.
Rev. 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
The angel clarifies at this point that the waters in verse one represent many peoples, nations and languages. David Guzik points out that “this tells us that the harlot’s influence is worldwide, through her connection to the beast. This will be a truly one-world religion.”
Rev. 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Rev. 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
Interestingly enough, the angel declares that the ten horns/kings that have been delegated authority under the Antichrist will hate the whore. I think it is because they will not like the fact that this religious leader is allowed to have such power and influence. In fact, in accordance with God’s own purposes, they will bring about her destruction (described in chapter 18). I believe the following words of the prophet Jeremiah refer to this destruction.
Jeremiah 51:27–30 “Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers. Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion. And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.”
Babylon was not destroyed by the Medes and Persians when they conquered Babylon in 539 BC as recorded in Daniel. Because of the statement of complete desolation, I believe this has to be referencing Babylon’s future destruction. The context in Jeremiah seems to be indicating that her destruction will come at the hands of those ruling the land of the Armenians and Medes and the area around the Black Sea (where the descendants of Ashchenaz settled).
The verses in Revelation seem to indicate that those who destroy the false religious system have the approval of the beast. Once she has served his purposes in getting all the nations to worship him, she becomes expendable. I am reminded that though the kingdom of the beast will be rooted in Babylon, he will eventually establish his throne in Jerusalem.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
John MacArthur makes a thoughtful observation in his commentary regarding the dissension in the kingdom of Antichrist.
“… Satan is finally going to wake up and realize that he can't do this thing to defeat Christ, he has no chance at all unless he pulls this division together. So he does. And he makes her desolate. That is, I believe, he robs the system of its wealth, its treasure, its power. Leaves her absolutely naked, he strips the system bare. Takes it all. The religious system of the world is left with nothing. And by the way, the False Prophet cooperates in this and moves over...this False Prophet isn't dumb, he wants a job and so the job left is to be the one who points to the beast.
"He eats her flesh." What does that mean? Everything is gone. Everything is consumed. There's not a vestige of the former false religious system left on the face of the earth. He is the new God, the new king, the new ruler, the new idol. There's nothing left. And even what may be the residue, the bones, if you will, of the consumed harlot are burned with fire.” [end MacArthur quote]
I think it is important to understand that God’s purpose for Babylon’s destruction will be accomplished by the actions of wicked people. As Christians, I think we sometimes forget that truth. God is sovereign and will still be in control during Satan’s reign of evil in the person of Antichrist. In His omniscience, He has devised a plan that utilizes the choices and actions of the wicked. Because these wicked men are acting in accordance with their own desires, they will still be held accountable for those actions.
It’s also important to note that Antichrist will be allowed to reign “until the words of God shall be fulfilled” (v17). I love the way God declares this truth through the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 14:24 “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand….”
Isaiah 46:9–10 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure….”
Many teach that this is a reference is to Rome, the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. I understand their rationale, but I believe the fact that she is identified as the “mother of harlots” and is specifically identified with Babylon negates that possibility. The fact that the ranks of Islam are quickly rising and that the base of this future religious authority is in Babylon is thought-provoking at least. The fact that those who are killed for refusing to worship the beast and rejecting his mark are beheaded…
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
…readily identified with Islamic “justice,” provides even more food for thought in that connection. Only the future will reveal the truth, and believers of that time will understand. Frankly, I think it references a one-world religion that will assimilate practices of the major false religions of our day that will once again establish its seat of influence from the place that false religion was birthed. I will say, however, that the current Pope (Francis) certainly seems to be positioning himself to fit the bill as the false prophet.
It is important to understand that the false religion of Babylon has always been under the sovereign oversight of God. This thought is troubling to some. Truth is, however, that God in His sovereign will chose to give man freedom of will even though He knew that man would choose to rebel against Him and follow the lead of the very first rebel—Satan. I believe He did that because He wanted a love relationship with us; He wasn’t interested in a relationship with programmed robotic creatures. In His omniscience He planned for man’s redemption before creation. That plan would require that His people suffer times of judgment and discipline that He would often accomplish using the desires and choices of wicked men that chose to reject Him. All of these wicked men were followers of the false religions that were birthed in Babylon.
Rev. 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Now the angel tells John that the woman is “that great city” which rules over the kings of the earth through spiritual deception, and I believe that city to be Babylon. As stated in the comments on verse 5, I think the prophet Zechariah supports this conclusion.
I read an article by Noel Chartier entitled “Who is the Woman of Revelation 17?” in which he also concludes that this is a reference to actual Babylon. He states: “This great city must have existed prior to the five “fallen” kingdoms (represented by the seven heads of the beast) in order to exercise her influence over them. It is said that she “reigneth” (Greek echo: to have or hold in possession) over all the kings/kingdoms of the earth. This would disqualify the Roman Catholic Church for it would be impossible for her to reign over the five kingdoms prior to the Roman Empire for she did not exist before the Roman Empire. ….We must remember as well that the beast that carried her ‘was, and is not and shall ascend (v8). It appears then, that when this eighth kingdom ascends to power, she too will be exalted as the great and mighty city of the beast.”
This leads right into the next chapter that details her destruction.
Rev. 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
Rev. 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Rev. 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Now John sees another powerful angel come “down” from heaven, and his glory illuminates the earth. The Greek for “power” indicates that this angel has a position of privilege, authority, jurisdiction, and delegated influence--all His as designated by God Almighty.
He declares his message forcefully and loudly. “Babylon the great is fallen….”
Note: The chapter divisions most commonly used in Bibles today were established in the early 1200s. They are credited to Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury. In context with the previous chapter, the connection is clearly to the city mentioned in the last verse of that chapter. That city, Babylon, has seduced the world and its leaders to practice spiritual fornication through her false religion and has used that influence to emerge as the leading economic power base in the world as shown by the verses to follow.
Remember, John is being shown the judgment of the “whore.” The identity of city, woman and whore are inextricably connected to one another. This city has become the dwelling place of demons/evil spirits, a cage for unclean spirits, often pictured as birds in scripture.
Matthew 13:3–4 & 18-19 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up…. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.
This section of Revelation makes it clear that the one-world religion of the tribulation will be totally consumed by the love of money. Scripture is very clear in declaring the love of money to be the root of all evil—and evil is unbridled at this point in time.
1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
I couldn’t help but make a comparison to what is happening in the professing church today. The “business” of church is growing day by day. It’s becoming more like a picture of the Laodicean church on hormones. Peter warned that this would become the modus operandi of false teachers in the professing church. They are all motivated by the love of money as they promote their “damnable heresies” and deny the truth of God’s word.
2 Peter 2:1–3 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”
Paul warned Titus of the same thing.
Titus 1:10–11 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”
I found a pertinent quote at www.biblelife.org in an article entitled Church Bondage: “The modern Christian churches use brainwashing, mind control, indoctrination, oppression, coercion, intimidation, legalism, false teaching, guilt, shame, peer pressure, and other bondage techniques to control members, increase church attendance, and obtain more money. The goal is said to be ‘winning souls to Christ,’ but the underlying agenda is the desire for more power, control, and money. These mind control and bondage techniques are not needed to win souls to Christ. In fact, they are very counter-productive to soul winning.”
And another from an article at www.ukapologetics.net: “The typical 'money-man' of tele-evangelism wears highly expensive silk suits, he (or she) purposefully strides the stage (yes, it often appears to be a stage-like setting, as for entertainers, rather than a pulpit, as for Bible teachers - significant?) while yelling out their spiritually-subversive money-based spiel (yes, they often seem to prefer to yell as this world yells, rather than to employ the 'still small voice'). They either directly state or, more often, imply that you too can share their obviously affluent and prosperous lifestyle if you will send your money in to them (oh, I beg your pardon, I mean send in your “tithes and offerings”). Yes, Jesus is mentioned too although quite often in rather a flippant way, rarely (I have noticed) in a respectful manner - but their gospel is a different gospel which would have been unknown to the original apostles.”
Rev. 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Rev. 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
John hears yet another voice from heaven which according to the context of the message has to be that of God. He is calling for His people to get out of Babylon. God is always faithful to warn His people of judgment to come. There will be those who exercise saving faith in the tribulation years, and some of these people will live in Babylon. Again I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:6--Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.
Jeremiah 51:45-- My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
When you are surrounded with that which is wicked, you are going to be tempted to partake. Those who choose to stay in Babylon will also partake of her judgment. God is not going to separate out His own when He judges Babylon (like He did with Israel in the land of Goshen during the time of the plagues in Egypt). It’s going to be like Sodom and Gomorrah; if you don’t get out, you will experience her judgment. As with Sodom, the sins of Babylon are well known in heaven, and God has decided that now is the time to exercise judgment in accordance with her sins.
Rev. 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Rev. 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Babylon is deserving of great punishment. She is deserving of more than just an “eye for an eye.” She is deserving of at least double (or is it quadruple) retribution for what she has herself inflicted on others. The cup is a direct reference to verse 4 of chapter 17.
Revelation 17:4 “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication….”
Verse 7 continues the thought of determining how much judgment to impose upon her. She has lived in haughtiness and pride and in great luxury. In direct proportion to that lifestyle she should experience torment and sorrow. She has positioned herself as a queen and not as a widow. The Greek for the word widow implies the idea of deficiency or lacking. Babylon lacks nothing and thinks she is immune to judgment.
There is a verse in Isaiah with a direction connection to this verse: Isaiah 47:8-9 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children. But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.
Isaiah also points out that the lifestyle predominant in Babylon will embrace sorcery, magic, and wickedness—all prominent methods of deception employed by Satan and his forces.
Rev. 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
Therefore – based on the above facts
Her plagues/wounds/stripes will come in “one day.” (see Isaiah 47:9 above)
How will this happen to one who seems so strong? Because mightier, stronger, and more powerful is the Lord God who condemns and judges her.
Rev. 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
Rev. 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Note again that John specifically connects the woman to the “great city Babylon.”
When Babylon is destroyed, John reveals that the kings of the earth and others who have profited from intercourse with her will weep and mourn for the loss of their lover. They had “lived deliciously” in luxury from the profits they made doing business with her. Their success was directly dependent on her well-being. They won’t be running in to try and help her because whatever method the Lord uses to accomplish this destruction will make them afraid. It is interesting to note that they will “see” the smoke of her burning. This is no surprise to those of us living in the day of 24-hour television news, but quite impossible to imagine in John’s day.
John again emphasizes that Babylon’s destruction will happen in “one hour”—swiftly and suddenly. The prophet Jeremiah mirrored the words of this prophecy.
Jeremiah 51:25 - Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Jeremiah 50:46 At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.
Rev. 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
Rev. 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Rev. 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Babylon’s control of the world economy will be so great that it will destroy the business fortunes of all who are involved in marketing her prime commodities.
I think it is significant to note that the merchants are only grieved over the destruction of Babylon because of the direct impact on their wealth. This is a sad principle that prevails throughout the world today I believe. More often than not, you are only valued as a friend in reference to your benefit to those who call themselves your friend. What were Babylon’s prime commodities?
Gold, silver, precious stones and pearls.
Fine/white linen, purple garments, silk, scarlet
Thyine wood (citron wood, a fragrant tree)
Vessels/goods of ivory
All types of vessels/goods of precious wood (the most desired type), brass, iron and marble
Cinnamon, odours (aromas, incense), ointments (perfumed oils), and frankincense
Wine, oil, fine flour, wheat (grain, especially wheat, corn)
Beasts (domesticated animals), sheep
Horses and chariots
Slaves (forced labor) and souls of men
As you look over the list you can see that it covers money, jewels, fine clothing, luxurious furnishings, perfumes, the finest quality foods, pets, transportation, and servants—all things associated with the rich and powerful.
Isn’t it interesting to note that gold, silver, jewelry and fine garments are all used in the gaudy and self-promoting display of those who are high profile false teachers? Their lifestyles are almost always luxurious and their homes and furnishings expensive. They enjoy the best that life has to offer and travel in style at the expense of those they deceive.
Although there is very little with which I can agree with Vernard Eller, I liked his statement on verses 12-13: “And you can be sure it is not accidental on John's part that 'slaves and the lives of men’ come at the bottom of the list, following ‘sheep and cattle, horses, chariots.' This is accurate; the world does not value persons, it uses them; it consumes, exploits, and manipulates people for the sake of the ‘higher values’ of gold and silver, jewels and pearls. The splendor of the world customarily is bought at the expense of the people of the world.”
All of this, of course, indicates that Babylon is a very rich, powerful, influential city at this time. I do believe that the literal city is being referenced here. You can’t destroy a religious or economic system through famine and fire, but you can destroy its base of operation.
I can’t help but wonder if the United States has set things in motion to allow Babylon to rise to prominence again through our latest actions in Iraq as of 2003.
Rev. 18:14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
Rev. 18:15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
Rev. 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
Rev. 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
Rev. 18:18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
Rev. 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
These verses seem to reiterate the information given in the previous verses. The emphasis is still regarding the reaction of the merchants to the destruction of Babylon. In the eyes of everyone watching, they can’t imagine that this could have happened to “this great city” (verse 18). I imagine it is sort of akin to the feeling I had when watching the events of 9-11-01. In their helplessness, they weep and mourn. Again, we find the corresponding prophecy in Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 50:46 At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.
Twice in this section of verses reference is made to the fact that Babylon is made desolate in “one hour.” It must be a terrifying sight to see. Another interesting cross-reference is found in Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:41 How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!
Casting dust on one’s head was a sign of great grief/distress. When I was searching for a cross-reference, I found words from the prophet Ezekiel regarding a situation very similar to the one being described here, the destruction of Tyre.
Ezekiel 27:30-31 And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes: And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.
Rev. 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Apostle - apostolos, ap-os´-tol-os; from 649; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”) (with miraculous powers)
The response in heaven, however, will be a stark contrast to that on earth. There will be rejoicing by the holy apostles and prophets who were martyred at the hands of those who followed her false religions; they will take satisfaction in God’s vengeance against her. By the way, He is the only one justified to exercise vengeance.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
When God steps in to judge with vengeance, it should not make us sad or of a heavy spirit. We should rejoice. I admit that this is not an easy truth to swallow when I think of how that righteous judgment could or will impact those I care about.
Rev. 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
As John continues to watch, he sees a mighty angel pick up a great millstone and throw it into the sea to illustrate the sudden swiftness with which Babylon will be completely destroyed. Babylon will be destroyed with violence and intensity and shall be found “no more at all.” This will fulfill the following prophecies.
Isaiah 13:19-20 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
Jeremiah 50:13 Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.
Jeremiah 50:40 As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.
Jeremiah 51:26 And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 51:29 And the land shall tremble and sorrow: for every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant.
It also brings to mind the following verses in Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 51:63-64 And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates: And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary.
Rev. 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Rev. 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
These verses emphasize the complete and total destruction that will befall Babylon. Although it has never been the center of power and importance it once was, the area of Babylon has continued to be inhabited. In fact, Saddam Hussein started rebuilding the city since he thought he was Nebuchadnezzar reincarnate. I believe these verses indicate that it will once again be a thriving, powerful metropolis that will be utterly destroyed to the point that it will never vibrate with the sounds of life again—no music, no craftsmen, no one to grind grain or make oil, no one to burn a candle, no sounds of family—nothing.
Joseph Seiss (1823-1904) expressed the sum of things well: “When did Babylon ever fall with so complete a fall, or meet with such an utter obliteration from the earth, “as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah?” Sodom and Gomorrah were completely blotted out. But this has never yet been the case with Babylon. Such was not its fate when the Medes and Persians seized it from the hands of the infamous Belshazzar, for they made it one of their royal cities. In the time of Alexander it still stood, and was the chosen capital of the Graeco-Macedonian empire, the second city of Alexander’s dominions, where he himself lived and died. It continued to be a populous place under the Syrian kings, who succeeded Alexander in the rule over it. In the time of the apostles it was still a populous place, for both Peter and Bartholomew preached the Gospel there, and there Peter wrote his first Epistle. As late as A.D. 250, there was a Christian church there, and an influential bishopric for many years thereafter. Five hundred years after Christ there were Jewish academies there, who issued the celebrated Babylonian Talmud. Here, then, was a lengthening out of the existence of Babylon as a populated city for more than a thousand years subsequent to the taking of it by Cyrus. And even to this present hour there is a city in the middle of the area occupied by old Babylon containing 10,000 people, and which pays to its governor a revenue of 342,000 Turkish piastres, more than $17,000, a year. Shepherds do make their folds there, as testified by all modern travelers, and the Arabians do pitch their tents there. It is not an utter desolation without inhabitant, and never has been since Nimrod laid its first foundations. The sentence upon Babylon is therefore not yet fulfilled, and cannot be unless that city comes up again into something of its former consequence.”
Babylon was able to seduce the great men and nations of the world through the use of medicines, drugs, magic and witchcraft. This is where we have to remind ourselves that she didn’t seduce the world without the help of the beast that she rides. Through her and others, Satan has used all these things in his efforts to undermine the workings of God, to destroy His plan for salvation, and to establish himself as God. I am reminded of the words of Isaiah.
Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Rev. 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
John is basically being told that the blood of ALL that were slain upon the earth were slain as a result of her influence through false religions that reject God and His truth through idolatry, self indulgence, deceit and trickery.