Prophecy -106

Revelation 17

1995 Sep -- XXVIII -- 9(95)(WWN) -- EXEGESIS OF REVELATION -- THE HARLOT AND THE BEAST -- Part 5 --

In 1534, the Luther Bible, in connection with Revelation 17, showed a cut of a woman wearing the triple tiara of the popes and riding a seven-headed dragon. The obvious deduction was that this symbolic woman represented the Papacy. Uriah Smith in his Thoughts on the Revelation, adopts the same basic view. He wrote:

"This prophecy is more definite than others applicable to the Roman power, in that it distinguishes between church and state. We here have the woman, the church, seated upon a scarlet-colored beast, the civil power." (pp. 702-703, 1897 ed.)

This same basic concept from the Reformation has continued to be the traditional Adventist view of the woman and the beast of Revelation 17, with the added focus on what is termed, "the daughters of Babylon." However this designation is NOT found in the book of Revelation.

Looking at Revelation 17 from a exegetical viewpoint, what is its message?

First it is uniquely connected with the time just preceding the Seven Last Plagues.

Of the WOMAN who sits as a "QUEEN," it is declared that "her plagues (shall) come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire." (Rev. 18:8; 17:16)

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.
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.

Further, it is one of the angels of the Seven Last Plagues who shows to John "the judgment of the great whore." (17:1)

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

The designation of the angel who unfolds to John these final visions of the book as "one of the angels which had the seven vials" is in itself revealing from different perspectives. (17:1; 21:9)

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

First, "the Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him to shew unto His servants ... He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John." (1:1)

Twice during the final revelation by the designated angel as one who was involved in the Seven Last Plagues, John attempts "to worship" him. (19:10; 22:8-9)

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Rev 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Rev 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.


Each time he is told, "See that thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets that have the testimony of Jesus." (Composite of the two previous references)

It was Gabriel who stated to Daniel that "there is none who holdeth with me in these things (the Scripture of truth) but Michael your prince." (Dan. 10:21)

Not only does this confirm Gabriel as "His angel" but also clearly indicates that Gabriel is one of the angels involved in the pouring out of the Seven Last Plagues, if not the chief angel.

The question arises, if Gabriel shows to John, "the Lamb's wife" - "that great city, the holy Jerusalem," whose wife is she who is also designated as "that great city." and boasts herself as a "queen"? The use of the word, "holy" is in contrast to the "city" which is "full of abominations." (17:4-5) Is it unholy Jerusalem?

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:
Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

One must recognize that in this final section of Revelation there is set forth-
two cities - Babylon arid the New Jerusalem
two women - the one "clothed with the sun" and the one bedecked with gold and pearls
two wives - one, the wife of the Lamb, and the other, the wife of the "scarlet colored beast."

Who is this "scarlet colored beast"?
It has seven heads and ten horns as the serpent-dragon of Revelation 12.
It should be observed that when the beast of Revelation 13, which also had seven heads and ten horns, is described, its bodily differences from the dragon are noted. (13:2)
No such differences are given of the beast of Revelation 17, except the absence of crowns on the heads, and the color change from fiery red to scarlet.
The word for scarlet (kokkinon) is used to describe the color of the robe the Roman soldiers put on Christ in mockery of Him as "King of the Jews." (Matt. 27:28)
No longer are the heads crowned, the dragon IS reigning.

This beast is described as "was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition." (17:8)

This past, present and future designation parallels the same description for "the Almighty" who "is, and which was, and which is to come" (1:8); but with distinct differences. In contrast to the One who "is to come," whose kingdom the dragon-beast has challenged, this beast goes into "perdition," or destruction (20:10) The kingdom of God is confirmed by the power of His Christ.

Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The first section (Chapters 2-11) of the book of Revelation closes with three Woes.
During the time of the Second Woe, "the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit" is introduced. (11:7) He operates just prior to the Third Woe - which cometh, "quickly."
The final Woe marks the close of all human probation, and the pouring out of "the wrath of God." (11:15 - 19)

If then, the activities of the beast designated in Revelation 11 are amplified in Chapter 17, the time frame for the fulfillment of the events in Chapter 17 is established - "THE LAST REMNANT OF TIME."

"The beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven".

Note carefully, that while the eighth, he is not of the seventh, but of the seven.

He is the power which, though invisible, has operated through ALL seven heads.
Now he assumes openly his claim of rulership of the kings of earth gathered together to a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Har-Mo'ed. (16:13-14, 16)

This brings us to a review of who are the seven heads.

Various interpretations have been set forth. One must keep in mind that the controversy between the dragon and the woman who gave birth to the Man-Child goes back to the first gospel promise (Gen. 3:15) which is symbolically represented in the vision which introduce the second section of Revelation (12:1-3 ).

Further, the scope of the book included those who sing the song of Moses as well as the Lamb (15:3).

This binding of the Bible together as a unit with Moses standing for the Old Testament times, and Jesus Christ for the New Testament is an established concept. (John 1:17; Heb. 3:5-6)

Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Thus the warfare of the dragon-beast against the people of God must begin with the persecution of the corporate body by Egypt.

Understanding the definitive declaration of the angel as being expressed from John's point of time (17:10),...

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.

... the five which had fallen were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia and Grecia. One was, Rome - Pagan and Papal - and one yet to come, and he was to "continue a short space."

The reason I suggest the sixth head as pagan-papal Rome as a viable exegesis of this definitive declaration is that in the Book of Daniel, the two are placed as one.

The "little horn" of Daniel 7, ever remains a part of the non-descript beast.

The "little horn" of Daniel 8 represents both phases of Rome.

But what is represented by the "head" that continues a "short space"?

Is it the second beast of Revelation 13, or the "image" formed?

Regardless which power is chosen, following this, the dragon - "that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan" - appears in person asserting his right of rulership - he "is."

We next turn our attention to the woman.

Instead of exisegetically reading into the symbol the traditional concept from the Reformation and the Millerite Movement, let us see just what the Scripture is saying.

The "woman" is designated as "that great city" (17:18),...

Rev 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

...or Babylon the great. By pursuing this avenue of revelation, we observe that "that great city" in its fall is to be divided into three parts (16:19).

Rev 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Further, there are three symbolic powers, out of whose mouths come "unclean spirits" (16:13-14) which assemble "the kings of the earth and the whole world" to a place called in the Hebrew, Har-Mo'ed, or Mount of the Congregation.

Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Rev 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Perceiving this scarlet-colored beast to be the symbolic representation of Satan's literal appearing as the long looked for Messiah of Judaism, and the "Coming King" of Christian tradition, coincides with God's revelation of Lucifer's intent. He purposed in his heart "to sit also upon the mount of the congregation (har-mo'ed), in the sides of the north." (Isa. 14:13) This is defined as mount Zion, "the city of the great King." (Ps. 48:2)

Isa 14:13 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
Psa 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Again, you have a contrasting aspect of the prophecy of Revelation.

While the rulers of earth are gathered on earthly Mount Zion, which Jesus declared to be desolate (Matt. 23:38),...

Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

...there is portrayed another gathering on the heavenly mount Sion - the 144,000 with the Lamb (14:1).

Rev 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Those who refuse to bow to the false christ, are honored by the true Christ through Whom they overcome and by Whom they are delivered (12:11; 17:14).

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
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.

Now let us return to the three parts of Babylon. As we seek to find an answer, we need to keep in mind that any interpretation must be tentative, and can only be truly known as the scroll unrolls.

However, it is interesting to observe that the one which Bible prophecy designates as a key player in the final drama of earth - the Papacy - speaks not only of Jerusalem, but of that city as the source of reverence of three monotheistic religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Attention must also be directed to "the ten horns." (17:12)

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.

These ten horns are "ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power (authority) as kings one hour with the beast," not with any "head" but with the beast itself when he appears with his "wife." The parallel prophecy is not the ten horns of the nondescript beast of Daniel 7 - these were reduced to seven - but rather with the ten toes of the image of Daniel 2. Again the identification must wait the "final rapid movements" as they reign only "one hour" with the beast.

The text states that these "ten horns" have one mind and shall give their power (dunamis) and strength (exousia) to the beast. One must ask with a bit of wonderment, how do the "spirits of devils" effect such a unity when for more than six thousand long years, Lucifer in his rebellion has sought to create confusion and discord? In fact the very name of "that great city" Babylon has come to mean confusion. The text gives the answer - a Sovereign God "puts in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled." (17:17)

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.

The oneness of these ten horns leads them to unite in "the war (polemos) of that great day of God Almighty" (16:14).

In this final phase they now join in the last battle of the "war in heaven" where Michael and His angels fought against the dragon, when at its climax there came the cry, "Now is come salvation, and strength (dunamis), and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ." (12:7, 10)

This final battle of the war involves "the remnant of [the woman's] seed."

Trusting in the blood of the Lamb, they remain "called, and chosen, and faithful."

The Lamb, coming forth to rescue His bride, overcomes the ten kings "for He is Lord of lords and King of kings." (17:14; 19:11)

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.
Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

When the powers of earth see that they have been beguiled and deceived by the final religious union, "these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire." (17:16)

The name of the "whore" that "great city" which reigned over the kings of the earth - "Babylon the Great" - should be given consideration.

The name comes from Babel where God confused the languages and dispersed the "gathering together" of man to defy the God of heaven. (Gen. 11:9) Because of this, the name has stood for confusion. However, Brown Driver & Briggs, in their Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, note that the Assyrian, written Babili, means "gate of god." (p. 93, art. babel) While God uses strong language in describing the departure from truth - harlotry - the deception in reality will be so great that the whole world, apart from a small remnant, will be swept through this delusive "gate of god" to perdition.

*******

In our society today being a harlot means very little, doesn't it? In the United States there is very little stigma left on prostitutes, on whores, on harlots. Yes, there is some, but it's not like it is in what we call Biblical times. And still in other parts of the world prostitutes, harlots, whores are put to death for their sins and we are outraged by it here in the United States. To us harlotry is an easy sin to forgive. Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery but that wasn't Jesus ACCEPTING adultery. That was Jesus letting everyone know that we ALL have our sins and we really DO have to look at our own sins and be forgiving, but that does not mean Jesus told us to accept adultery, to accept sinning. In fact our Savior told that woman to GO and SIN NO MORE. So, do I believe harlots should be stoned to death today? No. But does that mean I believe harlotry is acceptable and shouldn't be spoken harshly of? NO! It's wrong, on many, many levels and it is symbolic of Christ and His Church- His people. If His people are betraying Him with another… they are playing the harlot and this is something that will NEVER be acceptable, NEVER! Us playing the harlot is a sin that cannot be ignored, it cannot be glossed over and made to seem acceptable. We've done that, we really have and I do mean there are many, many, many people who believe they are in God's church when in truth they are harlots, they are not God's! They are deceived, so many, so incredibly many are deceived and they will be furious in the end to realize how they were deceived. Yet ultimately that deception, the blame for it lies upon each and every individual's shoulders. Just as the blame lay upon Eve's shoulders, as well as Adam's and they received punishment for their sinning and so too did their deceiver.

We cannot accept the false teachings of the world! We cannot sit back and be complacent towards the betrayal of God's truths if we are then we are guilty of being a part of the harlotry. Laodicean's are lukewarm and they will be spewed out if they remain that way. We cannot… we just cannot accept sin, we have to ALWAYS shun sin, always realize what sin is and know that sinning needs forgiveness. Once we accept sin- we lose that comprehension that we need forgiveness for that sin- and once we get to that point we are no longer asking for forgiveness and if we do not ask for forgiveness we cannot be forgiven.

By the GRACE and MERCY of our God! By the FORGIVENESS and LOVE of our SAVIOR! Through our LORD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS may we live in HIM always, always!!!!!!!

In His love! Keep us from becoming harlot's, Lord, please! Please Lord, let us be YOURS!

Always YOURS!

Amen!