The Great Prostitute and the Beast

Rev. 17

This chapter describes the great prostitute and the beast. To begin with, John was escorted by one of the angels instrumental in the judgment of the earth. The prostitute has committed many acts of immorality with the kings of the earth causing them to become drunk with the wine of her sexual immorality. 

As John approached he saw the woman sitting on a beast that was full of blasphemous names. It had 7 heads and 10 horns. She was clothed in purple and scarlet with gold, jewels, and pearls. In her hand was a golden cup full of abominations and impurities of her sexual immorality. On her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." To top it off she was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. What a horrible description! It makes me sick to read it. How evil!

The angel proceeded to explain to John the mystery of the woman. This beast was, is, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and be destroyed. Those on earth who are not God's will marvel at this beast. The 7 heads are the 7 kings [5 of whom have fallen, one is, and one is yet to come, and his time is short-lived] and the 7 mountains she is sitting on. The 10 horns represent 10 kings who hadn't yet received power,but when they do it will only be for one hour together with the beast. All of these are of one mind and hand over all power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." 

The waters where the prostitute is seated are the peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.The 10 horns coupled together with the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate, naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman is that great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth. 

Certainly this was a chapter of vivid description. Yet, I am not clear yet how it fits together but as I read on it may become clear. 

Father,

I trust You to mete out judgment as You know best. How much You have had to endure! I want to obey You in all things.

In Jesus name,

Amen