The destruction of Babylon

Revelation 17:1–8
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

A detailed description of the judgment on Babylon is given in chapters 17-18. No student of the Bible doubts that in historic times there existed a literal city called Babylon. In fact, the Bible is full of information about this city that has a long history dating back to as early as 3,000 years before Christ. Babylon was important not only politically but also religiously. In the opening of this chapter John is invited by one of the seven angels, who had one of the seven bowls, to witness the punishment of the “great harlot,” the religious system of Babylon (v 1). So grievous were her acts of immorality that the results are likened to a drunken stupor (v. 2). It has been suggested that the meaning of her riding the scarlet beast (v. 3), having seven heads and ten horns is that the religious system is controlling the political power. You cannot mistake her identity as her name is written upon her forehead (v.5).

This harlot is the symbol of apostasy and idol-worship, but it is also drunk with the blood of the saints (v. 6). She represents the ultimate in godless world religion. In fact, she will attempt to kill all those who follow the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Angel informs John that the beast’s heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. Many writers identify these seven hills as the seven hills of Rome and teach that Rome will be the capital of the coming world empire. However, a close study of this passage does not necessarily support this conclusion. These seven mountains may refer to Kings and not literal mountains. It is stated that the woman “sits on many waters” and these waters are interpreted as peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages (v. 15). This indicates that there will be one ecumenical world religious system that embraces all nations.

Application

Lord, help me to remember that I’m not in charge and that God always has the final say. It is a relationship with Christ that I need and not a religion.