“The Book of Revelation Chapter 17”
Introduction: In this lesson we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John about chapter seventeen. Now Revelation chapters 17, 18, and 19, are not in chronological order. Now the development that follows chapter 16, but also gives more details of the destruction of that Great city Babylon is foretold in (Revelation 14:8); and the Battle of Armageddon is foretold in (Revelation 14:20); (Revelation 16:13-16), and (Revelation 19:11-19). Now Revelation chapter 17 describes the destruction of the Mystery Babylon, The Great; The Mother of Harlots (Roman Catholicism).
I) (The Scarlet Woman and the Beast;) (Revelation 17:1-6)
1) (Read) (Chapter 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: (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 17:1); And there came one of the seven Angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, (Now here John said that one of the seven Angels, which had the seven Vials came and talk with him.) saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: (Now this “great whore” refers to all the religious of the world that ever have been, which are devised by men as a substitute for “Jesus Christ and Him being Crucified.”) Now I tell you that God’s Way is Jesus Christ and Him being Crucified alone is the only way.) (Now the “many waters” are a symbol for the multitudes of people).
1) Comments: In verse 1 Chapter 17; Now the judgment of the great harlot in (Revelation 17 and 18) describes the judgments of God at the end of the Tribulation on that old enemy (“Babylon the great”) in all of its forms. Here that Old Devil has used idolatrous religion, governments, and economic commerce as his chief agents to deceive all mankind. Now all will be destroyed just before our Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth. The fall of “Babylon” has already been announced in (Revelation 14:8). Babylon’s doom has already been certified by our Heavenly Father (Jehovah). Now the Apostle John fills in the details as both political and ecclesiastical “Babylon” comes into view. The “Beast” represents the government and the “woman” is the religion. Now the government and the woman both are opposed to our Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom.
2) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 17:2); With whom (the great whore) the kings of the earth. (Now from the very beginning, most nations have been ruled by some type of religion and have committed fornication. (Now all religions and even some parts of Christianity that have been corrupted are labeled by the Lord Jesus Christ as “spiritual fornication)” (Romans 7:1-4). And the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. (Now this proclaims the addiction of religion; and the doing of religion is the most powerful narcotic that there is).
2) Comments: In verse 2 Chapter 17; Now here John tells us that the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. What an awful picture this is of the state of the religion of the world in subjection to this whore! The Kings have committed spiritual fornication with her, and their subjects have drunk deep, dreadfully deep, into the doctrine of her abominable errors. The word fornication can be found in the scriptures 31 times. Also the word fornication can be found in the book of Revelation 10 times. (Read) (Jude 1:7) Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
3) (Read) (Chapter 17:3); So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 17:3); So he (the Angel) carried me (The Apostle John) away in the spirit (a vision) into the wilderness. (Now every religious effort that attempts to take the place of the Cross is a spiritual wilderness). And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast. (Now the woman is an organized religion; and by that we mean any religion or any form of religion claiming to have a way of Salvation or Victory other than the Cross. Now the “scarlet color” indicates blood and pertains to great persecution full of names of blasphemy. Now this refers to this “woman” that opposed the Plan of God in every capacity). Now she had seven heads and ten horns. (Now this pertains to the scarlet colored beast, not the woman. Now the “Seven Heads” represent the seven Empires that persecuted Israel in the past and with the last one yet in the future). Now they are “Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome).” (Now the “ten horns” represent the ten nations that will arise out of the old Roman Empire territory and persecute Israel, and yet this is future. Now these ten nations make up the seventh head.
The Roman Empire, which makes up the sixth head, was the last of the Empires that persecuted Israel before her destruction as a nation in A.D.70. Now when the ten horned kingdom arises, which it will shortly, it will persecute Israel as well).
3) Comments: In verse 3 Chapter 17; And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. Now in verse 3 of chapter 17; the Angel carried John away in the spirit into the wilderness. This wilderness into which the apostle John was carried is the desolate state of the true Church of Christ, in one of the wings of the once mighty Roman Empire. It was a truly awful sight, a terrible desert, a waste howling wilderness; for when John came hither he saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. No doubt can now be entertained that this woman is the Latin Church, for she sits upon the beast with seven heads and ten horns, which has been already proved to be the Latin empire, because this empire alone contains the number (666). This is a representation of the Latin Church in her highest state of antichristian prosperity, for she SITS UPON the scarlet colored beast, a striking emblem of her complete domination over the secular Latin empire. The state of the Latin Church from the commencement of the fourteenth century to the time of the Reformation may be considered that which corresponds to this prophetic description in the most literal and extensive sense of the words; for during this period she was at her highest pitch of worldly grandeur and temporal authority. The beast is full of names of blasphemy; and it is well known that the nations, in support of the Latin or Romish Church, have abounded in blasphemous appellations, and have not blushed to attribute to themselves and to their Church the most sacred titles, not only blaspheming by the improper use of sacred names. But even by applying to its bishop those names which alone belong to God; for God hath expressly declared that he will not give his glory to another, neither his praise to graven images.
4) (Read) (Chapter 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: (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 17:4); And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color (Now all of this pertains to Israel, but with a carry over into the Church Age. The “purple” represents the dominion of these religions over nations, and with the “scarlet color” representing the persecution of all Israel). And decked with gold and precious stones and pearls. (Now these religions have always been very rich; one case is to point to Islam, which controls some 60% of the oil reserves of the whole world).
Also she had a golden cup in her hand. (Now remember, all of these religions have an allurement that is symbolized by the cup being golden). Here the full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. (Now this proclaims what this cup holds, despite its outward attractiveness).
4) Comments: In verse 4 of chapter 17; the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. This strikingly represents the most pompous and costly manner in which the Latin Church has held forth to the nations the rites and ceremonies of its idolatrous and corrupt worship. Now the word woman is found in the New Testament 97 times. Also the word woman can be found in the New Testament 16 times.
5) (Read) (Chapter 17:5); and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 17:5); And upon her forehead was a name written. (Now the “forehead” symbolizes the fact that all these religions are devised by man, and not by God). MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, (Now the word “mystery” separates spiritual Babylon from literal Babylon. (Now it is “great in the eyes of the world, but not in the eyes of God”). THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (Now this proclaims the actual content of the “golden cup,” even though it looks wonderful on the outside. Now if it’s not “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified,” then it is labeled by the Lord Jesus Christ as “harlots and abominations.” Now regrettably that includes much of the modern Christianity as well).
5) Comments: In verse 5 Chapter 17; John tells us that upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth. This inscription being written upon her forehead is intended to show that she is not ashamed of her doctrines, but publicly professes and glories in them before the nations. She has indeed a whore’s fore-head and she has refused to be ashamed. The inscription upon her forehead is exactly the portraiture of the Latin Church. This Church is, as Bishop Newton well expresses it, A MYSTERY of iniquity. This woman is also called Babylon the Great; she is the exact antitype of the ancient Babylon in her idolatry and cruelty, but the ancient city called Babylon is only a drawing of her in miniature. This is indeed Babylon THE GREAT. “She affects the style and title of our HOLY MOTHER, the CHURCH; but she is, in truth, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.” Now the three words of “Babylon the Great” is found in the whole bible 14 times. Also this phrase of “Babylon the Great” can be found in the book of Revelation 6 times.
(Extra Comments) (Daniel 4:29-32) At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. (Daniel 4:30) The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? (Daniel 4:31) While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken. The kingdom is departed from thee. (Daniel 4:32)And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
6) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 17:6); And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints. (Now this refers to these Empires and their false religions, which persecuted Israel during the Old Testament times, actually it was up to the time of Jesus Christ). And with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Now this points to the millions in the Church Age who gave their lives for the cause of Jesus Christ); (Now the Roman Empire began these persecutions of Christians, and was followed by the Catholic Church). And when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Now the Apostle John was amazed at seeing all of this in Heaven).
6) Comments: In verse 6 Chapter 17; John tells us that he 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. How exactly the cruelties exercised by the Latin Church against all it has denominated heretics correspond with this description, the reader need not be informed. Now the phrase of these words; “blood of the saints,” can only be found 4 times in the bible. The phrase of the “blood of the saints” in found 3 times in the book of Revelation.
II) (The Meaning of the Woman and the Beast) (The Harlot is over-thrown) (Revelation 17:7-13)
7) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 17:7); And the Angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel?
Now the Angel knew that John would marvel at the scene that unfolded before his eyes, and would need an explanation). 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 said to John that he will be told the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carried her away and the beast had seven heads and ten horns would be explained in verse eight below).
7) Comments: In verse 7 Chapter 17; John tells us that the Angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel! I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carried her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The apostle was greatly astonished, as well he might be, at the woman’s being drunk with the blood of the saints, when the beast which carried her abounded with sacred appellations, such as holy, most holy, most Christian, sacred, most sacred. The angel undertakes to explain to St. John the vision which had excited in him so great astonishment; and the explication is of such great importance, that, had it not been given, the mystery of the dragon and the beast could never have been satisfactorily explained in all its particulars. Now the word “Angel” is found in the whole bible 192 times. Also the word “Angel” can be found in the book of Revelation 42 times.
8) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 17:8); The beast that thou sawest was. (Now this beast represents a fallen Angel who helped the leaders of these Empires of the past in their efforts to destroy Israel). But he is not. (Now the Angel tells John that was not active during the time of Him). And he shall ascend out of the bottomless pit. (Now this powerful, fallen Angel was confined to the bottomless pit about 2,300 years ago and remains there still, but will be released soon to help the Antichrist). And The BEAST go into perdition. (Now this means that after his escapade of helping the Antichrist on Earth, he will be cast back into the Lake of Fire. (Revelation 20:10), 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. (Now this presents the fact that all the unsaved people on Earth during the time of the Great Tribulation that will be started and amazed as they observe the Antichrist, who will do things no other man has ever done). Now this will be because this fallen Angel is helping him, but of which he is not aware of). When they behold the beast that was, and is not. (Now this beast was not functioning during the Apostle John’s day). And he yet is. (But he will be released out of the bottomless pit to help the Antichrist).
8) Comments: In verse 8 of chapter 17; John tells us that the Angel said the beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition. The beast is the Latin kingdom; and consequently the beast was, that is, was in existence previously to the time of St. John. For Latinus was the first king of the Latins, and Numitor was the last. And is not now, because the Latin nation has ceased long ago to be an independent power, and is now under the dominion of the Romans. But he shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, that is, the Latin kingdom, the Antichristian power, or that which ascendeth out of the abyss or bottomless pit, and is yet in futurity. The word “Beast” is found in the whole bible 159 times. Also the word “Beast” can be found in the book of Revelation 32 times.
III) (Now listed below is fact and history about the “Beast” and in Clarke’s Commentary. (But it is added):
8) Extra- Comments: And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names there 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. By the earth is here meant the Latin world; therefore the meaning is, that all who dwell in the Latin world shall adhere to the idolatrous and blasphemous religion of the Latin Church, which is supported by the Latin empire, except those who abide by the sacred Scriptures, receiving them as the only rule of faith and practice. These believe in the true Sacrifice, and keep themselves unspotted from the corruption that is in the world. But the inhabitants of the Latin world, under the dominion of the Romish religion, shall wonder when they behold the beast, or Latin Empire; that is, as Lord Napier remarks, “Shall have in great admiration, reverence, and estimation, this great monarchie.” They shall wonder at it, by considering it the most sacred empire in the world, that in which God peculiarly delights; but those that so wonder have not their names written in the book of life, but are such as prefer councils to Divine revelation, and take their religion from missals, rituals, and legends, instead of the sacred oracles: hence they are corrupt and idolatrous, and no idolater hath inheritance in the kingdom of God.
8) Extra- Comments: In the preceding part of the verse the beast is considered in three states, as that which was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit; here a fourth is introduced, and yet is. This is added to show that, though the Latins were subjugated by the Romans, nevertheless the Romans themselves were Latins; for Romulus the founder of their monarchy, was a Latin; consequently that denominated in St. John’s days the Roman empire was, in reality, the Latin kingdom; for the very language of the empire was the Latin, and the Greek writers. Who lived in the time of the Roman Empire, expressly tell us that those formerly called Latins are now named Romans. The meaning of the whole verse is therefore as follows: The corrupt part of mankind shall have in great admiration the Latin empire yet in futurity, which has already been, but is now extinct, the Romans having conquered it; and yet is still in being; for, though the Latin nation has been subjugated, its conquerors are themselves Latins. But it may be objected against the interpretation here given, that these phrases are spoken of the beast upon which the apostle saw the woman, or Latin Church, sit; for the angel says, The beast that THOU SAWEST was, and is not, what reference, therefore, can the Latin Empire, which supports the Latin Church, have to the Latin kingdom which subsisted before St. John’s time, or to the Roman empire which might properly be so denominated! This objection has very great weight at first sight, and cannot be answered satisfactorily till the angel’s explanation of the heads and horns of the beast have been examined; (therefore it is added).
9) (Read) (Chapter 17:9); And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (KJV)
9) Explanation: (Chapter 17:9); And here is the mind which hath wisdom. (Now is this the mind that knows and believes the Word of God). The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (Now this represents these seven Empires which were controlled by the false religions and “demon spirits.”
9) Comments: In verse 9 Chapter 17; The Angel said that here is the mind that hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. Now we that are Christians believe in the word of God which is the scriptures of the Holy Bible. The seven mountains can be translated “hills” here in this verse. Now most interpreters understand that these mountains refer to the seven hills that is along the “Tiber River” and this is a well-known designation of the city of Rome.
10) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
10) Explanation: (Chapter 17:10); And there are seven kings. (Now this actually refers to the “seven heads,” that speaks of the leaders of these Empires, whoever they may have been). Now five are fallen. (Now five of the Empires were fallen during the Apostle John’s day: and they are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece); and one is, (This one refers to the Roman Empire, which was in existence during John’s day, and could be spoken of in the present tense). And the other is not yet come. (This refers to the ten nation confederation symbolized by the ten horns, which in John’s day had not yet come, and has not come even yet); and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. (Now the “ten horns” will be the seventh head, and refers to the ten nations that will arise shortly and persecute Israel, which will probably take place in the first half of the Great Tribulation. This will be a time span of about three and one half years).
10) Comments: In verse 10 Chapter 17; John tells us that they are seven kings; the five are fallen, the one is, the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a little while. Now the five that have fallen would be past kingdoms, perhaps these five kings are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, (Iran) and Greece. Now the “one is” the Roman Empire which was the current power at the time of this writing. The one that “is not yet come”, and most bible scholars speculate that the future kingdom may be a “revived Roman Empire”. (Revelation 13:5)
11) (Read) (Chapter 17:11); And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (KJV)
11) Explanation: (Chapter 17:11); And the beast (fallen Angel) that was, and is not, even he is the eighth. (Now this fallen Angel will help the Antichrist, and will head up the eight Empire to persecute Israel). And is of the seven. (This refers to the fact that he helped all the Empires of the past, with the exception of Rome, in their efforts to persecute Israel; but this fallen Angel gave the greatest help to Alexander the Great, who headed up the Grecian Empire. Now we know this because of John, in his vision, said, and the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard,” with that animal being one of the symbols of ancient Greece in (Revelation 13:2); and (Daniel 7:6). And he goeth into perdition. (Now this refers to the fact that irrespective of his power and plans, and remember, that Eternal Hell will be the due to this Satanic Prince; and the same goes for Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and every fallen Angel, every demon spirit, and all the unbelievers who ever lived).
11) Comments: In verse 11 Chapter 17; The Apostle John tells us that the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goeth into perdition. Now He is the (fallen angel) that will help the Antichrist, and will head up the eight Empire to persecute Israel. The beast is related to the seventh king, but also has a separate identity. Now it seems that the eight world empire may be some form of a revived Roman Empire over which the Antichrist establishes the imperial authority of a dictator. The Antichrist will overcome the three horns, or the three nations in (Daniel 7:20), and He will claim universal authority. (Revelation 13:3); (Revelation 13:12-14)
12) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
12) Explanation: (Chapter 17:12); And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, in (Daniel 7:7), which have received no kingdom as yet. (Now this refers to the Apostle John’s day); but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. (Now these ten nations will come to power before the Antichrist that makes up the seventh head. Then they will be taken over by the Antichrist, who is referred to by Daniel as the “little horn” in (Daniel 7:8). (Now the “one hour” refers to the “short space” which the confederation of the ten kings and the Antichrist will hold together). (Now this will last for approximately three and one half years, and they will be destroyed by the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Daniel 2:34-35)
12) Comments: In verse 12 Chapter 17; The ten horns that thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. Now here the one hour is the time frame for these events to take place. And they may coincide with (Revelation 16:14), in which the preparations for the “Battle of Armageddon” that will begins in verse fourteen. (Read) (Daniel 7:20)
13) (Read) (Chapter 17:13); These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (KJV)
13) Explanation: (Chapter 17:13); These have one mind. (Now this ten nation confederation, makes up the seventh head, and they will all be in agreement respecting their joining with the Antichrist because they don’t have the power to successfully oppose him). And shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (Now this refers to the Antichrist that’s now coming to full power, and making up the eighth Kingdom as described in verse eleven).
13) Comments: In verse 13 Chapter 17; These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. Therefore the ten horns must constitute the principal strength of the Latin empire; that is to say, this empire is to be composed of the dominions of ten monarchs independent of each other in every other sense except in their implicit obedience to the Latin Church. The beast in this and the preceding verse is distinguished from its horns, as the whole Latin empire is distinguished in history from its constituent powers. The two words “Ten Horns” is found in the book of Daniel 3 times. Also the two words “Ten Horns” is found in the book of Revelation 6 times.
III) (The Victory for the Lamb) (Revelation 17:14-18)
14) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
14) Explanation: (Chapter 17:14); These shall make war with the Lamb, (This has to do with the Antichrist attacking Israel as it regards the Battle of Armageddon; Now Satan hates Israel for many reasons, but above all its because of Jesus Christ. And to attack Israel is to attack the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them. (Now this speaks of the Second Coming, but also speaks to the fact that Jesus Christ is worthy to administer Judgment and Justice because of what Jesus did at the Cross). For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. (These words proclaims the fact that this “Lamb” is “King” of all and “Lord” of all, and all because of the Cross). And they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Now every Saint of God, who has ever lived, both Jews and the Gentiles, will come back with Jesus Christ at the Second Coming.
14) Comments: In verse 14 Chapter 17; And he said 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 here the Lamb, who is our Lord and Savior, will easily overcome the ten kings at the second coming of Jesus Christ in (Revelation 19:19-21). But the beast and his forces are allowed by God to “make war with the saints and to overcome them.” Now many of those whom the beast defeated and even killed are now numbered in the conquering army of the Lamb. Here the Lord’s army is composed of the called, the chosen, and the faithful, and probably the hevenly soldiers of (Revelation 19:14). (Revelation 19:20).
15) (Read) (Chapter 17:15); And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (KJV)
15) Explanation: (Chapter 17:15); And he (the Angel) saith unto me, (John) The waters which thou sawest. (Now this refers back to verse one, and this presents the word “waters” being used as a symbolism), where the whore sitteth. (Now if it’s not our Lord Jesus Christ and Him Crucified in (I Corinthians 1:23); and (I Corinthians 2:2); then God refers to it as the “Great Whore”), are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (Now this covers the entirety of the whole world, and tells us that billions have died and gone to Hell as a result of following false religions).
15) Comments: In verse 15 of chapter 17; John tells us that he saith unto me, that the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. “So many words,” Bishop Newton observes, in the plural number, fitly denote the great extensiveness of her power and jurisdiction. She herself glories in the title of the Catholic Church, and exults in the number of her votaries as a certain proof of the true religion. But Cardinal Bellarmin’s first note of the true Church is, the very name of the Catholic Church. And his fourth note is, amplitude, or multitude, and variety of believers; for the truly Catholic Church, says he, ought not only to comprehend all ages, but likewise all places, all nations, all kinds of men.”
16) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
16) Explanation: (Chapter 17:16); And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast. (Now this pertains to the ten nation confederation, which will make up the seventh head). These shall hate the whore. (Now at least some, of the ten nation confederation will come out of the Middle East; and the Islam rules this part of the world, and it is a rule which has all but destroyed these countries; this implication is the religion of Islam that will be put down by this confederacy). And shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (Now this proclaims that the ten nations under the Antichrist will institute and carry out a campaign of elimination as it regards the religion of Islam, and any other religions in his domain. Now all of these religions will be replaced by the “beast worship).”
16) Comments: In verse 16 of chapter 17; John tells us that the ten horns which thou sowest 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. Here is a clue to lead us to the right interpretation of the horns of the beast. It is said the TEN horns shall hate the whore; by which is evidently meant, when connected with what follows, that the whole of the ten kingdoms in the interest of the Latin Church shall finally despise her doctrines, be reformed from popery, assist in depriving her of all influence and in exposing her follies, and in the end consign her to utter destruction. From this it follows that no Roman Catholic power which did not exist so late as the Reformation can be numbered among the horns of the beast; the horns must, therefore, be found among the great states of Europe at the commencement of the Reformation. These were exactly ten, countries; France, Spain, England, Scotland, The Empire, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, and Portugal. In these were comprehended most of the minor states not styled monarchies, and which, from their first rise to the period of the Reformation, had been subdued by one or more of the ten grand Roman Catholic powers already named. Consequently, these ten constituted the power and strength of the beast; and each minor state is considered a part of that monarchy under the authority of which it was finally reduced previously to the Reformation.
16) Extra Comments: But it may be asked, How could the empire, which was the revived head of the beast, have been at the same time one of its horns? The answer is as follows.
Horns of an animal, in the language of prophecy, represent the powers of which that empire or kingdom symbolized by the animal is composed. Thus the Angel, in his interpretation of Daniel’s vision of the ram and he-goat expressly informs us that “the ram with two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” One of the horns of the ram, therefore, represented the kingdom of Media, and the other the kingdom of Persia; and their union in one animal denoted the united kingdom of Media and Persia, will be the Medo-Persian Empire. In like manner the beast with ten horns denotes that the empire represented by the beast is composed of ten distinct powers, and the ten horns being united in one beast very appropriately show that the monarchies symbolized by these horns are united together to form on empire. For we have already shown, in Clarke’s notes on (Revelation 13:1), that a beast is the symbol of an empire.
16) Extra Comments: Therefore, as the horns of an animal, agreeably to the Angel’s explanation, (and we can have no higher authority,) represent all the powers of which that domination symbolized by the animal is composed, the Roman empire of Germany, as one of those monarchies which gave their power and strength to the Latin empire, must consequently have been a HORN of the beast.But the Germanic empire was not only a LATIN power, but at the same time was acknowledged by all Europe to have precedency of all the others.Therefore, as it is not possible to express these two circumstances by one symbol, it necessarily follows, from the nature of symbolical language, that what has been named the Holy Roman Empire must have a double representation. Hence the empire, as one of the powers of the Latin monarchy, was a horn of the beast, and in having precedency of all the others was its revived head. See a similar explanation of the tail of the dragon in Clarke’s notes on (Revelation 12:4). The word “Harlot” is found in the whole bible 84 times. Also the word “harlot” can be found in the book of Revelation only 4 times.
17) (Read) (Chapter 17:17); For God hath put 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. (KJV)
17) Explanation: (Chapter 17:17); For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will. (Now while the ten nations have their own agenda, our God will use it to bring about His Will). And to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast. (Now the ten leaders of these nations will give their authority to the beast and the Antichrist). Until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (Now this will last “until” the Great Tribulation has ended, which will be at the Battle of Armageddon in which these nations will be totally destroyed, (Daniel 2:34-35)
17) Comments: In verse 17 of chapter 17; John tells us here that for God hath put 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. Let no one imagine that these ten Latin kingdoms, because they support an idolatrous worship, have been raised up merely by the power of man or the chances of war. No kingdom or state can exist without the will of God; therefore let the inhabitants of the world tremble when they see a wicked monarchy rise to power, and let them consider that it is raised up by the Lord to execute his vengeance upon the idolatries and profligacies of the times. It is said of the kings in communion with the Church of Rome, that God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will. How is this Divine will accomplished? In the most awful and afflictive manner! In causing ten Latin kings to unite their dominions into one mighty empire for the defence of the Latin Church. Here is a dreadful dispensation of Jehovah; but it is such as the nations have most righteously deserved, because when they had the truth they lived not according to its most holy requisitions, but loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Therefore hath “the Lord sent them strong delusion that they should believe a lie, that they might all be damned who believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness.” But this deplorable state of the world is not perpetual, it can only continue till every word of God is fulfilled upon his enemies; and when this time arrives, (which will be that of Christ’s second advent,) then shall the Son of God slay that wicked “with the spirit of his mouth, and shall consume him with the brightness of “HIS COMING.” The two words of “His Will” is found 544 times in the whole bible. Also the two words “His Will” can be found only 2 times in the book of Revelation.
18) (Read) (Chapter 17:18); And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (KJV)
18) Explanation: (Chapter 17:18); And the woman which thou sawest is that great city. (Now this refers to the rebuilt Babylon that is portrayed in (Revelation chapter eighteen). Which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (Now the rebuilt Babylon will not only be one of the commercial centers of the world, but it will be the religious center also. Now the Antichrist will have replaced the Islam and other religions with himself as the one being worshiped. Now it all began at Babylon and it will all end there. (Genesis 11:1-9)
18) Comments: In verse 18 Chapter 17; Now the woman whom thou saw is the great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. Here the woman in John’s vision is the great city Babylon in (Revelation 16:19); and yet she is also the ancient “mother of harlots” in verse five. The satanic influence of this city over the world’s leaders has continued from Babel through Babylon to Rome in (Revelation 17:9-10) and its classic manifestation in the first century A.D.
Now as we come to the end of this chapter seventeen in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “your Soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. “Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.
Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”
Note: Now this concludes our bible study on chapter seventeen of the Book of Revelation. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach chapter eighteen of this great book of Revelation. Now everything on this web-site is free. Please pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose