REVELATION 17

THE PROSTITUTE + THE SCARLET BEAST 

In his vision, John is carried away and shown a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is adorned in purple in scarlet clothing, wearing gold jewels and pearls. She holds a cup full of impurities and sexual immorality. She is called Babylon, with the name “mother of prostitutes” written above her forehead. The woman is drunk off of the blood of the martyrs, those who died for sharing the news of Jesus.

John marvels at her sight in wonder and confusion. An angel explains to John that the beast with seven heads and ten horns represents earthly kings of the past, present, and future. These kings will wage war on the Lamb, but the Lamb will ultimately conquer and defeat the beast. The Lamb is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.

Eventually, the beast will hate the prostitute. She will be made desolate and naked, and the beast will devour her flesh with fire. The woman, although wicked, is still under God’s authority. The angel reveals that God has strategically placed her to carry out His purposes until God’s Word is fulfilled. The prostitute is representative of the city that has dominion. During the time of John’s vision, Rome is the oppressive nation.

Revelation 17:17 - 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.