Revelation 17

Hendriksen

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And the inhabitants of the earth will be astonished, they whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the earth. They see the beast that was and is not and will come. 9 Here is the mind that has understanding. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 And they are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, another has not yet come. And when he comes, it is necessary that he remain for a little while. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is an eighth and is of the seven, and he goes to his destruction. ) 12 And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom. But they received authority with the beast as kings for one hour. 13 These have one purpose and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war against the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they who are with him are the called, and the elect, and the faithful ones. ) 15 And the angel said to me, The waters that you saw on which the prostitute sat, they are the peoples, crowds, nations, and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw and the beast, these will hate the prostitute; and they will make her desolate and naked; and they will eat her flesh and will burn her with fire. 17 For God has placed in their hearts to do his purpose, to be of one accord, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God will be fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is the great city which has a kingdom over the kings of the earth. ) In the sixth vision John shows the defeat of the woman called the great prostitute and Babylon the Great (chap. 17). The next chapter is an account of the fall of Babylon and its empire (chap. 18).

These two chapters are followed, first, by the celebration of the wedding of the bride and the Lamb; next, by the battle the victorious Christ wages against the forces of the evil one; and last, by the beast and the false prophet who are cast into the lake of fire while the rest of Christ s opponents are killed with his sword (chap. 19). ) How does this sixth vision relate to the preceding chapter? To get an overview we have to go back to the three cycles of seals, trumpets, and plagues. These cycles show similarities with respect to the seventh one in each series, because each seventh one has its location in heaven. The seventh seal introduces a period of silence in heaven (8:1); when the seventh trumpet was blown, loud voices were heard in heaven (11:15); and after the seventh bowl was poured out, a loud voice from the throne in heaven said, It is done (16:17). At the end of these seven-part cycles there is further information on the end of time. But even though the seventh plague is the last one for all three series, there are still more details.

Hence, chapters 17 and 18 provide a detailed discussion on the sixth and seventh plagues (16:12 21). Chapter 17 presents a description of the great prostitute and the spiritual war that the kings of the earth fight against the Lamb, while chapter 18 describes the economic downfall of the world.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The name Babylon the Great appears in both chapters 17 and 18. With the help of an ancient Roman coin depicting the goddess Roma sitting on seven hills and quotations from Roman historiographers (17:9), scholars interpret Babylon as a reference to Rome.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But identifying Babylon with Rome as the great prostitute is by itself restrictive and time-bound. To illustrate, the woman in chapter 12 is a symbol of the church and in chapter 19 she is the bride of the Lamb. By contrast, the woman in chapter 17 is called Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes, and the mother of the earth s abominations (v. 5). This woman is the great temptress, seducer, and liar in the service of Satan and the beast. She has been in this service not only during the days of John but from the time of the Fall and will be until the consummation. Also, at the same time this woman appears as a great metropolis that in consequence of God s judgment loses all her commercial and financial riches (18:11 24). This scene, therefore, speaks not merely of the overthrow of the Roman empire but rather of the complete and lasting defeat of the entire anti-Christian world.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.4|AUTODETECT|” In view of Satan s short time on earth (12:12), I interpret chapter 17 as a picture of the beast s forces pitted against God but losing the battle in the end. The prostitute rides on this beast that has seven heads and ten horns: [We] see the beast that was and is not and will come (v. 8). In short, the beast has a long history, is present today, and eventually will go to his destruction. This beast transcends the successive empires of the world, including the Roman empire, while all along the prostitute is sitting on his back. When, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.4|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 18:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , the admonition is given: Come forth my people, out of her, and have no fellowship with her sins, that command was intended not only for people living close to the end of the world s history, but also for believers in John s day and age; indeed, for believers in every age. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 John first depicts the great prostitute who with the kings of the earth revels in her adulteries (vv. 1 2). Then he outlines her association with the beast of seven heads and ten horns (vv. 3 8). Third, he presents a time frame during which the kings of the earth war against the Lamb, who will conquer them (vv. 9 14). And last, John gives an explanation of the symbols of the waters on which the woman sits, and of the woman herself as the great city which has a kingdom over the kings of the earth (vv. 15 18). ) A. Introduction ) 17:1 2 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came, talked to me, and said, Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters. 2. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her and the inhabitants of the earth have become drunk with the wine of her fornication. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came, talked to me, and said. Here is an indication that this chapter gives a further elaboration of the sixth and seventh plagues presented in the preceding chapter (16:12 21). One of the seven angels who poured out the bowls of God s wrath addresses John. We have no indication whether this angel was the sixth or the seventh one, but this is insignificant. It is, however, meaningful that not an elder but an angel addresses John.

The twenty-four elders in heaven represent the redeemed saints, and one of the elders asked John about the significance of the saints wearing white robes (7:13). But here an angel, as a messenger from God, is instructing the seer about the punishment meted out to the great prostitute. Incidentally, one of these seven angels also instructs John about the bride, the wife of the Lamb (21:9). Indeed the angel relates a tale of two women, one holy and one profane. The holy one will have Christ as her husband; the profane one has no husband she is the great prostitute. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.19-23.13.22|AUTODETECT|” b. Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters. The angel invited John to come with him to view the judgment scene in which the verdict had been handed down to the notorious harlot representing Babylon. The verdict indeed was an accomplished fact, for her doom was sealed. The Old Testament prophets brought God s judgments against Babylon in terms of utter destruction and being forever uninhabited 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.19-23.13.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 13:19 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.50.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.50.39|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 50:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.37|AUTODETECT|” 51:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The prophets attached the name ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 prostitute) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.23.15-23.23.17|AUTODETECT|” to the cities of Tyre 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.23.15-23.23.17|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 23:15 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ), Nineveh 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Nah. 3:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ), and Jerusalem 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 2:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” ), but not to Babylon. Yet here the angel portrayed Babylon the Great, called the mother of prostitutes (v. 5), not as a rebuilt city but as a symbol of all evil directed against God. Ancient Babylon was situated along the banks of the Euphrates, where numerous canals provided water for transportation and irrigation purposes 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 51:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But because this ancient city was completely destroyed and depopulated, the text should not be interpreted literally. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The text reveals symbolism, evident in the two expressions ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 prostitute) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 many waters) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . These two should be interpreted not literally but spiritually.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� First, the great harlot s goal is to lead people wherever possible away from Christ; hence, she is the exact opposite of the church that seeks to lead all people everywhere to Christ. Next, John explains the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 many waters) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as the peoples and the crowds and nations and languages of the world (v. 15). They are the restless waves of humanity controlled by this vile harlot. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the inhabitants of the earth have become drunk with the wine of her fornication. Note there is repetition of the concept ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 fornicate) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which occurs three times in these two verses: the noun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 prostitute) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 specifies the woman; the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to fornicate) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 describes the actions of the kings of the earth; and last, the noun ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 fornication) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.0|AUTODETECT|” relates the medium that inebriates the inhabitants of the earth. Again, this concept must be understood spiritually; Israel and Judah were accused of being spiritual prostitutes 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.39|AUTODETECT|” ); and Jesus labeled the religious leaders of his day an adulterous generation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.4|AUTODETECT|” 16:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Yet the difference between fornication by unmarried persons and adultery by spouses should be noted. This unmarried woman actively engages in illicit relations with the kings of the earth who in turn lead their followers astray. These kings are the heads of the various parts of the antichristian empire. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� They belong to this earth and have no spiritual ties with God. Further, the inhabitants of the earth are drunk with the wine of the woman s spiritual fornication; and they are people who serve not God but Satan.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The difficulty in this chapter is to understand the multiple configurations of the woman. She is called the great prostitute, is aligned with the beast, represents Babylon the Great, and personifies the great city (v. 18). As a spiritual prostitute she stands diametrically opposed to Christ; she serves the beast who is the Antichrist (13:1); and she represents Babylon the Great, which is the anti-Christian empire with numerous kings of the world gathered for battle against God Almighty (16:14, 16). In other words, John is looking at this woman from various aspects in which the adjective ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 used for her and Babylon takes a significant position. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John mentioned Babylon already in 14:8, where he wrote that an angel cried, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the wrathful wine of her fornication. Worldly Babylon should be seen as a universal force of evil that influences the multitudes of humanity to such an extent that the people are desensitized. Babylon is the archetypal source of every idolatrous manifestation in time and space. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 B. Conflict and Judgment ) 17:3 19:10 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0

The Woman and the Beast) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 17:3 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The picture that John presents to his viewers is dreadful because of the blasphemy against God, the blood of the saints, the power and authority of the beast, and the prostitute who rules over the kings of the earth. But within this picture are also references to those whose names are written in the book of life, the Lamb who overcomes his enemies, the Lord of lords and King of kings with his faithful followers, and God, who accomplishes his purpose and is fully in control. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 a. The Seductive Temptress) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 17:3 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
And he brought me in the Spirit to a desert place. And I saw a woman on a scarlet beast that was full of names of blasphemy. The beast had seven heads and ten horns.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. And he brought me in the Spirit to a desert place. The contrast between John, who is in the Spirit, and the woman, who rides the beast of blasphemy, is strikingly clear.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”

7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.3.12|AUTODETECT|” �� The Holy Spirit transports John to a desert much the same as he does when he takes him to heaven and to a great and high mountain (4:2; 21:10). There are Old Testament parallels, for the Spirit of God lifted Ezekiel to Jerusalem, Babylon, the valley of dry bones, and the temple of the Lord 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 3:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.3.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.3.14|AUTODETECT|”
7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.8.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.8.3|AUTODETECT|” 8:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.11.1|AUTODETECT|” 11:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.11.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.11.24|AUTODETECT|”
7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1|AUTODETECT|” 37:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.43.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.43.5|AUTODETECT|” 43:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.17|AUTODETECT|” What is the significance of a desert place? Various interpretations are presented, among them the following: the Arabian desert 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.43|AUTODETECT|” ); a place inhabited by demons 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.43|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:43) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ); a place of temptation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ); an area shielded from the devil s lies; and a suitable region to receive visions. Although some of these interpretations have merit, I think it is better to see an Old Testament background for the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 desert) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.21.1-23.21.10|AUTODETECT|” in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.21.1-23.21.10|AUTODETECT|” Isaiah 21:1 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . This passage mentions a desert out of which an invader comes who brings about the fall of Babylon. Thus, Isaiah speaks about a desert where he was shown a harsh vision. In both Isaiah and Revelation the desert is central to the vision, though in Isaiah the vision comes from the desert, while in Revelation the prophet is taken to the desert to see the vision. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. And I saw a woman on a scarlet beast that was full of names of blasphemy. The beast had seven heads and ten horns. The focus is on the woman, who has already been identified as the great prostitute (v. 1). Now we see the supremacy of this woman, for she rides on the back of a multiple-headed beast whose horns exhibit tremendous power. First, this scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns is described in the same terms as the red dragon, who is Satan, and as the beast coming up out of the sea (12:3, 9; 13:1). In 12:3 the Greek uses a different word for the color red, namely, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 pyrros) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” (fiery red). The number seven denotes completeness, and ten, the number of fullness in the decimal system. Next, this language is based on the prophecy of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.20|AUTODETECT|”
7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.24|AUTODETECT|”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 that alludes to the power of a beast with ten horns. Third, the color ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 scarlet) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” portrays sin 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.28|AUTODETECT|” �� It also signifies pomp and power, which the soldiers mockingly sought to ascribe to Jesus by dressing him in a soldier s garb as the prince of peace 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In Revelation it stands for evil exhibited by demonic power. And last, the beast is pictured as a man covered with blasphemous names directed against the Almighty. The beast in 13:1 had a blasphemous name on each of the seven heads, but here heads and horns are full of names that ridicule God, his Word, people, church, and kingdom. With his mouth the beast utters blasphemous words and slanders God, heaven, and the saints (13:5, 6). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet cloth and was gilded with gold and precious stones and pearls. She had a cup of gold in her hand full of abominations and uncleanness of her fornication.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The appearance of the woman is a portrait of royalty, for she is dressed in cloth of purple and scarlet dye. Royalty wore garments of those colors, as did members of the Roman senate, dignitaries, and wealthy people. Purple dye was extracted from a shellfish or the root of a Eurasian plant called madder and was considered a costly product.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”

7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Likewise the scarlet dye was expensive to produce (see commentary on v. 3). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.30|AUTODETECT|” In addition to her dress, the prostitute adorned herself with gold jewelry to enhance the glittering of her appearance; gold thread was even woven into articles of her clothing. She also wore precious stones, diamonds and other gems, and expensive pearls. Note that the same description is given of the great city (18:16). Her outward show resembles that of a prostitute who bedecks herself with fine clothing and valuable jewelry to lure her lovers 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 4:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.2-26.23.3|AUTODETECT|” ; see also 2:20; 3:7, 8; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.2-26.23.3|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 23:2 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ). The parody of the wife of the Lamb is clear, for the bride of the Lord is beautifully dressed for her husband 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A parody always reveals its ugly side, for the prostitute holds in her hand a cup of gold which provides the outward aspect of riches, but the inside of the cup exhibits corruption. We would have expected that this expensive cup would contain a delicious beverage, but instead it is filled with the abominations and uncleanness of the prostitute s fornication. The word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 abomination) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15|AUTODETECT|” denotes the objects and practices that are acutely offensive to God. Among others, they include the worship of idols 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 27:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.18|AUTODETECT|” ); the wages of prostitution 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.23.18|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 23:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” ); homosexual acts and sexual perversions 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.22|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 18:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.13|AUTODETECT|” 20:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.10|AUTODETECT|” ); witchcraft, casting spells, and divination 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.11|AUTODETECT|”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The golden cup is filled with idolatry to spite and provoke God. But the cup itself is held out to the people at large, who are being seduced to drink its contents. When they do so, they suffer disastrous results, becoming victims of pornography, gambling, extravagance, power, and the craving for celebrity status. The great prostitute occupies a central position in an anti-Christian culture. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 cup of gold) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.7|AUTODETECT|” is an allusion to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.7|AUTODETECT|” Jeremiah 51:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord s hand; she made the whole earth drunk. The next verse (51:8) predicts, Babylon will suddenly fall and be broken. Babylon is another name for the great prostitute, who allures the world to follow her and accordingly deserves the wrath of God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

And on her forehead was a name written, a mystery,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 babylon the great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 the mother of prostitutes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 and of the abominations of the earth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In Revelation, John frequently refers to the forehead on which a name is inscribed: for the unbelievers the mark of the beast; for the saints the seal or name of God and the Lamb.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”

7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But here the inscription on the forehead of the woman is a blatant description of her activities, shrouded in mystery but nevertheless brazenly displayed. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Some translations have the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mystery) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as the first word in the inscription Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes, and of the Abominations of the Earth -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” KJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , God s Word). But other versions take this term as introductory to the appellation. There are at least two reasons for leaving it out of the name and considering it a prefix. First, in verse 7 the angel explains what the mystery signifies, I will tell you the secret of the woman and of the beast. Next, the word ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mystery) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” refers to the hidden meaning of the prostitute s appearance. But when the inscription of the woman and the beast is disclosed, their power is destroyed and their end has come 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 51:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.137.1|AUTODETECT|” �� Literal Babylon was situated along the Euphrates with many waters 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.137.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 137:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but her name is a symbol of the world s power. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Nebuchadnezzar, boasting about the city he built, used the expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Babylon the Great) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” ). He exhibited inordinate pride that resulted in his immediate downfall, because not he but God is sovereign over the nations 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Similarly, this same expression adopted by the great prostitute seals her own doom. The woman called Babylon, sitting on many waters, which the angel interprets as the peoples, crowds, nations, and languages (v. 15), symbolizes the population of the entire world. The name ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Babylon the Great) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a figurative description of all the godless inhabitants in the world. In the second half of the first century, the city of Rome was a cesspool of iniquity and thus became a symbol of worldly pleasure, enticement, and lust. But as I have pointed out above, to focus attention only on Rome of apostolic times is too restrictive. The name ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Babylon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 applies to the lasting conflict between Satan s henchmen and the people of God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.4.26|AUTODETECT|” The woman calls herself the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. She is the mother superior over all those who commit spiritual prostitution by worshiping the beast. Her underlings proclaim the gospel of the Antichrist while she herself receives their adulation and praise. She is the source of all that is evil directed against God: slander, murder, immorality, corruption, vulgarity, profanity, and greed. And she originates these sins by putting her underlings to work. She is also the mother of all abominations in the world, for every sin originates with her.

The disparity between this woman who personifies evil and the woman who is the church cannot be greater (12:1). The apostle Paul teaches that the church is the mother of believers 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.26|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Blessed are those who have her as mother and God as Father. Conversely, God s enemies belong to the mother of abominations and suffer the consequences. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 6. And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I was greatly astounded.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” The woman as the great temptress seeks to control the masses of humanity and persecutes those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. In other words, not satisfied with what she already controls and unable to deceive the elect 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), she relentlessly torments and kills the saints so that their blood is spilled on the face of the earth (18:24). John now has a full view of the woman s devastating work among God s people and he sees the blood of saints and martyrs drenching the earth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John mentions ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the blood of the saints) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the blood of the martyrs of Jesus) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He is not intimating that saints differ from martyrs. Rather the clause the blood of martyrs of Jesus clarifies the preceding clause the blood of the saints. That is, the saints are the ones who bear testimony to Jesus. Six times in Revelation John writes the words the testimony of Jesus (1:2, 9; 12:17; 19:10 [twice]; 20:4). The phrase can refer either to Jesus message or to the witness the saints bear to Jesus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.49|AUTODETECT|” What is the meaning of the sentence, And when I saw her, I was greatly astounded ? John is astounded when he sees the woman s unquenchable thirst for the blood of the saints. And certainly, in the twentieth century more blood of Christians has been shed than in any previous century. John had expected to see the fall of Babylon, in accord with the prophecy, Babylon must fall because of Israel s slain, just as the slain in all the earth have fallen because of Babylon 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.49|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 51:49) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.0|AUTODETECT|” ). Incidentally, in this chapter and the next John repeatedly alludes to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.0|AUTODETECT|” Jeremiah 51) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Instead of Babylon s demise he witnesses a gorgeously arrayed woman drunk with the blood of the saints. This vision takes him by complete surprise; instead of victory for the saints he sees their physical death and destruction.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Instead of Babylon s demise, he looks at a beautifully adorned woman who is riding high on a beast. He is mystified. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 17:3 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� @�� the participle is construed as a masculine singular accusative, because the beast is given a masculine personality. The neuter singular accusative �� is a correction modifying the neuter noun �� -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” TR) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and the Majority Text). The verb �� (I fill) is normally followed by the genitive of material or content, but here @�� is in the accusative (see also verse 4, in which both the genitive and the accusative appear following the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to fill) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� this masculine nominative participle is grammatically incorrect: it should be neuter and accusative to agree with ��. The TR and the Majority Text solve the problem with ��, but the harder reading is still preferred. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� the circumflex accent mark indicates that the word is in the feminine plural, from ! ��. The masculine is ��, from A ��. Ancient manuscripts were written without accent marks, so that the word could be read as either masculine or feminine. A variant reading �� (fornications) tries to resolve the ambiguity. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 b. The Angel s Explanation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 17:7 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 7. And the angel said to me, Why are you astounded? I will tell you the secret of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.19|AUTODETECT|” As Daniel is perplexed at the implications of Nebuchadnezzar s dream 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=27.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), so John is astounded by the great prostitute called Babylon.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� He needs someone to explain what he has observed, so that he can grasp the meaning of the woman and the beast. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The angel had invited John to see the woman on the beast and now because of John s bewilderment becomes his interpreter. He asks the rhetorical question of why he is astounded. This question is not so much a word of rebuke as a desire to help clarify the mystery of the spectacle John has observed. Looking momentarily at the bloodshed that the woman caused, John fails to see the total picture. Therefore, angelic aid is called for to clarify the mystery of the woman and the beast, and to interpret the significance of the seven heads and the ten horns (v. 3). ) John should not be alarmed by the seductive appearance of the woman but rather he should understand the blasphemous power of the beast that wants to be like God. And he must see the punishment the woman and the beast will receive.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 8. The beast which you saw was and is not and is about to go up from the Abyss and go to his destruction. And the inhabitants of the earth will be astonished, they whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the earth. They see the beast that was and is not and will come. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a. The beast which you saw was and is not and is about to go up from the Abyss and go to his destruction. We would have expected the angel to say something about the woman first and then discuss the beast. But the beast is more important than the woman, even if she sits on his back. Satan, alias the dragon, gave him his power, throne, and authority (12:9; 13:2). This is the beast that was mortally wounded, but whose wound was healed and he lived (13:3, 12, 14). ) The beast strives to be like God, who is, and who was, and who is to come (1:4, 8; 4:8; and see 11:17; 16:5).

This expression can be applied to both God and Christ. The beast is similarly described as the one that once was, and is not, and is about to go up from the Abyss and go to his destruction. He is the one who was and is not and will come (compare v. 11). Once again we see a satanic parody: the Antichrist trying to take the place of Christ.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.5-42.4.7|AUTODETECT|” The beast controlled the nations and kingdoms of the world. God had chosen Israel as his own people out of all the nations, while Satan ruled all the others. The devil tempted Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he would worship him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.5-42.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:5 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ), but Jesus refused. When the Lord was about to ascend to heaven, he uttered his enthronement speech by saving, All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With these words he indicated that Satan had lost the battle and that Jesus rules supreme. In this battle, one of the beast s heads was fatally wounded, but it had healed (13:3, 12, 14).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26” 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” �� After Pentecost, the unstoppable gospel of Christ went forth from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This gospel is proclaimed in every nation, and Satan is unable to restrain it. Until Pentecost, the beast as Satan s representative had power over the nations, Israel excepted, but now his authority belongs to the past. This does not mean that Satan is powerless. On the contrary, he is the roaring lion who seeks to devour anyone in his path 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” 1 Pet. 5:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The beast today ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 is not) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” . What is the meaning of this enigmatic expression? God revealed himself as the I Amos 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.58|AUTODETECT|” ) who is without beginning and without end. But Satan is a creature with a beginning whose end is perdition. He can never be the I Amos 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.58|AUTODETECT|” John 8:58) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ), even though his stated goal is to occupy God s place 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 2 Thess. 2:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7|AUTODETECT|” This beast is about to come up from the Abyss and go to his destruction 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The home of Satan is the Abyss as the exact opposite of heaven, which is the place where God dwells. The one who comes up out of the Abyss is the Antichrist, who receives authority from Satan and brings his evil acts to a climax just before the consummation. Satan is always in the background, while the beast is working for him. The Antichrist comes up from Satan s residence with the express purpose of destroying everyone and everything that promotes the cause of Christ. Ironically in the process of destroying others he himself walks the path of self-destruction (see commentary on 19:20 and 20:10).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27” 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� While Christ grants his followers life eternal, Satan confers death and destruction on his captives. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. And the inhabitants of the earth will be astonished, they whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the earth. First, the phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the inhabitants of the earth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 points to unbelievers (see v. 2). Next, there is a close correlation with 13:3b, where the world is worshiping the beast. After receiving a fatal blow to one of his heads, the beast recovers and receives the adulation of the entire world. He appears to be the invincible force that exerts an anti-Christian influence in every segment and sector of human life. The invincibility would be terrifying were it not for the words of comfort given to those whose names are written in the book of life before creation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28” 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. They see the beast that was and is not and will come. The saints whose names are recorded in God s book are secure. Despite the havoc the beast wreaks, and notwithstanding the adoration the world showers on the beast, God s people are safe and free from fear. Their eternal destiny is established. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 9. Here is the mind that has understanding. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10. And they are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, another has not yet come. And when he comes, it is necessary that he remain for a little while. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Here is the mind that has understanding. This first clause parallels an earlier statement, Here is wisdom. Let anyone who has a mind calculate the number of the beast (13:18). Applied wisdom is not a study of history, politics, and geography to clarify which king was in power, under what circumstances, and where he ruled. Instead John s Apocalypse must be understood theologically, for the writer depicts a reality that comprises all rulers and their times.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The symbolism that characterizes the entire book is also pertinent here. In this chapter notice where the woman sits: on many waters (vv. 1, 15), the beast (v. 3), and seven hills (v. 9). All three places are to be understood symbolically. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. Some commentators see in this clause a reference to Rome, which is situated on seven hills. Marcus Terentius Varro, writing in the second century before Christ, seems to have been the first to use the expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Septimontium) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (the Seven Hills) to refer to Rome; in later years many authors followed him. Aune observes: The traditional Seven Hills are listed on an inscription from Corinth on the base of a statue erected during the first half of the second century a.d., probably depicting Dea Roma [the goddess personifying Rome] seated or standing on the Seven Hills of Rome. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30” 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� There is no doubt that John could identify the seven hills with Rome, but the question should be asked why he would want to switch from a figurative to a literal meaning. All along, the idiom ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 seven heads) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in Revelation has been interpreted symbolically (commentary on v. 3; 12:3; 13:1). In other words there is good reason to believe that the angel is speaking metaphorically and biblically. The parallelism is significant: seven heads are seven hills. If the one is understood symbolically, so is the other. The Old Testament indicates that mountains may symbolize political power, as is evident in these passages: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.2.2|AUTODETECT|” " In the last days the mountain of the Lord s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 2:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.25|AUTODETECT|” " I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who destroy the whole earth, declares the Lord 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.25|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 51:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|” " But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 2:35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Therefore, the symbolism of the seven hills points to world powers that have their place in history.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31” 28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The woman sits not on literal hills but positions herself above world empires to direct them against God s kingdom. Throughout the ages, she has been trying to overthrow the city of God but has failed to conquer it. ) 7 14 3 8 0 0 c. And they are seven kings: five have fallen, one is, another has not yet come. John is more specific because he counts five kings that belong to the past, one to the present, and the last one to the future. Many interpreters apply this sentence to Roman emperors but have difficulty agreeing on the sequence of rulers. These are the Roman emperors, ranging from Julius Caesar to Domitian: ) 1. Julius Caesar (49 44 b.c.) ) 2.

Augustus (27 b.c. a.d. 14) ) 3. Tiberius (14 37) ) 4. Gaius Caligula (37 41) ) 5. Claudius (41 54) ) 6. Nero (54 68) ) 7. Galba (June 68 January 69) ) 8.

Otho (January April 69) ) 9. Vitellius (April December 69) ) 10. Vespasian (69 79) ) 11. Titus (79 81) ) 12. Domitian (81 96) ) A number of questions arise. Where do we begin counting and where do we end?

Do we begin with Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, or Galba? Are Galba, Otho, and Vitellius excluded because of their brief reigns? Do we omit the name of Julius Caesar since he is not part of New Testament history? If we adopt a late date for Revelation, is Domitian the sixth, the seventh, or the eighth emperor? Should we begin with Domitian and start counting backward? Scholars have tried to answer all these questions, but the numerous calculations they collectively present make it impossible to arrive at even a semblance of unanimity.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32” 29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John writes Five have fallen, but apparently he is not thinking of kings who died but rather of empires that came to an end and perished.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the Apocalypse, whenever saints fall, they fall in worship on their faces; but when the verb ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 to fall) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 alludes to unbelievers, it means to perish. For instance, there is the call, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great (14:8; 18:2). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.17|AUTODETECT|” From ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.17|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 23 we know that kings represent their kingdoms, and that of the two, kingdoms are greater than kings. The Aramaic text of verse 17 in translation reads, As for these four great beasts, four kings will arise out of the earth -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34” NRSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but it is translated in the Septuagint as kingdoms in harmony with verse 23 -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35” NCV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIV, ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36” NLT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37” REB) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.10.8-1.10.12|AUTODETECT|” ). While empires that raise their head against God are overthrown, God s kingdom remains forever. The five empires that have perished are, in succession, ancient Babylonia 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.10.8-1.10.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 10:8 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Assyria, Neo-Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greco-Macedonia; Rome is number six, as the one that ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 is) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 during John s lifetime.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38” 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And then there is another, the seventh one, that has not yet come. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. And when he comes, it is necessary that he remain for a little while. How are we to interpret the seventh one? If this kingdom points to the rule of the Antichrist before the end, then we face a void of almost two millennia during which many empires have come and vanished. Even though this is true, the focus is on the apocalyptic expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a little while) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which in Revelation takes on a meaning of its own. For instance, cast out of heaven, Satan knows that his time is short (12:12). This short time ought not to be taken literally but symbolically, much the same as the references to 1,260 days, forty-two months, and three and half years are understood figuratively (11:2 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5). Hence, the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 a little while) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is not a chronological period but functions within a comprehensive span of time. That is, the seventh kingdom may be seen as the collective title for all antichristian governments between the fall of Rome and the final empire of antichrist that is going to oppress the Church in the days just preceding Christ s second coming. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39” 32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 it is necessary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 denote that God is fully in control during this little season of the seventh kingdom. God rules supreme so that the Antichrist can only do his work in the time that is allotted to him. Here indeed is comfort for the saints on earth as they go through tribulation and distress. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is an eighth and is of the seven, and he goes to his destruction. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The text appears to present a cryptic and enigmatic message, but the similarity of wording in the preceding context greatly facilitates the interpretation of this verse. Note the words ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 beast, is not, of the seven, the eighth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 destruction) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . John speaks of the beast that was and is not and is about to go up from the Abyss and go to his destruction (v. 8; see the commentary). This beast is not one of the seven kings/kingdoms (v. 10) but personifies the totality of evil in them; therefore, he is far greater than any one individual. In short, he is absolutely depraved and works in and through each of the seven empires as an eighth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 was, and is not, and goes) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” with variations occurs three times in this chapter (vv. 8a, 8b, 11) and is a clear imitation of God, who was, and is, and is to come (1:4, 8; 4:8). The beast, however, has a beginning and an end; and thus as a creature is limited by time and space. He is the personification of the Antichrist 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 2 Thess. 2:3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), who rises from the Abyss and is on his way to destruction. Nevertheless, the beast is described as the one who is not now, so that the two terms ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 was) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 is not) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 are identical in meaning. And if he is no longer relevant, why then even mention him as an eighth king? What is the significance of this verse? ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Satan, represented by the beast (13:2), lost the battle against Christ at the cross and the empty tomb. When Christ ascended to heaven, he proclaimed victory over the evil angels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.19|AUTODETECT|” 1 Pet. 3:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The wound on one of the beast s heads was fatal (13:3, 12, 14), but this is not to say that his existence has ended. Far from it, for although he has lost the battle against Christ, the war itself is not over yet. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Many scholars interpret the phrase he is an eighth and is of the seven to refer to Domitian, who as a second Nero reintroduced persecuting the Christians.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40” 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Some translations -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn41” Cassirer) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn42” GNB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref43 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn43” NASB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref44 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn44” NJB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , REB) even read, he is one of the seven in support of the view that Nero returned as a persecutor of the church. But the Greek text literally says, and he is of the seven, in the sense of similarity. George E. Ladd offers a unique insight by writing that the eighth is like the seven in that it succeeds them in world domination; but it stands apart in that it ascends from the abyss as the full satanic embodiment of the beast. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref45 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn45” 34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 I conclude that this verse must be interpreted in the light of the preceding context where John mentions the beast that will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction (v. 8). The beast, then, is not one of the seven rulers but is the concentration of all that is evil. And he with the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, where they meet their own destruction (19:20). He is the Antichrist who is destroyed by the victorious Christ. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 17:8 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� the genitive plural is explained either as taking its case from the preceding relative pronoun g� or as being a genitive absolute with the pronoun �P�� mentally supplied. ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �P�� a variant reading is �W��, but both are grammatically incorrect because as masculine singulars they depend on the neuter singular �x �� (the beast). ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 c. The Sovereignty of the Lamb) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 17:12 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 12. And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom. But they will receive authority with the beast as kings for one hour.13. These have one purpose and they give their power and authority to the beast. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 John calls the attention of his readers to the picture of the beast with seven heads and ten horns (vv. 3, 7; see 12:3; 13:1). The number ten is a figurative number that in the Apocalypse always relates to Satan, his servants, and his activities. Thus, the number ten refers to ) " ten days of persecution instigated by the devil (2:10); ) " the dragon with ten horns (12:3); ) " the beast coming out of the sea with ten horns and ten crowns (13:1); ) " and the scarlet beast with ten horns (17:3, 7, 12, 16). ) These ten horns are ten kings in the service of the evil one; they are united in purpose to do the bidding of the beast, that is, the Antichrist. The text precludes identifying ten kings with subordinate rulers in the Roman empire or with Parthian governors, because these kings had not yet received a kingdom. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” The source for the description of the ten horns and the ten kings comes from the visions of Daniel, who depicts a beast with ten horns symbolic of his comprehensive power. Daniel explains that the ten horns are ten kings that will come from the beast s kingdom. The setting of this prophetic passage is one in which the power of an evil beast is directed against God. But God takes away his power and destroys the beast forever 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Therefore, in a similar vein John writes that these ten kings will receive authority with the beast for one hour. They receive their authority not from the beast but from God, even though these kings are allied with the beast, who is the Antichrist. As Paul says, There is no authority except that which God has established 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). All along in Revelation, God gives power to Satan and his assistants and allows them to work out their evil designs within the limits that God has set. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The power these kings use against Christ lasts but for a brief period of time. The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 one hour) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 should not be understood literally as sixty minutes, for here as in other places in the Apocalypse chronological time is not the issue. Rather, time is a principle that in this text merely means brevity. We are not told when these kings will receive their power, but the repeated use of the term ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 one hour) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the next chapter (18:10, 17, 19) suggests that the destructive forces will create havoc in the last days. ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 We do well not to predict who these kings will be and where they will rule, for the text itself is silent on this point. John presents a picture of the combined anti-Christian forces that in the future will be directed against the Lamb. When and where the battle eventually takes place is of no concern to him. He paints the general picture and omits the details. ) John adds that the kings will be of one mind and purpose. They readily make themselves and their influence available to the Antichrist. That is, on their own accord they give their power to the beast to oppose Christ and his kingdom.

They exert their opposition in all the segments and sectors of life: government, politics, law enforcement, communication, industry, business, education, legal and medical service, labor, art, sports, and entertainment. ) The Antichrist will control all of life through the leaders of the world who willingly and purposefully place themselves and their people at his command. The world itself becomes one global force at the command of the Antichrist. He uses both knowledge and power in his final battle against Christ and his people in his attempt to overthrow them. Incidentally, his effort to make war against the Lord and the saints has been mentioned earlier (11:7; 13:4, 7). But here the reference is to the deciding battle in the last days (see 19:19). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 14. These will make war against the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they who are with him are the called, and the elect, and the faithful ones. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.21|AUTODETECT|” a. These will make war against the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them. First, this sentence is an echo of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , This horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them. But there is a difference. The horn in Daniel s prophecy is a symbol of the kings who combat the Lord to defeat the saints, while in Revelation the Lord defeats the kings. Next, the sentence consists of two clauses placed in a chiastic configuration for emphasis: ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 these) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 will make war against ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 the Lamb) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 the Lamb) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 will overcome ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 them) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 This is the language of assurance, for Christ having triumphed over Satan by his death and resurrection is the victor. When the forces led by the Antichrist go to war against the Lamb, they are doomed to a crushing defeat. The future tense of this verse is not merely a prophecy but also a guarantee of what is going to happen. ) Some commentators are of the opinion that verse 14 is out of place because it has been taken from the battle scene recorded in 19:11 21.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref46 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn46” 35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But the structure of chapter 17 with its description of the spiritual war in which the kings of the earth war against the Lamb allows for this verse. It serves as a preliminary remark to the detailed account of the rider on the white horse going to battle against his enemies. If such a preliminary remark is out of place, then not only this chapter of the Apocalypse but the entire New Testament must be rewritten.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref47 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn47” 36) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.17|AUTODETECT|” b. For he is Lord of lords and King of kings. John uses Old Testament language that exalts the Lord God Almighty as the one and only God and King 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.17|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 10:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.3|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 136:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.47|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 2:47) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref48 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn48” 37) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The qualifiers ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 of lords) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 of kings) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.15|AUTODETECT|” serve to express the superlative idea. Paul describes God in similar language: God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord or lords 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.15|AUTODETECT|” 1 Tim. 6:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But here the title is applied to the Lamb. The name ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 King of kings) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 denotes sovereignty and authority; the name ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord of lords) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 signifies majesty and power. Every ruler, all nations, and all people are subject to him; and anyone belonging to either the angelic world or humanity who determines to fight him faces a losing battle and utter ruin. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” c. And they who are with him are the called, and the elect, and the faithful ones. Now John mentions the saints who are the Lord s followers. They have been called with an effective internal call that resulted in their salvation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ). God has chosen them from before the creation of the world 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and thus as the elect they belong to him. The act of choosing his people precedes that of calling them, but here the point is that God bases calling on election. God also expects that they show him gratitude for his electing grace. Thus, they trust him by accepting his Word in faith, and they show they love him by faithfully obeying his precepts. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 One last remark on this verse. The phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 they who are with him) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates that the saints are in the presence of the Lord. We know that because the Lord is victorious, they share in his victory. They are the overcomers who receive his blessings and will inherit all things (see, e.g., 15:2; 21:7). ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 d. God s Purpose) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 9 1 3 8 0 0 17:15 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 15. And the angel said to me, The waters that you saw on which the prostitute sat, they are the peoples, crowds, nations, and languages. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 After instructing John for many verses (vv. 1, 7 14), the angel now addresses him with additional clarification. Note that John is not asking the angel to clarify the vision of the prostitute sitting on many waters (v. 1). On his own accord the angel interprets the vision and its meaning for John. He is not explaining the woman seated on the scarlet beast or on the seven hills, for there are additional pictures of the same prostitute. ) The ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 waters) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 are representative of the human race that is under her sway. Some scholars define the multitudes to be those subjugated by Rome, but this view is too narrow. We do well to explain the waters as those masses of the world that are swayed by anti-Christian forces. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 This picture of the waters presented and interpreted by the angel can only be understood as a symbol. Similarly, the number four in the four categories of peoples, crowds, nations, and languages points to the world. Throughout the Apocalypse, categories of four referring to God s creation are numerous (e.g., peals of thunder and rumblings and flashes of lightning and an earthquake [8:5; see also 16:18]). Thus, the use of the fourfold phrase ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 peoples, crowds, nations, and languages) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is not restricted to one particular era but refers to all the nations of the world. In the symbolic world of Revelation, there could hardly be a more emphatic indication of universalism. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref49 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn49” 38) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Last, the Old Testament provides numerous places where the waters symbolize the peoples of this world. The prophets use this metaphor repeatedly 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 8:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.23.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.23.11|AUTODETECT|” 23:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.47.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.47.2|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 47:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.51.13|AUTODETECT|” 51:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 16. And the ten horns that you saw and the beast, these will hate the prostitute; and they will make her desolate and naked; and they will eat her flesh and will burn her with fire. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What a contrast between the woman resplendent in glory who is the bride of the Lamb (19:7 8) and the woman who is the prostitute, unmarried, vile, destitute, attacked, and forsaken. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.23-41.3.24|AUTODETECT|” When we read this verse, the words of Jesus immediately come to mind. How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.3.23-41.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Mark 3:23 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The ten kings, that is, the rulers of this world, and the beast oppose God s kingdom but turn on themselves to hasten their own destruction. These kings and the beast are governed by the evil one and lack the virtues of love and respect. They are filled with hatred, and instead of being subject to the woman, they flout her authority and turn against her. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.39|AUTODETECT|” John echoes phrases and words from the prophets of the Old Testament who prophesy about Samaria and Jerusalem, that is, Israel and Judah. The Assyrians came and expressed their hatred, stripped them naked, brought them to shame, and left them desolate 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.16.39|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 16:39) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.23.29|AUTODETECT|” 23:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.26.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.26.19|AUTODETECT|” 26:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.5-28.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.5-28.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:5 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God took everything away from the people of Israel and Judah by sending them into exile. In fact, Ezekiel prophesied that the Assyrians and Babylonians would cut off the noses and ears of their captives and would consume by fire those who were left (23:25; 28:18). Even though God used foreign forces to accomplish the exile, the evil within Israel and Judah was the ultimate cause of their destruction. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Does John have in mind the destruction of Rome whereby subordinate vassals rise up against her? Hardly, for the imperial city never entirely fulfilled the words in this verse. The splendor of Rome diminished in the course of time, and the empire came to an end in 476, but the city itself remained intact. On a broader scale, the text applies to nations pursuing economic and political goals to the detriment of others. When wealth and riches accumulate, a sudden downturn causes these nations to collapse. Likewise individuals who are enamored by fortune follow the ways of the world. When they realize that earthly possessions lose their glamour, they are unable to extricate themselves and inevitably face ultimate destruction 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.9|AUTODETECT|” 1 Tim. 6:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 17. For God has placed in their hearts to do his purpose, to be of one accord, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God will be fulfilled. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.5-23.10.11|AUTODETECT|” All the evil and deceit we observe around us should not dissuade us from the premise that God is in full control of everything. God is sovereign and nothing happens without his will. Indeed, without their knowledge he works in the hearts and minds of earthly rulers and makes them do his bidding. He uses them as instruments in his hands, so that their hatred toward the prostitute is his design 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.5-23.10.11|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:5 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.34.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.34.22|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 34:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 placed in their hearts) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a Semitic idiom found in the Old Testament and signifies divine guidance.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref50 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn50” 39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 5 3 8 0 0 God has three intentions, which are that the ten horns should ) " do his purpose ) " be of one accord ) " give their kingdom to the beast ) Some commentators place the second one in brackets to indicate redundancy. But this is not necessary; there is a distinction between the first and the second objective. The first one is an objective assignment to perform God s will, while the second is a subjective intention to do his will in unity and harmony. These kings together with the beast are determined to destroy the woman who has dominated them. So all along God s purposes are fulfilled. To underscore the combined intent of the kings to be of one accord, they hand over their kingdom to the beast.

The reason for this united front is to accomplish God s purpose according to his words. The words of God are his revealed will that must be done at his command. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.6|AUTODETECT|” How can a sovereign God work out his plan through the evil designs of worldly powers? This is no conflict of interest, so to speak. Rather we acknowledge that God allows evil to happen, but he uses it to further his own kingdom and to demonstrate his glory. Does disaster befall a city, unless the Lord has done it? 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Amos 3:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.24-23.14.27|AUTODETECT|” NRSV; see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.14.24-23.14.27|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 14:24 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.24.7-26.24.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.24.7-26.24.8|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 24:7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Everything is in God s hand and he accomplishes his plan and purpose. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 18. And the woman whom you saw is the great city which has a kingdom over the kings of the earth. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here is the last explanation of symbols in this chapter. The woman, who all along has occupied a central position by sitting on many waters, a scarlet beast, and seven hills, is now the same as the great city. There are two cities in the Apocalypse. One is the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from God (3:12; 21:2, 10; 22:2 3) and the other is the city of the world controlled by Satan and known as Babylon the Great (11:8; 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10). These two cities have their own citizens, their own rules and laws, and their own destinies. The one is a city of light, the other a city of darkness; the one is known because of its purity, the other because of its deceit. In the one, God and the Lamb dwell with their people; and in the other, Satan, the fallen angels, and their followers reside.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref51 8 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn51” 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The kingdom of Satan extends to the far reaches of the globe, and the rulers on earth pay him homage and submit to him. But those people with the name of the Father and of the Lamb written on their foreheads (14:1) are citizens of the kingdom of heaven. They will forever live with Christ in the new Jerusalem. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 17:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��v �� a number of manuscripts omit this phrase because of its similarity to the preceding phrase. But the inclusion of �� for emphasis suggests that the phrase is an idiom and has a legitimate place in the sentence. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult C. H. Dyer, The Identity of Babylon in Revelation 17 18, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 BibSac) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 144 (1987): 305 16, 433 49. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. Beauvery, L Apocalypse au risque de la numismatique: Babylone, la grande Prostitu�e et le sixi�me roi Vespasien et la d�esse Rome, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 RB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 90 (1983): 243 60; David E. Aune, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WBC 52C (Nashville: Nelson, 1998), pp. 920 28. See also Isbon T. Beckwith, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Apocalypse of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1919; reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), pp. 690 92, 711 12; Robert H. Mounce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , rev. ed., NICNT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), pp. 306 9; R. H. Charles, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ICC (Edinburgh: Clark, 1920), 2:54 61; Gerhard A. Krodel, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ACNT (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989), pp. 291 94. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Harry R. Boer 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979], p. 118) remarks: The beast constantly changes the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 form) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in which it manifests itself, but it never changes ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 itself) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 William Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), p. 168. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert L. Thomas 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22: An Exegetical Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.1|AUTODETECT|” [Chicago: Moody, 1995], p. 282) correctly observes that it is beyond dispute that this woman of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 17:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is the epitome of spiritual fornication or idolatry. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Interpretation of St. John s Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Columbus: Wartburg, 1943), p. 492. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The expression ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 inhabitants of the earth) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” appears frequently in the Apocalypse. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 6:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 8:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 11:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (twice); 13:8, 12, 14 (twice); 17:2, 8. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Alan F. Johnson, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , in ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Expositor s Bible Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 12:555. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A number of translations read in the spirit (KJV, NEB, NJB, NLT, NRSV), but the context affirms the meaning in the Spirit because of the intended antithesis. Refer to Richard Bauckham, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Climax of Prophecy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Edinburgh: Clark, 1993), p. 158; see Jean-Pierre Ruiz, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.17-66.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Ezekiel in the Apocalypse: The Transformation of Prophetic Language in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.17-66.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 16.17 19.10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 1989), pp. 300 303. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gregory K. Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), p. 850. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.28|AUTODETECT|” The dye for coloring wool or thread was made from an insect that attacks a species of an oak. The extracted hue, more crimson than scarlet, was expensive. The first mention of scarlet is in connection with the birth of Zerah 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.28|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 38:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Consult W. E. Shewell-Cooper, Scarlet, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ZPEB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 5:292. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Otto Michel, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:813 14. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Dorothy Irvin, Purple, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:1057; Robert North, Thyatira, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 4:846. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bruce K. Waltke, Abomination, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:13 14; Josef Zmijewski, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:209 10; Werner Foerster, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:598 600. Abominations are idolatrous practices. See Bauer, pp. 137 38. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.3|AUTODETECT|” 15 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 7:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.4|AUTODETECT|” 9:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.16|AUTODETECT|” 13:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.1|AUTODETECT|” 14:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” 20:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 22:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” KJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King James Version (Authorized Version) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 G�nther Bornkamm 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 4:824) observes, Since the power of the Antichrist possesses a ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mystrion) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , it enjoys present power. But this ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 mystrion) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 also indicates that its doom is sealed. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John Calvin judiciously observes, And certainly he who refuses to be a son of the Church in vain desires to have God as his Father. See his ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul to the Galatians and Ephesians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. William Pringle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), p. 141. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 P. Vassiliadis 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Martyria Isou) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 BibTrans) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 36 [1985]: 129 34) is of the opinion that the objective genitive holds sway, witness (unto death) to Jesus. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Henry Barclay Swete, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1911; reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), p. 218; Martin Kiddle, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1943), p. 344. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” TR ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Textus Receptus: The Greek New Testament according to the Majority Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beale 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.0|AUTODETECT|” , pp. 862 63) calls attention to similar wording in Daniel s prophecy and John s wording in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.0|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.47|AUTODETECT|” . They are: God of gods and King of kings, mystery, astounded, beast, and Babylon the Great 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.47|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 2:47) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.9|AUTODETECT|” 4:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , respectively). Similarities are evident, but they are not limited to chapter 4. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beckwith, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 697; and John P. M. Sweet, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WPC (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1979), p. 255. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauckham, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Climax of Prophecy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 431 32. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A customary interpretation is to refer to the ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Nero redivivus) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nero coming back to life) legend. Among others, see Adela Yarbro Collins, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Combat Myth in the Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , HDR 9 (Missoula: Scholars Press, 1976), pp. 175 90. See also her ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Wilmington: Glazier, 1979), p. 121. But if John had a legend in mind that was never fulfilled, the Apocalypse s trustworthiness would be questionable. See also my comments at 13:3a. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert W. Wall, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIBCNT (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1991), p. 207. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of Lenski, pp. 499 500; and Beale, p. 866. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 26 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Johnson 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.18|AUTODETECT|” , p. 557) observes, When this is seen to be the case, it is unnecessary to revert to source theories. Consult Gregory K. Beale, The Danielic Background for ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.18|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 13:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and 17:9, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 TynB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 31 (1980): 163 70. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Aune, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 945; see H. S. Robinson, A Monument of Roma at Corinth, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Hesperia) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 43 (1974): 470 84, plates 101 6; Mounce, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 315; Beckwith, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 698. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Colin Brown, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:1013; Abraham Kuyper, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. John Hendrik de Vries (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1935), pp. 217 18. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Aune 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 947 48) lists nine different ways of counting the Roman emperors. Beckwith 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 704 8) discusses this subject in detail. Josephine Massyngberde Ford 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , AB 38 [Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1975], p. 289) lists four constructions. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer (p. 660) lists the meanings as the five have perished, disappeared, passed from the scene. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” NRSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” NCV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Everyday Bible, New Century Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” NLT ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Living Translation ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” REB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised English Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 171; S. Greijdanus, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 De Openbaring des Heeren aan Johannes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , KNT (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1925), p. 349. Henry Alford 9 1 -1 9 0 0 James-Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 4, part 2, of ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Alford s Greek Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [1875; reprint, Grand Rapids: Guardian, 1976], p. 70) has the same sequence of kingdoms but calls ancient Babylonia Egypt and Assyria Nineveh; see William Milligan, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (New York: Armstrong and Son, 1893), p. 285; Thomas, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 297; John F. Walvoord, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of Jesus Christ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1966), pp. 253 54. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” 32 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hendriksen, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 171; Beale, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 875. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Among others are Aune, Beasley-Murray, D�sterdieck, Harrington, van Hartingsveld, Moffatt, Sch�ssler Fiorenza, Swete. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref41” Cassirer ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Heinz W. Cassirer, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 God s New Covenant: A New Testament Translation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref42” GNB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Good News Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn43 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref43” NASB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn44 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref44” NJB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Jerusalem Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn45 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref45” 34 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 George Eldon Ladd, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on the Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), p. 231. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn46 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref46” 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Charles 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:74, 429 30) has rearranged the verses of this chapter in the following sequence: vv. 12, 13, 17, 16, 14, 18. Aune 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 953) calls verse 14 an interpolation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn47 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref47” 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Beckwith, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 701. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn48 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref48” 37 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See also 2 Macc. 13:4; 3 Macc. 5:35; ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 9.4. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn49 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref49” 38 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauckham, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Climax of Prophecy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 326. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn50 8 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=15.7.27|AUTODETECT|” 39 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=15.7.27|AUTODETECT|” Ezra 7:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 2:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.7.5|AUTODETECT|” 7:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.1.0|AUTODETECT|”

7 1 -1 9 0 0 Esdras 8:25. See Aune, ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 959. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn51 8 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref51” 40 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentators present a diversity of opinions as to the identification of the great city. On the basis of 11:8 and 16:19, Ford understands it to be Jerusalem 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 292); Aune notes that it refers clearly to Rome 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 17 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 959); and Thomas writes that the only viable identification & is Babylon on the Euphrates 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 307). Yet the great city transcends geographic and historical boundaries. The meaning cannot be confined to Sodom or Egypt or Jerusalem or Rome or any future city. Instead, John describes the real trans-historical system of satanic evil that infuses them all 9 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 563). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 )

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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New Testament

MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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