Revelation #28: Revelation Chapter 17 The Fall of Religious Babylon

Revelation #28: Revelation Chapter 17 The Fall of Religious Babylon

Introduction

Revelation Chapter 17 deals with the fall of a religious and political system symbolized by “Babylon.” This chapter is part of a larger section that, together with Chapter 18, describes two aspects of Babylon’s downfall. Chapter 17 focuses on religious Babylon, often referred to as the “great prostitute,” while Chapter 18 addresses commercial Babylon, representing a global economic system. These chapters are challenging to interpret because many of the details will only become clear during the tribulation period. Nevertheless, understanding Babylon’s significance is crucial for interpreting this portion of the Bible.

What is Babylon?

Babylon in Scripture refers to both a physical city and a system of false religion and rebellion against God. Its origins date back to Genesis Chapter 10, where we see the foundation of Babel and the infamous Tower of Babel (Genesis 10:10). Babylon is not just a city but also a symbol, much like “Wall Street” refers to both a financial district and the broader global financial system. Babylon has always been associated with confusion, idolatry, and opposition to God’s purposes, making it a symbol of spiritual and moral degradation.

The Woman on the Beast (Revelation 17:1-6)

The chapter begins with a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. One of the seven angels tells John, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters” (Revelation 17:1). This woman represents a false religious system, a perverse, apostate form of spirituality that will flourish during the tribulation. She is called a prostitute because, unlike the true church, she is unfaithful to God. The “many waters” upon which she sits represent the peoples of the world, signifying her universal influence.

The kings of the earth and the inhabitants of the world are described as committing “immorality” with her, symbolizing their alliance with her corrupt religious practices. This partnership will seduce the world, and her influence will be global. The danger is particularly evident for the Church of Jesus Christ, which must avoid any such alliance with worldly political powers. When the church seeks political alliances, it is often the world that influences the church, not the other way around, leading to compromises that dilute the church’s message and purpose.

The Woman’s Appearance and Influence

Verses 3-6 provide a detailed description of the woman: she is adorned in purple and scarlet, symbolizing wealth and royalty, and she holds a golden cup filled with abominations. Her name, written on her forehead, is a mystery: “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth” (Revelation 17:5). She is described as being “drunk with the blood of the saints,” highlighting her role in the persecution of God’s people.

The beast upon which she sits has seven heads and ten horns. These represent political powers, further explained in the following verses. The scarlet beast is a symbol of the Antichrist, who will lead the world during the tribulation. For a time, the religious system (the woman) will dominate global politics, but her alliance with political powers is fragile and will not last.

Babylon Throughout History

Babylon has a long history in the Bible. It first appears in Genesis as the city founded by Nimrod. Later, it became the empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, who defied God in his pride (Daniel Chapter 3). Babylon was a center of false religion and idol worship, a legacy that continued even after the city was conquered by the Medes and Persians in 539 B.C. In Revelation, Babylon symbolizes all false religions, not just those of the past.

The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns (Revelation 17:7-14)

The angel explains the meaning of the beast’s seven heads and ten horns. The seven heads are seven mountains, which may refer to the city of Rome, traditionally known as the city of seven hills. Many scholars believe this points to a connection between Rome and the apostate church that will arise during the tribulation.

The ten horns represent ten kings who will rule for a brief time with the beast. These kings will unite to give their power to the Antichrist and make war against the Lamb (Jesus Christ), but their efforts will ultimately fail. Christ, the “Lord of lords and King of kings,” will overcome them, and those who are faithful to Him will share in His victory.

The Judgment of the Prostitute

Verses 16-18 reveal the eventual fate of the great prostitute. The ten kings and the beast will turn against her, stripping her of her power and wealth, and ultimately destroying her. Though she had once held significant influence over the world, her political allies will betray her. In doing so, they will unknowingly fulfill God’s plan, as He has placed His purpose in their hearts.

This demonstrates a crucial biblical principle: even when political powers seem to be in control, God remains sovereign. He can direct the course of history to accomplish His will, even through those who oppose Him. This serves as a reminder that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, God is always in control.

Conclusion

Revelation Chapter 17 highlights the spiritual danger of false religion and the allure of political power. The religious system symbolized by Babylon represents the ultimate form of apostasy, a global religion that will deceive many during the tribulation. Yet, its fall is inevitable, as God’s judgment is certain. The message for believers is clear: remain faithful to Christ, avoid compromising with the world, and trust in God’s sovereign plan.

As we approach the end times, we are reminded to stay spiritually vigilant and ready for the Lord’s return. Jesus’ words in Luke 21:34-36 serve as a fitting conclusion: “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer