The Vision of Babylon: A Sordid Tale of Spiritual Harlotry

Revelation 17 serves as a vivid reminder that the allure of worldly pleasures and alliances are fleeting, ultimately leading to devastation. It reinforces the invincibility of the Lamb, who, despite the powers rallied against Him, emerges victorious. As believers, this passage encourages us to stay faithful to the Lamb, knowing that He is the ultimate authority over all kings and kingdoms.

The Vision of the Prostitute (Revelation 17:1-6)

An angel invites John to witness the judgment of the "great prostitute" who sits by many waters, a symbol for peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. This figure has committed adultery with the kings of the earth, illustrating spiritual unfaithfulness. Drunk on the blood of the saints, the woman sits on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names.

Mystery Explained: The Beast and the Prostitute (Revelation 17:7-18)

The angel elucidates the mystery of the woman and the beast, presenting the beast as a representation of a once powerful, yet doomed, entity. The seven heads symbolize seven hills, on which the woman sits, and also seven kings. Five kings have fallen, one is, and one is yet to come. The ten horns represent ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will gain authority with the beast for a short period. United, they wage war against the Lamb, but they are defeated for the Lamb is Lord of lords and King of kings. The waters symbolize peoples and nations under the prostitute’s influence. The beast and the ten horns will turn on the prostitute, strip, and devour her, fulfilling God's purpose to place their power under the beast's control until God's words are fulfilled. The woman is identified as the great city that rules over the kings of the earth, a symbol often associated with Rome.

Revelation 17, one of the more intensely symbolic chapters of the Book of Revelation, presents John’s vision of a great prostitute, known as Babylon, who commits spiritual adultery with the kings of the earth. Accompanied by an angel, John also witnesses a mysterious beast with seven heads and ten horns. The chapter is a striking picture of the corruption and seduction of worldly alliances and a prophetic foretelling of divine judgment.

Symbolic Imagery
Judgment of the Harlot
Religious Apostasy
Worldly Alliances
Prophecy and FulfillmentThe Great Prostitute
The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns
The Mystery of Babylon
The Destruction of BabylonJohn the Apostle
Angel
The Great Prostitute (Babylon)
The Beast
Kings of the EarthWilderness
Many Waters (peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues)

1. What does the prostitute represent in today's context? How do you see the spirit of Babylon in the world today?

2. How can you apply the lessons from the beast's alliance with the kings to the relationships and alliances you form in your own life?

3. Why is the prostitute described as being adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls? What could this represent?

4. How does the judgment of the prostitute reflect God's justice? How does this imagery resonate with you?

5. What does the description of the beast as one who “once was, now is not, and yet will come” tell us about the deceptive nature of evil?

6. The kings wage war against the Lamb but are defeated. How does this encourage you in the face of adversity?

7. How does the imagery of the prostitute "drunk with the blood of God’s holy people" inspire you to persevere in your faith amidst persecution?

8. In what ways does our society "trade" with the great prostitute, engaging in spiritual infidelity?

9. Why do you think the beast and the ten kings turn against the prostitute? What does this reveal about the nature of worldly alliances?

10. How does the understanding of the prostitute as the "great city" resonate with the modern concept of worldly and secular influences?

11. What are some actions you can take to resist the temptation of spiritual adultery in today's society?

12. How can Revelation 17 help you understand and respond to the current religious and political climate?

13. How does the final revelation of the woman as a city ruling over the kings of the earth affect your understanding of the pervasive influence of Babylon?

14. What does the fate of the prostitute teach you about the temporal nature of worldly pleasures and power?

15. How can the victory of the Lamb over the beast and his allies inspire courage and hope in your personal life?

16. In what ways do you see the spirit of the beast operating in the world today, and how can you counteract its influence?

17. How does God use the beast and the ten kings to fulfill His words and purposes, and what does this say about God's sovereignty?

18. What are some real-life situations where you've witnessed the false allure of the "great prostitute"?

19. How can you help others recognize and resist the temptations represented by the great prostitute?

20. Considering the ultimate victory of the Lamb, how can this influence your daily actions, decisions, and attitudes towards hardships?