How does Revelation 17:18 describe the "woman" and her influence over the earth? The Woman Identified Revelation 17:18: “And the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” What We Learn from the Verse • The woman is not merely symbolic; she is explicitly called “the great city.” • Her sphere of control is comprehensive—she “rules over the kings of the earth,” indicating worldwide sway. A Literal Great City • Prophecy consistently points to a real, end-times metropolis—Babylon—destined to rise again (Isaiah 13:19; Jeremiah 51:24–26). • Revelation 18 describes her physical riches, merchants, and shipping lanes, underscoring a tangible, geographic center rather than a vague idea. Her Global Reach • Political dominance: “rules over” implies direct authority and influence over governments (Revelation 17:12–13). • Economic control: nations grow rich through her trade (Revelation 18:3). • Cultural allure: kings and peoples alike are intoxicated by her luxuries and immorality (Revelation 17:2; 18:9). • Spiritual corruption: she is “the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17:5), exporting idolatry worldwide. Supporting Passages • Revelation 14:8—Babylon makes “all nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality.” • Revelation 18:10, 16, 19—kings, merchants, and sailors lament her judgment, proving their prior dependence on her wealth. • Jeremiah 51:7—“Babylon was a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, making all the earth drunk.” Her Ultimate Fate • Her reign is temporary; sudden destruction comes from God (Revelation 18:8). • The very kings once controlled by her turn against her at God’s prompting (Revelation 17:16-17). • Heaven rejoices over her downfall, affirming divine justice (Revelation 18:20). Living in Light of Her Influence • Earthly systems that seem invincible are fleeting; God alone reigns forever (Psalm 46:6-10). • Believers are urged, “Come out of her, My people” (Revelation 18:4), separating from worldly compromise. • The contrast sharpens our hope for the New Jerusalem, the true eternal city prepared by God (Revelation 21:2). |
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