Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

Study Bible

And the ten horns and the beast that you saw
The "ten horns" represent ten kings or kingdoms that align with the beast, a symbol of a powerful, oppressive empire or ruler. This imagery is consistent with Daniel 7:24, where ten horns also symbolize ten kings. The beast is often interpreted as a representation of a final world empire or a coalition of nations opposing God. The vision given to John in Revelation draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic imagery, emphasizing the continuity of God's revelation.

will hate the prostitute.
The "prostitute" symbolizes Babylon, representing a corrupt and idolatrous system or city that seduces and deceives the nations. In the historical context, Babylon was a literal city known for its wealth and immorality, but in Revelation, it takes on a symbolic meaning. The hatred of the prostitute by the ten horns and the beast indicates a turning point where the political powers that once supported this corrupt system will turn against it, fulfilling God's judgment.

They will leave her desolate and naked,
This phrase signifies complete abandonment and exposure. In ancient times, to be left desolate and naked was a sign of utter disgrace and defeat. The imagery suggests that the powers that once upheld the prostitute will strip her of her wealth and influence, leaving her vulnerable and humiliated. This reflects the biblical principle that sin ultimately leads to destruction and shame (Ezekiel 16:37-39).

and they will eat her flesh
This graphic imagery indicates total consumption and destruction. In biblical terms, to "eat flesh" can symbolize complete annihilation (Micah 3:3). The phrase underscores the thoroughness of the judgment against the prostitute, as those who once allied with her will now devour her, leaving nothing behind.

and burn her with fire.
Burning with fire is a common biblical metaphor for judgment and purification (Leviticus 20:14, 21:9). In the context of Revelation, it signifies the final and irrevocable destruction of the corrupt system represented by the prostitute. Fire is often used in Scripture to depict God's holy judgment, purging evil and purifying what remains (Malachi 3:2-3). This act fulfills the divine justice against the forces of wickedness, aligning with the prophetic declarations of God's ultimate victory over evil.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Ten Horns
Symbolic of ten kings or kingdoms that align with the beast. They represent political powers that will rise in the end times.

2. The Beast
Represents a powerful, evil entity or empire that opposes God and His people. Often associated with the Antichrist in eschatological interpretations.

3. The Prostitute
Symbolizes Babylon, often interpreted as a representation of a corrupt system or city that leads people away from God through immorality and idolatry.

4. Desolation and Nakedness
These terms describe the complete ruin and exposure of the prostitute, indicating judgment and shame.

5. Fire
A symbol of judgment and destruction, often used in the Bible to depict God's wrath against sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Spiritual Adultery
Just as the prostitute faces judgment, so too will any system or individual that turns away from God to pursue idolatry and immorality.

The Temporary Nature of Evil Alliances
The alliance between the ten horns and the beast with the prostitute is temporary, illustrating that evil alliances are unstable and ultimately self-destructive.

God's Sovereign Judgment
The destruction of the prostitute by the very powers she relied on demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to use even evil for His purposes.

Call to Spiritual Purity
Believers are called to remain faithful to God, avoiding the temptations and corruptions of the world symbolized by Babylon.

Hope in God's Justice
The eventual downfall of evil systems provides hope and assurance that God's justice will prevail.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the ten horns and the beast reflect the nature of political power in opposition to God, and what can we learn about the dangers of aligning with such powers?

2. In what ways does the imagery of the prostitute challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual compromise or idolatry?

3. How does the destruction of the prostitute by her former allies illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping, and how can this principle be applied in our daily lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment of Babylon in Revelation and the historical judgments of cities or nations in the Old Testament?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice and the fall of evil systems encourage us in our current struggles and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts and the ten horns provides a prophetic backdrop to Revelation 17, highlighting the rise of kingdoms opposed to God.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of Babylon, providing further detail on the judgment and destruction of the corrupt system symbolized by the prostitute.

Ezekiel 16
Offers a parallel in the depiction of Jerusalem as an unfaithful woman, illustrating God's judgment on spiritual adultery.

Jeremiah 50-51
Prophecies against Babylon, foretelling its destruction and serving as a historical and prophetic parallel to Revelation 17.