This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. This calls for a mind with wisdom.This phrase emphasizes the need for discernment and spiritual insight to understand the symbolic language used in Revelation. Wisdom in biblical terms often refers to a God-given ability to perceive spiritual truths ( James 1:5). The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature, rich in symbolism and requiring divine insight to interpret its meanings accurately. This call for wisdom echoes the need for understanding in other parts of Scripture, such as Proverbs 4:7, where wisdom is paramount. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
The "seven heads" symbolize seven mountains, which many scholars and theologians associate with the city of Rome, historically known as the city on seven hills. This geographical reference would have been familiar to the original audience of Revelation, as Rome was the center of power and persecution against Christians at the time. The "woman" is often interpreted as representing a corrupt system or city, possibly symbolizing the Roman Empire or a future manifestation of worldly power opposed to God. The imagery of mountains can also be seen in other biblical contexts as symbols of strength and stability (Psalm 125:2), but here they are linked to a worldly power that is ultimately transient and opposed to God's eternal kingdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. The WomanSymbolic of a great city or entity that holds significant power and influence. In the context of Revelation, she is often associated with Babylon, representing a system of worldly corruption and opposition to God. 2. The Seven HeadsThese are symbolic representations, often interpreted as seven hills or mountains, which have been historically associated with the city of Rome. They can also represent seven kingdoms or powers. 3. The Seven MountainsThese are often interpreted as the seven hills of Rome, but they can also symbolize completeness or fullness of worldly power and authority. 4. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive regime or leader that works against God's purposes. 5. John the ApostleThe author of Revelation, who receives this vision and conveys it to the early Christian churches. Teaching Points Wisdom and DiscernmentBelievers are called to seek wisdom and discernment to understand the spiritual realities behind worldly powers and influences. Symbolism of MountainsThe seven mountains can represent the pervasive influence of worldly systems. Christians should be aware of how these systems can impact their faith and witness. The Role of the ChurchThe church is called to stand firm against the corrupting influences of worldly powers, maintaining faithfulness to Christ. God's SovereigntyDespite the apparent power of worldly systems, God remains sovereign and will ultimately judge and overthrow all opposition. Living in ExpectationChristians are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that current worldly powers are temporary and will be replaced by God's eternal kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we apply the call for wisdom in Revelation 17:9 to our daily lives, especially in discerning truth from deception? 2. In what ways do the "seven mountains" challenge us to examine the influences of worldly systems in our own lives? 3. How does the imagery of the woman and the beast in Revelation 17 help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare? 4. What parallels can we draw between the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 51 and the symbolic Babylon in Revelation, and how does this encourage us in our faith? 5. How can the church today remain faithful and distinct in a world that often mirrors the corrupt systems described in Revelation 17? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, where beasts represent kingdoms or empires that oppose God. Revelation 13The beast from the sea in Revelation 13 shares characteristics with the beast in Revelation 17, emphasizing the theme of opposition to God and persecution of His people. Jeremiah 51The fall of Babylon in Jeremiah serves as a precursor to the symbolic fall of Babylon in Revelation, representing God's judgment on corrupt systems. People JohnPlaces Babylon, PatmosTopics Calls, Exercise, Heads, Hills, Mind, Mountains, Scope, Seated, Seven, Sit, Sits, Sitteth, Whereon, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 17:9 5038 mind, the human
8365 wisdom, human Revelation 17:1-18 4125 Satan, agents of Revelation 17:7-9 5935 riddles Revelation 17:7-13 4627 creatures Revelation 17:7-14 4609 beast, the
9115 antichrist, the Library The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's ReturnThe vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Links Revelation 17:9 NIVRevelation 17:9 NLTRevelation 17:9 ESVRevelation 17:9 NASBRevelation 17:9 KJV
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