What is the Great Prostitute on the Scarlet Beast?
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” (Revelation 17: 1-2)
As it relates to spiritual faithfulness, a “virgin” is someone who has remained faithful to God. A “prostitute” is someone who has been unfaithful to God by committing adultery with other gods. This term applies to both men and women – even though it uses a single feminine term.
The woman described in this scripture has not remained faithful to God. This indicates that at some point in the past, she knew God but she has turned away from God and has committed spiritual adultery with other gods.
In addition, she is able to effectively entice the rulers of the earth to join in her adulteries. The inhabitants of the earth will be under her intoxicating influence. This describes an insidious false religion that will be embraced by much of the world at the end of this age.
The Prostitute
3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17: 3)
The woman sits on a scarlet beast that is covered with blasphemous names. The beast has 7 heads and 10 horns. This beast fits the description of the Beast out of the Sea described in Revelation 13. Because she is sitting on the beast, it appears that she has some power over the beast.
4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. (Revelation 17: 4)
The woman is dressed in purple and scarlet. She glitters with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She holds a golden cup that is filled with abominations and the filth of her adulteries.
She is dressed in colors that represent royalty and power. She possesses and displays excessive wealth. She holds a cup that is filled with abominable things and she encourages the people to join in her adulteries.
Babylon the Great
5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery: “Babylon the Great, The Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.” (Revelation 17: 5)
15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.” (Revelation 17: 15)
18 The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17: 18)
The woman described in this scripture isn’t simply a person, she is an entity that is a mystery called “Babylon the Great.” She is “the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”
She is the mother of spiritual prostitutes and the abominations of the earth. From this great city, people are seduced into being unfaithful to Almighty God. It encourages people to participate in things that God considers to be abominable.
From a Biblical perspective, this woman once knew God and had a relationship with Him but eventually became unfaithful to Him. This appears to describe a Judaeo-Christian belief system that was once faithful to God but has become adulterated.
This spiritual prostitute has proliferated unfaithfulness by spawning various offshoot belief systems that are also unfaithful to God. This appears to describe doctrinal changes that have led people away from God. In particular: Jewish denominations that have strayed from the original teachings of the Torah, and Christian denominations that have strayed from the original teachings of the Holy Bible.
This spiritual prostitute is also referred to as the great city that wields power over people, multitudes, nations, and languages. It also has power over the beast because it is able to ride the beast. It is a geographical location but it probably is not the same geographical location as ancient Babylon.
Some people hypothesize that the USA is the great prostitute but the Holy Bible says that the geographical site is a “city” (not a huge country). Other people hypothesize that the city is Jerusalem but that does not fit with other prophecies about Jerusalem.
Because the Holy Bible is Jerusalem-centric, Mystery Babylon is likely to be a city that is geographically relevant to Jerusalem. Because the end times destruction of Mystery Babylon is witnessed by sea captains and sailors, it is likely to be a great city that is visible from the Mediterranean Sea. This could describe several possible locations (e.g. various islands or seaport cities on the continent) but there is one great city near the Mediterranean Sea that seems most likely: Vatican City.
Vatican City already exists a sovereign city-state. It was established for the purpose of dictating a world religion that was initially founded on Christianity. And it has a long history of “ruling over kings.”
The Catholic church considers itself to be the “mother” of all Christian churches. Historically, each pope makes his mark by changing the doctrine of the Catholic church. The current pope (Francis) promotes increasingly unbiblical doctrines, claims that all faiths worship the same God, and actively pursues the establishment of a universal religion. Therefore, Vatican City is the most likely candidate for the “great prostitute” called “Mystery Babylon.”
Drunk on Blood
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. (Revelation 17: 6)
This great city will become intoxicated from killing massive numbers of “God’s holy people, those who bore testimony to Jesus.” This clearly says that Christians will be martyred. This describes the Great Tribulation.
Although this may describe a newly established entity that wields religious power at a global level, it could very well be describing an existing city that was established centuries ago for a similar purpose. If so, its purpose would be modified to fit the global ideals of the end times.
Vatican City again appears to be an uncanny fit for this description. It was established for the purpose of wielding religious power on a global level. And it includes an extensive lineage of popes with a history of severely persecuting anyone who doesn’t embrace their version of Christianity (e.g. the Medieval Inquisition, the Episcopal Inquisition, the Papal Inquisition, the Spanish Inquisition, the Portuguese Inquisition, the Roman Inquisition, and the Crusades).
The Beast she Rides
7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17: 7)
8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. (Revelation 17: 8)
It “once was” and “yet will come.” This beast has been here before but was not able to fully accomplish its goal. The beast that will come up out of the Abyss and again be in existence will eventually be destroyed. Revelation 9 and 11 also describe something destructive being released out of the Abyss.
Although it may or may not use the same name as in ancient times, it will resemble a former beast. When the beast returns, the people whose names have not been written in the book of life will be astonished when they see the beast return.
It “now is not.” This beast did not exist at the time that this prophesy was given. The Roman Empire was in existence at the time. Therefore, the Roman Empire is not the beast that is described in this scripture.
9 “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. (Revelation 17: 9-10)
The 7 heads are 7 hills (nations / kingdoms) upon which the woman sits. They are also 7 kings of which: 5 have fallen, one is in existence, and one has not yet come. This prophecy appears to describe a specific geographical area which has been ruled by a succession of different kings.
Given the Jerusalem-centric theme of the Holy Bible, the reign of these powerful kings would have included the conquering of Jerusalem. They would also have a history of severely persecuting God’s holy people (Jews and/or Christians).
Based on the time in which the book of Revelation was written, the 7 kings/kingdoms would most likely be as follows:
- Five kingdoms had fallen: Egyptian Empire; Assyrian Empire; Babylonian Empire; Mede/Persian Empire; and Grecian Empire. The beast that “once was, now is not, and yet will come” appears to be a revival of one of these five kingdoms.
- One kingdom was in power at the time: (pagan) Roman Empire. This beast was in existence when the prophecy was given, therefore it does not appear to be the end times beast.
- One kingdom had not yet come: This refers to the end times divided kingdom (iron mixed with clay). The Islamic Ottoman Turkish Empire conquered the Eastern Roman Empire. The divided kingdom is most likely a combination of a revived Islamic Ottoman Empire and a revived Holy Roman Empire (e.g. the European Union).
The 8th King
11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. (Revelation 17: 11)
The beast who once was but did not exist at the time the prophesy was written, will return as an 8th king. This beast will belong to one of the 7 kingdoms that are part of the end times beast. He will eventually be destroyed.
This 8th king appears to be the end times beast described in Revelation 13 (which appears to be a combination of the 4 beasts of Daniel 7).
Daniel 7 indicates that the terrifying beast will be destroyed along with the Antichrist but it also says that the other beasts (lion, bear, leopard) will be allowed to live for a period of time. This implies that the lion, bear, and leopard represent kingdoms that are in existence during the end times (not simply past kingdoms).
This 8th king is the beast of the end times. According to Daniel 7, the mouthpiece of the beast is the Antichrist. According to Revelation 13, the False Prophet will do signs and wonders to persuade the people to worship the beast.
12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17: 12-13)
The 10 horns are 10 kings who will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They will be in agreement to a single purpose and they will give their power/authority over to the beast.
14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17: 14)
They will wage war against the Lamb (Jesus Christ). According to Revelation 16, this takes place at the battle of Armageddon. But they will be defeated when Jesus Christ returns in glory and great power, accompanied by the raptured elect (see Revelation 19).
The Beast Hates the Prostitute
16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled. (Revelation 17: 16-17)
The beast and the 10 kings will hate the prostitute (the great city “Babylon”) that rides the beast. The beast will eventually destroy the great prostitute. God will use them to accomplish His purpose.
The prostitute represents a geopolitical religion that entices the world to be unfaithful to God. It is a city that is focused on excessive material wealth and indulging in behaviors that are abominable to God.
The beast would hate the prostitute because it has power over the beast and it rules over the kings of the earth. If the prostitute represents a geopolitical religious ideology that endorses any religion other than strictly Islam (which is also a geopolitical religious ideology), an Islamic beast / Antichrist would hate it.
Lament Over Fallen Babylon
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal. 3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.” (Revelation 18: 1-3)
Babylon the Great will be completely destroyed. It will become a dwelling place for demons and impure spirits. It will become a haunt for unclean birds and detestable animals.
Warning to Escape Babylon’s Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. 6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her own cup. 7 Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow; I will never mourn.’ 8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. (Revelation 18: 4-8)
God calls His people to leave Babylon before He exacts His judgment against it. This indicates that some of God’s people are still on the earth at the end of the Great Tribulation. Those who remain in Babylon will share in her sins and receive her plagues. When God calls His holy people out of mystery Babylon before its destruction, this may also be a description of the Rapture.
In a single day, Babylon will be consumed by fire and entirely destroyed. If God were doing this himself, it could have been done by fire from heaven. But because God chooses to use the beast to destroy the prostitute, it appears that Babylon the Great will be destroyed by a nuclear weapon.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon’s Fall
9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: “‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’ (Revelation 18: 9-10)
The kings of the earth who joined her in unfaithfulness to God will mourn the destruction of Babylon the Great. They had shared in her luxury and so they lament her demise. But they will be terrified at her torment so they will stand far away while they witness it.
11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves. (Revelation 18: 11-13)
14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: “‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! 17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’… (Revelation 18: 14-17)
The merchants of the earth will mourn over the destruction of Babylon because no one will buy their cargoes (which included human beings sold as slaves). They had gained wealth from Babylon but they will be terrified at her torment so they will stand far away while they lament her destruction.
…“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: “‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’ (Revelation 18: 17-19)
The people who earned their living from the sea will also lament the destruction of Babylon. They too had obtained wealth from doing business with Babylon. This indicates that Mystery Babylon is likely to have access from the sea.
20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” (Revelation 18: 20)
The people of God will rejoice at the destruction of Mystery Babylon. God has judged her with the judgments she imposed on his people.
The Finality of Babylon’s Doom
21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No worker of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.” (Revelation 18: 21-24)
Mystery Babylon seduced the nations and led them astray from God. It was responsible for the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people. It approved of the slaughter and probably even participated in the slaughter. Babylon will be completely destroyed. Its end will come with sudden and violent intensity.
Threefold Hallelujah Over Babylon’s Fall
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 19: 1-3)
A great multitude in heaven shouts hallelujah to God. They praise Him for His true and just judgments. With the destruction of the great prostitute, God has avenged the blood of His servants. This great multitude appears to be the people who were martyred because of their testimony for Jesus (see Revelation 7).
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” (Revelation 19: 4-5)
The 24 elders appear to be the 12 Apostles and 12 righteous Jewish leaders described in the Old Testament (e.g. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Enoch, Elijah, etc). The four living creatures are described in Revelation 4. Together, they worship and praise the Lord God Almighty.
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19: 6-9)
The wedding of the Lamb has come and his bride (the church) has made herself ready. This indicates that the Church has been raptured by this time. The bride is given fine linen to wear and it symbolizes the righteous acts of God’s holy people. God’s holy people have remained faithful to Him.
Based on the order in which this prophetic event is given, it appears that the wedding takes place after Mystery Babylon is destroyed. It appears that this event happens after the Great Tribulation and takes place sometime during the outpouring of God’s wrath onto the world.
Worship God
10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” (Revelation 19: 10)
Notice that the angel who delivered the Revelation to the Apostle John did not seek admiration. Neither did he take the credit. Instead, he was quick to redirect the admiration and glory unto God.
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