Revelation 17 - Day 876

Revelation 17 - Day 876 (link to reading)

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-2

Commentary: Rev 17:1–18 contains three main sections: (1) the introduction to 17:3–19:10 (vv 1–2), (2) the vision of the woman seated on a scarlet beast (vv 3–6), and (3) the interpretation of the vision (vv 7–18). In the introductory summary (vv 1–2), one of the bowl angels invites the author to visit the scene of the judgment of the great whore seated (i.e., enthroned) by many waters (later interpreted in v 15 as symbolizing the people of the world). This judgment is based on two patently allegorical charges: (1) the kings of the earth have “fornicated” with her, and (2) the inhabitants of the earth have become “intoxicated” from her “wine” (i.e., her “fornication”). “Fornication” or “sexuality immorality” is emphasized as the primary crime of Babylon-Rome in 17:3–19:10. While various forms of sexual immorality are used in the OT as a metaphor for Israel’s lapses into idolatry, and some non-Israelite trade and commerce centers such as Tyre and Nineveh were denounced under the metaphor of prostitution (probably because economic ties resulted in Israel’s importation of new religious practices), here sexual immorality is a metaphor for the political alliances between Babylon-Rome and her client kingdoms and allies, and “intoxication” suggests the victimization of the people of the world by Rome.

 Aune, D. E. (1998). Revelation 17–22 (Vol. 52C, pp. 959–960). Word, Incorporated.

Application: "Similar to chapter 12, which provides a concise history of Satan’s efforts to destroy Christ and God’s people, Revelation 17 documents the work of a powerful, false religious system that has long deceived and ruled over numerous nations and peoples."  

Meaning, our enemy is alive and actively opposing our Lord Jesus and his children - us.

Prayer: Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Holy Spirit, Three in One...