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Revelation: Chapters 17-19

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Revelation: Chapters 17-19 Revelation: Chapters 17-19 Final Judgment of Babylon/Beast Revelation 17 – The Prostitute and the Beast This series of visions, like the earlier interludes of chapter 7 and 10-11, serves to further explain the preceding vision and mention of Babylon and “the great city” in the seventh bowl. Whereas previously we have discussed how the beast is representative of the political power structure that oppresses, the prostitute and Babylon are representative of an oppressive economic system that sustains the political power. Both in the ancient world are connected with idolatry. Prostitution connotes both the idolatrous nature of compromise for financial gain and the broader economic aspects related to the vision. As the vision is spiritual, it should be interpreted spiritually meaning that the immorality spoken of should be interpreted as spiritual adultery with the economic system – i.e. idolatry. The prostitute should be contrasted to the woman (community of faith) from chapter 12 and the bride (the new city/church) from chapters 19/21. Note the similarities of appearance and location – but also the differences in regards to the red dragon/beast. The imagery continues to draw upon the visions of Daniel and the judgment of the nations – here particularly Jeremiah 51’s judgment on literal Babylon (cup, drunkenness, the outer political world turning upon Babylon, etc.). Notice the use of the word marveled in vss. 6-8. John is also tempted to marvel at the prostitute. This is similar to the false teacher “Jezebel” of Thyatira who also is noted for immorality and even swaying believers with her lies in chapter 2. Her sitting upon seven mountains is thought by many commentators as a veiled reference to the Seven Hills of Rome. Notice how the kings of the earth are again marshalled as an instrument of God’s justice against the immoral system (17-18). Revelation 18 – The Fall of Babylon This chapter continues the theme of the fall of the city of spiritual Babylon. Again we are focused primarily upon the corrupt economic system that is intertwined with idolatry. Again we have parallels with Jeremiah 51’s pronouncement of judgment on the historical Babylon. The judgments of Babylon are also similar to OT judgments upon Tyre and Sidon – other maritime economic powers (Ezekiel 26-28, Isaiah 23, etc.). Note vs. 4 – Christians are encouraged to come out of Babylon or else they will share in her punishment. This highlights the economic aspects of Babylon as well as the temptation to still live within “the great city” in spite of her ultimate judgment. The kings, merchants, and sailors mourn because of their lack of luxury or the economic impact upon themselves, not in an act of true repentance or acknowledgment of the justice of God in the undoing of an unjust system. The concluding vision of the millstone is reminiscent of both Jeremiah 51:63-64 as well as Jesus’ words in the Synoptic Gospels (i.e. Matthew 18:5-6, etc.). The economic system draws even Christians into compromise. The folly of doing this is demonstrated in how swiftly the ungodly system will be ultimately thrown down. The reason for judgment is further elucidated in vss. 21-24. When all of the luxury and goods are stripped away in the city and “not found” what “is found” are the blood of the prophets and saints. Revelation 19 – The Judgment of the Beasts Vss. 1-10 conclude the judgment against Babylon. The saints rejoice not out of vindictiveness, but in the justice of God. Vss. 2 and 8 point out the contrast between the prostitute and the bride of Christ. While the pursuit of gain and wealth at the expense of faithfulness to God is seen as corruption, the bride of Christ is noted for purity. We also see how the linen that the prostitute wears in chapter 17 is shown to be a sham of the linen of true righteousness. The contrast with the bride imagery will be later heightened in chapter 21. 19:11ff. expand upon the idea of the final victory of Jesus as mentioned in 17:14. Vs. 12 highlights the superiority of the true king and ruler of all, Jesus, vs. the beast and his false claims to ultimate power (many diadems). The rider on the white horse draws upon imagery from both Ezekiel 39 with the references to birds feasting on the flesh of kings (which will feature again later in chapter 20 with the references to Gog and Magog) and Isaiah 63 with the imagery of blood splattered garments during the judgment of God of the nations. We also continue to see reference to Psalm 2 - the nations rage and the Lord’s anointed ruling them with an iron scepter. .
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