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 a little while.
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.
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.
14. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
15. Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.
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 give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled.
18. The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."
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Reflection |
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The Sovereignty of God (17:9–14)
The angel explains the vision of “the punishment of the great prostitute” (17:1). The prostitute, beast, kings, and people are described in Old Testament imagery familiar to John and his readers. The power of the ten kings and the beast is described in limited terms: the seventh king “must remain for only a little while” (v. 10), and the kings “for one hour will receive authority” (v. 12). Yes, they will have power, and they will wage war on the Lamb, but their power is restricted. The Lamb will conquer them because “he is Lord of lords and King of kings” (v. 14). Their authority is restricted from God—the one who “has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose” (v. 17).
The Words of God (17:15–18)
Together with David and all the saints we cry, “How long, LORD?” (Ps. 13:1). His answer comes loud and clear: “Until God’s words are fulfilled” (v. 17). Through His Word, the universe was created. He laid out His Word in the Law. Isaiah promised that though the flower may fall and the grass may wither, the Word of our God will remain (Isa. 40:8). Hungry, tired, and alone, Jesus clung to the Word of God in the face of Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. Jesus clearly stated that He did not come to abolish God’s Word in the Law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). Even on the cross, He continued to fulfill Scripture until He breathed His last: “It is finished” (John 19:30). His Word defines the whole world—from beginning to end.
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Application |
- Time is a strange thing. Looking forward, it seems to be so long, but looking back, it seems to be so short. Adopt God’s eternal perspective on time as described in Revelation.
- Whether they are conscious of it or not, God appoints leaders to do His will. We can trust in Him and find joy in His plan that He is working out for His glory.
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A Letter to
God |
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I praise You, sovereign God, because You are in control. I put my trust in Your goodness and surrender my need for people and for things to be a certain way so I can be at peace. Give me peace through Jesus Christ and help me to share it with others. In His name. Amen.
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