The Beast assumes world political power
October 16, 2021
Commentary
The fall of religious Babylon (chapter 17) occurs when the beast assumes his religious role in the middle of the Tribulation and assumes world political power. The city of ancient Babylon is in Iraq, about 50 miles south of Baghdad on the Euphrates River. The captivity by Nebuchadnezzar began the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24), the period of gentile domination over Jerusalem and Israel which has and will continue to keep all descendants of David from sitting on the throne of Israel until the return of the Lord Himself.
The ten horns and the beast hate the woman (v. 16). Some Bible scholars argue against the rebuilding of Babylon and claim that we must not take the references to Babylon in Revelation too literally. They say this chapter refers to a spiritual Babylon, a city which will become the incarnation of ancient Babylon but will not be a literal Babylon. They maintain Babylon has already been destroyed and Old Testament prophecy teaches us it will never be rebuilt. But let’s consider some prophetic facts.
1. The Bible predicts the destruction of Babylon will be final and complete. (Jer. 50:35, 39-40)
2. Scripture also predicts that the destruction would be sudden and quick (Jer. 51:8).
3. The Old Testament predicts this destruction in the “Day of the Lord.” (Isa. 13:1-11)
4. At the time of her destruction there will be a disturbance in the sun and moon (Isa. 13:10).
5. Universal peace will result from the destruction of Babylon (Isa. 14:7-8).
6. A literal interpretation of Zechariah 5:5-11 points to a restored and rebuilt Babylon.
Application
It is predicted that destruction will come quickly, and restoration will follow. I do not like to think of complete destructionbut sometimes it is best if there is going to be a solid foundation for building. There needs to be a complete destruction of all my wicked ways for Christ to build me up.
Revelation 17:9– 18 (NET)
9 (This requires a mind that has wisdom.) The seven heads are seven mountains the woman sits on. They are also seven kings: 10 five have fallen; one is, and the other has not yet come, but whenever he does come, he must remain for only a brief time. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself an eighth king and yet is one of the seven, and is going to destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive ruling authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These kings have a single intent, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those accompanying the Lamb are the called, chosen, and faithful.”
15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw (where the prostitute is seated) are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 16 The ten horns that you saw, and the beast—these will hate the prostitute and make her desolate and naked. They will consume her flesh and burn her up with fire. 17 For God has put into their minds to carry out his purpose by making a decision to give their royal power to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 As for the woman you saw, she is the great city that has sovereignty over the kings of the earth.”
Illustration: 65 approval for capital punishment
The American public has consistently backed capital punishment. In a Gallup Poll in 1976, 65%, approved of it. But between 1966-76, no executions occurred in the U.S. The Supreme Court, in a 5-to-4 decision, abolished capital punishment in June 1972. However, since the Supreme Court’s decision most of the 50 states have voted to restore the death penalty. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #1137).