Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

Study Bible

And the ten horns
The "ten horns" symbolize ten kings or kingdoms that align with the beast. In the context of biblical prophecy, horns often represent power and authority. The number ten can signify completeness or the fullness of human governance. Historically, this imagery draws from Daniel's visions (Daniel 7:7, 24), where horns also represent kings. Theologically, these horns are instruments of divine judgment, used by God to fulfill His purposes.

and the beast
The "beast" is a central figure in Revelation, representing a powerful, anti-God system or leader. This beast is often associated with the Antichrist, a figure of ultimate rebellion against God. The Greek word for beast, "therion," implies a wild, untamed creature, highlighting its destructive nature. Theologically, the beast embodies the culmination of human and demonic opposition to God's kingdom.

you saw
This phrase emphasizes the visionary nature of Revelation. John, the author, is recounting what he has been shown in a divine revelation. The act of seeing in prophetic literature often implies receiving divine insight or understanding. It underscores the authenticity and authority of the vision as a message from God.

will hate the prostitute
The "prostitute" represents Babylon, a symbol of worldly corruption and idolatry. In biblical terms, prostitution often symbolizes unfaithfulness to God, as seen in the prophetic books like Hosea. The hatred of the prostitute by the beast and the horns signifies a turning point where worldly powers, once aligned with corrupt systems, turn against them. This reflects the self-destructive nature of evil and sin.

They will leave her desolate and naked
To be left "desolate and naked" signifies utter ruin and exposure. In ancient times, to strip someone naked was to bring shame and dishonor. This imagery conveys the complete and public downfall of Babylon. Theologically, it illustrates the inevitable judgment and exposure of sin, as God brings justice to the corrupt systems of the world.

and will eat her flesh
This phrase is a vivid depiction of total consumption and destruction. In biblical language, to "eat flesh" can symbolize complete annihilation. It echoes the fate of Jezebel in 2 Kings 9:30-37, where her body was consumed by dogs. This serves as a metaphor for the thorough and inescapable judgment that befalls those who oppose God.

and burn her with fire
Fire is a common biblical symbol of judgment and purification. In the Old Testament, fire often accompanies God's presence and judgment, as seen in Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (Genesis 19:24). The burning of the prostitute signifies the finality and severity of God's judgment against Babylon. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the ultimate triumph of His justice over evil.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Ten Horns
Symbolic of ten kings or kingdoms that align with the beast. They represent political powers that will rise in the end times.

2. The Beast
Represents a powerful, evil entity or empire that opposes God and His people. Often associated with the Antichrist in eschatological interpretations.

3. The Prostitute
Symbolizes Babylon, often interpreted as a representation of a corrupt system or city that leads people away from God through immorality and idolatry.

4. Desolation and Nakedness
These terms describe the complete ruin and exposure of the prostitute, indicating judgment and shame.

5. Fire
A symbol of judgment and destruction, often used in the Bible to depict God's wrath against sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Spiritual Adultery
Just as the prostitute faces judgment, so too will any system or individual that turns away from God to pursue idolatry and immorality.

The Temporary Nature of Evil Alliances
The alliance between the ten horns and the beast with the prostitute is temporary, illustrating that evil alliances are unstable and ultimately self-destructive.

God's Sovereign Judgment
The destruction of the prostitute by the very powers she relied on demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to use even evil for His purposes.

Call to Spiritual Purity
Believers are called to remain faithful to God, avoiding the temptations and corruptions of the world symbolized by Babylon.

Hope in God's Justice
The eventual downfall of evil systems provides hope and assurance that God's justice will prevail.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the ten horns and the beast reflect the nature of political power in opposition to God, and what can we learn about the dangers of aligning with such powers?

2. In what ways does the imagery of the prostitute challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual compromise or idolatry?

3. How does the destruction of the prostitute by her former allies illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping, and how can this principle be applied in our daily lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment of Babylon in Revelation and the historical judgments of cities or nations in the Old Testament?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice and the fall of evil systems encourage us in our current struggles and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts and the ten horns provides a prophetic backdrop to Revelation 17, highlighting the rise of kingdoms opposed to God.

Revelation 18
Describes the fall of Babylon, providing further detail on the judgment and destruction of the corrupt system symbolized by the prostitute.

Ezekiel 16
Offers a parallel in the depiction of Jerusalem as an unfaithful woman, illustrating God's judgment on spiritual adultery.

Jeremiah 50-51
Prophecies against Babylon, foretelling its destruction and serving as a historical and prophetic parallel to Revelation 17.