Biblical Reference: Revelation 17:7-18

Context and Background:
The Angel's Explanation of the Beast is a pivotal passage in the Book of Revelation, a prophetic text attributed to the Apostle John. This passage is part of a larger vision concerning the end times, focusing on the judgment of Babylon the Great, a symbol of worldly corruption and opposition to God. The vision is rich in symbolism and has been the subject of extensive theological interpretation.

The Vision:
In Revelation 17, John is carried away in the Spirit into a wilderness where he sees a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is described as "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth" (Revelation 17:5). The beast she rides is full of blasphemous names and has seven heads and ten horns.

The Angel's Explanation:
The angel accompanying John offers an explanation of the vision, focusing on the identity and significance of the beast:

1. The Beast's Nature:
· The angel begins by addressing John's amazement, saying, "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her" (Revelation 17:7).
· The beast is described as one "that was, and is not, and is about to rise from the abyss and go to destruction" (Revelation 17:8). This enigmatic description suggests a power that once existed, is currently inactive, but will re-emerge before its ultimate demise.

2. The Seven Heads:
· The angel explains that the seven heads represent "seven mountains on which the woman sits" and also "seven kings" (Revelation 17:9-10). This dual symbolism has been interpreted as referring to both a geographical location and a succession of rulers or empires.
· Five of these kings have fallen, one is currently reigning, and the seventh is yet to come, but will remain only for a short time.

3. The Eighth King:
· The beast itself is identified as an eighth king, belonging to the seven, and is destined for destruction (Revelation 17:11). This suggests a final manifestation of evil power that will be ultimately defeated.

4. The Ten Horns:
· The ten horns are explained as "ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive authority as kings along with the beast for one hour" (Revelation 17:12). These kings are united in purpose, giving their power and authority to the beast.
· They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them, for He is "Lord of lords and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14).

5. The Waters:
· The waters on which the prostitute sits are identified as "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues" (Revelation 17:15), indicating the global influence and reach of Babylon the Great.

6. The Beast's Hatred for the Prostitute:
· In a surprising twist, the beast and the ten horns will turn against the prostitute, making her desolate and naked, consuming her flesh, and burning her with fire (Revelation 17:16). This act of self-destruction is seen as part of God's sovereign plan.

7. God's Sovereignty:
· The angel concludes by affirming that God has put it into the hearts of the kings to accomplish His purpose by agreeing to give their kingdom to the beast until His words are fulfilled (Revelation 17:17).

Interpretation:
The Angel's Explanation of the Beast is a complex and symbolic narrative that has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. It is often seen as a depiction of the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. The imagery of the beast, the prostitute, and the kings serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate victory of Christ.