For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. For God has put it into their heartsThis phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human affairs. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as having the power to influence the hearts and minds of individuals and nations ( Proverbs 21:1). This divine influence is not coercive but aligns with His ultimate plan. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus is a parallel example, where God's purposes are fulfilled through human decisions. to carry out His purpose
God's purpose is central to the unfolding events in Revelation. This reflects the biblical theme that God's will is ultimately accomplished, despite human rebellion or satanic opposition (Isaiah 46:10). The purpose here involves the judgment and eventual downfall of Babylon, representing the corrupt world system opposed to God. by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast
The "beast" is a symbol of oppressive political power, often interpreted as a future world leader or system in opposition to God. The uniting of kingdoms under the beast's authority suggests a temporary alliance of worldly powers. This mirrors the historical alliances seen in Daniel's visions (Daniel 7), where empires rise and fall under divine oversight. until the words of God are fulfilled
This phrase underscores the certainty of prophetic fulfillment. The "words of God" refer to the prophecies and promises throughout Scripture that detail the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. This assurance is echoed in passages like Matthew 24:35, where Jesus affirms the enduring truth of God's word. The fulfillment of these words is a testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of biblical prophecy. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign Creator who orchestrates events to fulfill His divine purposes. 2. Their HeartsRefers to the kings or rulers who are influenced by God to act according to His will. 3. Royal AuthorityThe power and dominion that the rulers possess, which they relinquish to the beast. 4. The BeastA symbolic representation of a powerful, evil entity or system opposed to God. 5. The Words of GodThe prophetic declarations and promises found in Scripture that are destined to be fulfilled. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all events, even those that seem chaotic or evil. His purposes will ultimately prevail. Human ResponsibilityWhile God directs events, individuals are still responsible for their actions. We must seek to align our hearts with God's will. Fulfillment of ProphecyTrust in the certainty of God's promises. What He has declared will come to pass, providing hope and assurance for believers. Spiritual DiscernmentBe aware of the spiritual forces at work in the world. Pray for wisdom to discern God's hand in current events. Submission to God's PlanEncourage believers to submit their own plans and desires to God's greater purpose, trusting in His perfect timing and wisdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Revelation 17:17 impact your view of current world events? 2. In what ways can you ensure that your heart is aligned with God's purposes, as seen in the influence over the rulers' hearts? 3. How can the certainty of God's prophetic fulfillment provide comfort and hope in your personal life? 4. What practical steps can you take to develop spiritual discernment in recognizing God's work in the world today? 5. How can you apply the principle of submitting to God's plan in your daily decisions and long-term goals? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 4:35This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men, similar to how He directs the actions of the rulers in Revelation 17:17. Proverbs 21:1Illustrates how God can direct the hearts of kings, aligning with the idea that God influences the rulers' decisions in Revelation 17:17. Romans 8:28Speaks to God's ability to work all things for good, which parallels His purpose being fulfilled through the actions of the rulers. Ephesians 1:11Highlights God's sovereign will and purpose, reinforcing the theme of divine orchestration in Revelation 17:17. Isaiah 46:10Declares God's ability to bring His plans to fruition, echoing the fulfillment of His words in Revelation 17:17. People JohnPlaces Babylon, PatmosTopics Accomplish, Accomplished, Act, Agree, Agreeing, Beast, Carry, Common, Complete, Effect, Execute, Fulfil, Fulfill, Fulfilled, Giving, God's, Hearts, Kingdom, Mind, Pass, Power, Purpose, Royal, Rule, Sayings, Till, WildDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 17:17 1115 God, purpose of Revelation 17:1-18 4125 Satan, agents of Revelation 17:12-17 4654 horn Revelation 17:16-17 4609 beast, the Library The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's ReturnThe vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Links Revelation 17:17 NIVRevelation 17:17 NLTRevelation 17:17 ESVRevelation 17:17 NASBRevelation 17:17 KJV
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