And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And on her forehead a mysterious name was written:In ancient times, inscriptions on the forehead were often used to signify ownership or identity, as seen with the high priest in Exodus 28:36-38. The forehead represents the mind and will, indicating a deliberate and public declaration of allegiance. The term "mysterious" suggests a hidden or deeper meaning, inviting readers to seek spiritual insight into the identity and nature of this figure. BABYLON THE GREAT:
Babylon is a symbol of rebellion against God, originating from the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its idolatry and opposition to God's people, as seen in the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. In Revelation, Babylon represents a system of worldly power and corruption, often interpreted as a metaphor for Rome or any anti-Christian entity throughout history. The term "Great" emphasizes its significant influence and reach. THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES:
The imagery of prostitution is used throughout the Bible to describe unfaithfulness to God, particularly in the prophetic books like Hosea and Ezekiel. This phrase suggests that Babylon is the source or origin of spiritual adultery, leading others away from true worship. It implies a pervasive and corrupting influence on nations and peoples, drawing them into idolatry and immorality. AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH:
Abominations refer to practices that are detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. This phrase indicates that Babylon is not only the source of spiritual unfaithfulness but also of widespread moral decay. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against sin and the ultimate triumph of His righteousness, as seen in the prophetic literature and the eschatological visions of Revelation. Persons / Places / Events 1. Babylon the GreatSymbolic representation of a powerful, corrupt system or city that opposes God. Historically, Babylon was a city known for its idolatry and opposition to God's people. 2. The Mother of ProstitutesThis title suggests a source or origin of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, indicating a system that leads others into similar practices. 3. Abominations of the EarthRefers to detestable practices and sins that are contrary to God's holiness, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual AdulteryJust as Babylon is called the "Mother of Prostitutes," believers must recognize the danger of spiritual unfaithfulness, which can manifest as idolatry or prioritizing anything above God. Recognizing Modern 'Babylons'In today's world, systems or ideologies that oppose God's truth can be seen as modern-day Babylons. Christians are called to discern and resist these influences. The Call to HolinessThe abominations associated with Babylon remind believers of the importance of living a life set apart for God, avoiding practices that lead to spiritual compromise. The Assurance of God's JusticeRevelation assures us that God will ultimately judge and destroy all systems that oppose Him, providing hope and encouragement to remain faithful. Bible Study Questions 1. What characteristics of "Babylon the Great" can be identified in today's world, and how can Christians guard against their influence? 2. How does the concept of spiritual adultery challenge your personal walk with God, and what steps can you take to remain faithful? 3. In what ways does the historical fall of Babylon in the Old Testament serve as a warning for contemporary societies? 4. How can the church today act as a counter-cultural force against the "abominations of the earth"? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's justice or deliverance in your life. How does this reinforce your trust in His ultimate plan? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 11The Tower of Babel represents humanity's first organized rebellion against God, which is foundational to understanding Babylon's symbolic meaning. Jeremiah 51Prophecies against Babylon highlight its eventual downfall due to its pride and idolatry, paralleling the judgment seen in Revelation. 1 Peter 5:13Peter refers to the church in "Babylon," which is often interpreted as a symbolic reference to Rome, indicating the use of "Babylon" as a metaphor for oppressive systems. People JohnPlaces Babylon, PatmosTopics Abominations, Babylon, Brow, Earth's, Evil, Forehead, Harlots, Mystery, Prostitutes, Secret, Symbol, Unclean, Whores, Women, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 17:5 1680 types
5154 forehead Revelation 17:1-5 6239 prostitution Revelation 17:1-18 4125 Satan, agents of Revelation 17:3-6 4215 Babylon
6103 abomination Revelation 17:3-7 7730 explanation Revelation 17:3-8 4654 horn Revelation 17:5-8 6694 mystery 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 17:5 NIVRevelation 17:5 NLTRevelation 17:5 ESVRevelation 17:5 NASBRevelation 17:5 KJV
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