[:en]THE WOMAN ON THE BEAST (vs. 1-18)
The “Great Prostitute” called Babylon represents the early Roman Empire with its many gods and the blood of Christian marytrs on its hands. The water stands for either sea commerce or a well-valued city. The prostitute represents the seductiveness of the government systems that uses immoral means to gain its own power, prosperity and advantage. Babylon also symbolizes any system that is hostile to God.
The scarlet beast is either the dragon in Rev. 12:3 oor the beast out of the sea in Rev. 13:1.
Many believers were killed by oppressive government because of their faith. The woman’s drunkeness show her evil accomplishments and her false feeling of triump over the church. A scarlet beast similar to the beast and the dragon appears as an ally of the great prostitute. The beast was alive, died and then come back to life. The beast’ resurrection symbolizes the persistence of evil. Those who choose to be on the side of evil will be condemned to eternal torment.
Rome is a city famous for its 7 hills. This city also symbolizes all evil in the world. It indicates the climax of Satan’s struggle against God. Evil power is on the horizon of destruction. The ten horns represent kings of nations yet to arise. they will give their power to the Anti-Christ and make war against the Lamb.
Events took a dramatic turn when the prostitute allies turn against to destroy her. It discards its own adherrents when they cease to serve its purpose. For God is still in-charge of everything that happens. He overules all the plans and intrigues of the evil one. He uses people approved to him as a means to execute His will. In the end, God’s word will be fulfilled.[:]