Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ as written and recorded by the apostle Paul. More specifically today’s passage is found in the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters. “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit unto the wilderness; and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: and upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The best that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eight, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:1-18).
“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Revelation 18:1-3).
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, my people, athat ye be not partakers of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double” (Revelation 18:4-6).
“How much she hath glorified herself, and , and lived deliviously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of othe earth, who have commited fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; For no man buyeth their merchandise any more: the merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of perals, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all” (Revelation 18:7-14).
“The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and perals! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought” i(Revelation 18:15-17).
“And ever shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city. Wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; For God hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of the harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; and the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth” (Revelation 18:18-24).
When you come to the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you will find chapters which have been the subject of much speculation and debate throughout the years. If you take the time to read each of these chapters you will find an angel coming unto the apostle John in the revelation of Jesus Christ concerning Babylon. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that Babylon is not merely referred to as “the city of Babylon” or merely as “Babylon” in these passages. As you read the words which are found in the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of this prophetic book you will find the angel speaking unto and revealing to the apostle John concerning Babylon using the following title: MYSTERY, BABYON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention and understanding—not necessarily to recognizing who Babylon is but what it represents within the earth. There is something incredibly unique when reading this particular passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to something within the earth during the last days that was the source of all harlots and abominations within the earth. This MYSTERY BABYLON was indeed a source of great evil and wickedness within the earth and that which seduced the hearts and minds of men and women upon the face of the earth.
As you read the words which are found in these two chapters you will find that one of the seven angels which had the seven bowls of judgment came unto the apostle John and talked with him inviting him to come hither. The purpose for the angel coming unto the apostle John was to invite him to a place where he would show unto him the judgment of the great whore which sat upon many waters. What’s more is the apostle John would also hear this particular angel go on to reveal concerning this great whore which sits on many waters as being such whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. This is something we must needs recognize for the whole purpose of this vision and revelation given unto the apostle John was to behold the great whore which sat upon many waters—and not only the great whore which sat upon many waters but also with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. There is something incredibly unique and powerful when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for they call and bring us into the place where we witness and behold the source of fornication within the earth. What’s more is that this source of fornication wasn’t merely present among the kings of the earth but also the inhabitants of the earth. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is something truly powerful about this great whore who was the source of great fornication upon the face of the earth—both with the kings of the earth as well as the inhabitants of the earth.
Upon continuing to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the apostle John being carried by one of the seven angels which had the seven vials of the wrath and judgment of the living God away in the spirit into the wilderness. It would be there in the wilderness the apostle John would see a woman sitting upon a scarlet colored beast full of names of blasphemy which had seven heads and ten horns. The woman who sat upon this beast was arrayed in purple and scarlet color and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. Pause for a moment and consider the words which the apostle John used to describe this woman for the words which he used were “full of names of blasphemy,” “full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” In short that which we find in this particular passage of Scripture describes this woman as being the source of great abomination and fornication within the earth. Not only this but what we find concerning this woman is that she was indeed the source of fornication, abominations and wickedness within the earth. That which the apostle John saw in this vision was the source of great wickedness and evil within and upon the earth which seduced the kings of the earth as well as the inhabitants of the earth. Oh I am convinced that in order to truly understand this in an even greater measure we must needs consider the following words which are found earlier on in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In one of the letters written unto one of the seven churches of Asia we find the apostle John being instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ to writing concerning a woman by the name of Jezebel. This woman Jezebel was one who was not only the source of tremendous wickedness, abomination and evil but she also taught the servants of the living God to commit fornication. If we want to truly understand that which we find in the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ I am convinced that we must not only examine this woman by the name of Jezebel mentioned in one of the seven letters written unto the churches in Asia. What’s more is that I would also dare say that we must needs consider the woman Jezebel mentioned in the Old Testament book of First Kings. It would be this woman Jezebel who would be married to Ahab king of Israel and would be the source of great wickedness and abomination within the land during the days of the prophet Elijah. There is something which we must needs recognize and understand concerning these two passages of Scripture for both passages describe how this woman named Jezebel who seduced the servants and people of the living God. In the Old Testament book of First Kings this woman Jezebel seduced those within the northern kingdom of Israel while in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find this woman Jezebel seducing the servants of the living God within the church. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in each of these two passages of Scripture:
“And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have. Not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table. So Ahave sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? IF the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:17-21).
“And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook KIshon and slew them there” (1 Kings 18:39-40).
“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:1-4).
“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:18-23).
It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to an incredibly evil, vile and wicked woman. When writing unto the church in Thyatira the apostle John was instructed by the Lord Jesus Christ to speak unto this woman Jezebel who called herself a prophetess—and not only called herself a prophetess but taught and seduced the servants of the living to commit fornication and to eat things sacrifice unto idols. This is something we must needs pay close attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth regarding the woman who the angel of the living God showed the apostle John in the seventeenth chapter of this prophetic book. It would be in the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of this prophetic book the angel of the living God would show unto the apostle John—not only a woman who sat upon a scarlet colored beast but also showed unto him this woman who was covered with names of blasphemy and was the source of much fornication, abomination and wickedness within the earth. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there was indeed a source of tremendous evil and wickedness present within and upon the face of the earth. In the letter written unto the church in Thyatira apostle John would learn concerning this woman Jezebel how she was the source of much evil among the servants of the Lord Jesus for she seduced the servants of Jesus to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Oh the words and language found here must needs be carefully considered for they call and draw our attention to that which we find in the seventeenth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Having called and drawn your attention to the words which are found in the Old Testament book of First Kings as well as the words which are found in the second chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ it is now imperative to consider the following words which are found in the seventeenth chapter of this same prophetic book. One of the seven angels which had the seven vials of the judgment and wrath of the living God would show unto the apostle John the judgment of the great whore which sat upon many waters. Moreover this angel would not only show unto the apostle John the great whore which sat upon many waters but also this great whore with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication and the inhabitants of the earth had been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. The apostle John would be carried away in the spirit into the wilderness where he would see a woman sitting upon a scarlet colored beast full of names of blasphemy and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman which sat upon the beast was arrayed in purple and scarlet color and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls. Not only this but she would have a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. Upon the forehead of this woman who sat upon the scarlet beast was a name written MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. It is necessary we do not miss and lose sight of this for on the one hand we learn the name of this woman was MYSTERY BABYLON while on the hand we learn that she was the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.
The more you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more you will find the apostle John continuing to behold this great mother of harlots and abominations upon the earth and seeing her drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. As if it weren’t enough for this woman to be the source of abomination and fornication within and upon the face of the earth we must also recognize and understand that she was drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs. This is something we have great need of recognizing and paying attention to for it calls and draws our attention to just how evil, vile and wicked she truly was. This woman who was a great whore and mother of all harlots would be directly linked to the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. In all reality that which we can clearly see concerning this woman was that she was directly linked to the death—and perhaps even the persecution of the saints. How absolutely incredible it truly is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for as if it weren’t enough for this woman to be the source of great evil, abomination and wickedness she was also drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs. In all reality this is something we find might intrinsically be linked to the words in the sixth, twelfth and thirteenth chapters of this prophetic book. In the sixth chapter we read of the souls beneath the altar while in the twelfth and thirteenth chapters we read of the war of the dragon against the remnant of the seed of the woman and the war of the beast against the saints of the living God. Having said this I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found within these passages of Scripture—and not only in this passage of Scripture but also the words which are found in the second chapter concerning the martyrdom of one of the faithful saints and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ:
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth” (Revelation 2:12-13).
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (Revelation 6:9-11).
“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth ethe man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:13-17).
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, an his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of this heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saintws, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:1-10).
It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay attention to the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the reality of the persecution of and against the saints of the living God. We know from the New Testament book of Acts that persecution against the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ would first begin in the city of Jerusalem. In the eighth chapter of this New Testament book we find a great persecution breaking out against the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ in the city of Jerusalem after the death of Stephen who was the church’s first martyr. In the seventh chapter of this New Testament book we find Stephen being the church’s first martyr while in the twelfth chapter we find James the brother of John being put to death with the sword by Herod. Thus within two chapters found within the New Testament book of Acts we not only find a great persecution breaking out against the saints of the Lord Jesus Christ but we also find the death of Stephen who was one of the seven deacons ordained and appointed in the early church as well as James who was one of the twelve apostles and one of three of Jesus’ closest companions among the disciples. We must needs recognize and understand this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely powerful truth concerning the suffering and persecution of the saints of the living God as well as the subsequent putting to death of certain of His servants. When we come to the second chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find Antipas who was one of the faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ being put to death in the place where Satan dwells.
If you continue reading and studying church history you will find that all of the apostles would indeed be martyred and be put to death beginning with James the brother John. Eventually Peter, Andrew, Matthew and the others would be put to death until only the apostle John would be left upon the face of the earth. The apostle John would be the final apostle who would be left upon the face of the earth and it would be the apostle John who would be given the vision of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even the apostle Paul would be put to death with the sword as he would be beheaded in Rome after being under house arrest for a little more than two years. Not only this but church history brings us face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding with the persecution of the church during the days of Nero and even during the days of Domitian—both of whom were emperors of Rome. Church history has indeed proven that the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ were not only persecuted but would also be put to death. Church history demonstrates and reveals how the saints of the living God would be put to death with the sword, would be crucified, would be tortured, would be subjected to being mauled by wild beasts in the arena, would be burned to death and would even be put to death in the arena by gladiators. Oh we dare not and must not miss how incredibly important this is for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely incredible truth surrounding the persecution of the saints of the most High God as well as their being put to death.
When you read the words which are found in the seventeenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find a woman who was the great whore and mother of all abominations and harlotries within the earth. As if this weren’t enough we must also recognize and understand that this woman who was arrayed in purple and decked in precious stones was drunk with the blood of the saints of God and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. As the apostle John continued to observe and behold this vision he would wonder with great admiration. When the angel saw the wonder and amazement within the apostle John he would proceed to ask him why he marveled and would then explain unto him the mystery of the woman and the beast which carried her which had seven heads and ten horns. It would be beginning with the eighth verse of the seventeenth chapter where we actually find the explanation and revelation of this woman which sat upon the scarlet covered beast. We must needs consider these words for they help us to truly understand the woman which sat upon the beast—and not only the woman which sat upon the beast but also the beast itself. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the eighth verse:
“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth s hall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:8-18).
In short that which we find concerning the woman and the beast are intrinsically linked and connected to the beast which ascended and emerged from the bottomless pit. The beast which the woman sat upon was and is not, and yet is. The seven heads upon the beast were seven mountains on which the woman is seated which are seven kings. Five of these kings have already fallen, one is and the other is not yet come. When this final king arrives he must continue a short space. The beast which the woman saw was, and is not and is even the eighth and is of the seven and goes into perdition. The ten horns which the apostle John saw were ten kings which received no kingdom as yet but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These all have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the beast and shall make war with the Lamb. Despite their making war against the Lamb they shall be overcome by the Lamb for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are with the Lamb are called, and chosen and faithful—absolutely and incredible words which not only pertain to the Lamb but also those who are with Him and who follow Him whithersoever He goes. What an incredibly powerful truth is present within this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention once more to war which would take place in this vision and Revelation. In all reality the war of the dragon which would take place in heaven as he would wage war together with his angels against Michael and his angels would eventually and ultimately transition to the earth.
The more you read the words which are found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more you will be brought face to face with the awesome and powerful truth concerning the war of the great dragon in heaven against Michael and his angels. Eventually and ultimately the dragon would and could not prevail against Michael and his angels and their place was found no longer in heaven. As a direct result of this the great dragon would be cast to the earth together with his angels. If you continue reading in the twelfth chapter you will find it concluding with the absolutely incredible truth surrounding this war in heaven making its way to the earth. This war which would take place upon the face of the earth would initially begin with the dragon who would make war with the remnant of the seed of the woman who kept the commandments of the living God and had the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to the thirteenth chapter you will find this war continuing even more so upon the earth as the beast which emerged from sea would not only make war with the saints but would also be given power to overcome them for a brief season of time. Now here we are in the seventeenth chapter where we find the ten kings which were associated with the beast and with the great whore seeking to make war with the Lamb. What would begin with war in heaven between Michael and his angels would transition to war breaking out upon the face of the earth as the dragon would make war against the remnant of the seed of the woman upon the earth. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the seventh chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Daniel concerning the same beast which the apostle John saw coming up out of the sea:
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool; his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld them because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things” (Revelation 7:9-16).
“These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, w hose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; and of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell: even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I. kept the matter in my heart” (Daniel 7:17-28).
Consider also if you will the following words which are found in the eighth chapter of the prophetic book of Daniel beginning with the ninth verse concerning the same beast which was found in the seventh chapter:
“And out of the one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasnt land. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:9-14).
“And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understand dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it” (Daniel 8:15-27).
WAR! WRATH! WORSHIP! Oh the more I read the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ the more I am brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding that which the great dragon not only desires but also introduces and brings upon the earth. It is impossible to read the words which are found in this prophetic book beginning with the twelfth chapter and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous desire of the dragon for worship. The more you read the twelfth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ the more you will be brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding the wars which the dragon incited—both a war in heaven against Michael and his angels as well as a war upon the earth against the remnant of the seed of the woman. This is something we have great need of paying attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely incredible and astonishing truth surrounding the great dragon in heaven introducing war in heaven—a war which he could not prevail and gain victory over Michael and his angels. What’s more is that when the dragon was cast to the earth he was filled with great wrath because he knew that his time was short. The more you read the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book the more you will find this war continuing on in the earth as the dragon would make war with and against the remnant of the seed of the woman which were upon the earth. This war would be continued and carried out upon the earth by the beast which emerged from the sea as the beast would make war with the saints of God thus carrying out and continuing the wrath of the dragon.
If there is one thing we must needs understand concerning the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs come face to face with the wrath of the dragon being unable to devour the male child which was born to the woman who was clothed with the sun having the moon at her feet and twelve stars upon her head. This wrath of the dragon would continue after he had been cast down to the earth together with his angels and when he realized that he could not devour and consume the woman with the flood which he spewed out of his mouth. In all reality what we find within the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed centered upon the wrath of the dragon knowing that his time is short before his ultimate and final judgment—and not only his wrath over his impending judgment but also his desire to worship. That which the thirteenth chapter of this prophetic book demonstrates and reveals is along the lines of worship as not only would the dragon be worshipped but so also would the beast which emerged from the sea be worshipped. By the time the thirteenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord concluded—not only do we find the dragon being worshipped by the inhabitants of the earth, not only do we find the beast which emerged from the sea being worshipped but we also find the image of the beast itself being worshipped.
The reality of the dragon’s desire for worship and his wrath are at the very heart of the twelfth and thirteenth chapters, however, we must also recognize and understand that there is a third component that is present within this scenario—namely the war of the dragon and the war of the beast. In the twelfth chapter we discover the war of the dragon while in the thirteenth chapter we discover the war of the beast which came up out of the sea. Now here we are at the seventeenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and we find the war of the ten kings which were directly linked to the scarlet beast which emerged out of the bottomless pit and would go unto perdition. The prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ does indeed describe the worship of the One who sits upon the throne in heaven as well as the worship of the Lamb—that which is found in the fourth and fifth chapters of this prophetic book. Not only this but when you come to the fourteenth and fifteenth chapter you will find the one-hundred and forty-four thousand who were sealed with the seal of God worshipping before the living God as well as those who had gained victory over the beast, over the mark of the beast and over the number of his name worshipping before the throne of the living God. It is this worship in heaven from the four living creatures, the worship of the four and twenty elders and the worship of the angels which surround the throne of heaven the great red dragon has ultimately desired and craved within his own heart and soul. We must needs recognize and understand this because when we want to understand the dragon we must both understand his desire for worship as well as his wrath which was exercised upon the earth.
As I bring this writing to a close it is absolutely necessary to recognize the continued war which would be made against the saints of the living God—and not only against the saints of the living God but also now against the Lamb. What we find in the seventeenth chapter are ten kings which were associated with the beast seeking to make war with and against the Lamb of the living God only to find themselves being overcome and overtaken by Him. In addition to the desire of the wrath of the dragon and in addition to the war which the dragon would introduce in heaven and on the earth we must recognize that the dragon, the beast and the kings of the earth would take their war and bring it against the Lamb which was slain before the foundation of the world. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when we come to the seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ for within these chapters we begin to see the dismantling of those who would seek to make with and against the saints of God—and not only against the saints of the living God but also against the Lamb. In the twelfth chapter we begin to see the defeat of the dragon as he would initially and first be cast down to the earth together with his angels. When we come to the seventeenth chapter of this prophetic book we find the ten kings which would align themselves with the beast and make war against the Lamb being overtaken and overpowered. This is something we have great need of recognizing and understanding for while it is indeed true we see the war of the dragon, the war of the beast and the war of the ten kings aligned with the beast we also see the defeating and overcoming of the dragon and his angels as well as now the kings of the earth. What’s more is that we see the destruction and fall of this great MYSTERY BABYLON. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading this passage is that although the nations of the earth rage against the Lamb and against the One who is seated upon the throne they will indeed meet their demise and will face the judgment of the Lamb and of the One who is seated upon the throne in heaven. I leave you with the following words which are found in the second chapter of the Old Testament poetic book of the Psalms as well as the words which are found in the eighty-third chapter:
“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: The LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O. ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:1-12).
“God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; He judgeth among the gods. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the person of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and the fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: Rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; They walk on in darkness: All the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth: For thou shalt inherit all nations” (Psalm 82:1-8).
“Keep not thou silence, O God: Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: And they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: They are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah” (Psalm 83:1-8).
“Do unto them as unto the Midianites; As to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kisop: which perished at En-dor: They became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: Yea, all their princes at Zebah, and as Zalmunna: Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the win, as the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; so persecute them with thy temptest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men. May know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, Art the most high over all the earth” (Psalm 83:9-18).
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