Revelations chapter 17 The Judgment of the Great Prostitute (Babylon)

John is given a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, described as "the great prostitute" or Babylon. She is a symbol of corruption, idolatry, and rebellion against God. She is described as being richly adorned but drunken with the blood of saints and martyrs.

The Beast and the Woman:
The scarlet beast represents worldly political and economic systems that oppose God, and it is powered by the dragon (Satan). The woman (Babylon) rides this beast, symbolizing the corrupt alliance of worldly powers with evil ideologies.

The angel explains that the woman symbolizes the great city that reigns over the kings of the earth and represents human rebellion, greed, and sin. She has been judged by God for her actions.

The Beast’s Rise and the Kings’ Hatred:
The angel reveals that the kings of the earth will hate the woman (Babylon) and destroy her in their anger. The beast and the kings will turn against her, leading to her complete destruction.

God’s Sovereignty:
The chapter concludes with the reminder that God is in control of all events, and His judgment against Babylon is part of His divine plan.

This chapter symbolizes the fall of worldly powers, the judgment against sin and idolatry, and the ultimate triumph of God over human pride and rebellion.