Revelation 17: Babylon the Mother of Harlots

John sees a; “…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.” (Revelation 17:1-2) Written upon her head is; “…MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:5)

While many wonder at this image of a ‘whore’ and who she might be, some scholars have interpreted her as a representation of something in John’s time, particularly the city of Rome, which was founded upon seven hills, as John describes; “…The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.” (Revelation 17:9) It is probable that John was speaking of the corrupt and immoral ways of people living around the world. Today, ‘Babylon’ is not just one city, but many cities across the Globe. But John explains that the saints will win and that; “…the works of God shall be fulfilled…” (Revelation 17:17)