Revelation 17 Part 2 Bible Teaching

Revelation 17: Imagery, Symbolism, and Historical Context

In our recent study of Revelation 17, we delved into the complex imagery and symbolism presented in this chapter. We began by examining verse 6, where John describes a woman “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” This vivid imagery led us to explore the identity of this woman, often interpreted as representing fallen Jerusalem and the Old Covenant temple-based Judaism. John, a Jew himself, witnesses the tragic fall of his brethren, who have turned against their own Messiah and His followers.

As we moved through the chapter, we encountered the beast with seven heads and ten horns, a symbol we previously explored in Revelation 13. The angel reveals to John the mystery of the woman and the beast, explaining that the beast “was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit.” This description aligns with historical figures like Nero and the Roman Empire, which seemed to rise and fall, much to the amazement of those in Israel.

The chapter further unfolds with the angel explaining the seven heads as seven mountains and seven kings, linking the imagery to Rome, famously known for its seven hills. The historical context of the Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Vespasian, provides a backdrop for understanding the prophetic timeline leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

We also explored the ten horns, representing ten kings who would align with the beast. These kings, possibly the rulers of the Roman provinces, would join in the persecution of the saints, waging war against the Lamb. Yet, the Lamb, as Lord of lords and King of kings, would ultimately overcome them.

The chapter concludes with a focus on the “great city,” identified as Jerusalem, which held significant covenantal and political power. Despite its grandeur, Jerusalem’s downfall was prophesied, paralleling its destruction in 586 BC and again in 70 AD. The imagery of the beast turning on the whore underscores the historical events where Rome, once an ally, became the instrument of Jerusalem’s desolation.

Through this study, we gain a deeper understanding of the prophetic messages in Revelation, reflecting on the historical and spiritual implications for the early church and the unfolding of God’s covenantal promises.