(Rev 17 KJV)  And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: {2} 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. {3} So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. {4} 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: {5} And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. {6} And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. {7} 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. {8} 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 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. {9} And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. {10} 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. {11} And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. {12} 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. {13} These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. {14} 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. {15} And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. {16} 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. {17} For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. {18} And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.  

Chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation deal with Mystery Babylon the Great, the great harlot of the Bible.  Babylon the Great is a system that goes all the way back to the very first Babylon described in chapters ten and eleven of Genesis.  The first Babylon inaugurated the original and all subsequent harlotries described in the Bible.  Harlotry is the primary symbol in the Bible for a debauched worship, idolatry, and false devotion.  These two chapters depict the end time culmination of Mystery Babylon the Great, and it consists of two primary areas of emphasis.  There is first ecclesiastical or religious Babylon, and this is the false worship system that began under Semiramus, wife of Nimrod, who was the political ruler of ancient Babylon.  Nimrod is a type or picture of Antichrist, and Semiramus was the founder of the false religious system that has culminated in the papal worship system today that has its headquarters in the Vatican in Rome, Italy.  The pope is the leader of religious Babylon.  He is the beast out of the earth in chapter 13 that has the two horns like a lamb.  The two horns are the two points on the miter, the liturgical headdress of the pope.  

In addition to religious Babylon, there is a political Babylon that is depicted as a Great City that reigns over the kings of the earth.  Political Babylon encompasses both a political system and a commercial system that has its headquarters in a Great City that symbolizes wealth, luxurious living, and commercial enterprise.  Thus, Mystery Babylon is both a religious system and a Great City, and both are symbolized by a harlot that rides upon and controls an endtime power called the Ten-Horned Beast.  The Ten-Horned Beast is the final world power that wields its influence over the whole earth.  It is depicted as the revived Roman Empire that was apparently dead, but turns out to be very much alive.  The children's nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty is a depiction of the Roman Empire that suffered a mortal wound, but will be miraculously revived under the auspices of its leader, Antichrist.  Amazingly, Antichrist follows in the same steps as the Roman Empire in that he has also apparently died of a mortal head wound, but he will miraculously reappear with his mortal head wound healed.  Political Babylon is represented as a city, but it is also a nation that is very powerful in the world.  The Bible goes into minute detail describing this city (i.e., nation), and the identification of this city and nation is unmistakable for those Christians who are open to the truths of God given in his Word.  Political Babylon is the United States of America, and Antichrist is a past leader of Political Babylon.  He will return to reign over Babylon again, but this time Babylon will be merged with the Ten-Horned Beast.  Antichrist is the one who unites political Babylon with the Ten-Horned Beast, and he reigns over the whole world for a very short period of time.  Of necessity, Antichrist will also be closely associated with religious Babylon, because Antichrist and the False Prophet will work together for a period of time during the tribulation period.  The False Prophet is the one that causes the whole world to worship the Antichrist.  With this brief introduction and background to the understanding of Mystery Babylon, we will now begin our exegesis of Chapter 17 of Revelation.  

1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:  

a.  The seven angels are described earlier as a figure of something else, and we have shown earlier how the seven angels appear to be representative of the 24 elders in the Church.  The figure of the seven angels is used in this passage of Scripture because the remainder of this chapter and chapter 18 involves a great deal of figurative language.  The great whore that sits upon many waters is not a literal woman of harlotry, but she symbolizes or represents something else.  She represents the ancient Babylonian mystery religion that finds its greatest manifestation in the papal worship system with its headquarters being at the Vatican in the city of Rome, which is built on seven hills.  She also represents the Great City that reigns over the kings of the earth.  That city is New York City (NYC) where the United Nations has its headquarters.  The waters are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues.  NYC is the melting pot of the world representing every nation in the world with its population, embassies, and the United Nations Building with virtually every tongue in the world being translated in its meetings.  Also, NYC is the commercial capital of the world with the World Trade Center headquarters located there.

b.  Not only were the seven angels figurative, but the seven vials were also figurative.  This is clearly indicative that the following information will also be figurative, and the language used establishes that this is true.  A literal woman cannot sit upon many waters.  Therefore, the woman symbolizes something else as stated above.  As will be seen throughout this exegesis, the woman symbolizes both Political Babylon and Religious Babylon.  

c. Waters or seas symbolize the Gentile nations of the world, and both the papal worship system and the U.S.A working through the United Nations exercise authority over the nations of the world already, and this authority will mushroom when Antichrist and the False Prophet come into power with Satan as the source of their power and authority.  All three working together are the satanic trinity symbolized by the number 666.  Therefore, the woman is depicted as sitting or resting upon many nations of the world.  

d.  There will definitely be judgment for both Babylons.  The leaders, the cities and the systems will be utterly destroyed by the Lord God Almighty.  

2.  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.  

a.  The plans and purposes of both religious and Political Babylon are to bring the whole world under her authority and power.  The Pope has been working desperately to bring all religions under his authority, and the Antichrist behind the scenes in the U.S.A. has been working to bring all nations under the authority and protection of the United States of America, which is political Babylon the Great.  The eighth empire will be a combination of the USA--with Antichrist as supreme leader--and most likely a group of ten men who will wield power over the member states of the European Union, which currently has 27 members. There are several different political organizations associated with the European Union, but these are democratic organizations, and it is doubtful that the Ten-Horned Beast will be a democratic organization. The Ten-Horned Beast will arise suddenly and under dire world circumstances, along with the rise of Antichrist as the Eleventh Horn ruling over the USA (i.e., Babylon the Great).

b.  The kings of the earth have committed fornication with Religious Babylon and Political Babylon, and the nations have become intoxicated or greatly influenced or controlled by both.  The nations have become drunk with the wine of her fornication.  The false teachings of the papal worship system and the emphasis on hedonism and materialism in America have influenced the world to the point where the world desires the same luxuries.  The whole world has been influenced by the hedonistic lifestyle of Americans.  The false teachings of the papal worship system have also spread throughout the world.  

3.  So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.  

a. John was carried away in the spirit into the wilderness.  The wilderness in the Bible is a picture of a desert place without much water.  Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit or spiritual sustenance.  The world will be a desolate wilderness during the tribulation period, and John was given a vision of what the world will be like during this period of time.  

b. The woman is the harlot representing religious and political Babylon.  She is riding or controlling the ten-horned beast.  The Ten-Horned Beast is a culmination of the world empires symbolized by the seven heads.  The seven empires were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and New Babylon (U.S.A).  The Ten-Horned Beast is the eighth with Antichrist as its leader.  Antichrist was leader of the seventh, and he will also be leader of the eighth.  This will be shown later in this same chapter.  

c. Scarlet in the Bible symbolizes both sin and blood.  In this instance, it would symbolize both. Political Babylon and Ecclesiastical Babylon are both filled with sin and decadence, and both will be responsible for shedding the blood of the saints.  Blasphemy is the act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.  The beast is extremely decadent and full of blasphemy.  The seven heads are the seven empires culminating in the eighth, and the ten horns represent the ten nations that will make up the European Union in the pinnacle of its power.  

4.  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:  

a. Purple and scarlet are the primary colors utilized by the Vatican in its clothing and decor.  Purple symbolizes luxury or elegance, and red symbolizes sin.  The gold, precious stones and pearls symbolize the wealth and materialism found in both Babylons.  The Hebrew Word for blue in the Old Testament is translated as blue, purple, and violet.  Also, there is no Greek word in the New Testament that is translated blue, so this word for purple can just as easily be translated as royal blue.  Blue and red are America's colors.  We will explain this in more detail in chapter 18 where political Babylon is arrayed or dressed in red, white and blue.  

b. The golden cup in her hand is attractive and appetizing, but it is full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.  The idea from ancient Babylon was to introduce these abominations and filthiness a little at a time gradually over time until the whole cup had been drunk.  If these heresies were introduced all at once, they would be rejected, but if taken gradually a little at a time, the cup would be fully consumed.  The same principle applies to the frog who will jump out of hot water, but he will remain in water that is gradually heated until he is cooked to death.  The same analogy applies to leaven or false teachings in the church.  

5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.  

a. A mystery signifies a hidden system that is gradually revealed to those who are the initiates.  Nimrod was known as the god of the Chaldean Mysteries.  His name was Saturn.  Saturn and mystery are correlative Chaldean words that mean hidden.  As the religious system was hidden, so is the god hidden.  Antichrist has been hidden in the world for over 40 years, but he will be revealed or unveiled when the time for the initiation is to take place.  In the litany of the Mass, the worshippers are even taught to pray, "God Hidden, and my Saviour, have mercy upon us."  

b. The mysteries of ancient Babylon are hidden in the rituals and rites of the Catholic worship, and the mass is heretical and blasphemous; yet, it is practiced by millions of Christians who have no knowledge of the significance of these rites.  

6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.  

a. The papal worship system is responsible for the slaughter of multitudes of Christians during the period of the Reformation.  Foxe's Book of Martyrs is a documentary of the atrocities of the great religious harlot in the name of Christianity.  This slaughter of Christians will be repeated during the first half of the tribulation period when the satanic trinity will be operating under the guise of religious diversity.  America will be the heart of this persecution and martyrdom.  America under the leadership of Antichrist will slaughter millions of Christians.  Americans do not believe this could be possible, but neither did Germans believe that Germany under Hitler would slaughter and burn six million Jews and Christians.  The Catholic Church was closely associated with Hitler and Nazism.  Hitler was frequently photographed with high officials of the Vatican adorned in their vestments of purple and scarlet.  This will be repeated with the Antichrist in America. It is highly significant that Antichrist is a Roman Catholic. The Antichrist is not a Southern Baptist as many think.  

7. 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.  

a. The angel is about to explain the mystery of the woman, and the beast that she rides that has the seven heads and ten horns.  The beast is the revived Roman Empire with Antichrist as its leader.  

b. The purpose here is to reveal that which is symbolized by the beast and the woman.  The remainder of chapter 17 describes the beast and the Great Harlot as seen in the papal worship system.  The woman as the Great City is explained in chapter 18.  It is introduced in verse 18 of this chapter.  

8. 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 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.  

a. The beast represents the revived Roman Empire with Antichrist as its leader.  The word beast is used interchangeably for the empire and its leader.  The description of the beast applies to both the empire and its leader, the Antichrist.  

9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  

a. The woman, religious Babylon, sits on seven hills.  Rome is famous for being built on seven hills.  Vatican City remains an independent enclave within the confines of Rome.  

10. 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.  

a. The seven kings are the seven empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and New Babylon (Political).  The first five were fallen at the time this was written, and Rome was the one that "is".  The one that "is not yet come" is the New Babylon (U.S.A.).  America is a relatively young nation at slightly over 200 years old, so America "must continue a short space."  The leader of New Babylon also "must continue a short space."  Actually, he was leader for a very short time of approximately 1000 days before he received his mortal head wound.    

11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.  

a. The Roman Empire "was", but "is not" currently.  Also, Antichrist "was", but "is not" currently.  The revived Roman Empire "is the eighth" empire and Antichrist will be the leader of this eighth empire.  Also, the Roman Empire was number six of the seven empires, and Antichrist was the leader of number seven of the empires.  Therefore, both the revived Roman Empire and the Antichrist are "of the seven".  Also, both "goeth into perdition".  Perdition is destruction.  

b. The prophecy in this one verse is absolutely astounding in its conciseness and accuracy in describing the ten-horned beast and the leader of the ten-horned beast.  In the Scriptures, the empire and the leader of the empire are virtually synonymous.  Often, the Scriptures will be describing an empire as a beast, and instantly revert to the personal pronoun "he" in reference to the leader of the empire.  "He" is used in reference to the beast, which symbolizes the empire and the leader.  

12. 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.  

a. These ten horns refer to the leaders of ten nations that will unify with the Antichrist in forming the revived Roman Empire.  It is no coincidence that it was the "Treaty of Rome" that established the European Common Market.  The European Common Market is currently referred to as the European Union.  It currently has 15 primary members, but it will wind up with ten members after Antichrist comes on the scene as the new leader of New Babylon.  The current leader of New Babylon is the "Raiser of Taxes", but he will be destroyed, and the "Vile Person" (i.e., Antichrist) will take over the leadership of New Babylon by "smooth flatteries"  

13. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.  

a. These ten leaders will need a leader for the European Union, and Antichrist will fill the bill.  Europe is desperately in need of a leader right now, and it has been demonstrated periodically since 1945 that Americans make the best leaders for Europe.  Germany is the economic superpower of Europe, and it would be logical for the leader of Germany to be the European leader, but Europe can not bring itself to trust Germany in a leadership role after the Nazi experience.  The German word for leadership is führershaft, and the word itself is problematic for Germans, Europe and the whole world.  The problem of a leader for Europe will be resolved in the very near future with a past leader of the U.S.A. being revealed who will unify the U.S.A. with the European Union, and he will lead the world into mass destruction. The fact that Antichrist is associated with Ireland, a member of the European Union, is highly significant. Antichrist always considered himself to be an elite European, and the Europeans revere him and consider him to be European. The famous "Ich Bin Ein Berliner" speech in 1963 a few months before the "mortal head wound" confirms the association of Antichrist with Europe. His Irish ancestry also confirms the European association.  

b. The European Union will voluntarily "give their power and strength unto the beast."  Before his mortal head wound, Antichrist was greatly loved in Europe, even more so than in the U.S.A. It is common practice for Europeans to have a picture of Antichrist hanging in their homes.  

14. 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.  

a. The European Union will fight against the Lamb along with all the nations of the world when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth in power and glory.  Jesus Christ will destroy them by the Word of His mouth.  

b. The ones that return with Jesus to fight against these kings are the called, chosen and faithful.  The called are all born-again Christians.  The chosen are those who qualify to reign and rule with Jesus Christ in his coming kingdom.  The faithful are those who qualify to reign and rule from the second level in the kingdom.  It appears that the faithful and the 24 elders are the same.  

c. Conspicuously absent from these groups of Christians is the group that is called the faithful and wise.  This is the group of Christians that qualify as the Bride of Christ.  It appears that the Bride will not return to the earth with Jesus when Jesus returns to confront His brethren, the Jews.  

15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.  

a. This verse confirms the figurative understanding of the meaning of waters.  The papal worship system has established itself among peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues throughout the whole earth.  

16. 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.  

a. The ten kings will wind up hating the papal worship system, and they will wind up destroying it.  

17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.  

a. Ecclesiastical Babylon will be destroyed, but the ten kings will continue with the Antichrist as their leader until the end.  

b. God will use the beast to destroy Ecclesiastical Babylon.  God frequently uses unholy powers to accomplish his purposes and even to punish and correct his people.  For example, God will use the Antichrist to chastise the Jews and cause them to return to God, and even Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the end of the tribulation period.  

18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.  

a. This chapter has provided a detailed description of the figure and the interpretation of it as ecclesiastical or religious Babylon, but the woman also represents the Great City that reigns over the kings of the earth.  This verse introduces us to the second interpretation of the figure as political or commercial Babylon, which is described in detail in chapter 18.  

(Rev 18 KJV)  And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. {2} 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. {3} 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. {4} And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. {5} For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. {6} 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. {7} How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, 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. {8} 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. {9} And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, {10} 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. {11} And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: {12} The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, {13} 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. {14} 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. {15} The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, {16} 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 pearls! {17} For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, {18} And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! {19} 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. {20} Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. {21} 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. {22} And the voice of 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; {23} 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. {24} And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.  

Chapter 18 of the book of Revelation gives a detailed description of New Babylon, that city (i.e., nation) that reigns over the kings of the earth.  There are numerous Scriptures in the Bible that refer to and describe this last great nation that is so blessed and mightily used by God until it turns its back on God, becomes corrupted and leads the world astray.  God's people are located in this nation in abundance, but the nation becomes so evil that God finally destroys it.  Antichrist was once leader of this great end-time nation until he received his mortal head wound.  He will again take over the reigns of power just before he unites this nation with the Ten-Horned Beast.  Antichrist as the absolute dictator of political Babylon is the eleventh and little horn (Dan. 7:8) of Daniel that comes up among the other horns.  A little horn in Scripture symbolizes a powerful nation and the leader of that nation, but the power of the leader and the nation has been broken. The "little horn" is little because its power has been broken. The power and authority of Antichrist was broke when he suffered his mortal head wound. The power and authority of the USA will be broken or shattered just before it is time for Antichrist to be resurrected and take over the reigns of the government once again as the "once and future king".  Jeremiah 50:12 confirms that New Babylon will be a mighty nation that arises in the last days of this age.  Jeremiah 50 and 51 provide a comprehensive description of New Babylon, so that anyone seeking to identify New Babylon out of a pure heart will have no trouble in doing so.  New Babylon is a nation whose mother is in existence at the time that New Babylon is totally destroyed by "arrows" (i.e., missiles) that come out of the north.  It is the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world, and it is the headquarters of Antichrist at the time that he is leader of the Ten-Horned Beast.  Babylon is also a land of mixed or mingled people.  It is the "hammer of the earth" so it uses its power and influence to shape and mold the rest of the earth. The USA got its name as "hammer of the earth" because of the numerous bombs dropped on rebellious nations in various parts of the world. The U.S. led NATO bombing of Bosnia-Herzegovina was described in the headlines as "hammering the earth". Thus, the U.S.A. is the "hammer of the earth" in accordance with headline news.  

Chapter 18 of Isaiah also provides an unmistakable description of New Babylon, but this chapter is much more difficult to understand.  This chapter describes New Babylon as the nation that invents the airplane, and as a very strong or mighty nation even from its inception.  Isaiah also describes Babylon as a nation where all of its land has been strictly measured and marked off for ownership.  It is also a nation that utilizes its rivers and waterways as the boundaries for marking off the land. Please see my exegetical discourse on Isaiah 18 for a more detailed explanation of this very accurate description of the U.S.A. as the "Land of Whirring Wings".  

It should be clear from this brief description that New Babylon is the United States of America.  Great Britain is our mother, and she will be in existence when America is totally destroyed by nuclear missiles that come over the North Pole from Russia and China.  America is a young nation, and it has become the wealthiest and mightiest nation on the face of the earth.  God has mightily used America, but it has turned its back on God, and will be judged for it.  America invented the airplane, and it is a land that has every square mile measured off and marked out.  Its state and county lines are frequently the waterways that cross and crisscross the land.  

We will now seek to understand chapter 18 of Revelation verse-by-verse as it reiterates and adds to some of the above detailed descriptions of New Babylon.  

1. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  

a. This angel is quite different from the angel in Rev. 17:1.  This angel does not speak from heaven, but he comes down from heaven.  He has great power or authority, and the earth is lightened with his glory.  This angel is clearly Jesus Christ Himself.  Such language is nowhere used in Scripture concerning created angels or angels in the figurative sense.  

b. The coming down to earth in His Glory clearly places this event at the end of the tribulation period.  The separation has already occurred at the beginning of the tribulation period where the Bride and her court are taken directly to heaven.  The rapture of the Church (those remaining) has already occurred in the middle of the tribulation period where Jesus Christ comes in the air to take away the Church.  We now have his coming in power and glory to the earth with his glory lighting up the earth.  This lighting up of the earth with His glory does not take place at the separation or at the rapture.    

2. 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.  

a. Jesus Christ calls out with a mighty voice that brings destruction to the Great City Babylon.  The proclamation about Babylon is not simply the word of information about what has happened to Babylon or what is going to happen, but the Word of the Lord that effects its total and complete fall.  

b. The repetition of the word fallen is not a stutter, and it is not repeated solely for the purpose of emphasis.  It is repeated because there are two falls of Babylon that are effected by the Lord Jesus Christ.  The first is religious Babylon, and the second is political Babylon.  The first is described in Rev. 17:16-17, and the second is described in Rev. 18:8-10.  The first takes place around the middle of the tribulation period, and the second takes place at the end of the tribulation period.  There are two distinct falls, so the word fallen is stated twice.  

c. The Lord Jesus Christ also effects the statement that Babylon is the habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  Babylon has been turned over to Satan and his emissaries according to the Word of the Lord.  

3. 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.  

a.  The Lord explains why He has turned Babylon the Great over to the emissaries of Satan.  It is because of her utter wickedness, which has affected the entire world.  The kings or leaders of the earth have committed fornication with her.  This means spiritual adultery or idolatry.  Idolatry is the placing of anything ahead of God in importance.  America has worshipped the god of materialism since the turn of the century, and it has now affected all of the nations.  The nations of the world seek after what America now has, but it will result in the destruction of America in judgment, and judgment upon the world.  

b. Unfortunately, Christians have been caught up in this covetousness, which is the same as idolatry.  Christians are now worshipping cars, clothes, houses, jewelry, food, television, technology, and all forms of luxurious living.  

4. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  

a. The children of Abraham will be among the population of Babylon the Great.  This is logical for wherever we find great trade and banking, we may expect to find Jews, and these are the people being addressed in this verse.  

b. America has more Jews than any other nation—even Israel—and the Lord God commands them to come out of her so they will not partake in her sins and receive of her plagues.   

c. The command for the Jews to flee out of Babylon is confirmed in the following verse:  

(Jer. 51:6 KJV)  Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense.    

5. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  

a. The sins of Babylon have reached up to heaven.  The Greek word for reached is kollao and it means they are glued or welded together as bricks are piled on top of each other to form a building.  The allusion is definitely to the tower of Babel, which initiated the wickedness of ancient Babylon.  

b. Though God permits the increment of sin, its final judgment is certain.  It may appear that people are getting away with sin, but God's judgment is sure.  

6. 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.  

a. The sins of Babylon will be recompensed two-fold over what she has done.  It is difficult for us to imagine the destruction and devastation that will take place in America, but it is certain.  God has spoken it, and it will occur.  

b. America is friendly toward the Jews now, but this will change greatly during the last half of the tribulation period.  America will also be the focus of the persecution of the Church during the first half of the tribulation period.  This focus will shift from the Church to the Jews when the Main Harvest Rapture takes place.  

7. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, 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.  

a. Babylon is a nation that has greatly glorified herself, and she has lived deliciously or luxuriously.  She has great wealth and she has lived sumptuously.  We in America live sumptuously, yet we want more.  This is pure covetousness, which is called idolatry in the Bible.  

b. "Hath glorified herself" refers to attitude and not to attainment.  The similarity to ancient Babylon is "Let us make us a name" (Genesis 11:4).  

c. Unlike Hiroshima, Berlin, London, North Vietnam and other war-devastated places, America has never felt the sting of bombs upon her soil.  "I sit a queen, and am no widow" is a metaphorical expression for a city that has not been stripped of its inhabitants and its riches.  "Shall see no sorrow" means Babylon cannot envision herself being stripped of her inhabitants and her wealth.  The inhabitants of Babylon will not be able to foresee the coming destruction that is certain to engulf her.  

8. 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.  

a. The destruction of Babylon will take place in one day and even in one hour as verse 10 attests.  The plagues that befall her will cause death, mourning and famine.  She will be utterly burned with fire, and it is the Lord God Who judges her.  

b. The plagues that destroy her are clearly from a surprise nuclear attack from Russia, China and other far-eastern countries that will have nuclear submarines at the time.  We learn this from a study of Jeremiah 50 and 51, and specifically the following verse of Scripture:  

(Jer. 50:9 KJV)  For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.  

The arrows with none missing its mark is a prophetic description of nuclear missiles coming over the North Pole from Russia, China, and from submarine launched nuclear missiles from countries that have lined themselves up in an array around the U.S.A. The fact that China has stolen our nuclear secrets for smaller, compact nuclear weapons and guidance systems for submarine launched missiles is highly significant. The destruction of the U.S.A. by nuclear weapons is at the end of the seven-year tribulation period, so China has plenty of time to perfect her submarine launched nuclear weapons.  

9. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 

a. The kings of the earth who committed fornication with her are those that will share in her power and great wealth before she is destroyed.  This includes the European countries that will make up the Ten-Horned Beast and possibly other countries that will prosper during the reign of Antichrist.  

b. These countries that lived luxuriously with Babylon will express their deep sorrow and mourn over Babylon when they see the smoke of her burning. The reason for this great mourning over the loss of such great wealth is that the nations of the world have heavily invested in America by buying up real estate and companies. It is truly sobering to realize how much of America is owned by foreign interests. This great wealth will be lost in one hour and the foreign owners will bewail and lament over their great loss.  

10. 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.  

a. These countries will be afraid to come close to Babylon for "fear of her torment."  This torment will be the nuclear radiation that will come from the numerous nuclear warheads that caused Babylon to be burned.  

b. This verse confirms that a literal day and hour is meant for the time it takes for Babylon to be totally destroyed.  Nuclear scientists have estimated that if the U.S.A. is ever involved in a nuclear war with Russia, the war will be over in one hour.  This conclusion was reached independently of a knowledge and understanding of this verse. The same conclusion would apply to nuclear war with any nuclear power. The number of nations becoming nuclear powers is growing rapidly, and the Bible is clear that more than one nation is responsible for the destruction of New Babylon.  

11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:  

a. The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her because she was their best customer.  Babylon bought the merchandise from the merchants of the earth, and this falls in line with her luxurious lifestyle.  This is a perfect description of America whose trade deficits are extremely large and growing.  

b. It is significant that America represents about 7 per cent of the world's population, yet she has in her possession more than half of the world's wealth.  She has 63 percent of the world's manufactured goods, 74 per cent of the world's automobiles, 52 per cent of the world's trucks, 56 per cent of the world's telephones, 47 per cent of the world's radios, 46 per cent of the world's electric output, 52 per cent of the world's steel, 53 per cent of the world's petroleum, and consumes 35 per cent of the world's energy.  

c. We in America have lived luxuriously and glorified ourselves.  We have forgotten that our blessings come from God, and we have forgotten about God as the source of everything.  We are ungrateful, selfish, uncaring, egotistical, lazy, arrogant, prideful, and just plain nauseating to God.  This is why the Church as a whole will be rejected as the bride of Jesus Christ at the separation, which is to take place very soon.  

d. Over 50 per cent of Americans profess Jesus Christ as their Savior.  This is higher than any other country in the world.  Is it any wonder that only a small number of Christians will be accounted as worthy to escape the coming tribulation period, which is called the hour of trial?  

12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,  

a. These are all luxurious items that American merchandisers import for our jewelry stores, clothing stores, and specialty and import stores.  No country in the world matches the stores and malls that carry everything imaginable that is produced in the world.  Stores in our larger cities have whole floors devoted to special categories of goods, and many or most are imported.  All of these items mentioned are luxurious items that are only purchased by people who are wealthy relative to the world's standards.  None of these items fall in the category of being needed for survival.  

13. 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.  

a. Cinnamon is an import of America, and odours are a fragrant powder burned in religious worship.  Ointments are simply perfumes, and America imports more perfumes than any other nation in the world.  Frankincense is incense that is burned for its fragrant aroma.  The implication is incense burned in pagan worship.  America has become a center for all the pagan worship systems of the world such as Hinduism, Hare Krishna, Buddhism, etc.  

b. America buys more imported wine than any other nation.  The oil is olive oil and all of our olive oil is imported.  We also import more of this than any other nation.  Fine flour means that flour that is the finest.  America grows more wheat than any other nation, yet we import fine flour.  Another understanding of this verse is that America exports more wheat than any other nation so the ship owners of the earth have also gotten wealthy from carrying our cargoes of wheat.  Either understanding points to America as the referent.   

c. Beasts means cattle or large four-footed domestic cattle.  Sheep refers to small four-footed domesticated animals such as sheep and goats.  The primary meaning of beasts is possessions, and it is the figurative meaning.  The figurative meaning of sheep is God's people.  America imports large amounts of beef and mutton, which is the literal interpretation of this verse, but Americans have more possessions, and many of God's people are domiciled in America.  

d. Horses and chariots during the first century A.D. would be the modern day equivalent of automobiles.  Interestingly, the Greek word for chariots does not mean a two-wheeled chariot as we normally think of, but a four-wheeled carriage.  It is ironic that the automobile was invented in America, and America was the only exporter of automobiles for many years. Today, America is the world's largest importer of automobiles.  Most of the automobiles built in the world are built for Americans.  Most are Japanese, but the Japanese utilize mass transit, bicycles and motorcycles, which are two-wheeled "chariots".  

14. 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. 

a. The word for "fruits" means the vintage of late summer or autumn, and the word for "lusted" means forbidden things.  It means material possessions that were sought after over and above that which was needed.  It is a picture of covetousness of things that have now departed from the people seeking after them.  

b. "Things which are dainty" are things that are sumptuous or expensive.  Things that are "goodly" are things that appeal to the lust of the eyes.  All refer to the excessive luxury that so enamors Americans.  We are not satisfied with our needs being met, and a decent place to live, and simple clothes to cover our nakedness.  We seek after the best and most expensive foods, the best and most expensive homes, the best and most expensive cars, the best and most expensive furniture, the best and most expensive clothes, the best and most expensive jewelry, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.  

c. The second departed in this verse is different from the first.  The first means they have gone away, and the second means that they have been destroyed.  America shall not find them anymore because America shall be no more.  

15. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,  

a. The merchants of the earth who got rich because of America's unbridled lust for possessions shall weep and wail over her destruction.  

b. These merchants will not come close to America because of her torment.  This torment is clearly the nuclear radiation that will engulf America after the all-out nuclear attack on America by other nations that hate and resent her.  

16. 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 pearls!  

a.  The Greek word for clothed has reference to being draped around as clothing or thrown around everywhere.  When speaking of a nation it would refer to its flag, and the colors of red, white and blue are clearly linked to America.  The linen is white, and the scarlet is red.  The word for purple has the same meaning as the Old Testament word for blue.  No Greek word in the New Testament is translated blue, but this word means blue. 

b. The Greek word for clothed also has a secondary and figurative meaning of palisade or defense.  This simply means that the red, white and blue American flag is not just used for decorative purposes.  It is also used as a symbol of her defensive capabilities.  The American National Anthem clearly depicts the American flag as a symbol of our defensive capabilities.  The Star Spangled Banner reflects the attitude described above in verse 7 of being invincible.  This same attitude was rampant in the ancient city of Babylon the night that Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzer.  It was that same night that the Medes and Persians came in through the river gates after diverting the flow of the Euphrates River, and Babylon fell to Cyrus the Great.  America will also fall in a single day.  

c. The Statue of Liberty also reflects this attitude of freedom and invincible liberty.  The one arm raised on the Statue of Liberty reflects the exaltation of man rather than God.  Two arms raised reflects the exaltation of God.  One arm raised with a clinched fist is the universal symbol of defiance and rebellion.  It is also significant that the crown of the Statue of Liberty is the very same one that is seen on the relief of Ishtar, the Babylonian Mystery Goddess of love and fertility.  

d. The Greek word for decked means a woman who is so profusely ornamented with gold that she appears to be gilded.  The same is true for the precious stones and the pearls.  Figuratively, to be decked with gold is to have a superabundance of blessings from God.  The precious stones have a special reference to the twelve tribes of Israel because of the 12 precious stones on the breastplate of the High Priest in the Old Testament, so this figuratively means that America has a superabundance of Jews from all 12 tribes of Israel.  This is clearly indicative that in addition to the Jews who came out of the Southern kingdom of Judah, there are also Jews from the 10 lost tribes of Israel.  It is my belief that the American Indians are out of the ten lost tribes of Israel.  

e. We learned from the parables of the kingdom that pearls are used figuratively for the Church.  This means that the Church is also present in superabundance in America or Babylon the Great.  This is such a well-known fact that no statistics or documentation is required to substantiate the conclusion.  

f. Briefly summarized, this verse states that the Great City Babylon is symbolically represented by the colors red, white and blue and these colors typify her strong defenses that appear to be invincible.  In addition, she has been greatly blessed by God, and God's people, including all twelve tribes of the Jews, and all seven churches of the Church, dwell in Babylon in large numbers.  It does not take a superabundance of imagination to see that this is an accurate description of America.  

17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,  

a. America will be totally destroyed in one hour on a particular day.  This is literal and there is no reason to take this to be figurative.  

b. The maritime merchants of the earth will also greatly mourn the destruction of America, for they have gotten rich from her excessive luxuries.  It is ironic that even with all the riches and commercial enterprise in America, we do not have a large maritime fleet.  Most of the ships that carry the goods to and from America are owned by foreigners.  

c. The Greek word for come to nought means to lay waste or become desolate.  The shipmasters, people who work on the ships, and the ones who actually operate and steer the ships stood a long way off and express astonishment at the destruction of this great nation that has been laid waste and desolate.  

18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!  

a. The individuals stated above will be able to see the total destruction of America, and they will express their dismay that such wealth has been destroyed.  

19. 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.  

a. These same individuals will cast dust upon their heads, a sign of mourning, and reiterate the fact that this great nation had made the ship owners rich because of her excessive luxury, but she was totally destroyed in one hour.  Again, the hour is clearly literal, and there is no hint that a figurative interpretation should be made.  

20. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.  

a. This verse confirms that America will be the focal point for persecution of both the Church and the Jews during the tribulation period.  Heaven would refer to those who occupied heaven during the time of persecution.  The word apostles is a special reference to the Church or those who are persecuted during the first half of the tribulation in Babylon.  The word prophets is a special reference to the Jews who are persecuted during the last half of the tribulation period.  The reference to heaven first, and then to the apostles and prophets seems to have the purpose of clarifying that the apostles and prophets were not occupiers of heaven at the time of the persecution.  In other words heaven is addressed not so much to distinguish those in heaven, as to distinguish that the apostles and prophets were not in heaven at the time of the persecution.  The revenge is exacted for the apostles (i.e., Christians) and prophets (i.e., Jews) who were persecuted during the seven-year tribulation period.  

21. 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.  

a. Babylon the Great (America) will be totally destroyed.  God will judge her for her sins.  This may be difficult for Christians to accept, but this is because most Christians love the world, and America is the prime example for the world system of covetousness and greed.  The citizenship of Christians is in heaven, and our loyalty should lie in heaven.  This does not mean that we rebel against the U.S. Government.  We are ambassadors here, and we are to conduct ourselves in obedience to the law and the rulers as long as it does not conflict with our obedience to God.  We are not to become involved in the political system or strive for rulership in the system.  Christians who do this are getting caught up in this world system just like Lot got caught up in the affairs of Sodom.  

b. The use of "a great millstone" is a perfect analogy for the throwing down of America, since America is the breadbasket for the world.  We grow and export more wheat than any other nation in the world.  

c. The Greek word for violence comes from another Greek word that means an attack.  Babylon will be destroyed by an attack out of the North and from submarines in array around her, as explained earlier.  

d. Babylon will not be found again after she is destroyed.  America will cease to exist as a nation.  

22. And the voice of 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;  

a. The full range of human emotions is given expression in the form of music.  It represents all of the aspects of life such as joy, sorrow, worship, jubilation, toil, and even warfare.  It is no coincidence that music is a primary aspect of life in America, and not all of it is good.  Music is at the center of American pop culture, and it a primary source of influence for young people and adults.  American music now contains satanic songs of worship, rebellion, sex, and all forms of debauchery.  This music is now exported to countries all over the world, and it is part of "the Americanization of the world."  Babylon is described as influencing the whole world, and this is definitely true for America.  Pipers are flautists.  The cessation of all music demonstrates the cessation of a culture and all aspects of life associated with that culture.  

b. The demise of all craft is another expression for the death of a culture.  Work or craft is the expression of livelihood, and without it all life ceases.  

c. A millstone is the symbol for the source of food or sustenance.  Without food, life also ceases.  Also, the use of a millstone in describing the cessation of life and culture is very appropriate in the description of America, as explained above.  

23. 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.  

a. A candle is the source of light for a home, so it is a picture of home life, another primary aspect of a culture.  It also symbolizes the knowledge and wisdom that emanates from a people.  This verse is a continuation of the description of the cessation of a culture.

b. The bridegroom and the bride are the picture of procreation and proliferation of life, another primary aspect of any culture or people.  

c. Babylon's merchants are described as the great men of the earth.  In context with the light of a candle and the bridegroom and bride, America's culture has been spread throughout the world.  The use of the word sorceries in deceiving all nations has reference to America's idolatries, or the covetous and hedonistic lifestyles that American pop culture has spread throughout the world.  

24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.  

a. Ecclesiastical Babylon has already been responsible for the deaths of both Jews (prophets) and Christians (saints).  The Great City Babylon (America) will be the focal point of persecution and martyrdom for Christians during the first half of the tribulation period, and Jews during the last half of the tribulation period.  The reference to "all that were slain upon the earth" has to be used in the collective sense, so it means all types of people in the world.  Therefore, it would have reference to the Gentiles who are saved during the tribulation period, and subsequently martyred for not taking the mark of the beast.  This verse is referring to the persecution and martyrdom of all three classes of God's people during the seven-year tribulation period.  These are the Jews, the Church, and the Gentiles.

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