Revelation 17:9-18 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

Revelation 17:9. seven mountains: Rome was described as the city of the seven hills.

Revelation 17:10. seven kings: this is a second interpretation of the heads. The most probable explanation is: The five are fallen, i.e. Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero are dead; the one is, i.e. Vespasian is still reigning, the other is not yet come, i.e. Titus is still to ascend the throne as seventh emperor (but cf. p. 928).

Revelation 17:11. an eighth and is of the seven: i.e. Nero, who was the fifth emperor in the foregoing list, and on his return would be the eighth.

Revelation 17:12. ten horns: probably ten Parthian satraps who were about to assist Nero to recover his kingdom and would be rewarded for their loyalty by receiving kingdoms. for one hour: the rule of Nero redivivus would be of the shortest possible duration.

Revelation 17:14. The victory of Christ over the empire of Antichrist.

Revelation 17:16. the ten horns: Revelation 17:12 *. shall hate the harlot: the belief was that Nero would return in fury to wreak vengeance on Rome.

Revelation 17:17. God uses the plans and devices of His enemies to fulfil His own purposes.

Revelation 17:18. the great city: this verse proves that Babylon in this chapter must mean Rome, for the phrase which reigneth over the kings of the earth could only apply to Rome.

Related Commentaries of Revelation 17:9

Revelation 17:9-18

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.