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"I will show you the judgment of the great harlot"

Text: Revelation 17:1

IDENTIFICATION OF THE GREAT HARLOT

Revelation 16 described the fall of Babylon because of the Seven Bowls of divine wrath poured out. Revelation now describes Babylon as “the great harlot”.

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls
came and talked with me, saying to me,
‘Come, I will show you the judgment
of the great harlot who sits on many waters,
with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication,
and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk
with the wine of her fornication.'”
Revelation 17:1-2

1. “One of the seven Angels”

a) He came to reveal further knowledge to John.

b) He would now reveal more about the judgment of the great harlot.

2. The use of the word “harlot”.

a) This was frequently used in the Old Testament to describe Israel when Israel became idolatrous.

b) Babylon had many strong features:

i) A strong political aspect.

ii) Its economy affected many nations.

iii) It also had a religious aspect (idolatry).

3. Global influence.

a) Babylon sat on many waters.

b) Its influence was world-wide.

4. Those who were affiliated with Babylon.

a) The kings of the earth.

i) Leaders of many nations.

ii) Political heads.

b) The inhabitants of the earth.

i) The common people.

ii) They were caught up with “the great harlot” as well.

5. How were they affected?

a) They were drunk with the wine of fornication.

b) They were badly influenced by Babylon in all its wicked ways.