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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 17:14–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have some account of the downfall of Babylon, to be more fully described in the following chapter.
I.Here is a war begun between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers.
The beast and his army, to an eye of sense, appear much stronger than the Lamb and his army: one would think an army with a lamb at the head of them could not stand before the great red dragon. But,
II.Here is a victory gained by the Lamb:
The Lamb shall overcome. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his feet; he will be sure to meet with many enemies, and much opposition, but he will also be sure to gain the victory.
III.Here is the ground or reason of the victory assigned; and this is taken,
1.From the character of the Lamb: He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He has, both by nature and by office, supreme dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and hell are subject to his check and control.
2.From the character of his followers: They are called, and chosen, and faithful. They are called out by commission to this warfare; they are chosen and fitted for it, and they will be faithful in it. Such an army, under such a commander, will at length carry all the world before them.
IV.The victory is justly aggrandized.
1.By the vast multitude who paid obedience and subjection to the beast and to the whore. She sat upon (that is, presided over) many waters; and these waters were so many multitudes of people, and nations, of all languages; yea, she reigned not only over kingdoms, but over the kings, and they were her tributaries and vassals, Rev 17:15, Rev 17:18.
2.By the powerful influence which God hereby showed he had over the minds of great men. Their hearts were in his hand, and he turned them as he pleased; for,
(1.)It was of God, and to fulfil his will, that these kings agreed to give their kingdom unto the beast; they were judicially blinded and hardened to do so. And,
(2.)It was of God that afterwards their hearts were turned against the whore, to hate her, and to make her desolate and naked, and to eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; they shall at length see their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by the papacy, and, out of a just resentment, shall not only fall off from Rome, but shall be made the instruments of God's providence in her destruction.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
8 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Christ, who teaches and shows that the people of the Gentiles were coming into that place that the Jews had lost and that we were arriving afterward through the merit of faith, made wine from water, that is, he showed that the people of the Gentiles rather would resort together and come to the nuptials of Christ and of his church when the Jews were leaving. For the divine Scripture declares in the Apocalypse that the waters signify the peoples, saying, “The waters that you saw on which that harlot sits are peoples and crowds and nations of the heathen and tongues.” We perceive that this is actually also contained in the sacrament of the chalice. For because Christ, who bore our sins, also bore us all, we see that people are signified in the water, but in the wine the blood of Christ is shown. But when water is mixed with wine in the chalice, the people are united to Christ, and the multitude of the believers is bound and joined to him in whom they believe. This association and mingling of water and wine are so mixed in the chalice of the Lord that the mixture cannot mutually be separated. Whence nothing can separate the church, that is, the multitude established faithfully and firmly in the church, persevering in that which it has believed, from Christ as long as it clings and remains in undivided love. But thus, in the consecrating of the chalice of the Lord, water alone cannot be offered, nor can wine alone. For if anyone offers wine alone, the blood of Christ begins to be without us. If, in truth, the water is alone, the people begin to be without Christ. But when both are mixed and, in the union, are joined to each other and mingled together, then the spiritual and heavenly sacrament is completed.
The harlot is the life of luxury that is lived by plunder and pleasures. It says that they would hate the harlot, for dissolute persons who are also proud, lustful and arrogant not only persecute the saints, but they also hold themselves in hatred. And in another way do those hate themselves in whom the word of Scripture is fulfilled, “Those who love iniquity hate their own soul.” “And they will make her desolate and naked.” Through the wrath of God and his just judgment by which they are abandoned by him, they themselves will make the world a desert, since they have been given over to it and use it unrighteously. “And they will devour her flesh.” This is so, because as the apostle says, “They will bite and eat one another.”
What the apostle said, “God gave them up to a base mind to do what they ought not,” that is also now said. For God has placed in their hearts to do that which is pleasing to him. Righteousness is pleasing to God, through which we know that retribution is visited upon the impious. Moreover, [it is according to God’s will] that they who have given their kingdom to the beast pay their just penalties with the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled, which, to be sure, consist of justice and mercy. For “all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.”
This woman is the very one who was given over to the corruptions of flesh and blood and who had prospered through the power of the earthly kingdom. And since she consists of those very kings over whom she is said to reign according to her habit, [the text] has divided the very same one into parts, as though separating a genus into its species, so that the words of the Lord will be fulfilled in the woman, in the city, in the kings, on the kings and on [the woman], when he redeems his own by his mercy and by his justice condemns the insolent.
Since the angel explained these things clearly, a more detailed explanation of them is superfluous. It is remarkable to me how the devil is both enemy and avenger. For he will work through the ten horns, who are guided by him, to oppose that lover of good and virtue, Christ our God, and to lay waste that populous city that has abandoned the divine laws and become servant to his pleasures, and like a bloodthirsty beast they will glut themselves on its blood. He will regard its conflagration as an occasion for rejoicing and the mutilation of human flesh as proper food, and he who always rejoices in duplicity will grant harmony to those ten apostate horns. That which continues makes very clear that the woman who was seen is the great city that exercises power over the kings of the earth, and the sufferings of that power that is ruling during those times is prophesied. From these trials the beneficent God will redeem us and enlist us in the heavenly city, namely, in the Jerusalem above. In this city “he will be everything to everyone,” as the apostle says, “when he shall destroy every rule,” clearly every apostate rule, “and every authority and power.” In addition, he will recline with and serve those who have served him here faithfully and wisely, that is, he will give them the enjoyment of the eternal blessings that have been “prepared from the foundation of the world.” Of this bliss may also we be found worthy in Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls, with whom be glory and power to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
That they may give their kingdom to the beast, etc. That is, they obey the devil until the Scriptures are fulfilled, in which God said that the fourth kingdom would consume the earth, as we read in Daniel: The fourth kingdom shall be on the earth, which shall surpass all these kingdoms. And it shall devour the whole earth, and shall trample it down, and break it to pieces (Dan. 7).
For God has put it into their hearts, etc. God, he says, the just and mighty judge, who is always pleased with righteousness, has permitted the impious to act in such a manner as a punishment for their previous sins, for which he deservedly imposes the end of the entire world, as the Gospels testify happened with Sodom and the flood.
"For God", he says, "has put into their hearts to do his purpose." He says that God, granting forgiveness, will persuade those who oppose it and those willing to take it.
And he says that they will "make one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast." And just as from one mind they will be handed over as subjects to the Antichrist, as was said before (see his comments on Rev 17:9-14), "until", he says, "the words of God shall be fulfilled." They, he says, will become subject to the beast until the punishment against the Antichrist also comes and the things spoken by the prophets by God are brought to an end, and upon him.
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Summary
Revelation 17:17 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over human history, particularly in the unfolding of end-time events. It reveals that even the seemingly autonomous and malevolent actions of the ten kings, who willingly unite with and empower the beast, are not outside of divine control but are, in fact, orchestrated by God Himself. This orchestration serves to ensure the precise fulfillment of His predetermined will and prophetic declarations, culminating in the ultimate triumph of His divine plan.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the highly symbolic and climactic visions of Revelation 17. Immediately preceding it, the apostle John describes the "great whore" (Babylon the Great) seated upon a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns, an entity that embodies both political power and spiritual rebellion against God (Revelation 17:3-7). The ten horns are explicitly identified as ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will receive authority alongside the beast for a limited time (Revelation 17:12). The preceding verse, Revelation 17:16, details how these very kings, along with the beast, will turn against the harlot, making her desolate and naked, devouring her flesh, and burning her with fire. Revelation 17:17 then provides the theological explanation for this astonishing turn of events: their actions, though seemingly driven by their own malice, are fundamentally a fulfillment of God's deeper purpose. This divine orchestration sets the stage for the beast's temporary reign and the subsequent, inevitable judgment of Babylon, as further elaborated in the following chapters.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, around the late first century AD. The apocalyptic genre, characterized by rich symbolism, visions, and a focus on divine intervention in history, served to offer hope and reassurance to a suffering church. The imagery of "Babylon" often alluded to Rome, the dominant oppressive power of the time, and the "beast" represented the anti-God imperial authority. The concept of earthly rulers and empires being subject to a higher, divine will was not new; it resonated with Old Testament prophetic traditions where God used nations, even pagan ones, as instruments of His judgment or to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Assyria and Babylon against Israel). The audience would have understood that even the most formidable human powers were ultimately under the sovereign hand of God, and their rise and fall were part of His grand historical design.
Key Themes
Revelation 17:17 is a linchpin for several profound theological themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative.
God's Sovereign Control
The primary message is God's absolute and unassailable sovereignty over all creation and history. Even the malevolent intentions and actions of wicked rulers and their alliance with the beast are not random or beyond His purview. Instead, they are divinely superintended to serve His ultimate plan. This echoes the truth found in Proverbs 21:1, which states, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Fulfillment of Prophecy
The phrase "until the words of God shall be fulfilled" underscores the certainty, inevitability, and precision of biblical prophecy. God's declared plan for history, encompassing the rise and fall of kingdoms, the temporary triumph of evil, and the ultimate victory of Christ, will unfold exactly as He has decreed. This certainty provides immense comfort, affirming that God's word "shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11). The kings' actions, though seemingly against God, paradoxically serve as instruments for bringing about His ultimate purposes.
Divine Orchestration of Evil
This verse highlights a challenging but crucial theological concept: God can utilize even the wicked intentions and actions of humanity to accomplish His righteous will. The kings agree to empower the beast, but this agreement is "put in their hearts" by God Himself, not to condone their evil or remove their moral culpability, but to ensure His prophetic timetable is met. This theme is also evident when God used Assyria, an oppressive empire, as the "rod of his anger" to punish Israel, despite Assyria's own wicked intentions (Isaiah 10:5-7). It demonstrates that God's purposes are so vast and powerful that even opposition ultimately contributes to their fulfillment.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
G1325 (dídōmi) means "to give" or "to put," with a very wide application. In this context, it signifies a divine imparting or enabling, indicating that God actively influences or allows the inclination within their hearts. It's not merely a passive allowance but an active, providential working that sets the stage for their decisions.
G2588 (kardía) refers to the "heart," which biblically represents the center of one's being—the seat of thoughts, feelings, will, and moral character. When God "puts" something in their hearts, it means He influences their innermost motivations, desires, and decisions, directing their will toward a specific outcome, even if they are unaware of His ultimate purpose.
G1106 (gnṓmē) signifies "cognition," "opinion," or "resolve," encompassing counsel, consent, or purpose. Here, it refers to God's predetermined plan or resolve. The kings' actions, though appearing to be their own "will" or purpose (to give their kingdom to the beast), are ultimately aligned with and serve God's overarching "will" or divine purpose.
G5055 (teléō) means "to end," "complete," "execute," or "accomplish." Applied to "the words of God," it emphasizes the absolute certainty and finality of divine prophecy. It indicates that God's declarations are not merely predictions but are decrees that will be brought to their complete and perfect conclusion, leaving no part unfulfilled.
Verse Breakdown
"For God hath put in their hearts"
This foundational clause reveals the divine agency behind the subsequent actions of the kings. It asserts that God is not a passive observer but actively influences the inclinations and decisions of even those who oppose Him. This "putting in their hearts" is a profound act of divine providence, shaping their will in a way that serves His ultimate purposes, without negating their own moral responsibility.
"to fulfil his will"
This phrase clarifies the purpose of God's influence. The kings' actions are not random or merely self-serving but are divinely directed to accomplish God's predetermined plan. This "will" refers to God's sovereign decree regarding the end-time events, including the temporary rise of the beast and the subsequent judgment of Babylon.
"and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast"
This describes the specific actions of the ten kings. They come to a unified "agreement" (literally "one mind" or "one purpose") to transfer their sovereign authority and power ("their kingdom") to the beast. This act of voluntary submission and empowerment is precisely what God has orchestrated in their hearts, leading to the beast's temporary ascendancy.
"until the words of God shall be fulfilled"
This crucial temporal clause sets a definitive boundary on the beast's reign and the kings' alliance. It signifies that this period of evil ascendancy is not open-ended but has a divinely appointed duration. It will persist only "until" every single one of God's prophetic declarations concerning these events reaches its complete and certain fulfillment, underscoring the inevitability of God's ultimate victory and the finite nature of evil's power.
Literary Devices
Revelation 17:17 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful theological message. Symbolism is pervasive, with "God" representing the ultimate divine authority, "hearts" symbolizing the seat of human will and intention, "kingdom" denoting political power and sovereignty, and "the beast" standing as the ultimate embodiment of anti-God power and rebellion. The phrase "the words of God" symbolically represents divine prophecy and decree, which are immutable and certain. There is also profound Irony present: the kings, in their apparent autonomy and malevolent intent to empower the beast, are unknowingly acting as instruments of God's will. Their rebellion paradoxically serves His divine plan, highlighting God's ability to turn even evil intentions toward His righteous ends. This demonstrates Divine Sovereignty as a central theme, where God's control extends even to the choices of wicked rulers. Finally, the use of the temporal marker "until" functions as a form of Prophetic Foreshadowing, indicating a divinely appointed duration for the beast's power and a certain, climactic end when God's ultimate purposes will be fully realized.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 17:17 offers a profound theological anchor, assuring believers that despite the apparent chaos and the rise of formidable evil powers in the world, God remains absolutely sovereign over all history. It asserts that even the most rebellious acts of humanity and the darkest forces of evil are not outside His providential control but are, in fact, woven into the fabric of His predetermined plan. This verse challenges any notion of a God who is merely reacting to events or struggling against opposing forces; instead, it portrays a God whose will is ultimately irresistible and whose prophetic word will be fulfilled with absolute certainty. This truth provides immense comfort, reminding us that the temporary triumph of evil is merely a stage in God's larger drama, leading inevitably to His ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Reflection and Application
In a world that often feels unpredictable, chaotic, and increasingly hostile to faith, Revelation 17:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering control. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and perceived triumphs of evil, recognizing that every event, even the most disturbing, is ultimately under the sovereign hand of God and is moving towards the fulfillment of His divine purposes. This truth should cultivate deep trust and steadfast faith within us, knowing that God is not surprised by global events, political alignments, or the rise of oppressive powers. Instead, He uses them, even the wicked intentions of men, to bring about His ultimate plan. This perspective liberates us from anxiety and despair, empowering us to live with confident hope, knowing that Christ's victory is assured and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Our call is not to fear the beast, but to faithfully endure, proclaim the gospel, and participate in God's redemptive work, trusting His perfect timing and His unfailing word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Revelation 17:17 imply that God causes evil or forces people to sin?
No, Revelation 17:17 does not imply that God causes evil or compels individuals to sin against their will. The phrase "God hath put in their hearts" (Greek: dedōken eis tas kardias autōn) indicates a profound act of divine providence, where God influences or allows the inclinations within their hearts to align with His ultimate purpose. It signifies that even the choices of wicked rulers, though made freely and with malevolent intent, are ultimately superintended by God to serve His larger plan. The kings are still morally culpable for their decision to "agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast," as their actions stem from their own desires and rebellion. However, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, is able to orchestrate these actions to fulfill His prophetic word. This is a complex theological concept often referred to as divine concurrence or meticulous providence, where God works through the free choices of His creatures without negating their responsibility or endorsing their sin. It highlights God's absolute control over history, ensuring that even the opposition of evil forces ultimately contributes to the triumph of His righteous will, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where God uses even the Assyrians as the "rod of his anger" (Isaiah 10:5).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 17:17, though describing the dark alliance between the kings and the beast, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the absolute and undeniable triumph of the Lamb of God over all opposing powers. The temporary reign of the beast, empowered by the kings' unified will, is explicitly stated to last "until the words of God shall be fulfilled." This temporal limitation points directly to the glorious intervention of Jesus Christ, who is the faithful and true witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The very purpose for which God allows this evil alliance to form is to set the stage for Christ's decisive victory, demonstrating that no earthly or demonic power can thwart His redemptive plan. The beast and the kings, in their rebellion, are merely unwitting pawns in a divine drama that culminates in the Lamb's ultimate reign. The "words of God" that must be fulfilled are ultimately centered on Christ's return, His defeat of all enemies, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This is powerfully depicted in Revelation 19:11-16, where Christ, on a white horse, defeats the beast and its armies. The declaration in Revelation 11:15—"The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever"—is the ultimate fulfillment that Revelation 17:17 foreshadows. Thus, even the darkest prophecies of Revelation serve to magnify the sovereign power and glorious triumph of Jesus Christ, assuring believers that His kingdom is eternal and His victory is certain.