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Commentary on Revelation 17 verses 7–13
Here we have the mystery of this vision explained. The apostle wonders at the sight of this woman: the angel undertakes to open this vision to him, it being the key of the former visions; and he tells the apostle what was meant by the beast on which the woman sat; but it is so explained as still to need further explanation. 1. This beast was, and is not, and yet is; that is, it was a seat of idolatry and persecution; and is not, that is, not in the ancient form, which was pagan; and yet it is, it is truly the seat of idolatry and tyranny, though of another sort and form. It ascends out of the bottomless pit (idolatry and cruelty are the issue and product of hell), and it shall return thither and go into perdition. 2. This beast has seven heads, which have a double signification. (1.) Seven mountains - the seven hills on which Rome stands; and (2.) Seven kings - seven sorts of government. Rome was governed by kings, consuls, tribunes, decemviri, dictators, emperors who were pagan, and emperors who were Christian. Five of these were extinct when this prophecy was written; one was then in being, that is, the pagan emperor; and the other, that is, the Christian emperor, was yet to come, Rev 17:10. This beast, the papacy, makes an eighth governor, and sets up idolatry again. 3. This beast had ten horns; which are said to be ten kings which have as yet received no kingdoms; as yet, that is, as some, shall not rise up till the Roman empire be broken in pieces; or, as others, shall not rise up till near the end of antichrist's reign, and so shall reign but as it were one hour with her, but shall for that time be very unanimous and very zealous in that interest, and entirely devoted to it, divesting themselves of their prerogatives and revenues (things so dear to princes), out of an unaccountable fondness for the papacy.
These things, beloved, we impart to you with fear, and yet readily, on account of the love of Christ, which surpasseth all. For if the blessed prophets who preceded us did not choose to proclaim these things, though they knew them, openly and boldly, lest they should disquiet the souls of men, but recounted them mystically in parables and dark sayings, speaking thus, "Here is the mind which hath wisdom," how much greater risk shall we run in venturing to declare openly things spoken by them in obscure terms! Let us look, therefore, at the things which are to befall this unclean harlot in the last days; and (let us consider) what and what manner of tribulation is destined to visit her in the wrath of God before the judgment as an earnest of her doom.
"The seven heads are the seven hills, on which the woman sitteth." That is, the city of Rome.
Since what is to be interpreted is spiritual, there is need, it says, for a spiritual wisdom, not a worldly wisdom to understand what is being said.… We believe that the seven heads and the seven mountains are to be interpreted as seven places that excel the rest in excellence and worldly power. In these places we recognize that at various times the kingdom of the world is established, such as at first the rule of the Assyrians in Nineveh. Second, in Ecbatana there was the power of the Medians who from the time of Arbakes seized power from the Assyrians whose king, Sardanapal, Arbakes is said to have destroyed. After these there was the power of the Chaldeans in Babylon, whose king was Nebuchanezzar. Then after their fall the rule of the Persians in Susa was initiated by Cyrus. And after the destruction of this kingdom by Alexander, there was the rule of the Macedonians. After these there was in old Rome the power of the Romans that was sovereign under Augustus Caesar and its recent emperors and consuls and was possessed by wicked men until Constantine. After the fall of these, the royal powers of emperors favorable to Christ were transferred to new Rome.
The seven heads are seven mountains, etc. The heads of the beast, he says, are the kings of the world, equated to lofty mountains because of their pride. In these impiety wantonly rests, to oppress with force and to deceive with fraud.
Therefore, he says, "here is the mind that has wisdom." Therefore, so says the mind that has been made wise: let the riddle be known how it "was and is not", and is about to ascend from the abyss. For even for that which departs from being into non-being, the thing that is about to ascend again from the abyss seems to be contradictory, unless someone should apprehend it in some other way, as has already been said.
"The seven heads" he says "are seven mountains, on which the woman sits." From this most clearly it is shown that what has been said refers to Rome; for it is related that she herself sits on seven mountains, and there is no other city.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 17:9 serves as a crucial interpretive key within John's vision of the "great harlot" and the beast. It explicitly states that understanding the profound symbolism of the beast's seven heads requires spiritual wisdom, revealing that these heads represent "seven mountains" upon which the mysterious woman is seated. This declaration immediately directs the reader towards a deeper, divinely-granted insight into the nature of the beast's power and the woman's pervasive influence, setting the stage for the unfolding judgment of "Babylon the Great."
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 17:9 masterfully employs Symbolism and Metaphor to convey profound theological truths. The "seven heads" are explicitly identified as "seven mountains," which itself is a Metaphor for powerful kingdoms or centers of authority. This layered symbolism requires the reader to engage with the text on multiple levels, moving beyond a literal interpretation to grasp the deeper spiritual and political realities being depicted. The phrase "here is the mind which hath wisdom" acts as a Direct Address or Apostrophe, drawing the reader into the interpretive process and emphasizing the need for divine illumination. This rhetorical device underscores that the understanding of these symbols is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discernment, highlighting the Didactic purpose of the passage. The imagery of the woman "sitting" on these mountains is also highly symbolic, representing her pervasive influence, control, or reliance upon these worldly powers.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:9 is a pivotal verse that bridges the symbolic language of prophecy with concrete interpretive clues, emphasizing that God's revelation, while mysterious, is ultimately understandable through divine wisdom. It highlights the pervasive nature of worldly power that opposes God, whether manifested as a specific historical empire or as a recurring pattern of human rebellion. The woman "sitting" on the mountains signifies the deep entanglement of spiritual harlotry (idolatry, rebellion against God) with political and economic systems. This verse sets the stage for understanding the ultimate downfall of this anti-God system, demonstrating that no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand God's righteous judgment. It calls believers to discern the true nature of worldly influence and to remain separate from its corrupting allure, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:9 challenges us to approach God's Word, especially prophetic texts, with a posture of humility and a hunger for spiritual wisdom. It reminds us that true understanding comes not from human intellect alone, but from the Holy Spirit, who illuminates the Scriptures and grants discernment. In an age saturated with information and competing ideologies, this verse calls us to critically evaluate the "mountains" of influence in our own time—the dominant cultural narratives, political systems, economic forces, and media—and to discern where the "woman" of worldly rebellion might be sitting. We are to recognize the subtle and overt ways in which these powers seek to draw humanity away from God, often cloaked in allure and perceived stability. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He has revealed these truths so that His people might not be deceived, but might stand firm in faith, awaiting the ultimate triumph of His kingdom over all earthly opposition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the primary interpretation of the "seven mountains" in Revelation 17:9?
Answer: The "seven mountains" in Revelation 17:9 are widely understood in two primary ways, both rooted in the historical and symbolic context of the Bible. The most prominent historical interpretation identifies them with the seven literal hills upon which the city of Rome was built, making the "woman" a direct symbol of imperial Rome, known for its persecution of Christians and its pervasive paganism. This view is supported by the fact that Rome was the dominant world power at the time John wrote Revelation. However, a broader, more symbolic interpretation understands "mountains" as representing powerful kingdoms, empires, or centers of authority throughout history, a common prophetic motif (e.g., Isaiah 2:2; Daniel 2:35). Under this view, the "seven mountains" could symbolize a succession of world empires that oppose God, or the totality of worldly power that stands in opposition to divine rule. Both interpretations acknowledge the "woman" as "Babylon the Great" (Revelation 17:5), representing a spiritual system of idolatry and rebellion against God that is deeply intertwined with worldly political and economic structures.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 17:9 focuses on the nature of anti-God worldly power, its ultimate fulfillment points to the absolute supremacy of Christ. The "mind which hath wisdom" ultimately leads to knowing Christ, for He is "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). The "seven mountains" and the woman who sits upon them represent all earthly powers and systems that set themselves against God's rule, culminating in the final, futile rebellion against the Lamb. Yet, it is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is worthy to open the scroll and reveal these mysteries (Revelation 5:1-5). He is the true King, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and who will ultimately judge and utterly destroy all opposing "mountains" and the harlot system they support (Revelation 19:11-21). The wisdom imparted in Revelation 17:9 is a wisdom that grounds believers in the eternal victory of Christ, assuring them that His reign will endure long after all earthly powers have crumbled, and He will establish His righteous rule forever (Revelation 11:15).