Page 135 - Eschatology - Masters revised

Chapter 14: The Whore of Babylon

Connect…

In the book of Hosea, the prophet is told to take a wife who is a whore. The whole idea seems repulsive
to the prophet, but in obedience he took Gomer as his prostitute wife. Why would God ask him to do
such a thing? God wanted to use Hosea to illustrate that while Israel has “prostituted” herself against
the Lord in worshipping false idols and other gods, He still desired to take her back and renew His
relationship with her. Eventually, because of Israel’s refusal to come back to God in her prostitution,
God gave her over to be punished by foreign nations.

In Chapter 17 of the Book of Revelation, we read about a whore or prostitute who is associated with
Babylon, the empire God used to punish Judah. It’s a bit of a confusing chapter with some symbolic
references, but it informs us that the nations of the earth prostitute themselves in their wickedness and
rebellion against God. The Whore of Babylon becomes drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Christ.
There are some gruesome and difficult times coming in the future for both those who stand for Christ
and for those who rebel against His authority. Let’s see if we can figure out who this whore is in
Revelation 17…

Objectives…

1. The student shall be able to describe the various characteristics of the Whore of Babylon.

2. The student shall be able to explain how the Whore of Babylon is associated with the Antichrist.

3. The student shall be able to explain how the Whore of Babylon will be judged for her wickedness and
idolatrous ways.

The Lesson ...

The Whole of Babylon

In the Old Testament, the city of Babylon was the capital of a great empire that God used to judge Israel
for their idolatry and wickedness. Babylon was an empire that ruled the known world and imposed its
authority and world view on all she conquered. Rather than destroy as the Assyrians, Babylon practiced
subversion. Babylon was haughty and said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one beside me; I shall not
sit as a widow or know the loss of children.” Isaiah 47:8, ESV).

Nebuchadnezzar declared himself a god to be worshipped and confronted the three Israeli sons who
refused to bow to his image. Babylon had the idea that they were safe and secure in their own power.

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