Revelation 17:9 Commentary and Bible Study

‘The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.’ It is popular to say this has to do with the seven hills of Rome, but John is told that the seven heads are the seven mountains, and we have seen already what the seven heads represent. The image of a mountain is more likely used because mountains like horns are symbols of power. She in effect resigns, because she has the place of authority in each of these world empires. As a rule numbers in this book should be taken symbolically. When however the seven are split into five in the past, one present, and one to come, the language has become too specific to ignore the literal use of the number.‘And there are seven kings.’ This possibly refers to the five empires which have just been considered which have all fallen. One is still in being at the time of the Book of Revelation, and that is Rome. But that too is going to fall, and has already received its death blow. That will be replaced in the last era, the gospel age, by all the separate minor kingdoms of the world. It will always be that there will be government particular antagonistic to the church. To some extent this is true of every government. These will continue until the last head arises out of the bottomless pit. That last head ‘when he cometh, must continue a short space.’ These events are predestined and they are certain. This is said for the encouragement of the church. Nothing in heaven or earth or hell can alter God’s plan. It will be a time of intense persecution, but it will not continue long, and then deliverance will come from the Lord.