Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Revelations Ch.17 / 22 Ch.s
RE:17
* One of the angels who had the vials, explains the meaning of
the former vision of the antichristian beast that was to reign
1260 years, and then to be destroyed. (1-6) And interprets the
mystery of the woman, and the beast that had seven heads and ten
horns. (7-18)
#1-6 Rome clearly appears to be meant in this chapter. Pagan
Rome subdued and ruled with military power, not by art and
flatteries. She left the nations in general to their ancient
usages and worship. But it is well known that by crafty and
politic management, with all kinds of deceit of unrighteousness,
papal Rome has obtained and kept her rule over kings and
nations. Here were allurements of worldly honour and riches,
pomp and pride, suited to sensual and worldly minds. Prosperity,
pomp, and splendour, feed the pride and lusts of the human
heart, but are no security against the Divine vengeance. The
golden cup represents the allurements, and delusions, by which
this mystical Babylon has obtained and kept her influence, and
seduced others to join her abominations. She is named, from her
infamous practices, a mother of harlots; training them up to
idolatry and all sorts of wickedness. She filled herself with
the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus. She intoxicated
herself with it; and it was so pleasant to her, that she never
was satisfied. We cannot but wonder at the oceans of Christian
blood shed by men called Christians; yet when we consider these
prophecies, these awful deeds testify to the truth of the
gospel. And let all beware of a splendid, gainful, or
fashionable religion. Let us avoid the mysteries of iniquity,
and study diligently the great mystery of godliness, that we may
learn humility and gratitude from the example of Christ. The
more we seek to resemble him, the less we shall be liable to be
deceived by antichrist.
#7-14 The beast on which the woman sat was, and is not, and yet
is. It was a seat of idolatry and persecution, and is not; not
in the ancient form, which was pagan: yet it is; it is truly the
seat of idolatry and tyranny, though of another sort and form.
It would deceive into stupid and blind submission all the
inhabitants of the earth within its influence, except the
remnant of the elect. This beast was seven heads, seven
mountains, the seven hills on which Rome stands; and seven
kings, seven sorts of government. Five were gone by when this
prophecy was written; one was then in being; the other was yet
to come. This beast, directed by the papacy, makes an eighth
governor, and sets up idolatry again. It had ten horns, which
are said to be ten kings who had as yet no kingdoms; they should
not rise up till the Roman empire was broken; but should for a
time be very zealous in her interest. Christ must reign till all
enemies be put under his feet. The reason of the victory is,
that he is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He has supreme
dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and
hell are subject to his control. His followers are called to
this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it.
#15-18 God so ruled the hearts of these kings, by his power over
them, and by his providence, that they did those things, without
intending it, which he purposed and foretold. They shall see
their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by
the harlot, and be made instruments in her destruction. She was
that great city which reigned over the kings of the earth, when
John had this vision; and every one knows Rome to be that city.
Believers will be received to the glory of the Lord, when wicked
men will be destroyed in a most awful manner; their joining
together in sin, will be turned to hatred and rage, and they
will eagerly assist in tormenting each other. But the Lord's
portion is his people; his counsel shall stand, and he will do
all his pleasure, to his glory, and the happiness of all his
servants.