The Judgment of the Harlot

We have now come full circle. At the beginning of the chapter, Revelation 17:1, the angel told John that he was going to show him “the judgment” that would befall “the great harlot.” Today’s verse informs us that yesterday’s verse was part of God’s just sentence, to be carried out by those the harlot had seduced.

Thus will the nations “fulfill His purpose” under the seventh plague. As “the great city [is] divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations [fall]” (16:19), as the resentment and discord come to a boil, the kings of the earth place the blame upon that great city, Babylon, which is revealed as a counterfeit.

Some may look at the language in today’s verse and wonder if God will be in collusion with or even orchestrate the harlot’s designs against His own people. Scripture manifestly condemns this perception, “for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13). God would never—could never—be an accomplice to Satan or his agents.

The meaning of this verse is understood when compared to Revelation 7:1. God is the one who is commanding His angels to hold back the winds of strife, to hold at bay the machinations of evil. While He does not influence anyone to sin, He will one day completely withdraw His own influence from the world.

As He does, the powers of darkness will be left to their own devices. They will have free reign upon the earth. It will thus be revealed to the entire universe what the devil’s government brings: destruction. Those united by deception will ultimately destroy themselves, proving that the result of sin, time and again, is death, just as the Word of God states (Romans 6:23).

Notice also that it is the state, the ten horns, which destroys the church, the harlot. It is the religious, not the secular, entity that is the focus of the judgment. Here again is another reminder: Satan’s motive isn’t ever just about political power or military might; his rebellion is always ultimately about worship.

Righteous Judge, thank You for revealing to us Your judgments, which show Your inseparable mercy and justice.

For Further Study: Daniel 2:20–22; 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12; Revelation 19:2

Key Bible Texts

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (Revelation 17:17 KJV)