Two Cities, Two Women

Have you ever had that strange feeling you’ve seen something before but don’t remember seeing it? It’s called déjà vu (“already seen”). Even though you have a strong sense of recollection as you go through an experience, you know it to be impossible. About two-thirds of healthy people say they have had a déjà vu experience. Research shows these episodes decrease with age.

We come to another turning point in Revelation that has a touch of déjà vu. The elderly apostle is not mentally confused. The language of Revelation 21:9 is very similar to 17:1, which says, “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you …” but at this point, the scenario abruptly changes.

Revelation 17:1–19:10 describes a woman and a city: Babylon and a harlot. Revelation 21:9–22:9 also describes a woman and a city: the New Jerusalem and the bride of Christ. It’s a striking contrast. Babylon and Jerusalem have been age-old enemies and perfectly depict the spiritual realities at the end of time.

The filthy harlot and the pure bride, also repeatedly spoken of in Scripture (Ezekiel 16:15–29; Ephesians 5:32), describe the unfaithful and the faithful. As we will see, the two metaphors of a woman and a city blend into one: “The woman whom you saw is that great city” (Revelation 17:18; 21:10).

The two stunning visions impact John so deeply that his response at the end of each is the same—he falls down at the feet of the angel in worship and is reminded to worship only God (19:10; 22:8). We can hardly imagine what this disciple went through in vision. And then he was to write in human language this heavenly scene. No wonder he fell down in awe!

In which city would you like to dwell as a resident? As you recall the fall of Babylon and the impure woman, you will now be drawn to see the rise of the New Jerusalem, the bride.

Father in heaven, I long to see the New Jerusalem and to be a citizen in Your ?holy kingdom.

For Further Study: Isaiah 49:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 19:7, 8

Key Bible Texts

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. (Revelation 21:9 KJV)