The closing verses of Revelation chapter seventeen continue with an explanatory discourse on the woman who sat astride a scarlet beast mentioned earlier in verse three…
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast” (Revelation 17:12).
This likely refers to a confederacy of ten nations that will join in solidarity with this beast. The following verse identifies the unquestioned leader of that alliance: “These kings will be of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:13 CEB). So these ten heads of state will pledge their complete allegiance to this beast and his agenda.
But these ten leaders will exhibit more than just solidarity; they will also back their commitment with military power…
“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
The matter-of-fact tone of this passage hides an astonishing thought: the members of this multi-national alliance actually seem to believe they possess the capability to launch a successful military attack against Jesus Himself. But such a victory is unachievable for “…he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings” (CEV). We should also note that the “called, chosen, and faithful” who accompany Jesus will be there to witness the Lamb’s victorious counter-offensive.
John’s angelic chaperone then concluded his explanation with a few additional insights…
“Then he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:15-18).
This reference to “…masses of people of every nation and language” (NLT) highlights the global nature of the godless religious philosophy held by those who are represented here. That philosophy is not merely indifferent to the things of God; instead, it violently opposes them, as evidenced by this hapless attempt to defeat the Lamb through the use of military force.
We’ll conclude our look at Revelation chapter seventeen with some final thoughts from this passage next.