Revelation 17:9-18

Revelation 17:9. seven mountains: Rome was described as the city of the seven hills.

Revelation 17:10. seven kings: this is a second interpretation of the heads. The most probable explanation is: The five are fallen, i.e. Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero are dead; the one is, i.e. Vespasian is still reigning, the other is not yet come, i.e. Titus is still to ascend the throne as seventh emperor (but cf. p. 928).

Revelation 17:11. an eighth and is of the seven: i.e. Nero, who was the fifth emperor in the foregoing list, and on his return would be the eighth.

Revelation 17:12. ten horns: probably ten Parthian satraps who were about to assist Nero to recover his kingdom and would be rewarded for their loyalty by receiving kingdoms. for one hour: the rule of Nero redivivus would be of the shortest possible duration.

Revelation 17:14. The victory of Christ over the empire of Antichrist.

Revelation 17:16. the ten horns: Revelation 17:12 *. shall hate the harlot: the belief was that Nero would return in fury to wreak vengeance on Rome.

Revelation 17:17. God uses the plans and devices of His enemies to fulfil His own purposes.

Revelation 17:18. the great city: this verse proves that Babylon in this chapter must mean Rome, for the phrase which reigneth over the kings of the earth could only apply to Rome.