After the accomplishment of the mystery of God by the pouring out of the seven vials, the prophet has a further and more particular vision of the same great persecuting power whose doom has been foretold. He is carried by one of the seven angels into the wilderness, and there sees a harlot riding upon a scarlet-colored beast, which is manifestly the same as the beast that rose out of the sea. Chap Revelation 13:1. A harlot is the appropriate symbol of an apostate church, and her riding upon the beast represents the fact that the beast supports her, and she uses it for the accomplishment of her base purposes. She is therefore the same for substance as the two-horned beast that "exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him." Chap Revelation 13:11-12.

The great whore; the great persecuting power, whose destruction had been foretold; called by this name on account of her awfully corrupting influence.

Sitteth upon many waters; ruleth over many nations. Verse Revelation 17:15.

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Old Testament