The Harlotry of Babylon

At this point in the revelation given to John, Babylon and the Babylonian system have been the center of corruption on the earth. Details are drawn out and elaborated on as God destroys the command center of the satanic empire. This destruction is a part of the seventh bowl judgment.

The city of Babylon is described as a “harlot” because of its corrupting influence. The spiritual and religious corruption is complete at this point and has a spread into the political and economic realms everywhere. The pervasive influence of sin and the defilement of all creation are brought to a climatic rebellion on a global scale.

The city of Babylon, described as “the woman” is not the beast, but has the dominant position. The woman in relation to the beast is wealthier, successful, and in control. The city is where opposition to God is centered as Satan moves ahead with his plan to get all the earth to bow in worship before him. A careful study of Old Testament history reveals that this area has been a center of pagan worship since the time of the tower of Babel and it has been propagated down through today.