Revelation 17:14 - Meaning and Application

Here we are given a brief account of Babylon’s downfall, which is explained more fully in the next chapter.

A war breaks out between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers. To human eyes, the beast and his army look much stronger than the Lamb and his army. One might think an army led by a lamb could never stand against the great red dragon. But the outcome is certain.

The Lamb will overcome. Christ must reign until all his enemies are put under his feet. He will face many enemies and much resistance, but he will also be sure to win the victory.

The reason for this victory is given here. First, it comes from the character of the Lamb: he is King of kings and Lord of lords. By both nature and office, he has supreme rule and authority over all things. All the powers of earth and hell are under his control.

Second, it comes from the character of his followers. They are called, chosen, and faithful. They are called out and sent into this battle, chosen and equipped for it, and they will remain faithful in it. An army like that, under such a commander, will at last prevail over the whole world.

This victory is rightly made to stand out. First, it is striking because of the vast number of people who obeyed the beast and the woman. She sat on many waters, meaning she ruled over many peoples and nations of every language. In fact, she ruled not only over kingdoms, but also over kings, and they served her as subjects and vassals (Revelation 17:15, Revelation 17:18).

Second, it is striking because God showed his power over the hearts of great rulers. Their hearts are in his hand, and he turns them wherever he pleases. It was God’s will that these kings should agree to give their kingdom to the beast, and they were judged and hardened in doing so. And it was also God’s doing that later their hearts turned against the woman, to hate her, make her desolate and naked, and eat her flesh and burn her with fire. In time they will see how foolish they were and how they had been tricked and enslaved by the papacy. Then, in righteous anger, they will not only break away from Rome, but will become tools in God’s hand for her destruction.