To help keep the scary images in this chapter in context, we need to remember that the Angel is referring to Babylon. What town is that? Is it literal or figurative?
It could be either obviously, but some feel that the reference is to Rome. At the time of this writing the word “Babylon” was code for “Rome”…because speaking out against Rome would get you killed. So it isn’t far fetched to believe that John is talking about Rome here. Even today, Rome appears to “rule over the kings of the earth”. What the Pope says carries weight even for pagan kings. If that were true (and I mean no disrespect to Catholics here…I’m just reading the text and drawing some conclusions) That would make Rome the 4th kingdom, and the United States would simply be an extension of their rule of law. Or, we aren’t even included in the description since the focus is the Middle East.
If Rome is truly the great “Babylon” then what are the adulteries that come from it? Could it be the Crusades, or Catholicism itself? Or is it the reference to the many “gods” of the Romans? I’m not sure either way, and a quick search of the internet will gin up at least 5 good possibilities. The point is fairly plain though, those who reject God and promote idol worship and ungodly living are going to be punished. They will not escape. Here we find out that the very people that Babylon was counting on to support them will turn on them and destroy them completely. The ungodly have no true friends, and no compassion for others. Friendship and compassion are godly attributes, and they are absent here.
The references to the beast who “once was, now is not but will be again” refers to the devil being cast into hell for 1,000 years. At the end of the 1,000 years he is released to wage war against the Lord again. Why? The answer to that escapes me entirely. I am impressed with the time that it takes for each of these things to happen. Either God is very patient, or time has no meaning for Him at all. Or both, actually.
It seems to me that the 10 kings who give their authority to the beast do so after he returns, which would make verses 12 and following AFTER the 1000 year reign. Here’s my question: “why would God even bother telling us about what will happen then?” Everyone who is going to be saved will be part of the earthly kingdom, or safe in heaven….right? Right?
pondering,
PR