Sabbath: Babylon and Armageddon
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 14:8; Rev. 16:19; Isa. 52:9; Rev. 18:1-10; Rev. 16:12-16; 1 Kings 18:1-40; 1 Cor. 15:1-2.
Memory Text: “On her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:5, NKJV).
The book of Revelation, as we already have noted, comes filled with images and language taken directly from the Old Testament. For instance, the name Babylon appears six times in Revelation. But it is not talking about the ancient kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, which had passed from world history hundreds of years earlier. Instead, John was using Old Testament imagery to express a truth. In this case, Babylon — a massive political and religious power that had oppressed God’s people — now describes the massive religious and political powers that will seek to do the same in the end times.
Something similar occurs with the word Armageddon, which occurs only in Revelation but is based on a Hebrew phrase that seems to mean “Mount of Megiddo”, a reference to a location in ancient Israel. A great deal of speculation exists about Armageddon, with many people looking for a massive military battle to take place there, in Megiddo, near the end of the world.
This week, we will look at Babylon and Armageddon, and seek to learn what the Bible is telling us with these images.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 23.
(49)
On her forehead - she is not ashamed of her doctrine
Mystery - something hidden, obscure
Babylon the great - It is esteemed as great
The mother of harlots - She does not mind taking other religious practices and calling it holy.
Christmas - SUN worship turns to SON worship
Abomination of the earth - Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things which are also abominations: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers."
Contrast
Forehead - God's people are sealed on the Forehead publicly declares to the virtue of God's character.
Mystery - There is no hidden agenda. He declares in loud voice there is a impending judgement, fear God and glorify him. Come out of her my people.
Great - He who was great became the lamb of God so in his poverty I could be made rich.
Purity - I am the way, truth and life. There is no other way.
Abomination vs Love - 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
God has always been honest and have been giving a stern warning to the world to call the people out of this self worship. Let us worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
A commentary on Rev.17:5- " a mystery is on her head..."- Names full of blasphemy", verse 3. Until Julius the third, the Pope always wore the words mystery on their foreheads. Names such as "his holiness", "who is a sinner", "the vicar of Christ", "the head of the church". After Julius the third, the name was dropped when this portion of scripture, Rev17:5 applied to him, and was confirmed. Added were the hierarchy- cardinals, bishops, monks, abbots. Plus sales of holy water,indulgencies, penance, absolutions, and nefarious trade was carried under the color of religion. The woman in revelation17:5 per the commentary, is Rome and the Pope. Using the commentary of others seemed more accurate or applicable than any I could supply.
Paul, I am not sure that you can really attach meaning to some of these attempts to tag the papacy with the mystery of words (or numbers). It always struck me as somewhat manipulative to try and fit 666 to Vicarius Filii Dei. The real mystery is how an organization, professing to follow Jesus, can use intimidation, corruption, and coercion to "make people Christians". That is clearly spelled out in Revelation and these are characteristics of the antichrists of today.