Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Revelation 17:1
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven vials, etc.] It may be the first of them, since one of the four beasts designs the first of them, in (<660601>Revelation 6:1,3) though Brightman thinks the fifth angel is meant, because he poured out his vial on the seat of the beast, who is by this angel described; but rather this is the seventh and last angel, concerned in the utter destruction of antichrist: and therefore proposes to John to show him the judgment of the great whore: and talked with me, saying unto me, come hither: he conversed with him in a friendly manner, (see <380109>Zechariah 1:9) and desires him to come nearer to him, and go along with him, adding, I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore; that noted and famous one, known before to John by the names of Jezabel and Babylon, who taught and caused many to commit fornication, (<660220>Revelation 2:20) (<661408>Revelation 14:8) and is no other than Rome Papal; for that a city or state is meant is clear from (<661718>Revelation 17:18) and it is usual for idolatrous or apostate cities to be called whores or harlots, (see <230121>Isaiah 1:21) (<262302>Ezekiel 23:2-4 Na 3:4) and she is called a “great” one, because of the largeness of the Papal see; and because of the multitude of persons, the kings of the earth, and the inhabitants of it, with whom the Romish antichrist has committed spiritual fornication, or idolatry: her “judgment” signifies either her sin and wickedness; in which sense the word is used in ( <450516> Romans 5:16) and which is exposed, (<661705>Revelation 17:5,6) namely, her idolatry and cruelty; or else her condemnation, and the execution of it, suggested in (<661708>Revelation 17:8,16) and more largely described in the following chapter: that sitteth upon many waters; which in (<661715>Revelation 17:15) are interpreted of people, multitudes, nations, and tongues, subject to the jurisdiction of Rome; and so several antichristian states are in the preceding chapter signified by the sea, and by rivers and fountains of water: and this is said in reference to Babylon, an emblem of the Romish harlot, which was situated upon the river Euphrates, and is therefore said to dwell upon many waters, (<245113>Jeremiah 51:13) her sitting here may be in allusion to the posture of harlots plying of men; or may denote her ease, rest, and grandeur, sitting as a queen; and is chiefly expressive of her power and dominion over the kings and nations of the earth, (<661718>Revelation 17:18).
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