Are BOTH peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.—And not, therefore, literal water or literal hills, or forms of government which have ruled the city of Rome.—Isa. 8:7.
17:16. And the ten horns which thou sawest.—The rulers of Europe and America, and their subjects, descendants of the ten powers which originally composed the old Roman Empire.
[Upon] AND the beast.—The re-established temporal dominion of the pope in Rome and elsewhere. “Of her boastings and threats the following from a Catholic journal of recent date is a fair sample: ‘The Papacy will regain its temporal sovereignty, because it is useful and convenient to the Church. It gives the head executive of the church a fuller liberty and a fuller sway. The Pope can be no king's subject long. It is not in keeping with the divine office to be so. It cramps him and narrows his influence for good. Europe has acknowledged this influence, and will be forced to bow to it in greater times of need than this. Social upheavals, and the red hand of anarchy, will yet crown Leo or his successor with the reality of power which the third circle symbolizes, and which was once recognized universally.’ Yes, as the day of trouble draws on, ecclesiasticism will endeavor to use its power and influence more and more to secure its own political welfare, by its control of the turbulent elements of society; but in the crisis of the near future the lawless element will spurn all conservative influence and break over all restraints, the red hand of Anarchy will do its dreadful work, and Babylon, political and ecclesiastical, shall fall.”—D. 38.
These shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked.—People and governments will have a common hatred for their mutual enemy when the motives which actuate her are clearly revealed.—Ezek. 16:35-44; 23:22, 29; Zech. 1:19.
And shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire.—Unite to complete her utter destruction.—Rev. 18:8, 18; Dan. 7:11; C. 68; Gen. 38:24; Ezek. 16:41; Lev. 20:14; 21:9.
17:17. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will.—As expressed in His Word.
And to agree.—The European war would stop tomorrow if it were not for the officers holding the men to the task of butchery.
And to give their kingdom unto the beast.—Put their liberties into the hands of the Papacy, as Arbitrator.
Until the words of God shall be fulfilled.—And the travail of nominal Zion shall disclose her true character.
17:18. And the woman which thou sawest.—The Apostate Church, the antitypical Jezebel.