by Randall E. Pickens, Sr.
John’s vision – Declaring the “end from the beginning”
I consider this vision to be one of the most intriguing of John’s many visions. This vision is the epitome (perfect example) of the message of Isa 46:10 where God tells the prophet Isaiah that He is “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done”. It also is the most inclusive in that it is the summation of all the ages from Genesis to Revelation.
This vision begins as does Isa. 46 with a reference to the oldest idolatrous system of Babylon. This vision is the embodiment of the original rebellion of the kingdoms of this earth down through the ages and culminates with the final judgements of Satan, his angels, and all unrighteous mankind. God’s unfinished business is about to conclude thus the emphasis of the 22 “septets” (symbolism of sevens) throughout the book of Revelation; telegraphing the emphasis of “final judgements”.
Nimrod’s Babylon is the prototype of a rebellious people, his name being interpreted as “he who made ALL the people rebellious against God”. Nimrod is credited with leading the initial human “organized rebellion” to God. If we are to understand the riddle of Rev. 17 then we must consider how the Kingdoms of this earth are associated with the phrases “Mother of Harlots” and the “Great Whore“. We must also recognize that Mystery Babylon refers to this kingdom and it’s religious systems.
Polytheism was introduced by this initial “organized rebellion“. Nimrod, Semiramis, and Tammuz, the un-holy trinity has it’s roots in early Mesopotamian/Babylon.
Satan introduced his counterfeit or “unholy” trinity. This religious system was introduced in early Mesopotamian and Babylonian history and when the languages were confused at Babel produced the diverse names for gods and goddesses throughout the ancient world and continues to pollute modern religion today as well.
The “Mother of Harlots” reference is believed by most theologians to be reference to Babylon’s religious systems to be considered the source of “ALL“ other Idolatrous systems that would evolve from this time forward. Nimrod, according to Sumerian mythology, had a mother-wife named Sumeramis, or Semeramis (aka Astarte, Asherah, Ashtoreth, Isis, Ishtar and Easter). John’s vision and the use of these phrases proves that he understood that God will judge them all but makes it known he has unfinished business with the initial leaders of these Kingdoms who attempted “World Dominion“. This also reveals how God deals with rebellion in general. God identifies the source and then His judgments are focused on the source but are inclusive of all associated parties going forward! This is evidenced in the visions revealed to Daniel and John.
Note that the common characteristic of all kingdoms identified by Daniel and John are those kingdoms that sought to dominate the World. In the riddle of Rev. 17 we see a clear association with Nebuchadnezzar’s vision as interpreted by Daniel and with the finale of John’s vision of all of the kingdoms of this earth, from the beginning to the end!
8 Kingdoms of the “riddle” defined
John’s revelation is all inclusive of the 5 kingdoms identified by Daniel that sought “World Dominion” and concludes with the identity of the final three kingdoms. The sixth and seventh being the King of the North’s invasion of Israel, identified in Ezekiel 38/39 which precedes the final seventh of the Beast and False Prophet who are empowered by the Dragon/Devil which is the eighth kingdom. The eighth kingdom will be destroyed by the Messiah becoming the “Kingdoms of our Lord“.
Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
This is illustrated in the familiar image enclosed which is often used when teachers analyze Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. I would point out that this image also identifies the first 5 Kingdoms referenced in John’s vision as the “five are fallen“, Rev 17:10. The identity of the fifth Kingdom being “Mixed” reference is debated. I for one think the debate is entirely unnecessary. This is a case where I believe interpreters should allow the word to say what it means and accept it without question! The word “mixed” is used to distinguish this 5th Kingdom. The surface meaning rightfully acknowledges that it is a mixture of previous 4 Kingdoms. The Hebrew meaning is even more so distinguishing; “mixed” in Hebrew is “ARAB” (Stong’s ref. H6151). When the whole of the distinguishing characteristics given by Daniel and John are examined, I believe it is clearly a reference to the Ottoman Empire (mixed; comprised of Turks, Romans, Greeks, Persians, and ARAB’s) which divided the Roman Empire in 1453 AD and is currently attempting a come back which would satisfy the whole of the characteristics prophesied more convincingly than would a Roman, European/Catholicism opinion.
Islam and a Caliphate allied with the reemergence of the Ottoman Empire’s geographic foot print are a serious candidate for the rise of Gog of Ezekiel and later the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet system of Daniel and John. (see my article titled, The Beast and False Prophet). I believe this is the 5th Kingdom of Daniel’s and John’s prophecy. I also believe this Ottoman Empire is reemerging as we speak and will likely produce both Gog of Ezekiel 38/39 and the King of the North or Beast and False Prophet of Daniel and Revelation.
The “mixed” 5th Kingdom; Islam and a Caliphate allied with the reemergence of the Ottoman Empire’s geographic foot print are a serious candidate for the rise of the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet system. Note that God has identified Kingdoms that shared the goal of “World Dominion“
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, his ruling party and nationalist allies have been telegraphing their desire to reconstitute the Ottoman Empire of pre-WWI boundaries. Turkey has openly stated it goal in media and more importantly in military expansion into Libya, Syria, and Iraq. The enclosed map of the Ottoman Empire boundaries prior to the WWI redefinition is the goal of Erdogan to reclaim. These boundaries closely resemble the Kingdoms identified by Daniel in his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Babylon, Persia, Greek, and Roman. The Ottoman Empire fulfills the 5th Kingdom identified in Dan 2:41 and Rev 17. The characteristic “mixed” is extremely telling. History has recorded this trait of the Arab nations. In fact only once in history to date do we see them uniting to form an Empire due to internal strife. The Arab communities are very distrusting of each other. Gen 16:12 NIV says this of Ishmael and his descendants; ” He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”
Treaty of Sèvres, (August 10, 1920), post-World War I pact between the victorious Allied powers and representatives of the government of Ottoman Turkey. The treaty abolished the Ottoman Empire and obliged Turkey to renounce all rights over Arab Asia and North Africa. Later to be superseded by the Treaty of Lahsanne, 1923.
The Riddle Summarized:
Rev 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, (1st-5th – Babylon, Persia, Greek, Rome, Ottoman) and one is (6th – Little Horn, revived Ottoman), and the other is not yet come (7th – Anti-Christ); and when he cometh, he must continue a short space (1st half of tribulation period).
Rev 17:11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, (8th – Satan, 2nd half of the tribulation period) and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Rev 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour (Battle of Armageddon) with the beast.
Conclusion:
Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
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