Revelation Chapter 17
In this study we will as usual be consulting our two primary sources on the book of Revelation, viz., the “New Albany Notes on Revelation” (abbreviated here as N.A.N.O.R.) along with excerpts from Brother Frank Shallieu’s work “The Keys to Revelation”, any other sources of information including the Reprints will be duly noted.
It has always been my opinion that no one particular brother, and this includes the Pastor himself has ever been given all knowledge, all the truth on any particular subject especially one as complex as the book of Revelation, therefore it would seem logical that the safest course to follow here would be to follow the Lord’s admonishment that we consult with a multitude of counselors, for “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14).
In the end however it’s going to be up to each individual Student to investigate for him or herself (“proving all things”) to one's self in order to determine which particular view point appears the most scripturally sound and harmonious with the plan of God as they have come to know and understand it. Keep in mind that we are dealing primarily with prophecy, some of it fulfilled, some of it in the midst of fulfillment, and some of it yet to come, and as such still yet certain.
TIME SETTINGS
“At least a part of the understanding of this chapter is reliant upon knowing the times which are referred to. It is significant that the angel can be identified as the seventh angel. We thus see that the John Class (the feet members here at the end of the age, during the harvest period) come to understand the history and judgment of Babylon during this angel’s ministry. Accordingly,
Verses 1 and 2 “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
These verses date from the 1870’s to 1916 (-- and beyond by this angel or messengers writings.)
Verse 3 “So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
This verse specifies the “wilderness” period -- the 1260 years from 539-1799 about which we learned in Chapter 12.
Verses 4 and 5 “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
It is this (“wilderness”) period which is described in Verses 3-5 -- a look backward at history.
Verse 6 “I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.”
This verse brings us back to the seventh angel’s Day. It is from this perspective that we must view the explanation given in Verse 8 and following.
Thus the Lord locked into place the understanding of Chapter 17.
Until we understand and accept the place of the Seventh Messenger in the scheme of things, we CANNOT successfully interpret this chapter.
SYMBOLS
It might well be asked how Brother Russell (as the seventh angel) explained the details of Verses 8-14, as we do not find a clear and detailed explanation in his writings -- only a generalized one. As with all prophecy not fulfilled or only partially fulfilled, Revelation 17’s key verses were not meant to be fully comprehended in minute detail prior to the time for understanding them.
The pertinent words from the angel are found in Verse 9 -- “Here is the mind (the individual) which has wisdom.” These are the words which answer the question posed above.
The angel did not say that this head is this entity. He simply explained the symbolism and then said YOU must apply wisdom to the symbolic keys that I gave you. It was the commission given to this angel to supply the John Class with the needed symbols so that the John Class could watch and recognize the fulfillment’s as they came due.
When Bro. Russell (seemingly flippantly) said that someone else would have to write the Seventh Volume (the answers to Revelation), he was, indeed, summarizing his commission to us: He would instruct us in the Divine Plan’s outline, in the methods of study of the Divine Word, and in the manner of interpreting the meanings of symbols. WE must ultimately apply “the mind which has wisdom.”
Chapter 17, as noted, ENDS (Verses 15-18) with the angel’s doing this very thing: He explains the meanings of symbols. WE must now apply them.
Continued with next post.
