Revelation
17:7-18The Unveiling of the Beast
American Journal of Biblical Theology
Copyright © 2008, J.W. Carter Scripture quotes from KJV
Revelation
17:7-18American Journal of Biblical Theology
"The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.
First, the angel reveals to John a greater understanding of what is meant by the seven heads of the beast. We were introduced to these seven heads in Daniel 7, Revelation 12, and Revelation 13. The angel’s description is consistent with Daniel’s interpretation of the seven heads. Remembering that the beast is the incarnation of Satan himself, we might ask ourselves, “how is satan so successful in leading people away from God.” As an incarnation, he is here, and he has influence. The first metaphor that is used is that of seven hills. The word that is translated “hills” is commonly used in the New Testament, and in all other applications of the word, it is translated “mountains.” The early translations that used the word, “hills” may have been influenced by those who hold that this is a reference to the hills upon which Rome is built since a common metaphor for Rome was the “City built on seven hills,” a term used by Roman soldiers (Caird). If we go back to the mountain motif, we come away with a better understanding of the meaning.
The woman sits on the seven mountains. This is her home, the place from which she exercises her idolatrous power. To the ancients, mountains were holy places, those that were closer to the gods who they thought resided in the heavens above. Seven refers to completeness of application. When we put these thoughts together we find that satan exercises his power through the entire set of pagan world religions, not a surprising idea when we recognize that all pagan religion, or any religion that rejects God, is idolatrous. Placing others before God is the very definition of idolatry. The seven mountains are one of the primary ways that Satan is incarnated on this earth.