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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadHeinrich Meyer Commentary - Revelation 17:12 - 17:17
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Rev_17:12-17. The interpretation of the ten horns, also (Rev_17:15) of the waters, on which the harlot sits. In conclusion, the interpretation of the harlot herself, Rev_17:18, follows the interpretation of the special points.
δέκα βασιλεῖς . Hengstenb. errs in two ways by regarding the number ten, which is analogous to the number seven, Rev_17:9 sqq., as inaccurate, and the βασιλεῖς , again, as reigns. See, besides, on Rev_17:18.
οἳτινες
θηρίου . The limitation of οὔπω ἔλαβον in Grot., viz., “in the parts of the Roman Empire,” is more explicit than the closing words of Rev_17:12. The text says that the ten kings in general have received no dominion at all; but they obtained authority as kings, and that, too, as associates and aids of the beast ( μετὰ τ . θηρ .; cf. Rev_17:13 sq.), for “one hour;” for they shall be immediately abandoned by the Lord. The very brief duration ( μίαν ὥρ . accus., as Rev_9:5) of their rule, designated in a schematic way,[3884] appears to correspond with the circumstance that of one of these kings it is said: ἐξυυσ . ὠς βασιλ . The βασιλεία of these βασιλεῖς would then appear, not as a complete sovereignty, but as a quickly evanescent power, which, however, because of its temporary greatness, is represented as one that is royal.[3885]
μίαν γνώμην ἔχουσιν . The words immediately following give[3886] the statement that the unanimity of these kings is intended to act in concert with the beast, and that, too, first of all, against the Lord (Rev_17:14), but then also against the harlot (Rev_17:16).
μετὰ τοῦ ἀρνίου πολεμήσουσι . Here, however, there immediately follows—as the reverse of Rev_11:7, Rev_13:7—the statement that not only the Lamb, because he is the Lord of all lords and King of kings,[3887] but even believers, shall conquer those kings. The νικήσει αυτ . suggests for the further designation of subject, καὶ οἱ μετʼ αὐτοῦ , κ . τ . λ .,[3888] the idea of a ΝΙΚΉΣΟΥΣΙ .[3889] The threefold designation, according to which the saints[3890] appear as those who have been called and chosen on the part of their Lord, and have, on their part, maintained their fidelity,[3891] emphasizes the inner foundation of the victory, confirming the promise, and likewise calling to mind the condition of the victory.
[3884] Cf. Rev_18:10.
[3885] Cf. Rev_9:3.
[3886] Cf. also Rev_17:17
[3887] Cf. Rev_19:16.
[3888] The στρατεύματα of the Lord, Rev_19:14; Rev_19:19.
[3889] Unnaturally, Beng.: “Those who are with him are the elect,” who are only to look on.
[3890] Cf. Rev_13:7.
[3891] Cf. Rev_2:10.