The Harlot of Babylon
The great harlot Babylon — symbol of Rome and all worldly power opposed to God — is revealed in her corruption and her ultimate doom.
Then one of the seven angels who were holding the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come here. I will show you the judgment on the great harlot who lives near the many waters.
[1-6] Babylon, the symbolic name (⇒ Rev 17:5) of Rome, is graphically described as "the great harlot." [⇒ 17:1-⇒ 19:10] The punishment of Babylon is now described as a past event and, metaphorically, under the image of the great harlot who leads people astray into idolatry.
Then he carried me away in spirit to a deserted place where I saw a woman seated on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names, with seven heads and ten horns.
[3] Scarlet beast: see the note on ⇒ Rev 13:1-10. Blasphemous names: divine titles assumed by the Roman emperors; see the note on ⇒ Rev 13:5-6.
On her forehead was written a name, which is a mystery, "Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth."
I saw that the woman was drunk on the blood of the holy ones and on the blood of the witnesses to Jesus. When I saw her I was greatly amazed.
[6] Reference to the great wealth and idolatrous cults of Rome.
They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and king of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful."
The woman whom you saw represents the great city that has sovereignty over the kings of the earth."