In Revelation Chapter 17 we find the great prostitute.  Her world is dominated by materialism.  On her forehead are the words:

MYSTERY
BABYLON THE GREAT
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES

AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH

She is totally consumed in the pursuit of pleasure and consumption.  There is no place for compassion, respect or gratitude within her being.   The woman’s gaudy dress and accessories further confirm her total indulgence in material things.  Once the character of the prostitute is established the nature of evil is revealed.

Rome was built on seven hills and this is where the prostitute sits. 

There is a great history lesson about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in verses 9 through 14.  If you are so inclined it is an interesting study but has little to do with the story of Revelation.

In Chapter 18 we see the fall of Babylon.  The fall of Babylon is announced and a voice from heaven calls God’s people out of her.  The Kings that shared her materialism see Babylon going up in smoke.  They stand far off and mourn her destruction.  The merchants of the earth mourn her because they have no one to buy their cargoes.  The transportation systems are also stressed because of the loss of trade. 

While those in Chapter 18 mourn the fall of Babylon God’s people rejoice in Chapter 19 because of the fall of Babylon.  We go from the anguish of the failure of the world economic system to the wedding of the Jesus Christ to his church.

Jesus Christ appears on a white horse and is called Faithful and True.  His eyes are like blazing fire as He cuts through all deception, lies and half truths.  His judgments are just and true.  Jesus is dressed in a robe dipped in blood and his name is the Word of God.  On His robe and thigh He has the name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

An angel called to all birds to come eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.  The final battle is about to begin.

The beast and kings of the earth gather their armies and prepare for battle.  But the beast and the false prophet was captured and thrown into the lake of burning sulfur.  The rest of them were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse.  All the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.