Now the attention turns to Babylon, the great prostitute. Throughout the Old Testament Israel's faithlessness is likened to adultery. Babylon is likened to a harlot. She never worshipped God, but led many others astray. Babylon represents the world system as a whole, which draws all men away from God. Babylon would suffer judgement for all her sins.
"Sits by many waters" may be a reference to the geographical location of Babylon, but as Babylon is used symbolically rather than referring to the physical city, it is more likely that it means she influences many peoples.
She intoxicated both rulers and peoples. Have you noticed how all leaders seem to go the same way once they assume power? Regardless of their declared intentions and hopes expressed before assuming power, they all seem to go the same way.
John was then taken away in the spirit and shown a vision of the woman sitting on a scarlet beast, the dragon. It was covered in blasphemous names, representing all rebellion against God. She held a golden cup, seeming to offer something of value and worth, but in reality it was filled with filth. Moreover, she was drunk on the blood of God's people. The world system hates the Lord and all who are associated with Him. We are starting to see this in the West.
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