The meaning of the great harlot is given to John, and includes her demise!
The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in Revelation chapter 17:
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
The angel provides John with the meanings of the woman and the beast. Mysteries are being revealed to him and us.
7 But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.
The woman is riding the political system.
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
The political system that existed at one time, then disappeared, and has now reemerged. The Roman Empire was not conquered but instead it collapsed due to the monetary system (the fall of the Roman Empire). The monetary system had been based on gold but over time, gold was removed from the coinage until it became worthless and unacceptable for payment. Are we now on the cusp of a global monetary system utilizing Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) which would allow full control over the population of the earth? Hmmm! The SpaceX satellites being deployed by Elon Musk, will cover the earth which will allow complete global communications for such use.
9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains (governments) on which the woman sits.
The historical seven kingdoms are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and Rome II (10 horns yet to emerge). These are referred to in the Book of Daniel.
10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time.
Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece are fallen empires as of John’s recording of what he saw. Rome represents the “one is”.
11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. This king will come out of Assyria, similar to Nimrod who was the first world ruler.
The 11th horn of Daniel chapter 7 & 8 is the beast which arises from the seven.
12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.
One hour is a distinct, short time, not necessarily 60 minutes.
13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.
They will be in unity, similar to the original Babylon population before their languages were confused. Three of the ten will not accept this structure and will be put down and removed which will result in only seven kingdoms participating.
14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.“
Can you imagine making war with Our Lord Jesus Christ? How great is their darkness!
15 Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.
The term “Waters” is always used of the nations, generally in unrest and turmoil.
16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the Words of God are fulfilled.
18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city (Rome) which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
The prostitute is not the beast but rides the beast only to be destroyed by him.
Mystery Babylon is a false religious system that has been identified with the city of Rome from the early centuries until this present hour. Each pope has been known as the vicar of Christ.
A vicar (/ˈvɪkər/; Latin: vicarius) is a representative, deputy or substitute; anyone acting “in the person of” or agent for a superior (compare “vicarious” in the sense of “at second hand”). You and I should have no one between us and Christ! Another man cannot adequately represent me in a relationship with MY LORD.