Revelation 17:2

Kings of the earth. That is, the political powers of earth (see on v. 12), which place their authority and resources at the disposal of the “great whore” (v. 1; see on v. 13) and through which she designs to realize her ambition to slay all of God’s people (see on vs. 6, 14) and to rule over the “inhabitants of the earth” (cf. v. 8). The “kings of the earth” are her accomplices in crime.

Committed fornication. Gr. porneuō, the related verb form of pornē (see on v. 1). This expression is equivalent to “gone a whoring” in the OT (cf. Eze. 23:30; Hosea 4:12). Used figuratively, as here, it refers to an illicit alliance of professed Christians with some master other than Christ, in this instance to a religio-political compact between an apostate church (see on Rev. 17:5) and the nations of earth. Compare Isa. 23:15, 17.

Inhabitants. As a result of the course followed by their leaders, the inhabitants of the earth are deceived (cf. on v. 8) into cooperating with the policy of the “great whore” (cf. ch. 13:8).

Made drunk. That is, completely intoxicated. The normal powers of reason and judgment have been stupefied and the spiritual perception benumbed. Compare Jer. 51:7; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10; Rev. 13:3, 4, 7, 18; 14:8; 18:3; 19:20. It may be noted that here the intoxication of the inhabitants of earth is mentioned following reference to the illicit alliance between Babylon and the kings of the earth. Apparently Babylon acts through the kings of the earth to gain control of those inhabitants of earth who have not already voluntarily submitted to her. Rulers and subjects are alike deceived.

With the wine. That is, by drinking the wine. This “wine” is Satan’s deceptive policy of uniting all the world under his control, together with the falsehoods and “miracles” by which he advances his policy (cf. chs. 13:13, 14; 18:23; 19:20).

Of her fornication. Or, “[which is] her prostitution.” The alliance between apostate Christianity and the political powers of earth is the means by which Satan proposes to unite the world under his leadership.