An angel interprets for John the vision of Mystery Babylon — the great whore who sits upon many waters, drunk with the blood of the saints — as a system of spiritual adultery that has seduced the kings of the earth and made the nations drunk with her cup of abominations. The beast she rides is identified as one who was, is not, and shall ascend from the pit before going into perdition. The ten horns receive brief authority with the beast, make war against the Lamb, and yet are themselves turned by God's own will to devour the whore — exposing that even the instruments of destruction are governed by the word of God until every syllable is fulfilled. The Lamb overcomes, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, attended by those who are called, chosen, and faithful.