Revelation 17:3

The angel carried John away in the Spirit to a wilderness area (cf. Revelation 1:10; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 21:10). This wilderness may refer to the desert near literal Babylon. [Note: Moffatt, 5:451; Robertson, 6:429.] Or it may anticipate the desolate condition of the harlot. [Note: Düsterdieck, p. 429; Lee, 4:737.] There he saw a woman, the harlot of Revelation 17:1, sitting on a beast. Contrast the description of the rider on the white horse in Revelation 19:8; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 19:14. The description of this animal is exactly the same as Antichrist in Revelation 13:1 except that it is scarlet here, probably symbolizing luxury and splendor (cf. Revelation 14:8-11; Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 27:28-29). She sat in a position of control over Antichrist, and he supported her.