Verse 4
The woman’s clothing was purple, symbolic of royalty, and scarlet, representing luxury (Revelation 17:3; cf. Matthew 27:28; Mark 15:17; Mark 15:20; John 19:2; John 19:5). Her ornaments included gold, precious stones, and pearls-jewelry that made her look like a queen. Contrast the bride of the Lamb whom John saw adorned with bright, clean linen (Revelation 19:8). The cup in her hand added to her royal appearance, but it contained idolatrous abominations (cf. Deuteronomy 18:9; Deuteronomy 29:17; Deuteronomy 32:16; Jeremiah 51:7; et al.), namely, unclean things connected with her spiritual immorality. The harlot wore expensive, attractive garments and accessories that made her externally appealing, but she is a counterfeit beauty. What is inside her is unclean.
"Any institution or facet of culture that is characterized by pride . . ., economic overabundance, persecution, and idolatry is part of Babylon." [Note: Beale, p. 856.]
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