Dr. Draper draws an interesting contrast between the harlot of Revelation 17 and the high priest of Israel. It is another point of comparison between the Church and Kingdom of God and the church and kingdom of the devil. These are little things I would have missed on my own. The symbols used include colors, predominantly scarlet and purple, a golden cup, and a crown or miter with a message identifying the person wearing it.
COLORS: The dragon in Revelation is described in Greek as purros - fire engine red. The woman's robes are described as kokkinos, crimson and blue - scarlet. (see Draper*) "A ribbon of this color, representing the sins of Israel, was tied round the neck of the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement before it was driven into the wilderness to its death. It became indirectly associated with harlotry and the deep sins of ungodly conduct. The color stand in contrast to the white robes of the redeem and the gown of the bride of the Lamb [Christ's Church]." (*p.187) Scarlet and purple are also colors found in the hangings within Solomon's temple. The Levitical high priest wore garments of purple/blue and scarlet over his white robes.
CUP: The high priest has a golden goblet with which he offers a wine offering to God in the temple. The woman has a golden goblet full of the "wine of her fornication" - sin, corruption, filth.
MITER The high priest wears a golden crown or miter around his cap with the inscription: "Holiness to the Lord." The woman's crown reads: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17: 5) Draper suggests that this is a deliberate contrast between the harlot and the high priest. As the lamb with two horns is a counterfeit of the Lamb of God, the harlot is, among other things, a counterfeit of the priesthood of God.
I wouldn't have thought of that! Thank you Dr. Draper.
* Opening the Seven Seals. Richard D. Draper. Deseret Book. SLC. 1991
Text copyright Gebara Education March 2013
Picture of harlot from www.comicvine.com
Picture of high priest from www.prayerthoughts.com
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