However one interprets Scripture, difficult chapters like this must include a careful study of the related passages. The most significant clue to identifying the kings and the beast is that "five kings have fallen, one is, and one is to come which will last only a short time," and that the beast was, is not, and yet is, and is the eighth king. When I began to seek understanding of this chapter, I assumed that John would be describing the scene from his perspective in time. I now believe that to have been an error. He did not just get an idea and try to prove his own theories but simply wrote of what he was shown.
   "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:20, 21).
   John's vision, which he describes for us in chapter 17, takes the perspective of the time the woman rides the beast.
   You might wonder how I came to the conclusions demonstrated in this chart. Hopefully you will be able to prayerfully read the chapter itself then my commentary from the beginning of the chapter r17a . One of the most obvious questions is, why these particular "kings" or kingdoms?