Matthew Poole and continuators on Revelation 17:5

5 And upon her forehead was a name written , MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH .

As publick Harlots were wont to write their Names, some upon the Fronts of their Houses, some upon their Foreheads; it denotes the open Guilt, and Impudence of this Spiritual Harlot.

That is, there is a Mystery in what follows in her Name.

Babylon the Great, not to be understood of the Chaldean Babylon, but of a City or Polity under the Gospel, as chap. 11.8. she was called Spiritually Sodom and Egypt, so also in a Spiritual or Mystical sence she is called Babylon, because a City like to Babylon for Idolatry and Persecution of God's Israel.

Not a meer Harlot, but one that bred up Harlots, and nursed up Idolatry, communicating it to others. This is the true Name of Rome instead of Holy Mother Church.

A place, in which not only Idolatry reigneth, but all abominable things committed in the World▪ Carnal Whoredom tolerated by them, and Sodomy, &c.

Marginal references: 2 Thess. 2.[illegible: 1 letter].; Or, Fornications.