Revelation 17:1–19:21 is a more detailed description of the sixth and seventh bowls (see 16:12-21). Revelation 17:1–19:5 recounts the fall of Babylon (see 16:19) and 19:6–21 the final judgment (see 16:14). The entire book of Revelation was written to encourage Christians to persevere amid persecution, and one of the encouragements is the promise that eventually all unjust systems will fall. Ch. 17 highlights the alliance between an idolatrous economy, religion, and the state, and promises their downfall.