In the symbolisms of the Scriptures a “woman” represents a church. Just as the church of Christ is said to be the “Bride, the Lamb’s wife,” the false churches or anti-Christian religious systems are symbolized as wicked women. (Revelation 17:5)
The number seven in Scripture represents fullness, or completion. Therefore, we have the picture before our minds of a time when the full number, or all of the churches (in this case the false churches) would be seeking to be called by the name of the “one man”–Christ–in order that their reproach might be taken away. These churches, which in reality are worldly organizations, as they are filled with a worldly spirit, and supported by worldly individuals, are being reproached more and more because of their worldliness; and recognizing this, they are strenuously claiming to be “Christian churches.” The “seven women” are taking hold of the “one man,” but he does not recognize them, as He has but the one Bride, the true church.
