First, Revelations 13:7: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."
Second, Revelations 12:12: "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down to you, having great wrath, because he knowth that he hath but a short time.
what role does the whore of babylon play in that process?
It's been a while. Seems like it's the carnal man, flesh nature, but I'm sure some other folks would be more specific. Not my bag of late. I knew a guy that was going through the whole book, interpreting in the manner I mentioned, but I lost interest.
I dunno how someone would be interpreting it though unless they've read the rest of the bible. the whole book interweaves with itself. for example in this graphic, the small white ticks on the bottom are the chapters of the bible, and the rainbow is all of the cross references ;) https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/bible-cross-reference-chart-chris-harrison-cmuscience-photo-library.jpg
Yes , in Matthew the "axe was already at the root"........there heaven and earth was getting ready to change.