The angel explains for John the connections between the beast and the woman (the great city, ruler of the kings of the earth). The beast's seven heads and ten horns are federations of seven kings and ten kings. It is God's purpose to destroy the woman (the harlot, Babylon), and He executes this through the beast and the ten kings who hate her and burn her up with fire. One day they themselves will wage war against the Lamb, but He will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings.