The seven heads represent not just seven mountains but also seven kings. As seen in previous chapters, the book of Revelation is full of symbolism. That reality needs to caution us from trying to find seven kings (= emperors) to whom John is alluding (to say nothing of who the fifth might be). In fact, those who try to list specific emperors produce conflicting lists. and so demonstrate the futility of the exercise. The term “kings” stands for the world’s mighty men who conspire “against the Lord and against his Anointed” (Psalm 2:2). The number “seven” represents fullness and so directs us to think of mighty men from all times and places. These “seven kings” are the seven heads of the beast that the prostitute rides. As the woman controls the beast on which she sits (Revelation 17:3), so she controls its heads, that is, the kings of the earth. Her agenda (tear God’s people from the divine Bridegroom) is the same as their agenda (conspire against the Lord and his Anointed).
10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while.