Mystery, Babylon, Part Four

Revelation 18:1-8

Revelation 18:1-8 (KJV) And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

THE DEATH OF AN ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SYSTEM

Introduction

The eighteenth chapter provided the reader with two different views of the death of Babylon.

The chapter opens with a perspective from heaven announcing the death of Babylon and why.

The scene moves from heaven to the earth and records the lament of her destruction by three separate groups who were devastated by her death.

At the end of the chapter, we are returned to a heavenly view of her destruction.

Chapter eighteen is also a continuation of the previous chapter concerning the demise of Babylon. This is a review of the Judgments specifically concerning the fall of Babylon spoken of in chapter Revelation 14:8 and 16:19.

The Holman Bible Handbook writes of fallen Babylon:

All of her mighty works, industry, craftsmanship, political power, and artistic skill are brought to nothing, for she has played the harlot and worshiped the beast rather than devoting her skills and energies to God and to the Lamb.

Babylon of the eighteenth chapter is the same as the woman or harlot seated on the beast in chapter seventeen. The similarities between the two are as follows:

the parallels between the two (cf. Rev 17:1–6, 15–18 with 18:2, 3, 6–8, 12, 18–24)

the identification of the harlot as the “great city” in Rev 17:18

the summary of Babylon’s judgment in Rev 19:2, 3

the fact that the imagery in both chapters comes from Old Testament references to Tyre, Nineveh, and Babylon (cf. Is. 13, 14, 23; Ezek. 26–28; Jer. 50, 51)

According to the seventeenth chapter, Babylon is a formidable, anti-Christian religious and world power. The eighteenth chapter uses the same names but looks at Babylon as the world political and economic power. For example, the merchandisers of the world will morn Babylon’s passing.

These are two different descriptions of the fall of Babylon. For example:

A different angel delivers this message – 18:1-3

A warning is issued for the people of God to come out of her – 18:4-8

The business world, the merchants, “cried, cast dust upon their heads, weeping and wailing. – There is great mourning over her fall as compared to the previous chapter where the destruction of Babylon is without remorse. Kings destroyed her in the seventeenth chapter and in the eighteenth chapter the kings “bewail her destruction” - 18:9-19

The prophets, apostles and heaven are commanded to rejoice over her destruction – 18:20

Easley, in his book titled, “Revelation” says:

This chapter continues the vision that began for John in chapter 17. Here, however, the emphasis is on what John heard rather than what he saw. In fact, except for verses 1, 4, and 21, the entire chapter simply records what three different angels spoke concerning Babylon’s fall.

There are two viewpoints given concerning the death of the city. One, seen in the first few verses, is from a heavenly and holy perspective that announces Babylon’s death and the reasons for it. The other, from an earthly and selfish perspective, records the laments of the three groups most devastated by Babylon’s death. Finally, we return to a heavenly vantage point for another look at the disaster.

Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

“And after these things” – After revealing the destruction of the “harlot,” Babylon in the previous chapter.

“I saw another angel come down from heaven” - another angel appears to John, and he describes this angel differently from the one in chapter 17.

“…having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory” - Notice that this angel has “great power” (higher rank in the order of angels) and “the earth was lightened with his glory.” Other angels have been referred to as “strong or mighty” (5:2) or “having the seal of the living God” (7:2), this angel speaks with “great power.” This is a reference for the reader to reestablish that the angels are messengers of God and when they speak, they speak with the approval and authorization from God. All angels are messengers of God, but this angel reflects the glory of God in such a way that the whole earth was “lightened” by it. His message will enlighten the whole earth with the truth.

Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying” – Literally it reads, “he called out with a mighty voice.” This is an especially important message that is being delivered. The whole earth will benefit from the greatness of his message, so it must be projected and heard throughout the whole earth. However, to those remaining Christians that may be in Babylon at this time; they must be called to action by the importance of the message which follows.

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” – this is a repeat of the declaration of another angel found in 14:8.

Revelation 14:8 (KJV) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

“Babylon” comes from the root word Babel, meaning confusion. Babylon confused the world with her message.

Only the Apostle John records Jesus saying “Verily, verily.” For the Jews, repeating a word implies importance to what is being said.

“Verily” is the Greek word meaning “amen.”

“Verily” is the Greek word meaning “amen.” Amen – “firm, trustworthy, or so be it.” Therefore, Jesus’ use of the word “verily” means that the words He spoke were trustworthy and assured. Jesus meant that the hearer should take notice that He was giving them His word and His words were Amen and amen.

John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

“…and is become the habitation of devils” – The angel announces that in Babylon, everything good has been replaced with the habitat of demons. For the first century reader, abandoned cities, ruins and in general deserts were the places where demons lived. For 21st century man, we have some of the same superstitions. We identify abandoned towns as “ghost towns.”

“…and the hold of every foul spirit” – Not only do demons live in Babylon, but they stand guard and Babylon has become their place of protection.

“…and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” – Babylon is the place of utter desolation; and the meaning here is, that spiritual and commercial Babylon will be reduced to a state of utter desolation resembling that of the old Babylon empire. The image is that the demons, like captured birds would find habitation in a cage.

Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” – This verse is the “why” of the previous verse. Why has Babylon fallen? She has fallen because “all nations have drunk the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” What is the wine of the wrath of her fornication?” It is that she has plied them with the wine of sin, the wine of anti-God and the wine of self-indulgence.

“…and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her” – Babylon was the method by which the kings of the earth were seduced into the slavery of sin and away from God.

“…and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” – The third part of this verse includes the merchants. The word “abundance” commonly means power. Because of the influence of Babylon, the merchants grew wealthy and powerful. The word “delicacies” does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. It means, that Babylon’s draw to the merchants was one of great wealth. The love of money draws man to its false hope of joy and peace.

The Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy included:

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying” – This is a second angelic voice from heaven in this chapter.

“Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” – I find this announcement astonishing. God has to warn those Christians that are still alive to “Come out of her, my people.” The conditions of the world have become horrific for the believer, the persecution and killing of those that do not take the mark, and yet we find God’s people entangled in Babylon.

Jeremiah had the task of calling God’s people out of the old Babylonian empire. “Remove out of the midst of Babylon and go out of the land of the Chaldeans…” (Jeremiah 50:8). “Flee out of the midst of Babylon…” (Jeremiah 51:6). In addition, “My people, go ye out of the midst of her…” (Jeremiah 51:45). In the Old Testament, the believers are called to remove themselves out of the world’s system.

Before there could be the “Children of Israel” and a “Promised Land,” Abraham had to remove himself from his country. (Gen. 12:1). Repeatedly, believers were instructed to leave the world system and its related sin. At times, they were admonished for their acceptance of the worldly values into their lives and beliefs.

Today, the church is to separate itself from the ungodly.

Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord… let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

Look with me at the promise of this verse. If I paraphrase this verse, it might read; “If you come out of Babylon, and do not partake of her sins, then you won’t receive of her judgments (plagues).”

J. B. Phillips translation says:

"Come out from her, O my people, lest you become accomplices in her sins and must share in her punishment.

The opening chapters of the Revelation consider the seven churches that are to receive this book. John warns the churches to repent with stern warnings to the backslidden saints (Ephesus – Rev 2:4–5; Sardis – Rev 3:3, Laodicea - Rev 3:18–20). Now in the Revelation, they are told what the future holds for those that do not heed this advice.

Revelation 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

What are the reasons for “coming out of Babylon” in the previous verse? Because Babylon’s sins have “reached unto heaven.” The prophet Jeremiah, in referring to old Babylon said:

Jeremiah 51:9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

This phrase does not mean that God did not see her sins all along…it is just a reminder that nothing escapes God.

Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Even though God is long-suffering, He is also “The Judge.”

Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

“Reward her even as she rewarded you” – while the audience is not specified, it appears that the angel is pointing to 1) Those that have been persecuted for their faith in God. 2) Those that were called out of Babylon (v. 4). 3) The ten kings that will destroy Babylon. I believe that points one and two are the audience.

“…and double unto her double according to her works” – The second angel is saying that Babylon’s judgment will bring on double the results of what she brought upon others. This is a common stance in the scriptures, which guilty party was to pay twice the amount to the injured party. (Ex. 22:9; Isa. 40:2; Isa. 61:7). God will dole out His justice with Babylon as she has treated others.

“…in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” – Remember the golden cup that she had in her right hand; it was “full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (17:4). She will now be made to drink twice as much as she handed out.

Revelation 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

“How much she hath glorified herself” – Babylon will be judged as self-righteous, proud, haughty, and arrogant. These were the same traits as ancient Babylon and Rome in the present.

“…and lived deliciously” – She lived in great luxury and spender; “…the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls.” (17:4)

“…so much torment and sorrow give her” – This echoes the previous verse meaning that her punishment should equal her crimes.

“…for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen” – Babylon is filled with conceit and self-importance. She feels that nothing can touch or hinder her mission, as she is the queen. As the queen, she has the right to rule. The Apostle John identified the three fundamental areas of sin in his first general epistle. The third point is “the pride of life…This is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 Jn. 2:16)

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

“…and am no widow and shall see no sorrow” – She sees her life as filled with nothing but blue skies and promise. She is not in the condition of a widow where depression takes hold and life is filled with sorrow and mourning. No, she sees her life as filled with opportunities. She is secure in her support role to the Antichrist’s great plan.

Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

“Therefore shall her plagues come in one day” – “Therefore” connects all the previous words of the angel to the following destruction of Babylon. Each of the judgments on Babylon will come quickly. These “plagues” will “come in one day,” meaning they will not be drawn out over a great period. (18:8, 10, 17, 21). We can take the meaning of “one day” as a literal 24-hour period or as a symbol for swift and sudden of destruction.

Note: One of the common statements from people after a tornado or tidal wave is “It happened so quickly.” “One minute everything was normal, then death and destruction happened.”

“…death, and mourning, and famine” – When a city is sieged, there is destruction includes both the city and its inhabitants. The death of a city or people, produces great mourning at its loss. Then follows hunger for the survivors as all means of continued existence of the city is also destroyed: crops are burned, water supplies are destroyed or filled with poison.

“…and she shall be utterly burned with fire” – If the city is to be destroyed, it is first ransacked and then burned. The complete burning of a city destroys the buildings and foundations. The price of rebuilding the city is costly and labor intensive.

Note: The complete destruction of Satan’s dream of overthrowing everything concerning God is predicted several times in the Revelation (14:10-11; 16:17-21; 17:9, 16). Satan’s final attempt is the Antichrist gambit. Everything in Satan’s plan has come to this point…the Antichristian religion and now the commerce and way of living are under the judgment of God. There is no escape. First on the list is the destruction of Babylon…then will come the Antichrist and false prophet.

“…for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her” – Simply said, the Lord God is strong enough to complete the task of judging Babylon.

Note: The next section of this passage, consists of three views of Babylon’s demise: from the perspective of the kings (v. 9-10); from the businessman (v. 11-16); and from the seafarer (v. 17-19)

Conclusion

Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, gas we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Rise UP – Just as Jesus called Lazarus to rise from the grave, let us also Rise Up from the worldly ditch we have been plowing. It is time to break up the fallow ground.