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Revelation 18

24 verses

TL;DR

The angel announces Babylon’s fall and the divine judgment upon its corrupt, wealthy society, culminating in its complete destruction.

Summary

An angel descends from heaven and declares that Babylon the great has fallen, becoming a place of devils and sin. A heavenly voice warns Israel to leave Babylon lest they partake in its sins and suffer its plagues. The angel laments that the city’s sins have reached heaven and that God will repay it double for its excesses. Nations, kings, merchants, and sailors who profited from Babylon’s goods will weep as the city is burned, its wealth and trade collapsing in a single hour. The angel announces the stone like a great millstone that will crush the city, ending all music, craftsmanship, and commerce. The vision ends with a call to rejoice among heaven, apostles, and prophets as God avenges them and the city’s blood of prophets and saints is revealed.

Outline
  1. Angel declares Babylon’s fall and the judgment upon its sin
  2. Nations, merchants, and sailors lament the city’s sudden destruction
  3. The stone of judgment symbolizes total annihilation and silence
Themes
Divine judgment and retributionThe corrupt nature of worldly wealthThe ultimate destruction of sin
Keywords
Babylonfallangelkingmerchantshipplaguefiremillstonejudgmentwealth
People
angelkingmerchantshipmastersailorapostlesprophetsGod
Places
Babylonseaheavenearth
Things
great millstonewine of wrathgoldsilverprecious stonespearlsfine linenpurplescarletivorybrassironmarblecinnamonodoursointmentsfrankincenseoilfine flourwheatbeastssheephorseschariotsslavessouls of menharpersmusicianspiperstrumpeterscraftsmanfire
Key Verses
  • Revelation 18:2: First proclamation of Babylon’s fall and the nature of its corruption.
  • Revelation 18:8: Describes the sudden, comprehensive plagues that will strike the city.
  • Revelation 18:21: Illustrates the physical destruction with the stone, sealing the judgment.
Questions
  • What does the fall of Babylon symbolize in a theological context?
  • How is the relationship between wealth and sin portrayed in Revelation 18?
  • Why does the vision emphasize the complete silence of the city’s music and crafts after its destruction?
  • In what ways does this chapter foreshadow the ultimate justice of God?
  • What lessons can modern readers draw about the dangers of commercial exploitation?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains lament, triumph, and awe at divine judgment.