Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Revelation Chapter 18 mean?

The prior chapter used “Babylon” as a reference to a religious or spiritual corruption. This “religious Babylon” was tolerated and manipulated by the leaders of the world, for a time, but then destroyed (Revelation 17). In John’s vision, the leaders of the world seem unphased by the destruction of this spiritual Babylon. This “fall” most likely was complete by the mid-point of the tribulation, when the Antichrist and the False Prophet fully engage in blasphemy and idolatry (Revelation 13).

In chapter 18, John’s vision shifts to describe the fall of a slightly different “Babylon.” In this context, Babylon is a political and economic entity. It is probably also a literal city—perhaps not with that exact name—during the end times. It’s common for a capital city to stand in as a reference to a culture, or government, or even a religion. “Babylon,” in this chapter, occupies a place somewhere in that range of meanings. The “fall” described here most likely occurs near the end of the tribulation, probably as a result of the horrific bowl judgments described in chapter 16

An angel proclaims the destruction of Babylon, specifically making mention of her pervasive wickedness. As in other Scriptures, “sexual immorality” seems to have a double meaning here. The Bible often uses sexual sin as a metaphor for idolatry and other forms of false religion. The city-nation of Babylon, in the end times, is not only a hub of commerce and power, but of sin and sensuality, as well (Revelation 18:1–3)

John hears another voice warning “my people” to flee the city. This parallels the Old Testament warning given to Lot to evacuate Sodom in advance of God’s judgment (Genesis 19:12–13). Not only does God want “His people” to avoid being caught up in the sins of Babylon, He warns them that tangible judgment is coming and they need to flee. The sins of Babylon are enormous, and her judgment from God will be in proportion to that sin. The rapid nature of this judgment is first mentioned here, then further noted in later verses (Revelation 18:4–8)

In the prior chapter, a “religious Babylon” was said to have fallen, but there was no notable mourning from the leaders of the world. Here, however, the fall of Babylon as an economy is met with grief. World leaders will see—probably both literally and figuratively—the smoke from her destruction, and stay far away in hopes of avoiding the same fate. Once again, the fact that this destruction was swift is a key point of John’s vision (Revelation 18:9–10).

Along with political leaders, economic leaders will grieve over the fall of Babylon. This passage lists many of the most precious commodities of the ancient world. The point is not to give a literal inventory of Babylon, but to symbolize her far-reaching and enormous wealth. At some point in the end times, Babylon will go from being outrageously wealthy and powerful to desolate, faster than anyone would have thought possible (Revelation 18:11–20).

John also sees an angel throwing a “great millstone” into the sea. Millstones in that era were made of tough rock, such as basalt. A common millstone might be 18 inches (45 cm) around and 4 inches (10 cm) thick, weighing upwards of 100 pounds (45 kg). What’s described here is a “great millstone,” meaning one of significant size. Some millstones were so large they had to be worked by livestock, and could weigh thousands of pounds / kilograms. The imagery of a massive boulder being dropped into the ocean parallels the complete and speedy destruction of Babylon. When she falls, all her activities will cease entirely, avenging the persecution and murder of God’s people (Revelation 18:21–24)

Chapters 17 and 18 depicted consequences of the tribulation which seem to have happened parallel to the various seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments. Chapter 19 will resume describing a timeline, including the end of the tribulation and the earthly return of Jesus Christ.

Chapter Context
Revelation 18:1–8 contains a glorious angel’s pronouncement of doom on Babylon. This Babylon here appears to be a literal physical city, whereas the Babylon described in chapter 17 is a corrupt religious system. The Babylon of chapter 17 was associated with a political system but was not the political power. The Babylon of chapter 18 is the center of a demonic political, commercial, and economic system. The fall of Babylon parallels what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1–29). Religious Babylon falls in the middle of the tribulation to the delight of kings. Commercial Babylon falls at the end of the tribulation, and kings lament her fall.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

After an angel had explained the meaning of the ten horns and the waters to the apostle John (Revelation 17:12–18), another angel descended from heaven. John notes that this angel has great authority and a glory that brightens the earth. Given these accolades, some Bible teachers identify this angel as Christ. They point out that the word translated “angel” has always literally meant “messenger,” and certainly Christ is God’s perfect messenger. He also has great authority and glory.

When He commissioned His disciples, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). John and Peter, who saw Jesus transfigured on a mountain, wrote about His glory (John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16–17). Nevertheless, the Bible occasionally presents angels as having authority and glory (see Matthew 1:20–21; Luke 2:8–9).

Since Revelation doesn’t give much detail on this particular being, it’s best not to be dogmatic. Whatever the exact identity is, what we’re meant to do is focus on the message being delivered.

Context Summary
Revelation 18:1–8 contains a glorious angel’s pronouncement of doom on Babylon. This Babylon here appears to be a literal physical city, whereas the Babylon described in chapter 17 is a corrupt religious system. The Babylon of chapter 17 was associated with a political system but was not the political power. The Babylon of chapter 18 is the center of a demonic political, commercial, and economic system. The fall of Babylon parallels what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1–29). Religious Babylon falls in the middle of the tribulation to the delight of kings. Commercial Babylon falls at the end of the tribulation, and kings lament her fall.

Verse 2. And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!She has become a dwelling place for demons,a haunt for every unclean spirit,a haunt for every unclean bird,a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

The angel’s message is loud and clear. Twice he cries out that Babylon the great has fallen. Some Bible teachers view “Babylon” as a symbolic reference to the evil political, commercial, and economic world system. This is similar to using “Moscow” as a shorthand for the nation of Russia, or “Rome” for the religion of Catholicism. Others view Babylon as a very literal city on the Euphrates. Isaiah’s prophecy that Babylon would not be rebuilt (Isaiah 13:19–20) may not rule out the rebuilding of another city, taking that same name, becoming the Babylon of the tribulation. Isaiah predicted what would happen in the day of the LORD (Isaiah 13:6). He mentioned that Babylon would become a habitat for wild animals (Isaiah 13:21–22)—a place never to be rebuilt or restored.

Taking a partially symbolic approach, some interpreters perceive Babylon as Rome. Others perceive Babylon as both a literal city and a symbol of the commercialism that characterizes the beast’s empire. When God strikes down Babylon, it becomes a haunt for demons and unclean spirits and a habitat for every unclean bird and beast. The uncleanness of the birds and animals that occupy fallen Babylon is an appropriate match for the moral and spiritual uncleanness of the beast and his empire.

Verse 3. For all nations have drunkthe wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

This verse cites the reason for Babylon’s judgment: it corrupted the nations, their rulers, and their merchants. Like Babylon, the nations, their heads of state, and their businessmen became immoral. Because of their covetousness and corrupt business practices they became materially rich and pursued a luxurious lifestyle, but they were morally and spiritually bankrupt. They cared only about themselves. Greed was their creed, and gold was their god. Here, as in other passages of Scripture, sexual immorality is used as both a reference to literal bodily sin and a metaphor for spiritual infidelity (Ezekiel 16:16).

Jesus told the story about a rich man who lived a selfish and lavish lifestyle (Luke 16:19–31). The rich man wore the most expensive clothes and feasted daily on the most expensive food. But his eyes never focused on anything except what might satisfy his fleshly cravings. If he was aware of Lazarus, a poor, emaciated, hungry beggar outside his house, the selfish rich man did nothing to help him. However, the day arrived when the rich man and his lavish lifestyle ended. He died and went to Hades, where he suffered and thirsted, and it was too late to change his fate.

Likewise, the lifestyle of the wicked rich and powerful will abruptly end when Babylon falls.

Verse 4. Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people,lest you take part in her sins,lest you share in her plagues;

Apparently, saved Jews and Gentiles will live and work in Babylon and other major cities. This would not be without difficulty, given restrictions imposed by the False Prophet (Revelation 13:16–17). The apostle John heard a voice from heaven summoning believers to exit Babylon. There was the danger of becoming part of the problem instead of part of the solution. If the believers stayed in Babylon, they might succumb to the temptation to partake of its cultural and religious life.

Genesis 13 relates the story of Lot separating himself from his uncle, Abraham, and settling near Sodom. He did this despite the city’s reputation for immorality (Genesis 13:13). Eventually, Lot became so complacent that he moved into Sodom. Just before God destroyed the city, two angels urged Lot to evacuate. When he lingered, they physically dragged him and his family out of the city (Genesis 19:1–22). Obviously, he and his wife and two daughters had found Sodom somewhat attractive. Nevertheless, the attraction ended for Lot when the Lord turned the city, all its residents, and contents into heaps of ashes (Genesis 19:23–29).

God has never commanded His people to be a part of the evil world system. His command is to be apart from the evil world system. Living “in” a fallen world does not mean living “like” those who are unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:9–11). Second Corinthians 6:14 asks: “What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Sharing the sins of the evil world system, or being in close contact with it, leads to the tragedy of sharing its judgment.

Verse 5. for her sins are heaped high as heaven,and God has remembered her iniquities.

When ego-driven sinners tried to build the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) in order to enhance their reputation, God came down to halt the construction. He confused their language so they could not communicate, and He scattered them far and wide. Similarly, when sinners in the tribulation pile their sins as high as heaven, God will remember their iniquities. The description given in this verse is spoken by a voice from heaven as John listens in.

The era of the Judges revealed how God punishes those who do what is right in their own eyes but what is wrong in His eyes. The book of Judges records the repeated cycle of Israel’s downward path to evil and subsequently being subdued by their enemies. When they turned back to the Lord, He delivered them, but eventually they sinned against Him again, and their enemies subdued them. The people of Israel learned the hard way that God does not tolerate sin. Babylon, too, will learn this lesson the hard way.

Verse 6. Pay her back as she herself has paid back others,and repay her double for her deeds;mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.

Romans 6:23 mentions the “wages of sin,” meaning the expected outcome one “earns” from evil and immorality. God will give Babylon exactly what it deserves when He destroys it and all it stands for. This set of references to “Babylon” focuses on an ungodly political and economic entity. Similarly judged nations in the Bible had treated others viciously: swindled, stolen, plundered, and even murdered to accumulate wealth and fame, impoverishing multitudes to live in luxury (Exodus 1:8–14; Isaiah 1:9–17). Now God pays her back. He repays her double for her deeds. She must drink the full cup of God’s wrath. John hears these words spoken by a voice from heaven.

Jeremiah predicted judgment on Babylon. He wrote in Jeremiah 51:25–26: “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, declares the LORD, which destroys the whole earth; I will stretch out my hand against you, and roll you down from the crags, and make you a burnt mountain. No stone shall be taken from you for a corner and no stone for a foundation, but you shall be a perpetual waste, declares the LORD.”

Verse 7. As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,so give her a like measure of torment and mourning,since in her heart she says,‘I sit as a queen,I am no widow,and mourning I shall never see.’

This passage refers to “Babylon,” which seems to be a specific political and economic system. In chapter 17, “Babylon” was used in reference to a corrupt spiritual approach. Here, it’s a city, perhaps standing in symbolically for an entire empire. The voice from heaven, heard by John, recalled how Babylon had glorified herself. Like the builders of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), Babylon had attempted to make a name for herself. The beast wanted his empire to be the admiration and wonder of the whole world. Because Babylon had an exalted opinion of herself, she lavished luxuries on herself.

Today, those who feel they are the center of the universe and deserve everything they can lavish on themselves fail to heed Jesus’ warning that no one can serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). A life full of things but devoid of God is an empty life that is headed for an eternity full of suffering and remorse. Babylon, as a culture, is smug and complacent. She considers herself a queen who will never cease to be prosperous nor be deserted. However, she deceives herself and demonstrates the truth that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

Verse 8. For this reason her plagues will come in a single day,death and mourning and famine,and she will be burned up with fire;for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”

According to this verse, Babylon—a corrupt and ungodly culture or political entity—will end abruptly. Her destruction will be sudden, not gradual. It will be decisive and terrifying.

In the end times, the demise of this symbolic Babylon will be as surprising and sudden as the death of King Belshazzar. He profaned the temple’s sacred vessels, was opulent, immoral, and egotistical. However, while he and a thousand of his lords were partying, a hand appeared on the plaster of the palace wall. The terrifying sight caused him great alarm, and he sought someone to interpret the writing. After his wise men failed to interpret the writing, Daniel was fetched to do so. He announced that the writing spelled the end of Belshazzar’s kingdom. That same night the party was over; Belshazzar was killed (Daniel 5).

In a moment, “the party” will end for Babylon as well. Her plagues will come in a single day. Death, mourning, and famine will strike her, and she will be consumed with fire. The Lord will show in His judgment that He is mighty and she is merely finite.

Verse 9. And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.

According to this passage the kings of the earth weep and wail over Babylon’s collapse. Unlike chapter 17, where “Babylon” was a reference to a form of false religion, this “Babylon” describes politics and economics. The reference to “kings of the earth” suggests rulers worldwide: kings, presidents, prime ministers, and dictators. So far as Revelation is concerned, the demise of “religious Babylon” wasn’t mourned. Here, however, the fall of this economic or political superpower is a source of grief.

The term “sexual immorality” implies certain physical sins, but it’s also a common metaphor in Scripture for the sin of idolatry. The actual city and culture of Babylon, historically, was deeply rooted in the worship of false gods. As it applies to the end times, this may refer to the idolatrous act of worshiping the beast. Revelation 13 relates that the False Prophet in Jerusalem set up an image for the beast and demanded everyone to worship the image.

These political rulers found it financially advantageous to cooperate with Babylon. Babylon’s ruin would cause them to experience their own financial ruin. When the stock market in the United States of America crashed in 1929, wealthy investors lost their fortunes. Overwhelmed with their losses, many took their own lives. Perhaps, the fall of Babylon will produce even worse results. The earthly kings’ tears flow profusely as they watch smoke rise from Babylon’s burning. The drifting smoke might be seen directly in nearby cities, but modern technology can broadcast the disaster worldwide.

Context Summary
Revelation 18:9–20 reports the reactions of kings, merchants, and seafarers to the fall of Babylon. While the fall of ”religious Babylon” in chapter 17 was un-mourned, these men will passionately lament the demise of ”political Babylon.” Ezekiel 26:15–21 records similar lamenting at the demise of Tyre. Realted passages such as Revelation chapter 16 described the bowl judgments directed at the beast and his kingdom. Jesus warned about the folly of building one’s life on material things instead of on his Word (Matthew 6:19–24; 7:24–27). Paul and James did the same (1 Timothy 6:3–10, 17–19; James 5:1–6). Revelation 19:11–21 reveals the destructive end of the beast and his followers at the return of Jesus to the earth.

Verse 10. They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city,you mighty city, Babylon!For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

The nations’ rulers will cower in fear of their lives and livelihoods when they observe smoke rising from Babylon. Whether directly or through modern media technology, the sudden destruction of this political-and-economic entity will be seen by one and all. These mourning kings and rulers of the earth (Revelation 18:9) will stand far off from the burning city, fearing her judgment may reach them if they get too close. From what they think is a safe distance, they lament her passing. They cry, “Alas! Alas!” and describe Babylon as a great and mighty city. Though they weren’t sad to see “religious Babylon” fall, they will react with despair when their financial interests are at stake.

From a human perspective the rulers see Babylon as a prosperous, powerful city. From God’s perspective, Babylon was extremely sinful, self-centered, proud, and idolatrous. Babylon’s might could not withstand God’s infinite might. The rulers marvel that such a mighty city fell to judgment in a single hour. Overconfidence is a common side-effect of prosperity (James 4:13–16). We may wonder why some godless nations seem to be so powerful, but we be assured that God is far more powerful. To Him, the nations are only a drop in the bucket (Isaiah 40:15). Someday God will consign to death all the nations that forget Him (Psalm 9:17).

Verse 11. And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore,

Chapter 17 discussed the fall of a “religious Babylon,” while this passage uses the same name for an ungodly political and economic system. When the “city” of Babylon—either a literal single city or a reference to an entire nation—collapses in sudden judgment, it means catastrophe for the wealthy rulers of earth. Merchants around the world also mourn the fall of Babylon. What troubles them is the loss of a thriving market.

Now that Babylon is just a pile of ashes, no one remains to purchase their goods. They mourn the loss of money more than the loss of life. Crass materialism characterizes them. Their main concern is the bottom line. The apostle James addressed unscrupulous businessmen in his epistle. He wrote: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you…Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person” (James 5:1–6).

The objects of James’ accusations typify the merchants in the tribulation. Whatever loss of life accompanies the fall of Babylon, these men are primarily grieved over their loss of business.

Verse 12. cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble,

This passage is describing the fall of an economic and political superpower in the end times. This verse begins a list of what the merchants sold to the residents of Babylon. The items mentioned here are the most prized commodities of the ancient world—making them a symbolic image of anything valuable and commercial. Rather than being a woodenly literal list, the point made here is to emphasize the affluent lifestyle of the residents of Babylon. Only the wealthy could afford such goods. Likely, the affluent people of Babylon flaunted their wealth by showing off and stockpiling treasures. They likely adorned themselves with jewelry; wore expensive, colorful robes; and used flashy, choice materials in the construction and furnishing of their houses.

As an example, in Old Testament times ivory was employed by kings. Solomon’s throne was made of ivory that ships of Tarshish brought to him (1 Kings 10:22). First Kings 22:39 references King Ahab’s ivory palace. Psalm 45:8 and Amos 3:15 mention ivory palaces and houses of ivory. Ivory was also used to adorn horses’ harnesses. The merchants who mourn the loss of trade with Babylon must have brought their widely-varied and expensive cargo from places across the entire globe.

The list of expensive goods will continue in the following verse.

Verse 13. cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls.

This continues a list of commodities from the prior verse. The point of this catalog is to show how rich and powerful Babylon was prior to her fall. Items such as these were the measure of great wealth in the ancient world.

Proverbs 7:17 mentions cinnamon as a perfume for the bed. This spice was also used as an ingredient in the holy oil that was used by the Old Testament priests for anointing (Exodus 30:23). Spice was derived from a plant that grew mainly in India and Armenia. It was used as a preparation for the hair. Myrrh and frankincense, used for medicinal and embalming purposes, were among the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. Wine was a beverage, and oil had many purposes ranging from medicinal to lighting and food. Fine flour and wheat were used in cooking and baking. Cattle and sheep were livestock provisions, and horses and chariots provided transportation for the wealthy.

An especially disturbing inclusion on this list is that of slaves. The merchants engaged in human trafficking and thereby showed they totally disregarded human beings as God’s creation (Exodus 21:16). Modern people often falsely assume slavery is a thing of the past. Sadly, people across the world, and in all cultures, are still kidnapped and forced into labor, sex trades, or other abuses even today. While this list is mostly symbolic, many of the items included could still be considered valuable during the end times, and it’s not difficult to imagine a wicked, corrupt culture engaging in widespread human trafficking.

Verse 14. “The fruit for which your soul longedhas gone from you,and all your delicacies and your splendorsare lost to you,never to be found again!”

Babylon had harvested wealth and a lavish lifestyle. Everything the residents of Babylon passionately desired was at their fingertips. But they made a huge mistake. They thought things could satisfy the longing of their souls. Only God can satisfy the soul.

Jesus told a pointed story about a rich farmer who made the same mistake. The farmer enjoyed a bumper crop, so he decided to replace his barns with larger ones, where he would stow his grain and goods. Feeling smug, he spoke to his soul. “Soul,” he said, “you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But then God spoke to him. He called the rich farmer a fool and declared that his soul was required of him that very night (Luke 12:16–20). Jesus concluded the story by stating, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

It is not wrong to have things, but it is wrong for things to have us. Like the rich but foolish farmer, the people of end-times Babylon will find out too late that wealth and goods cannot satisfy the soul (James 4:13–16). Addressing Babylon, Revelation 18:14 declares, “All your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!”

Verse 15. The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,

Knowing how terrible a fate Babylon experienced, the merchants who had profited from selling expensive items to her residents stay clear of Babylon as the city burns to the ground. The merchants fear that they might experience a similar judgment. So, their tears flow in torrents and their mourning reaches a high volume. Although the Scripture does not tell us every reason the merchants mourn, we can guess from these depictions what was most important to them: profit. Their main lament is over business losses and not the loss of life in the judgment on Babylon.

The apostle John offered sound counsel to his readers about establishing correct priorities. He exhorted them and us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15–17).

If we want something that lasts throughout eternity, we ought to obey God, because the rewards of faithful service endure forever. Everything the evil world system deems important is already deteriorating and ultimately will vanish.

Verse 16. “Alas, alas, for the great citythat was clothed in fine linen,in purple and scarlet,adorned with gold,with jewels, and with pearls!

Again, the merchants loudly wail the destruction of Babylon. In this chapter, that name is used in reference to a corrupt, wicked political and economic system. Like using the name “Washington” as a metaphor for the United States, or “London” for the UK, this might be a reference to an entire nation or government, as well as a literal city.

The weeping merchants recall that Babylon’s residents wore expensive fine linen, purple and scarlet, and adorned themselves with gold, jewels, and pearls. Nothing was too costly for them, so the merchants made a handsome profit from their sales to Babylon. In first-century Rome the nobles wore purple and scarlet as indicators of their rank and privilege. In Philippi a businesswoman named Lydia operated a successful business by selling purple cloth (Acts 16). Philippi was a Roman colony, a city in which the residents carried Roman citizenship and copied Roman culture. The citizens of Philippi attempted to identify with the Roman nobles by wearing purple garments.

Throughout history, clothing has been used as a status symbol. Apparently, this custom will continue into the Revived Roman Empire’s capital, Babylon. But the flamboyant attire and adornments of the residents of Babylon will end when the city burns to the ground. This fact should serve notice that what a person puts on the body is not as important as what he or she puts in his or her heart.

Verse 17. For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off

Overconfidence often comes with prosperity (James 4:13–16), especially when people assume their worldly wealth isn’t subject to God’s sovereignty (Psalm 14:1). This verse emphasizes again that Babylon’s wealth disappeared in a single hour—though this is not meant to imply that a literal sixty minutes describes the entire fall. Rather, the obliteration of Babylon will come rapidly: so quickly that it can’t be prevented, avoided, or grasped until everything is all over (Revelation 18:21). Both physically, through weapons of mass destruction, and economically, through rapid changes in commerce, an entire nation can be struck down in a matter of moments.

Here, in John’s vision (Revelation 17:1–3), fire destroyed everything the residents of Babylon thought was valuable. What the people considered worthwhile quickly became worthless and fleeting. In Matthew 6:19–20 Jesus instructed, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

This verse specifies all whose trade is on the sea as joining the world’s merchants (Revelation 18:11–16) in their extreme mourning over Babylon’s destruction. We can picture those onboard ships approaching Babylon’s port with high hopes of gaining riches at Babylon but finding the city in ruin. Like the merchants, these individuals find their hopes dashed, and in fear of sharing in Babylon’s fate, they stand afar off.

Verse 18. and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?”

This continues to describe the mourning John hears in his vision (Revelation 17:1–3). Babylon, as an economic superpower, has been quickly and utterly destroyed. The merchants and kings of earth are grieving their loss of income (Revelation 18:9–16). In their lament, the shipmasters, seafarers, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea reflect upon Babylon’s past greatness. They ask, “What city was like the great city?”

Cites are often used as stand-ins for an entire culture or government. This is seen when referring to “Mecca” when discussing some teaching of Islam, or “London” when referring to a law of the United Kingdom. As it pertains to the end times, this “Babylon” certainly refers to some physical city, but the effects of ruin might extend beyond one location to an entire government. In his rise to power, the beast (Revelation 13:1–8) would have been able to make Babylon the most famous, most powerful, and most affluent center of commerce in the world. However, it also seems to become the most decadent, godless city in the world, and God destroyed it accordingly.

Throughout history cities have attracted people for various reasons: security, job opportunities, cultural and sports attractions, and convenience. But someday all the cities of the world will tumble and cease to exist. Even their tallest skyscrapers will collapse into dust. This will happen when God melts the earth with a fervent heat. The apostle Peter predicts in 2 Peter 3:10: “But the day of God of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” Only one city is secure forever; that is the city of God. Hebrews 13:14 states: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” The writer of Hebrews credits the people of faith listed in Hebrews 11 as desiring a better country, a heavenly one, and tells us God has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:16). Revelation 21:1–2 identifies the city as the new Jerusalem.

Verse 19. And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great citywhere all who had ships at seagrew rich by her wealth!For in a single hour she has been laid waste.

The kings, merchants, and seafarers of the world are grieving their loss of income due to the collapse of Babylon. Here, sailors continue their lament by throwing dust on their head, by weeping, and by mourning. Again they recall how Babylon was a great city that drew ships to her from around the world, and all who sold their goods to her got wealthy. But the end had come. The mourners are aghast that such a great city fell to ruin in just one hour. The shipping industry would not earn a single penny from Babylon in the future, and doubtless that prospect is what causes the shippers and crews such anguish.

When God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his wife and daughters had to be physically dragged away from everything they owned (Genesis 19:15–16), As the cities melted away, the family hurried to escape to a safe place, but Lot’s wife must have had Sodom in her heart, because she turned to look back on Sodom against the clear command not to do so (Genesis 19:17; 19:26). As a result, she became a pillar of salt. This might mean she hesitated, looked back, and was engulfed in the sulfur and fire God rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

All who mourn the collapse of Babylon miss severely what Babylon had meant to them financially. No mention is made that these mourning kings, merchants, or sailors mourn the loss of life in Babylon.

Verse 20. Rejoice over her, O heaven,and you saints and apostles and prophets,for God has given judgment for you against her!”

This passage has described the fall of a city—possibly representing an entire nation or culture—as judgment from God for their wickedness and evil. Whereas three groups of mourners lament the fall of Babylon, three groups are encouraged to rejoice that Babylon has fallen. Those groups are saints, apostles, and prophets. Interestingly, this declaration comes in the same section as the seafarers’ mourning, suggesting they are the ones telling the saints to rejoice. Ancient writings were not composed with paragraphs as is modern text. The statement of rejoicing might be an aside, not necessarily something the world’s sailors themselves said. That being the case, the seafarers might well recognize that what is happening to Babylon is divine judgment and react accordingly.

Heaven rejoices over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7), and it rejoices when Babylon collapses. God and God alone is in the business of securing vengeance for his people (Romans 12:19). His vengeance may not come immediately, or as soon as we would prefer (Habakkuk 1:2; Revelation 6:10). But when it does, it comes with full recompense. He does not let wrong triumph over right (Psalm 37:28). The beast’s end-times reign (Revelation 13:1–10) is characterized by ego, greed, cruelty, and injustice, but with one powerful stroke God puts an end to it. God’s judgment vindicates His righteous, holy character.

As used in the Bible, “saints” are believers: saved Christians whom God has set apart to Himself. “Saints” is not a term for specially-holy persons; it means anyone who has believed in Christ (John 3:16). “Apostles” are those who saw the risen Lord and received a commission from Him to preach the gospel (Acts 1:2). “Prophets” were those gifted by the Lord to disclose His will to the church before the New Testament was complete. They were also foretellers of the Word.

It seems all three groups view Babylon’s judgment from heaven. Babylon’s judgment was recompense for what the saints, apostles, and prophets had suffered.

Verse 21. Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,and will be found no more;

In the New Testament era, a typical millstone, usually made of basalt, was about a foot and half (45 cm) in diameter and about four inches (10 cm) thick. Two millstones, one above the other, were used to grind grain. Some were even larger, requiring animals and mechanisms to operate. Even a “small” millstone can weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg). In John’s continuing vision (Revelation 17:1–3), a mighty angel, perhaps Michael the archangel, picked up a millstone described as “great.” This uses the Greek root word megas, implying something very large. A “very large” millstone could easily weigh thousands of pounds / kilograms.

After picking up the large millstone, the mighty angel threw it into the sea. He cried out loudly that Babylon would be thrown down violently and vanish from the face of the earth. Earlier, the demise of Babylon was said to have happened “in a single hour” (Revelation 18:10). This description supports the full meaning of that phrase: Babylon’s ruin is sudden, dramatic, and unavoidable. Like dropping a boulder into the ocean, it happens with violence and is over as quickly as it starts.

This is precisely what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, when God destroyed those wicked cities with sulfur and fire (Genesis 19:24–25). This rapid, total ruin happens at the end of the tribulation, when God overthrows Babylon. The once proud, powerful capital of the beast’s empire (Revelation 13:1–10) becomes an ash heap and disappears from the face of the earth. Babylon had opposed God and His people. It had practiced all kinds of evil. Its ruler, the beast, assumed the role of God and demanded worship (Revelation 13:11–15), but the true God put an end to all that with one powerful stroke.

Context Summary
Revelation 18:21–24 provides a description of Babylon—the political and economic center of the Antichrist—after its fall. Isaiah predicted Babylon’s fall and wrote about its desolation after God overthrows it (Isaiah 13:19). Daniel 2:34–35 and Daniel 2:40–45 describe the collapse of the beast’s empire at the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus referred to the end of the times of the Gentiles in Luke 21:24. The times of the Gentiles began with the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylonian forces and the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, and it will end with the destruction of Babylon.

Verse 22. and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters,will be heard in you no more,and a craftsman of any craftwill be found in you no more,and the sound of the millwill be heard in you no more,

These verses continue to poetically describe the fall of “Babylon,” used here in reference to the political and economic empire of the “beast” of the end times (Revelation 13:1–10). Revelation mentions many of the common components of a city of culture in explaining the total annihilation of this evil empire. That includes noting that its music, industry, and production will all be dissolved.

Music can be used to honor God or to dishonor Him. Psalm 150 calls upon God’s people to praise Him with the trumpet, the lute and harp, the tambourine, strings and pipe, and cymbals. Music that honors God lifts the human spirit and assists worshipers to praise God. However, music can dishonor God. Nebuchadnezzar used music to signal his subjects to fall down and worship the image he had erected on the plain of Dura. The king’s edict announced: “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up” (Daniel 3:4–5). Perhaps the beast used music to summon his subjects to worship him. Or he may have used it in connection with sensual practices. However, music is never heard again in fallen Babylon.

Artisans will no longer practice their trades in Babylon. Tools and craftsmen will be completely destroyed when God judges the city. Also, the sound of grinding grain will cease. There will no longer be a need for food because the population will cease to exist.

Verse 23. and the light of a lampwill shine in you no more,and the voice of bridegroom and bridewill be heard in you no more,for your merchants were the great ones of the earth,and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.

Earlier verses depicted the doom of Babylon as a giant millstone being thrown into the ocean (Revelation 18:21). Its ruin in the end times will be total, sudden, and inescapable. These verses continue to emphasize the total destruction of this city by noting all of the activities which will cease.

By the time of the tribulation, the city—and possibly the associated government—of Babylon is seen worldwide as a bright, shining city. After its fall, the lights will go out. The lights will never come on again in Babylon.

Also, there will never be another wedding in Babylon. Although the city’s merchants were known throughout the world for their successful enterprises, they will never again produce any goods or strike a deal. They will never swindle buyers again. Their “cash registers” will go silent and stay silent when God rains judgment upon their wicked city.

This verse implies that Babylon was a city of sorcery. The Greek word for “sorcery” is pharmakeia, from which we derive the word “pharmacy.” Most likely, the “sorcery” of end-times Babylon will include drug production and trafficking. Substances such as illicit drugs control and enslave people, making them easier to manipulate. The beast’s city of Babylon will likely be a bastion of drug addicts and dealers. All versions of “sorcery” will be ended when God destroys Babylon.

Verse 24.And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,and of all who have been slain on earth.”

George Orwell was a writer best known for book such as Animal Farm and 1984. In one of his more well-known quotes, he stated “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it.” By the time of the tribulation, the world’s opposition to truth—especially Christian truth—will be at an all-time high. So, too, will be its hatred for those who dare stand up for what is moral and right.

End-times Babylon will have no tolerance for God’s people. The beast and his followers hate them so much they kill them and leave their blood stains on the streets (Revelation 11:7–8). The evil system (Revelation 17:1–3) led by the beast is described in John’s vision as martyring believers wherever it found them (Revelation 13:7; 12:16–17). Babylon’s goal will be to rid the earth of those who follow the Lamb and refuse to bow to the beast.

Even today, in countries opposed to Christianity, followers of Jesus are laying down their lives for the sake of the gospel. Jesus did not promise His followers a placid life; rather, He predicted that true believers would often suffer persecution. He said, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). He also predicted, “Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2), and promised, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).

The overthrow of Babylon will partially avenge these martyrs.

End of Chapter 18.

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