“The Book of Revelation Chapter 18”
Introduction: In this lesson we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John about chapter eighteen. Now Mystery Babylon of chapter 17, has been destroyed as we come to chapter 18. Now the Apostate world church has been destroyed in favor of a world religion, which honors the political dictator; the Antichrist.
Revelation Chapter 18:
I) (The Fall of Babylon the Great) (The Babylon’s Destruction) (Revelation 18:1-8)
1) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 18:1); And after these things I saw another Angel come down from heaven. (Now this Angel seems to be different from the Angels of (Revelation 17:1); having great power. (Now this Angel is greater than any one of the Seven Angels; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (Now this Angel, who immediately precedes the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, must be one of the Greatest Angels that God did create in Heaven. Now due, to the magnificence of that Coming and especially of the one who is coming; it could be either “Gabriel” or “Michael” which is God’s two greatest Angels).
1) Comments: In verse 1 chapter 18; John said that he saw another Angel coming down from Heaven and having great power, and the earth was lightened with his glory. Now this Angel will probably be Gabriel or Michael. Now after the destruction of the Religious Harlot (which is Mystery Babylon). We believe this religious harlot to be a World Church, that is controlled by Roman Catholicism, which will be destroyed by the Anti-Christ and the Ten Federated Kingdoms in (Revelation 17:16).
2) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 18:2); And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. (Now here he is speaking literal Babylon, the city, and also of the Mystery Babylon, the religion).
And is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (Now this proclaims the city in the last of the days as an infestation of demon spirits of every sort; in other words, it will be the capital of all evil in the world. Now the vultures are used at times in the Word of God as symbols for demon spirits. (Matthew 13:32);
2) Comments: In verse 2 Chapter 18; “BABYLON THE GREAT IS FALLEN” and this sudden destruction of the city of Babylon is the same as the whore or harlot in chapter seventeen. And also it is given in (Revelation 14:8); (Revelation 16:19); and (Revelation 18:1-2). The Old Testament City of Babylon is mentioned more times in the Bible than any other city other than Jerusalem:-It is mentioned 260 times. Now God’s city is Jerusalem, while Satan’s city is Babylon! The reason that this great city of Babylon was destroyed was because of her devilish pride and her sinful corrupt ways and the city had become the head-quarters of all demonic actively during the Tribulation period. (Revelation 18:2)
A) Now listed below are some facts and a little history about ancient Babylon that we can review:
1) Babylon was founded by Nimrod, the great grandson of Noah – (Genesis l0:8-10).
2) Just how big was Babylon. The city spread over an area of fifteen square miles, and the Euphrates River flowing diagonally across the city.
3) Babylon was fortify with a wall around the city that was 350 feet high and 87 feet thick. The wall was wide enough to race six chariots abreast on top of the wall.
4) Around the top of the wall were 250 watchtowers, and outside the wall was a large ditch full of water.
5) The cost of constructing this city was estimated to be in excess of one billion dollars, while building it with slave labor.
6) “Babylon’s hanging gardens” were known as one of the “seven wonders of the World”. These gardens were arranged in an area 400 feet square. And raised in perfectly cut terraces one above the other to a height of 350 feet.
7) “The tower of Babel with its temple of worship presented an impressing sight.” The tower itself sat on a base 300 feet and rose to a height of 300 feet. The one chapel on the top contained an image alone to be worth $17,500,000; and contained sacred vessels used in worshipping at $200,000,000.
8) This city had become the habitation of demons and false doctrines. (Revelation 18:2); (Matthew 13:32)
9) Her sins had reached into the Heavens. (Revelation 18:5)
10) She had lived in sinful pleasures and luxury and her prosperity had blinded her to the judgment of God. (Revelation 18:7)
B) Will Babylon be rebuilt and then destroyed by God? (Yes). Let’s look at the prophecies concerning the destruction of Babylon;
1) Ancient Babylon was never suddenly destroyed as prophesied in (Isaiah 13:19). Because this Babylon is in (Revelation 18:8); (Revelation 18:10); (Revelation 18:17); (Revelation 18:19); and (Revelation 18:21).
2) The description of ancient Babylon in (Jeremiah chapter 51), is very similar to that Babylon described by John in (Revelation chapter 18).
3) Babylon is said to be destroyed during the day of the Lord, which is an Old Testament term referring to the Tribulation period in (Isaiah 13:6).
4) According to (Isaiah chapter 14), Israel will enter into God’s rest (Mlillennial Kingdom after the destruction of Babylon.
5) Archaeological discovers have shown that bricks and stones from ancient Babylon have been re-used for building purposes’ showing that the prophecy of (Jeremiah. 51:26) has not been fulfilled.
6) (Jeremiah 25:17-26) predicts that Babylon will drink of the cup of the wrath of God last among all the kingdoms of the earth.
7) The vision of the woman in the Ephah in (Zechariah 5:5-11), indicates a return of wickedness and commerce to Babylon.
8) The description of Babylon in (Revelation chapter 18) is a literall city that will be destroyed by God.
3) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 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, (Now this pertains to the time of the Antichrist, and to all that Babylon has represented from the very beginning of time and “false religions,”) and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (Now from his headquarters in Babylon, the Antichrist will make it possible for many to get rich during the time of the Great Tribulation, and this will make him look good to many nations of the world).
3) Comments: In verse 3 Chapter 18; Now the merchants in the Roman Empire grew rich by exploiting the sinful pleasures of their society. There are many business people today that do the same thing. Now these businesses and governments are often based on greed, money, and power. There are many bright individuals that are tempted to take advantage of an evil system to enrich themselves. Now Christians are warned to stay free from the lure of money, status, and the good life. We are to live according to the values that Jesus Christ exemplified; which are the service, giving, self-sacrifice, obedience, and truth.
4) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 18:4); And I heard another voice from heaven. (Now another Angel presents, that which is different, from the Angel of the first verse). Saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins. (Now the short phrase, “My people,” refers to all Believers all over the world for all time, but the entire Book of Revelation, even though it is broadly addressing itself to the entirety of mankind, and is primarily for Israel. Now this is designed to bring Israel back to God). And that ye receive not of her plagues. (Now if some people fail to come out from the world’s system, they will experience Judgment the same also).
4) Comments: In verse 4 Chapter 18; John said that he 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.
Now it is difficult to know if these people are worldly-minded believers that are living in the capital city of commerce and government for material reasons only. Or if these people are dedicated believers just dwelling there for witnessing opportunities. Now there are two reasons for these believers to dwell in this city. The first, reason is that “all believers” will know that the end is at near. The second reason is that the Antichrist will require the mark of the Beast be on all of the people that work for him. We should remember and remind all believers that living at this would be in danger in this city.
5) (Read) (Chapter 18:5); for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 18:5); For her sins have reached unto heaven. (Now sins carries the idea of rebellion against God, which is the ruin of mankind). And God hath remembered her iniquities. (Now the only way God will forget sins and iniquities is by man placing his Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ and what Jesus Christ has done for us at the Cross). (Hebrews 8:6-12)
5) Comments: In verse 5 Chapter 18; God has said that her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Now the righteous God of the entire world has not over-looked the sins of these power brokers who have used the commerce and the government for centuries to live a luxuriously live at the expense of others. Here the commercial, the social, and the political systems of the Antichrist will receive double judgment for all of their sins. Now here God has said that; “Her sins have reached unto heaven”. And they are so great and enormous that the long-suffering of God must give place to His justice.
6) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 18:6); Reward her even as she rewarded you. (Now the Saints are not called to render vengeance, but rather the statement is made that our God will do such; and the idea is that every act of hurt by the world or the apostate Church against God’s people will be answered in kind; but in this case, it pertains more so to the Jews than anything else). (Genesis 12:3); And double unto her double according to her works. (Now this pertains to the fact that the future rebuilt city of Babylon will suffer the Judgment of all ages; (Now the effort that our Government in Iraq, was the right thing to do and is a part of the process which will enable that city of Babylon to be rebuilt). Now in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. (Now God’s answer to man’s rebellion will be the destruction of Babylon, and in a cataclysmic way).
6) Comments: In verse 6 Chapter 18; God will reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works. Now God has remembered her sins and the day of her judgment for her sin has arrived. Now the double judgment emphasizes full punishment for her sins in (Jeremiah 16:18); (Jeremiah 17:18); (Jeremiah 50:29). Here we should remember that God has said to: “reward her even as she rewarded you”. Now these words are (a prophetic declaration) of what shall take place God will deal with her as she dealt with others?
7) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 18:7); How much she hath glorified herself. (This pertains to the characteristics of religion). And she lived deliciously. (Now this refers to the earthly rewards of religion; at its base, one will always find “money”. Also much torment and sorrow give her. (Now this refers to the fact that Judgment has been laid up for this city of Babylon, this symbolic of man’s system, which is a system without God; and we reap what we sow). (Galatians 6:7). For she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (Now here she calls herself “a queen,” while the Lord Jesus Christ refers to her as “the great whore,” which will pronounces her doom).
7) Comments: (In verse 7 chapter 18); John writes how much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she said in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. The people of Babylon had lived in luxury and pleasure. Now the city boasted, “I sit as queen”, and I will never mourn. Here the powerful, wealthy people of this world are susceptible to this same attitude. Now a person who is financially comfortable often feels secure and invulnerable, when they are in control. They feel that there is no need for God or anyone else. Now this kind of attitude defies God, and God’s judgment against them will be harsh. We are told to avoid Babylon’s sins. Now if you are financially secure, don’t let you wealthy become your God of this world. We should remember to use our money and resources to help others and advance our God’s kingdom. Now she has glorified herself by every act of transgression and sinful pampering of the body. Now here she has been preparing for herself a suitable punishment. (We should never brag or boast about ourselves to God).
8) (Read) (Chapter 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. (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 18:8); Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine. (Now this points to the great earthquake of (Revelation 16:18); And she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. (Now the idea is that Satan, through the Antichrist, will boast of his great strength, but the Lord Jesus Christ will, in effect, show the Antichrist and the world what strength really is).
8) Comments: (In verse 8 chapter 18); Now John tells us here that in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her. Here God said that to her that plagues will come. Also death will be by the sword of her adversaries and there will be mourning on account of this slaughter. There will be famine in the land and the fruits of the field will be destroyed by the hostile bands of people. Now the city will be utterly burned with fire. Therefore shall her plagues come. (Yes). Death, by the sword of her adversaries; mourning on account of the slaughter; and famine, the fruits of the field being destroyed by the hostile bands. Utterly burned with fire. Now Of what city is this spoken? Rome pagan has never been thus treated; but Alaric and Totilas burnt only some parts with fire. But Rome papal has not been thus treated; but this is true of Jerusalem, and yet Jerusalem is not generally thought to be intended.
IV) (The World Mourns over Babylon’s fall)
(Earth dwellers bewail over Babylon’s destruction) (Revelation 18:1-8)
9) (Read) (Chapter 18:9); and the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, (KJV)
9) Explanation: (Chapter 18:9); And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication with her. (This speaks of a “spiritual adultery”; the worship of anything other than God and our trust placed in anything except Jesus Christ and Him being Crucified is “spiritual adultery”); And lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her. (Now Babylon, and we speak of the system, is their god, so they lament for their god). When they shall see the smoke of her burning. (Now this signals far more than the destruction of one city. It is the end of a system, a way, a false way, a terrible way, and will be carried out at the very conclusion of the Great Tribulation, which will usher in the Second Coming).
9) Comments: In verse 9 Chapter 18; The kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.
Here we see that those who are tied to the world’s system will lose everything when it collapses. All of what they have worked for in this life-time to build up will be destroyed in just one hour. Now those who worked only for material rewards will have nothing when they die or when their possessions are destroyed. Now I ask you what can we take with us to the new earth? There will be our faith, our Christian character, and our relationships with other believers. Now we should always remember that these are more important than any amount of money, or power, or even the pleasures that only money can buy us in this life on earth.
10) (Read) (Chapter 18:10); standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. (KJV)
10) Explanation: (Chapter 18:10); Standing afar off for the fear of her torment. (Now the destruction of this city will be televised all over the world; and much of the world will fear the same Judgment is coming upon them, and knowing that God has done this). Saying, alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! (Now this proclaims the destruction of that city of Babylon and signals the end of Satan’s rule and reign on Earth). For in one hour is thy judgment come. (Now the ancient Babylon gradually decayed, but this Babylon will be totally destroyed “in one hour” and this proved that this city must be rebuilt).
10) Comments: In verse 10 Chapter 18; Now John writes that some people were standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. Here the kings were beholding her desolations with all wonder and astonishment. They utterly were unable to help her or give her any kind of assistance. They just could not believe their eyes that this happen to this great city of Babylon.
11) (Read) (Chapter 18:11); And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (KJV)
11) Explanation: (Chapter 18:11); And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more. (Now those who have sold their souls to this system will now weep and mourn over her destruction).
11) Comments: In verse 11 Chapter 18; The Apostle John tells us that the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man could buy their merchandise any more. Now the merchants mourned over her because their traffic with her had come to an end. And the merchants knew that there would be no more buying and selling of their merchandise in this great city.
11) Extra-Comments: The merchants of the earth: These are represented as mourning over her, because their traffic with her was at an end. Bishop Bale, who applies all these things to the Church of Rome, thus paraphrases the principal passages here.
A) “The mighty kings and potentates of the earth, not having afore their eyes the love and fear of God, have committed with this whore the most vile filthiness. And abusing themselves by many strange or uncommanded worshippings, and by denning themselves by other to observe her laws and customs. And at the examples of doctrines, counsels, and perswasions of her holy whoremongers, that have they broken the covenants of peace. They have battled, oppressed, spolled, ravished, murdered innocents; yes, for vain foolish causes. This they have done for more vain titles, as though there were neither heaven nor hell, or even God to accounts for their sins that they made.
B) “They have gotten in unto them palaces and princely houses, fat pastors and parks, meadows and warrens, rivers and ponds, and villages and towns, cities and whole provinces, with the devil. And all else; besides other men’s wives, daughters, made servants, and children, whom they have abominably corrupted.
C) What profits they have drawn unto them also by the sale of great bishop ricks, prelacies, promocions, benefices, and quotes, pardons, pilgrymages, confessions, and purgatory; besides the yearly rents of cathedrall churches, abbayes, colleges, convents, for sutes and such other. How special shall they be sore discontented with the matter, which have with her committed the whordom of the spirit. Now by many externe worshipping of dry wafers, cakes, oyles, roods, relyques, ladies, images, sculles, bones, chipps, old raggs, shows, (shoes,) boots, spurrs, hatts, breches, whodes, night capes, and such like.
D) “And they that have lived wantonly with her:” Now in following her idle observacions, and in mattenses, hours, and masses. Also in sensinges, hallowing, and font halowing; and in going on processions with canapye, cross, and pix; with banners and streamers, and torches of light; with suc other gaudys to follishness for our children.
E) “Woe, woe, that great city and that beautiful Babylon: And that blessed holy mother the Church, which sometime had so many popes pardons, and so many bishops blessings. There are so many holy stations, so many clean remissions of a “pena et culpa”, and so many good ghostly fathers, and so many religious orders, and so much holy water for spirits. And Saint John’s gospel, with the five wounds and the length of our Lord for drowning, is now decayed forever!
F) “Alas, alas, who shall pray for us now?” Who shall sing dirges and trentoles? Who shall spoil us of our sins? Who shall give us ashes and palms? Who shall bless us with a spade, and singe us out of purgatory when we are dead? If we lack these things we are like to want heaven. These are the desperate complaints of the wicked.”
12) (Read) (Chapter 18:12); The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, (KJV)
12) Explanation: (Chapter 18:12); The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, (Now the things here in verse twelve, man can no longer buy and sell for they are all gone).
12) Comments: In verse 12 Chapter 18; John tells us that the merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood,
and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, Now in this verse 12 of chapter 18 there is a list of the world’s most expensive and luxury items. The city of Babylon will make these luxury items necessities and you will not find a cotton dress or a pair of overalls anywhere in this list. The first is the jewelry department which is the precious merchandise of gold, silver, pearls, and the precious stones. Now both the rulers and the merchants had worshiped at her shrine of silver in (Revelation 18:3). Here we see that her sins had reached into Heaven because Babylon had lived in sinful pleasure and her fine luxury. (Revelation 18:5-7)
13) (Read) (Chapter 18:13); And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. (KJV)
13) Explanation: (Chapter 18:13); And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. (Now the things here in verse thirteen, man can no longer buy and sell for they are all gone).
13) Comments: In verse 13 Chapter 18; John tells us that the cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.
Now Babylon’s prosperity had blinded her to the judgment of our God. And now those who have sold their souls to this system will now weep and mourn over her destruction.
13) Extra-Comments: 1) (The cinnamon): By the sinamon is ment all manner of costly spices, wherewith they bury their bishops and founders, lest they should stink when they translate them agayne to make them saints for advantage.
2) (By the smellynge odors): The sweet herbes that they strewe abrode at their dedications and burials; besides the damaske waters, bawmes, muskes, pomaunder, civet, and other curious confections they yet bestow upon their own precious bodies.
3) (The ointments): Are such oldies as they mingle with rose water, aloes, and spike, with other merry conceits, where they were anoint their holy saviors and roods, to make them to sweat, and to smell sweeter when they are borne abrod in procession upon their high feast full days.
4) (Frankinsence occupy): They often as a necessary thing in the sensyng of their idols, hallowing of their paschal, conjuring off their ploughes; besides the blessing of their palms, candles, ashes, and their dead men’s graves, with requiescant in pace.
5) (With wine synge): They their masses for money, they housel the people at Easter, they wash their aultar stones upon Maundy Thursday; they fast the holy imber days, besides other banketinges all the whole years, to keep their flesh chaste.
6) (With oyle smere): They young infantes at baptism and bishopping; they grease their mass mongers, and gere them the mark of madian; they anele their cattell that starveth; and do many other feats els.
7) (Fyne flour): This is such a merchandise of theirs as far excedeth all other, and was first given them by Pope Alexander the first, thinking Christs institution not sufficient, nor comely in using the common bread in that ministeries. For that ware hath brought them in their plentifull possessions, and their lordshipps, fatt benifices, and prebendaries, with innumerable pleasures els.
8) (Wheat have of their farms): Where they make pardon bread and cakes, to draw people to devocion towardes them.
9) (Cattell receive): They, offered unto their idols by the idiots of the countries, for recover of sondry diseases; and besides that they have of their tithes.
10) (Sheep): They have sometime of their own pastures, and sometime of begging, and sometime of bequests for the dead, to cry them out of their feareful purgatory, when they be asleep at midnight.
11) (Great horses): They have for mortuaries, for offices, for favors, gifts, and rewards, to be good lords unto them, that they may hold still their farms, and to have saunder wasp their sonne and their heir a priest; or to admitt him unto a mannerly benefice, that he may be called “master person,” and such like.
12) (Thyine wood): This is translated by some spikenard; by others lady’s rose. The Thyne or Thyin is said to be a tree whose boughs, leaves, stalks, and fruit, resemble the cypress. Now much of the different articles mentioned in the 12th and 13th verses were in request among the ancients, and was highly valued, and every scholar knows.
13) (Slaves): The bodies of men; probably distinguished here from souls of men, to express bondmen and freemen.
V) (Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible) (A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON HERE)
14) (Read) (Chapter 18:14); And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. (KJV)
14) Explanation: (Chapter 18:14); And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. (Now this proclaims the fall and the fact of investing in a system of this world instead of the things of God). (Matthew 6:19-21)
14) Comments: In verse 14 Chapter 18; The Apostle John tells us that the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. Now the fruits that thy soul lusted after signifies autumn. This can mean any and all kinds of autumnal fruits may be signified by the word in the above phrase or clause. And all the things, that were “dainty and goodly are the delicacies for the table.
15) (Read) (Chapter 18:15); The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, (KJV)
15) Explanation: (Chapter 18:15); The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, (Now here the idea is that the system of this world, symbolized by the rebuilt Babylon, and is about to end, with another system taking its place, which will be the “Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ).”
15) Comments: In verse 15 Chapter 18; John said that the merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing. Here the merchants are standing afar off for they did fear of her torment, saying, Babylon, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour is thy judgment come.
16) (Read) (Chapter 18:16); And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! (KJV)
16) Explanation: (Chapter 18:16); And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! (Now this points to a conclusion regarding the word “great,” which is not shared by the Lord Jesus Christ).
16) Comments: In verse 16 Chapter 18; The merchants were saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl! Now here she was clothed in fine linen, and purple which signifies they were abound, enriched, and laden with fine clothes. Now they were decked with gold, pearl and precious. Here these articles are not to be considered here as personal ornaments, but as articles of trade or merchandise, in which this great city trafficked.
17) (Read) (Chapter 18:17); For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (KJV)
17) Explanation: (Chapter 18:17); For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. (This should serve as a warning to all who put their trust in such things that will not last). And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off. (Now our God took out in one hour what men took many years to build).
17) Comments: In verse 17 Chapter 18; The Apostle John writes here and said for in an hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off. Now the phrase “every shipmaster” actually means the “Captains of vessels” or some think that pilots are meant here.
Now here the description appears to be at least partly taken from the book of Ezekiel. (Read) (Ezekiel 27:26-28).
18) (Read) (Chapter 18:18); And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city is like unto this great city! (KJV)
18) Explanation: (Chapter 18:18); And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city is like unto this great city! (Now they cried over their financial losses, but they did not seem to show any concerns for their lost souls).
18) Comments: In verse 18 Chapter 18; John said they cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city is like unto this great city! Now what city is like unto this great city with its magnitude, its power, and all its luxury. And they cried when they saw the smoke from her burning, and they could not believe their own eyes.
19) (Read) (Chapter 18:19); And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. (KJV)
19) Explanation: (Chapter 18:19); And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. (Now the casting of dust on their heads does not point to Repentance, but rather to the sorrow of their financial loss).
19) Comments: In verse 19 Chapter 18; John said that they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate. Now God’s people should not live for money or worldly things because they will be worthless in eternity. We as Christians should keep on guard constantly against greed in our life. This sin of greed is always ready to take over our lives and we forget to help others. Remember god wants us to work and provide for our families, and God commands the proper use of money and our wealth. We should use and spend it wisely by sharing with others also giving to the poor.
VI) (The Heavens Rejoices over Babylon’s fall) (Revelation 18:20-24)
20) (Read) (Chapter 18:20); Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (KJV)
20) Explanation: (Chapter 18:20); Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (Now while men cry over the destruction of Babylon, our Lord Jesus Christ tells all the Believers to “rejoice).”
20) Comments: In verse 20 Chapter 18; In verse twenty all Heaven rejoices over Babylon’s fall, and the saints, and the apostles, and the prophets; for God hath judged his judgment on her. Now there are three events in the Tribulation that caused all Heaven to rejoice and they are listed here.
1) First when Satan is cast out of Heaven. (Read) (Revelation 12:12)
2) Second when the city Babylon is destroyed. (Read) (Revelation 18:20)
3) Third when the Lamb is married to the church. (Read) (Revelation 19:7)
21) (Read) (Chapter 18:21); And a mighty Angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (KJV)
21) Explanation: (Chapter 18:21); And a mighty Angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, (This is a fulfillment of (Matthew 18:6). Saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (Now this proclaims the manner in which the era of evil will end; and it will be with “violence,” which speaks more so of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than anything else).
21) Comments: In verse 21 Chapter 18; Now the mighty Angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. This is an example of just how the kingdom of the Antichrist will be utterly destroyed in that moment. Now remember God’s judgment will only target those who traded their soul for earthly possessions. 1) Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down. This action is finely and forcibly expressed by the original words. Now the millstone will in falling have not only an accelerated force from the law of gravitation, but that force will be greatly increased by the projectile force impressed upon it by the power of the destroying Angel.
21) Extra-Comments: (Shall be found no more at all.) And in her government, consequence, or influence. This is true of ancient Babylon and we are not certain even of the place where it stood. It is also true of Jerusalem; her government, consequence, and influence are gone. It is not true of Rome pagan; nor, as yet, of Rome papal: the latter still exists, and the former is most intimately blended with it; for in her religions service Rome papal has retained her language, and many of her heathen temples has she dedicated to saints real or reputed, and incorporated many of her superstitions and absurdities in a professedly Christian service. It is true also that many idols are now restored under the names of Christian saints!
22) (Read) (Chapter 18:22); And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; (KJV)
22) Explanation: (Chapter 18:22); And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee. (All of these have come to an end). And no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee. (Now this refers to the way business is normally done; and a few get filthy rich on the backs of the helpless poor). And the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee. (This refers to grinding poverty, which characterizes much of the world; it is not that poverty will characterize that city Babylon, but that much of its riches will come from ill gotten gains).
22) Comments: In verse 22 Chapter 18; John said that the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee. Now the voice of the harpers, the musicians, the pipers, and the trumpeters shall be heard no more at all in thee. Because there seems to be an indication, of a total destruction, of all of these things here. Now it seems as if this city was to be swallowed up by an earthquake or being burnt up by fire from Heaven.
23) (Read) (Chapter 18:23); And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (KJV)
23) Explanation: (Chapter 18:23); And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee. (Satan’s false light will shine no more). And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee. (Now this refers to a false foundation, exactly as the false light; in fact, everything about the system of the world is false, and built on a lie). For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Non-witchcraft and the drug business, referred to by “sorceries,” constitute the foundation of the commercial enterprise, which will be totally destroyed).
23) Comments: In verse 23 Chapter 18; John said that the light of a lamp shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee. For thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived. Here in this verse twenty-three the sorcery were deceiving all the nations or people by a lifestyle of drug-induced occult practices. Now these sorcery use tricks, counterfeit miracles, and deceptive manceuvres of every kind. This may be spoken of many great cities of the world today and which they continue to flourish even in this day and time.
24) (Read) (Chapter 18:24); And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (KJV)
24) Explanation: (Chapter 18:24); And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (Now the city of Babylon is symbolic of the “Babylonian spirit,” which has opposed the Work of God from the beginning until now).
24) Comments: In verse 24 Chapter 18; John tells us that in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. Now in her was found the blood of prophets. Here she was the persecutor and murderer of the prophets and of righteous men. And of all the souls that were slain upon the earth. This refers to her counsels and of her influence and exciting other nations and people to persecute and destroy the real followers of
God. Now there is no city to which all these things are yet applicable, therefore, we may presume that the prophecy remains yet to be fulfilled.
24) Extra-Comments: Now this is very plain language, and thus on all hands a monstrous system of superstition and idolatry was attacked by our Reformers.
And with these unfurbished weapons, directed by the Spirit of the living God, and popery was driven from the throne, from the bench, from the universities, and from the churches of this favored kingdom. And by a proper application of Scripture, and by the universal diffusion of the word of God, it may be soon driven from the face of the universe. And when the inventions of men are separated from that Church, and it becomes truly regenerated. (And of this it is highly capable, as, among its monstrous errors and absurdities, it contains all the essential truths of God,) and it will become a praise and a glory in the earth. Now Protestants wish not its destruction, but its reformation. Some there may be, who, in their zeal for truth, would pull the whole edifice to pieces. But this is not God’s method: he destroys what is evil, and saves what is good. Now it is reformation, not annihilation that this Church needs.
A) Now as we come to the end of this chapter eighteen in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “your Soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. “Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.
B) Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and I need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”
Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose