Read the Passage:  Revelation 18

Reminder: The book of Revelation is structured around seven parallel sections, each describing the time between Jesus’ first and second comings. These sections can be delineated into chapters 1–3, 4–7, 8–11, 12–14, 15–16, 17–19, and 20–22.

Announcement (18:1–8)

While Rev. 17:16–17 reports enmity between the harlot, who is Babylon, and the beast, Rev. 18:1–8 records the utter devastation of Babylon in what is certainly an act of divine judgment. John had noted at Rev. 17:17 that the real reason for the hostility between the woman and the beast was because “God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose.” This is an example of God’s providence. The phenomenon of the free actions of God’s creatures outworking His sovereign will is sometimes referred to as the doctrine of concurrence (cf. Isa. 10:5–19; Acts 2:23). In this passage, recall that Babylon represents that which tempts, seduces, and draws people away from God—namely, the world. From the information in this chapter, it becomes clear that Babylon is not just an end-times city, but the center of all worldliness, seduction, and sin throughout the ages.

The divine exhortation to leave Babylon in Rev. 18:4–5 is a call to the church to pursue holiness and purity, as well as a reminder that the world has been, is being, and will be judged for sin. Note, then, that the call to leave Babylon is not just an historical reference to Israel’s return from exile, nor is it only a future reference to God’s people being separate from the world. Rather, in all Scripture the call to leave Babylon is a call to sanctification (cf. Isa. 48:20; 52:11; Jer. 50:8; Zech. 2:7). Rev. 18:5–8 records several facts about God’s judgment of sin. First, while it may seem like the godless are getting away with evil, God remembers all sin (cf. Rev. 18:5). Second, judgment for sin is far worse than any pleasure or benefits of sin (cf. Rev. 18:6–7). Third, God’s punishment for sin is often swift and unexpected, and His judgement is always thorough and just (cf. Rev. 18:8a).

Mourning (18:9–20)

Rev. 18:9–19 reports the sorrowful reaction of those who had put their trust in worldly goods, for Babylon will ultimately fail to deliver on her promise of satisfaction. In this passage John records a tri-fold lament of those who supported, or were supported by, Babylon. First, John notes the lament of the kings of the earth who partook of the luxuries of Babylon (cf. Rev. 18:9–10). Second, John records the lament of the merchants who became wealthy trading in the merchandise of Babylon (cf. Rev. 18:11–18). Observe that in this passage we read of merchandise of minerals, merchandise of plants, merchandise of animals, and even merchandise of men. Third, John notes the lament of the ship owners who profited from commercial transportation of Babylonian goods (cf. Rev. 18:19). In contrast, Rev. 18:20–24 notes rejoicing in heaven on account of the justice of God.

Rev. 18:9–20 is a difficult passage, for here we see the kings, merchants, and ship owners of the earth mourning over the destruction of Babylon. If the city of Babylon represents that which tempts, seduces, and draws people away from God, it is challenging to explain how these things could be destroyed, and yet those who are described in this passage as being in mourning remain. Yet, we must remember that Babylon is manifest in many different ways, acts, people, and venues, including: commerce, culture, entertainment, and the like. Therefore, the situation being described in this passage is akin to the reaction of people when the stock market collapses, one’s favorite sports team loses the championship, or a famous entertainer is unmasked as being a fraud or a criminal. Indeed, the failure of aspects of culture that man turns into idols has been both recurring and commonplace throughout history.

Finality (18:21–24)

The finality of the destruction of Babylon is described in Rev. 18:21–24. While the ongoing cosmic battle between Satan and God is described in the narrative cycle of Rev. 17–19, it seems the final destruction of Babylon at the end of the age is what is primarily in view in Rev. 18:21–24. Here John sees an angel throw a great stone into the sea, which illustrates the totality of the fall of Babylon. Next, John hears about the finality of the destruction of the city, as he learns that Babylon will no longer have festive music (cf. Rev. 18:22a), economic activity (cf. Rev. 18:22b), food preparation (cf. Rev. 18:22c), abundant light (cf. Rev. 18:23a), nor human flourishing (cf. Rev. 18:23a). Furthermore, John learns that promises of Babylon were all false. This deceit did not just affect the merchants and nations of the earth (cf. Rev. 18:23b), but also it resulted in the martyrdom of prophets and the saints (cf. Rev. 18:24).

Application Questions:

1. Given that history testifies the offerings of the world will not ultimately satisfy mankind, why do so many still chase after material things?
2. What aspects of the world, if any, do you find it hard to leave behind as you pursue holiness and purity?
3. Why is God’s judgment for sin oftentimes not immediate (cf. Rom. 2:4)? To whom is God speaking about punishment in Rev. 18:6–8?
4. As is commanded in Rev. 18:20, how can God’s people properly rejoice over the fall of Babylon?
5. How can Christians best balance being in the world, but not of the world? How can the church be simultaneously holy and relevant?