THE SUDDEN DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON

We learned in chapter 17 that the ten kings that rule under the authority of Antichrist will hate the woman, the false religious system—I believe, because of jealousy of her wealth.  However, those that have profited from their connection with her will mourn her destruction.

Revelation 18:9–11 “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, 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.  And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:”

Notice that these “kings of the earth” have totally embraced the false religion she represents and “lived deliciously” or in luxury from the profits they made doing business with her.  When they see the smoke of her destruction (possible due to today’s technology), they realize that their lifestyle is going to change significantly.  Their marketing success was directly dependent upon her well-being.

Note again—John is very clear in declaring that the woman is directly connected to the “great city Babylon.”  Her judgment has come quickly and unexpectedly.  The list that reveals her merchandise is very telling.

Revelation 18:12–13 “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, 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.”

Gold, silver, jewelry and fine garments are all used in the gaudy and self-aggrandizing display of those who are the high profile representatives of false religions.  Their lifestyle is almost always luxurious and their homes and furnishing of the finest materials.  They use expensive perfumes, enjoy the best foods, and travel in style.

Vernard Eller (with whom I agree very little) makes an astute observation on this scripture:  “And you can be sure it is not accidental on John's part that "slaves and the lives of men" come at the bottom of the list, following "sheep and cattle, horses, chariots." This is accurate; the world does not value persons, it uses them; it consumes, exploits, and manipulates people for the sake of the "higher values" of gold and silver, jewels and pearls. The splendor of the world customarily is bought at the expense of the people of the world.”

Revelation 18:14–16 “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. The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 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!”

These verses affirm that her merchandise was directly influenced by the lusts of her soul.  Her worship was really of self.  Those that sold her the things she needed to fulfill those lusts will find themselves witnessing her destruction from afar.  They will weep and wail, but they will do so privately for fear of repercussions from the Antichrist and his ruling cohorts.

Twice in this section of verses reference is made to the fact that Babylon is made desolate in “one hour.”  It must be a terrifying sight to see.  Verses in Jeremiah mirror the words recorded by John.

Jeremiah 50:46 “At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.”

Jeremiah 51:41 “How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!”

Casting dust on one’s head was a sign of great grief and distress.  When I was searching for a cross-reference, I found words from the prophet Ezekiel regarding a situation very similar to the one being described here, the destruction of Tyre.

Ezekiel 27:30-31 “And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes: And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.”

(to be continued…)