Babylon the Great #3

June 27, 2020 (Saturday)

 

In Revelation 18 there is further description of “Babylon,” the woman described as a prostitute in chapter 17. In chapter 18:4 God’s people are called out of her. And we see justice handed out, “Give her what she has given to others. Give her back twice as much for what she has done. In the cup that she has poured, pour her twice as much.” [Revelation 18:6 CEB] The idea of “double” is a Hebrew idiom to mean full retaliation (Wesley). It is the only place this is mentioned in the New Testament. The NLT put is “She brewed a cup of terror for others, so brew twice as much for her.”

 

The retribution continues, “Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.” [Revelation 18:7a NIV] The “glory and luxury” are a symptom of pride. “In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow; I will never mourn.’” [Revelation 18:7b NIV] Because of her sins and arrogance, “Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.” [Revelation 18:8 NIV]

 

So to be clear, in the end days we WILL see plagues and famine as a judgement from God. There will be a consuming fire. If this is a literal image, it could be the result of war or something similar to what happened to Sodom.

 

The reaction to her destruction is morning and terror. “And the kings of the world who committed adultery with her and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains. They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment.” [Revelation 18:9 – 10a NLT]

 

Let’s round out the image of judgment and justice. In verses 11 – 17 the merchants react, “And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore.” [Revelation 18:11 ESV]. I think it is notable that slavery is mentioned in verse 13. God promises, “In just one hour such great wealth was destroyed.” [Revelation 18:17 CEB]

 

In Heaven there is the command to, “Rejoice… because God has condemned her as she condemned you.” [Revelation 18:20 CEB] It’s destruction will be complete. In verse 21 the image of a millstone thrown into the sea is used. Verse 22 describes a deafening silence with no music, no sound of work. Verse 23 rounds out the judgment with no light, no joy (marriage image). One further clue to Babylon’s identity is, “…your merchants ran the world, because all the nations were deceived by the spell you cast…” [Revelation 18:23b CEB]

 

If this were to happen today, what country, city, or organization is responsible for much of the world’s wealth? Are you thinking what I am thinking? If the events of Revelation were to happen today, the answer is a “no-brainer.” Time is short. Judgement is sure. No election is going to save us. Brace yourself, because it feels like all this is just the beginning.