Revelation 18 - Introduction

God Remembered Babylon's Iniquities Revelation Eighteen

We have already heard the message that "Babylon the Great" had fallen. Now we will see the fall of that great and wicked nation. This rich merchant-city is reduced to desolation. The destruction and desolation came as a result of rebellion against the Creator. The picture of the fall of Babylon was that of utter destruction.

God called his people out of Rome so that they would neither partake of the sins or the plagues of destruction. Rome's plagues would come upon her suddenly. This great desolation came upon Rome because her crimes and transgressions were piled up as high as heaven. God remembered her wickedness and now called them up for settlement. The afflictions and calamities came upon Rome in a single day because "mighty is the Lord God Who judges her."

There was much lamentation over the fall of Babylon. The lamentation came, not from God's people, but from those that had been corrupted by Rome or that had benefited from her. Those that wept were: (1) the rulers and leaders of the earth who had joined in her immorality and luxury, (2) the businessmen wept over her because no one would buy their goods any more, and (3) the ship captains, pilots, and navigators wept because their means of being made rich was taken away. There were no goods to transport.

While many lamented the fall of Rome God called on others to rejoice. God's people were to celebrate the fall of this wicked nation. The apostles and prophets were to rejoice because God had avenged their blood upon her. The destruction of that wicked nation was both great and final. "And never again shall the light of a lamp shine in you, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall never be heard in you again; for your businessmen were the great and prominent men of the earth, and by your magic spells and poisonous charm all nations were led astray (seduced and deluded)."