Part 3/Week 8: The Fall of Babylon

Although the fall of Babylon takes place in Revelation 16:17-21, it is described in greater detail in Revelation 17 and 18. These two chapters contain the final parenthetical section in the book of Revelation and describe the two aspects of Babylon’s fall: the spiritual (as seen in the world system of the harlot) and the physical (the economic and commercial aspect of the city).

Much evidence points to a literal rebuilt city of Babylon. Isaiah and Jeremiah “repeatedly warned Judah of impending disaster which she would suffer at the hands of foreign powers because of her repeated violations of the Mosaic Covenant (Deut. 28:49-50). Yet, at the same time, these prophets also comforted God’s people by predicting the ultimate destruction of the very nations that were oppressing them” (Woods, Babylon: The Bookends of Prophetic History, kindle, p. 17). Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51 describe events inconsistent with the historical fall of Babylon in 539 B.C. and contain striking parallels to Revelation 17-18 and the description of Babylon’s future destruction.

Another prophetic scripture describing a future, rebuilt Babylon is Zechariah 5:5-11. “This vision was given in 519 BC (Zech 1:7) and is the seventh of Zechariah’s eight night visions that are recorded in Zechariah 1:7-6:8“ (Woods, kindle, p. 29). Dr. Woods explains, “Because ancient Babylon had already fallen to the Persians (539 BC) by the time that this prophecy was given (519 BC), Zechariah’s vision furnishes a clear biblical prediction of a futuristic, rebuilt Babylon.” He goes on to say, “Zechariah’s vision teaches that in God’s providence, wickedness, commerce, and religion will once again return to the land of Babylon” (Woods, kindle, p. 30).

Last week, we saw the city of Babylon personified in the Great Harlot (Rev 17) and traced her influence throughout the history of the world. We discovered that the Tower of Babel, led by Nimrod, was the first time and place where humanity “began to worship himself in an organized manner” (Hitchcock, The Second Coming of Babylon, p. 106). The idea of self-worship that originated in the Garden of Eden was magnified in the Tower of Babel in a coordinated way. The idolatrous system of the harlot stems from self-worship and is deeply intertwined with the future beast kingdom led by the Antichrist.

A new facet of John’s vision that began in Revelation 17 is given in Revelation 18 by another angel coming down from heaven. This angel had great authority and illuminated the earth with his glory (Rev. 18:1). He cried out with a mighty voice saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality” (Rev. 18:2-3 NASB1995).

Here, we see a description of just how depraved Babylon is. Following this pronouncement is a plea from heaven for God’s people to flee Babylon. God says, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Rev. 18:4b-5 NASB1995).

God will remember Babylon’s sin and “pay her back even as she has paid and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW and will never see mourning.’ For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong” (Rev. 18:6-8 NASB1995).

The phrase, “I sit as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW,” is a direct quote from the lament for Babylon in Isaiah 47:7-9. God is the righteous judge and will repay Babylon double what she deserves. I am reminded of the Beatitudes when Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5: 4 NASB1995). Babylon will refuse to recognize her sin and mourn over it, seeking God’s forgiveness. In return, God will judge her attitude of pride and self-worship. Rev. 18:5 says her sins have piled up as high as heaven, possibly a reference to the intent of Nimrod to build a tower “whose top will reach into heaven” (Genesis 11:4).

The response to Babylon’s destruction is seen both politically and economically. The kings of the earth mourn for her because with her downfall comes their own (v. 9-10). She supported their lavish lifestyle, and now they will be left paupers without her. The merchants of the earth and sea will weep and mourn because of the loss of their economic status without her (v. 11-19). We get a sense of the economic prowess of Babylon in these verses. She will purchase “great quantities of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet cloth; things made of fragrant thyine wood, ivory goods, and objects made of expensive wood; and bronze, iron, and marble. She also bought cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, wagons, and bodies – that is, human slaves” (Rev. 18:12-13 NLT). The mention of human slaves could refer to sex trafficking and other forms of slavery that are supported by and take place in Babylon.

The swiftness of her destruction is seen in verses 8 and 17a (one day, one hour). These references point to the suddenness of her extinction. Interestingly, as all the world laments over Babylon, heaven will rejoice.

“Rejoice over her fate, O heaven and people of God and apostles and prophets! For at last God has judged her for your sakes.”

Revelation 18:20 NLT

The Greek wording in verse 20 is “God has pronounced on her the judgment she wished to impose on you” (Danker, A Greek English Lexicon of the NT and Other Early Christian Literature, p. 450). Precept Austin says, “This is God’s answer to the prayers of the martyrs revealed at the opening of the fifth seal (Rev. 6:10) and the prayers offered upon the altar of incense prior to the trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:3-4)” (Precept Austin, Rev. 18). Babylon “is guilty of great religious persecution. She is identical to the Harlot, who drinks the blood of the saints (Rev. 17:6). Since she is the mother of all harlots (Rev. 17:5), the blood of the godly shed by all her daughter harlots is put to her account” (Precept Austin, Rev. 18).

“Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down into violence, and not be found any longer” (Rev. 18:21 NASB1995). The great deception she held over the world and her violent martyrdom of the saints (verses 21-24) are listed as the reasons for her destruction, never to be seen again.

This post brings us to the end of Part 3 of our End Times study. Part 4 starts in January and is entitled “Thy Kingdom Come,” covering the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, and beyond! As we close Revelation 18, I want to remind you that God remembers. This statement is found in verse 5 (also seen in 16:19). By remembering Babylon’s sin, God is remembering the martyred saints who cried out to Him for justice under the altar (Rev. 6:9-10). God’s justice not only applies to the Tribulation Saints but also to all people of God, the apostles and prophets! (Rev. 18:20). God is faithful to bring just retribution to those who have persecuted the Saints of every age. Our God is a covenant-keeping God!

“But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.”

Leviticus 26:45 NASB1995

Along with the promise of the future destruction of Babylon comes the eradication of the harlot’s influence that has deceived the masses since the beginning of time. With Babylon’s annihilation also comes the destruction of the Beast and the end of Satan’s influence over humanity. After Babylon is destroyed, Satan and his demonic forces will be bound for 1000 years, after which they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and suffer everlasting torment. God’s victory is sure!

Week 8 Homework Reflections

1. Read Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51 and note any comparisons you see to Revelation 17-18.
2. Read Zechariah 5:5-11. What comparisons do you see between the woman in the basket and the harlot in Rev. 17?
3. Isaiah 47 is another great chapter to read and compare with Revelation 17-18.
4. Read Hebrews 11:8-16; 12:22-24; 13:12-15. What sets apart the city that God has prepared for us in contrast to what you learned about the great city of Babylon?
5. Read Genesis 8:1; 19:29; 30:22; 1 Sam. 1:19; Jeremiah 31:20; Psalm 105:39-45; Isaiah 49:15-16. What do you learn about God’s faithfulness to remember?
6. What is one takeaway you’ve had in Part 3 of our study (the second half of the Tribulation? What truths have encouraged your heart?

For further study, check out Dr. Andy Wood’s sermons on Revelation 18: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Have a wonderful holiday season! Keep your eyes on the sky watching for Jesus! See you in January, or in the clouds!