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Thread: REVELATION (Part 2)

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18

    Revelation 18:1-3 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

    (2) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

    (3) For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [KJV]

    Biblical scholars approach the interpretation of Babylon from at least two major perspectives. Babylon and the fall of the city or the corrupt system, is looked at as one event, described in Revelation 16---18. Others see the events of the Babylon of chapter 17 being distinct from the Babylon of chapter 18.

    Revelation 18:1 states......."And after these things...." this statement denotes a conclusion of events; a focus on different events. Also John records that he saw another angel; this was not the same angel seen in Revelation 17. The angel of chapter 18 came down from heaven. His appearance was glorious, and he had great authority. This was a high ranking angel, possibly a cherub.

    The angel spoke with a mighty shout, like a trumpet, saying "Babylon is fallen--that great city is fallen." This announcement seems to be pointing to an event past, the fall of Babylon, that great city, which represents a corrupt end time religious system. Babylon is described as being a habitation of devils and foul spirits (Rev.18:2); and full of the abominations of the earth (Rev. 17:5).

    Revelation 18:3 uses the same language used to describe the great prostitute, the harlot, the woman of Revelation 17.

    "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her....." (Rev. 18:3) This is speaking of Spiritual Babylon, a corrupt apostate religious system. Revelation 18:3 also states that....."and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." This is speaking of Commercial Babylon, a corrupt commercial/financial, and social system.

    The kings of the earth committed spiritual adultery with the woman; the inhabitants of earth were blinded by the religious deception of the woman; and the merchants of the world were corrupted and made rich by her luxurious life style.

    These first three verses of Revelation 18 appear to be speaking of the woman who was described in Revelation 17.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:4-5 Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, "Come away from her, my people. (5) For her sins are piled up as high as heaven, and God is ready to judge her for her evil deeds........" [KJV]


    This other voice calling from heaven is not explicitly identified. Some Biblical scholars have identified this voice as the Lord's, because he says "my people". Others consider this the voice of another angel calling from heaven, proclaiming that God is ready to judge Babylon for her many sins.

    The sins of Babylon, the great prostitute, the woman have been piling up throughout the ages, and have reached into heaven. She is described as being full of all the abominations of the earth. (Rev. 17:5)

    The Apostle Paul admonished believers to "not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers...." "To come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you...........saith the Lord Almighty." [2 Corr. 6:14-18] The angel of God is issuing a similar warning to the people of God, to separate themselves from a world system that is destined for judgement.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:6-8 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works : in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

    (7) How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her : for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

    (8) Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine ; and she shall be utterly burned with fire : for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. [KJV]


    The other voice (presumably an angel) continues to speak from heaven. The angel is stating that Babylon will be rewarded double for her evil works or deeds. Her cup which was full to overflowing with every imaginable and unimaginable abomination, will be doubled back to her as her reward. She would be punished for what she did to the saints. (see Rev. 17:4-6; 18:6)

    Babylon, the great prostitute, the woman, was described as being boastful, self-indulgent, and proud. The angel stated that she should receive torment and sorrow for her ways. (Rev. 18:7)

    The angel proclaimed that because of her boastful pride and abominable works that Babylon would be suddenly plagued with destruction, mourning, and famine. She would be tormented, mourn her widowhood in sorrow, suffer loss of her position and wealth, and be utterly destroyed by fire. The Lord's judgement against her would be swift and complete. (see Rev.18:8)

    The Prophet Isaiah spoke God's judgement on ancient Babylon; sudden and complete destruction. The entire prophesy appears to graphically detail the description and plagues of Revelation 18:7-8 (see Isaiah 47)

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    This kind of writing is difficult for people in this time period to understand. I suppose that 2,000 years ago, most people communicated in stories (or verbally, not in writing) and were more used to parables and symbolism. It's hard to know, out of many possibilities, which intepretation of certain words or phrases is correct....or is it mostly just seeing a pattern??
    Ta-Ta for now!

    HerMajesty



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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    These last few verses are in the King James Version (KJV). Many people use other versions to help clarify what is being said. I have also been using the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT).

    Actually, even Bible scholars hold different opinions about the interpretation of various text in Revelation. The Bible itself says that we see in part, but that we will be told all things when we see Him face to face. The Apostle John had difficulty understanding everything he saw and heard, but the angels continually increased his understanding. God sent them to John to increase his understanding. I think God wants us to understand also.

    Reading God's word prayerfully; reading what others are saying about the text (verses), and trying to understand it as much as possible, is all anyone can do. I do not agree with everything I have read; also I know that others hold different opinions from what I have expressed. However, we are encouraged to read, hear, and understand Revelation. (see Revelation 1:3)

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATON 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:9-10 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,

    (10) Standing afar off for fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgement come. [KJV]
    __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___

    Revelation 18:9-10
    And the rulers of the world who took part in her immoral acts and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains.

    (10) They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, "How terrible for Babylon, that great city! In one single moment God's judgement came on her. [NLT]
    __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___



    To highlight several important points that were brought out in the two previous posts; Revelation 18:9-10 was entered in the King James Version [KJV] and the New Living Translation [NLT] version of the Bible. The language is different, in that the KJV uses Old World language that many today can not relate to easily. The NLT uses more modern language, that many find easier to understand. The same can be said for other more modern translations of the Bible. I also often use the New International Version [NIV]; as I have a study Bible in this translation. There are other modern translations that use even more simplistic, everyday language in conveying the Bible.

    If you read the two versions of Revelation 18:9-10 above, you will see that they are saying the same thing. Some people even like to use a parallel Bible, that has side by side versions, so they can compare or understand what is being said more clearly. It is a helpful practice to read different versions of the Bible; and to use other study sources to more fully understand Biblical topics.

    So the first point addressed, the difficulty understanding complex topics such as Revelation, can to some degree be made easier by approaching it in the most understandable version. Also approaching the Scriptures prayerfully; asking God to help your understanding.

    Jesus stated......."If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (Comforter, Encourager, Advocate, Paraclete), who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth........" [John 14:15-17 NLT] The Holy Spirit is able to help one understand God's word and will.

    Secondly, it was pointed out that there are various interpretations of the text (verses) of Revelation. We do not all interpret this Book of the Bible the same. Even Bible scholars differ in their interpretation of Revelation. There are several major interpretation views used to explain Revelation. For example, the Preterist, view many of the events of Revelation as already fulfilled. They do not believe Christians will experience any of the Tribulation. Futurist, on the other hand view the events of Revelation as in the future, during the end times. They hold that Christians will probably experience some of the early beginnings of sorrow, but will not be here for the second half of the Tribulation.

    As discussed earlier, some interpreters of Revelation 18 see Babylon as the same Babylon described in the 17th chapter. This would be Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, the great prostitute, the woman; who represents a corrupt end time religious system. (see Rev 17:3-6) Babylon is described in very similar terms in Revelation 18:9. The rulers of the world (kings of the earth) were described as commiting fornication (spiritual idolatry) with her; and also as enjoying her luxurious lifestyle. The lavish lifestyle of the rich and wealthy.

    Other Bible interpreters believe that Revelation 18 is speaking of a different Babylon; Commercial Babylon. They point out that the kings of the earth hated the prostitute, who represented Religious Babylon. (see Revelation 17:16-18) They also point out that the kings of the earth mourned for the Babylon of Revelation 18; Commercial Babylon. Here they are shown enjoying the spiritual idolatry as well as her lavish lifestyle of luxury (materialism). (see Revelation 18:9)

    The kings of the earth are mourning, crying out, and terrified by the destruction of Babylon, as smoke rose from her charred remains. (see Revelation 18:10) Several other groups were identified as mourning, weeping, crying, and being terrified by the great torment and destruction of Babylon. These others were wealthy merchants (Rev. 18:11-17); and those who earned their living by the sea (Rev. 18:17-19) These three groups identified had become rich and prospered through their association with Babylon (Commercial Babylon).

    I actually can see both positions. But if you glance further along in Revelation 18, you will find descriptors that sound very much like the Babylon of Revelation 17 (see Rev. 18:23-24)

    Will continue to explore Revelation 18; each reader is encouraged to read the reference scriptures, formulate your questions, and finalize your opinions on this intriguing chapter of Revelation.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    RVELATION 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:11-13 The merchants of the world will weep and mourn for her, for there is no one left to buy their goods.

    (12) She bought great quantities of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple dye, silk, scarlet cloth, evey kind of perfumed wood, bronze, iron, and marble.

    (13) She also bought cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and slaves - yes, she even traded in human lives. [NLT]



    Here the second group, the merchants of the world are shown mourning for Babylon. Verse 11 makes it quite clear as to why they are mourning. They are grieving the vast loss of profits. She was the ultimate consumer of precious and coveted products needed across a wide segment of society.

    If you look at the types of products that were traded for profit, it covered the major segments of society. The industries covered included the financial/investment system; luxury,entertainment, and fine clothing; industrial and housing industries; food and fine spices; religious worship; live stock; military arms and supplies; the slave trade, and the trade of human souls.

    This would encompass the end time kingdom under the control of the scarlet beast (Satan), the Anti-christ, and the false prophet. (see Rev. 12:3-9; 13:1-10; 13:11-18) World wide control of the political, military, and religious systems will be in effect during the end time kingdom.

    Babylon was identified as an evil end time religious system in the 17th chapter of Revelation (Religious Babylon). Here in Revelation 18, Commercial Babylon is highlighted. If you look across her vast traded commodities, it becomes apparent that her purchases addressed religious, political, financial, economic, social, and other key segments impacting society/the world.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:14-17a "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.'

    (15) The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment.They will weep and mourn.

    (16) and cry out:
    "Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!

    (17a) In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin! [NIV]


    Who are "they"? Could be all observers of the down fall of Babylon. "They" could also be the angel that came down from heaven and/or the voice coming from heaven. They said, the fruit (the rich array of commodities from all sectors of society; the luxury and extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy) that she desired was gone. The incredible wealth had vanished; was gone forever.

    The merchants that she made wealthy through her purchases will not come to her rescue. These same merchants will stand far away, absolutely terrified by her destruction. They will weep, cry, and mourn for her. However, their tears will be due to the loss in revenue and profits they will suffer.

    Babylon, that great city, will be reduced to nothingness suddenly and without remedy.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18
    (Continued)

    Revelation 18:17b-19 "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand afar off.

    (18) When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'

    (19) They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
    " 'Woe! Woe, O great city,
    where all who had ships on the sea
    became rich through her wealth!
    In one hour she has been brought to ruin! ..... [NIV]



    This is the third recorded group of mourners and weepers for Babylon. This group are the seamen, those who earned their livelihood from the sea. They also had become wealthy from the goods they traded to Babylon. Although she had made them wealthy, they did not come to her rescue either. They stood far away, as did the other two groups.

    The seamen also proclaimed the greatness of the city, and acknowledged that she was the source of their wealth. The destruction of Babylon was once again proclaimed as sudden and complete.

    All three groups, the kings of the earth, the merchants, and the seaman are mourning the loss of Commercial Babylon. The destruction of their source of wealth, their profits, their livelihoods.

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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 18
    (Continued)


    Revelation 18:20-21
    Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.' "

    (21) Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. [NIV]



    These two verses of scripture in Revelation 18 gives rise to the question again.......Who is Babylon (found in Revelation)? The text of Revelation have pointed to Babylon as being a great city, a prostitute, a harlot, a woman, an apostate end time religious system, and a corrupt end time financial system. Is Babylon used symbolically to represent the end time corrupt system that will be in power during the Tribulation Period?

    Biblical scholars vary in their views about Babylon. Some consider Babylon as being the Revived Roman Empire, described by Daniel. Some consider Jerusalem to be Babylon, because of the frequent claim that they were unfaithful to God (spiritual idolatry). There are others who have speculated that Iraq or the USA are modern day Babylon.

    Revelation 18:21 describes such violence against Babylon that it would never be found again. This total ruin will be the judgement brought against Babylon for her treatment of God's people throughout the ages. Is the destruction of Babylon being used symbolically, to describe the coming anihilation of the end time kingdom, because of it's finality?

    As ancient Babylon was totally destroyed in 539 BC by the Medo-Persians; end-time Babylon will be totally destroyed, "never to be found again." (see Rev. 18:21). Many scholars contend that ancient Babylon has laid in utter ruins for hundreds of years. They question how did Babylon resurrect into either Iraq or the USA? Spiritual symbolism could represent Babylon or the end time kingdom of Anti-christ in Revelation.

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