The Revelation of Jesus Christ
“Fall of Babylon” Revelation 17-18
I. PROLOGUE 1:1-20 (Things you have seen)
II. Messages to the Seven churches 2-3 (Things with are)
III. Last Days 4-22 (Things which are about to take place)
A. Heavenly worship around the throne 4-5
B. The Seven seals 6:1-8:1
C. The Seven Trumpets 8-11
D. Interlude 12-14
E. Seven Bowl Judgments 15-16
F. Rise and Fall of Babylon 17:1-19:6
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality." 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, 5 and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." 6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly. Revelation 17:1-6
She is pictured as a harlot sitting on many waters and riding on top of the beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is called a mystery. Her name is Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth.
Today we will try to interpret this symbol suggest possible applications. Many try hard to speculate the contemporary identity of this Babylon. I want to first try to focus on the information provided in the Bible. An examination of her character and influence will aid our understanding of her identity. Application of those characteristics to contemporary or future entities can be interesting but ultimately purely speculative. We can know for sure that this powerful entity will be in play at the end times and suffers its ultimate demise. Although in a Satan orchestrated prominent role in end time world politics and although she demonstrates some connection with the unholy trinity, for some reason, by the end the Antichrist and his coalition of end time “kings” will brutally desecrate and destroy her. 17:16-18
1. History of Babylon
Babylon is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 10:6-12. It was a city established by Nimrod, the grandson of Ham. The beginning of his kingdom was Babel in the land of Shinar, modern day Iraq. Their stated goal was to defy God’s divine directive to spread out and fill up the earth and instead join together to build a notorious city including a grand tower in order to make a name for themselves. This was a culture based on god defying self-promotion and materialism.
Babylon emerged from anonymity shortly after 2000 b.c., a period roughly contemporary with the Hebrew patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph). At that time an independent kingdom was established in the city under a dynasty of Semitic westerners, or Amorites. Hammurabi (1792-1750 b.c.), the sixth king of this First Dynasty of Babylon, built a sizable empire through treaties, vassalage, and conquest. From his time forward, Babylon was considered to be the political seat of southern Mesopotamia, the region called Babylonia.
Recently translated manuscripts dating as far back as 3,000 BC provide some fascinating insight into the worldview driving ancient Babylon and will flourish in future Babylon.
They worshiped the goddess Ishtar. She was called the Mother of temple prostitutes. The king was required to sleep with her yearly to retain power in the kingdom. She was said to dress in scarlet and purple and wear priceless jewels and carry a golden cup or torch. She was considered the warrior goddess fighting for personal freedom. She was the mother of immigrants. She promoted occult practices. She was said to have introduced homosexuality to the human race as well as promoting sexual perversions of all kinds. Her motto? “If it feels good, do it!”
Ancient Babylon reached its greatest glory during King Nebuchadnezzar (604-562 BC). The city was divided into two equal parts by the River Euphrates. It had 25 avenues, 150 feet wide, which ran across the city from north to south. The same number crossed them at right angles from east to west, making a total of 676 great squares, each nearly 3/4 of a mile on each side. The entire city of Babylon was an immense square totaling 15 miles on each side.
In ancient Babylon, the Euphrates River ran directly through the city. Large ships sailed right out of the Persian Gulf up the Euphrates, into the city of Babylon. Over the years the bed of the Euphrates has shifted. Now, Babylon is 12 miles from the river.
Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom revolved around God-defying self promotion (statue) and materialism (hanging gardens) and sensuality. Babylon came to symbolize humanity’s rebellion against God and is the seed of western philosophy and values.
2. Characteristics of Babylon
End time Babylon is called a “mystery” leading us to interpret it as symbolic rather than a literal geographic location or city. This is not an uncommon practice. The term Babylon was used for city/nation/government. The part represented the whole. (The White House)
When we speak of a particular city today we often do not think of the architecture but the culture. Vegas, New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, Wall Street, Madison Ave
Even though these are all geographical locations they also represent a particular character or culture. Every city has its own values, culture, focus, philosophy, character. Materialism, Interaction, activities, entertainment, enforcement, lifestyles determined by values.
This future “Great City” is no different.
Let’s look at some of the characteristics in the symbolism John observed.
• “Harlot” characterized by infidelity, permissiveness, profiteering, seduction, sensuality. Willing to sacrifice morals for money.
• “Sits on many waters” is interpreted later (17:15) as having worldwide influence over people.
• Source of immorality among the nations of the world.
• Has seduced and mesmerized many people with her immoral focus.
• Rides a scarlet beast. Indicates that either she exercises certain control over the kingdoms of Antichrist or is temporarily supported by the Antichrist coalition. At best, there is some sort of power relationship between Antichrist and this entity called Babylon. She rides the same beast we encountered earlier identified as the Antichrist.
• Dressed in purple and scarlet adorned with costly jewelry symbolic of luxury and royalty.
• Golden cup full of abominations indicates looks good on the outside but vile on the inside.
• Associated with the abominations of ancient Babylon and perpetuator of current godless perversions.
• Instrumental in the demise of countless of God’s servants through the ages, indicating she has been around for a while.
• Called a “Great City” which reigns over the kings of the earth as opposed to the New Jerusalem which will reign over the earth.
• Drives the world’s economic commercial enterprise with a philosophy of consumerism
Chapter 18 notes all of the world’s economy and industry affected by her demise.
Gold, silver, precious stones
Clothing industry
Manufacturing
Cosmetics
Food
Transportation
Labor unions
Cruise industry
Shipping industry
Music and the arts
Craftsmanship
All nations will be deceived by her sorcery.
Sorcery is the attempt to control people or things through formula or incantation.
The over arching deception perpetuated by the philosophy of Babylon is that meaning in life can be achieved apart from God through possessions, pleasure and prominence. This is the same philosophy perpetuated by Satan from the beginning. John warned his readers about such a philosophy in his earlier letter.
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:15-18
We were created in God’s image.
We were created with the desire capacity to create and enjoy things (possessions).
We were created with desire and capacity to feel pleasure.
We were created with the desire and capacity to do and achieve.
These are God-designed capacities only fully realized through intimate connection the Him.
Since the rebellion man has pursued these things apart from God.
Possessions without sacrificial sharing i.e. use people, love things
Pleasure without god ordained boundaries ie. If it feels good do it.
Prominence without faithful service i.e. Success at any cost.
Through relationship with Him, God promises…
All things to enjoy.
In my right hand are pleasures ever more.
Responsibilities and recognition for faithful service.
In the last days, there will be a world power that becomes the main perpetrator of this lie.
It will have economic, religious and political power to peddle its wares throughout the world.
Antichrist and his coalition of kings will use this vehicle to gain influence and power around the world. Numerous other characteristics of Babylon can be found in Jeremiah 50-51 and Isa 47.
Following is RA Comes collection of characteristics from all the Babylon passages.
#1. Have a large Jewish Population Jeremiah 50:8, 25; Jeremiah 51: 6, 45; Isaiah 48:20 and also Revelation 18:4
#2. The chief city of Mystery Babylon is a "DEEP WATER PORT CITY"!!! Revelation 18: 17-19.
#3. It is the KEY Commercial Nation and Engine of Wealth for the World’s Economy. Isaiah 47:15. Revelation 17:2; Revelation 18: 3, 9, 11-13, 15, 16, 17-19, 22, 23, & 19:2.
#4-#2 World trading hub. These are 18 commodities in a list that are the chief trading products as cited in Rev 18:11-13 for which the merchants and sailors later lament that no one will buy their products anymore! Rev 18:12-13 provides a list of Gold, Silver and Copper.
#22. Leading center of imports and consumption. Revelation 18: 11, 17-19.
#23. She is also a manufacturing nation. Revelation 18: 22.
#25. Known as the World’s "policeman". Jeremiah 50:23 gives us a Hebrew idiom, "hammer of the whole earth".
#26. Known for "showing the flag" or "gunboat diplomacy". Isaiah 18:1-2 Here again, 2 Hebrew idioms for the idea of a nation’s navy showing its power. The phrase in verse 1 relates to the idea of "air travel". The first phrase of verse 2…"that sends ambassadors by the sea" another Hebrew idiom for when ancient naval powers would send warships to "show the flag" of friendship or threaten war to unfriendly nations or cities.
#27. Noted for its elegant luxurious lifestyles, refined, rich lifestyles. Isaiah 47: 1-8; Revelation 17: 4-5; 18: 2 –24,
#28. Extremely Wealthy Jeremiah 51:13 Revelation 18: 2-19.
#29. Sensual, Materialistic lifestyle. Isaiah 47: 8; Revelation 18:14.
#30. The Highest Living Standards Isaiah 47:1 Revelation 18: 14.
#31. Intoxicating high-society lifestyle as a world example to emulate
Revelation 17:2; Revelation 18: 3, 14, 23.
#32. Elegant, Sumptuous lifestyle. Revelation 18: 14, 23.
#33. Noted for its bright gaudy-colored lights and nightlife with round the-clock partying. Revelation 18:14. Note the words "dainty" and "goodly". Dainty is a word in Greek that connotes to 24-hour parties and is connoted with orgies and debauchery. The word for "goodly" is the Greek word "lampra" from which we get the English word for lamp. In this case it carries the idea of bright, gaudy-colored lights, with idea of "glitzy" lights.
#34. Noted for its Drugs and Drug use. Isaiah 47: 9, 12. Revelation 18:23
#35. Noted for its culture. Revelation 18:14, 22
#36. Noted for being Wasteful, Extravagant. Rev 18: 3, 7, 9, 14, 15;
implied in Rev 17: 2.
#37. Massive Population. Rev. 18:15. And Revelation 17: 1, 15.
#38. A land of immigrants Jeremiah 50:16; 51:13; Rev. 17:1, 15.
#39. Unique and awe-inspiring beginning in its birth & right up to its demise. Isaiah 18: 2
#40. Remarkably different heritage. Isaiah 18:2 See #39 above.
#41. Respected-envied and yet HATED by the whole world also. Isa. 18:2
#43. Powerful and Oppressive Isaiah 18:2
#44. Land of Rebels in its birth Jeremiah 51: 1; Isaiah 47: 9.
#45. Cosmopolitan and Urban Jeremiah 50:32
#46. Land of Agriculture. Jeremiah 50: 16
#47. An International City. Revelation 17: 18; 18:15.
#48. Architecture, buildings and skyline. Isaiah 13:22
#49. Land of Many waters. (fresh waters) Jeremiah 51:13, 36, 42; Isa 18:1,2
#50. Where the world’s leaders "stream" to meet. Jer. 51:44; Rev. 17:18.
#51. Last of the Super powers. Jeremiah 50:12; Rev 17:18; and in the Revelation 18:18 passage "what city is like the ‘mega’ city"…also verse 19…
#52. No Fear of Invasion. Isaiah 47:5, 8; Revelation 18: 7—
#53. Defenses reach up to Outer Space--Jeremiah 51:53.
#54. Occult aspects Isaiah 47: 9, 12,13.
#55. Alliances/Treaties allowing physical military bases of operation for the Satanic forces. Rev 18: 2.
#56. A Populated city named Babylon with a Deepwater Port. Revelation 17:18; & 18: 11-19…
Just a thought. What world power best fits these characteristics?
3. Demise of Babylon
These two chapters describe the ultimate demise of Babylon. The destruction either comes in two stages or chapter 18 revisits the general statement of destruction in chapter 17.
The Antichrist and his coalition of kings who support him and give him power will wage war against the Lamb and his followers.
"These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful." Revelation 17:14
They will eventually resent the fact that the harlot has so much influence over the peoples of the earth and will rise up against her.
And he said to me, "The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. 16 "And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. Revelation 17:15-16
Whoever the Antichrist, he will have no more use (because of his own rise to power) for the world power whose influence permeates the world and will strike the principle cities. (Perhaps a nuclear attack)
He will be God’s instrument of judgment on the decadent godless influence of the harlot.
He will destroy her because God drove him to it.
"For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. 18 "The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:17-18
The angel interprets the symbolism clearly. This harlot is a “great city” or world power who has worldwide influence.
4. The angels warning to the faithful
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. 2 And 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. 3 "For all the nations have drunk of 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." 4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; 5 for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 "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. 7 "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.' 8 "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. Revelation 18:1-8
There will be a warning to the strong Jewish population to get out of dodge. God is bringing judgment. Her judgment will come quickly and thoroughly.
5. The world laments over Babylon’s fall
"And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of immorality and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' 11 "And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes any more— 12 cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet, and every kind of citron wood and every article of ivory and every article made from very costly wood and bronze and iron and marble, 13 and cinnamon and spice and incense and perfume and frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat and cattle and sheep, and cargoes of horses and chariots and slaves and human lives. 14 "The fruit you long for has gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and men will no longer find them. 15 "The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning, 16 saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls; 17 for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, 18 and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What city is like the great city?' 19 "And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!' Revelation 18:9-19
6. The angels encourage the righteous to rejoice over Babylon’s fall
"Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her." 21 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 with violence, and will not be found any longer. 22 "And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill will not be heard in you any longer; 23 and the light of a lamp will not shine in you any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard in you any longer; for your merchants were the great men of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth." Revelation 18:20-24
7. The Hallelujah chorus
After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; 2 BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER." 3 And a second time they said, "Hallelujah! HER SMOKE RISES UP FOREVER AND EVER." 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" 5 And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great." 6 Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Revelation 19:1-6
Points to ponder
I can’t help but wonder our reaction to the loss of the things listed in this chapter. We have grown a fondness at times to great a fondness for the things of this world. We have grown up in a culture of consumerism. We are used to choice and diversity of materials available. We have become accustomed to seeking meaning through possessions, pleasure and prominence.
We hardly notice when it becomes the driving force in our life. How would we react if we lost if all?
How quick we are to throw down large sums of money for a new “whatever” and so slow to sacrifice a fraction of that amount for an eternal kingdom venture.
We exercise great concern to lay up treasures on earth to the neglect of investing in things that secure eternal treasure in heaven. We then wonder why our heart isn’t moved by spiritual things. Because we have little investment. Where you treasure is, your heart will be also.
We easily identify with the merchants of the world lamenting the fall of Babylon and her stuff.
We don’t consider how many lives her philosophy has destroyed.
We don’t consider how many souls have been detoured from God by her seductions.
We don’t consider how her seductions affect even the strongest of saints.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:9-11
The godless and sensual materialism and consumerism of Babylon so prevalent in our world today will one day be completely annihilated. The golden cup will be exposes and be seen for the poison it is. Babylon will fall and all of the earth will lament but all of heaven will rejoice.
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER."
"Hallelujah! HER SMOKE RISES UP FOREVER AND EVER."
And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures around the throne will fall down and worship God who sits on the throne saying,
"Amen. Hallelujah!"
And a voice will come from the throne, calling out,
"Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great."
Then all of heaven will shout,
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
