Bible Commentaries
Revelation 18

Verses 1-24

XVIII 18-1 19:10 A Group of Four Visions —1-8 An Angel proclaims the Doom of Rome. This and the following passages are very simple but superb rhetoric based firmly on prophetic models, e.g.Isaiah 13:19 ff.; Jeremiah 15:51, etc., but to my mind far surpassing them in grandeur and passion.

5. ’Her sins are welded together’ a solid mass).

9-20. The Dirge over RomeCf.Ez 26:16-18, etc. John cannot but feel a horrified admiration for the flamboyant magnificence over which he chants his dirge.

21-24. The Destruction of Rome. IXX:1-10. The exultation of the Saints. Heaven and earth exult over this Judgement. The hour for the Marriage of the Lamb is come, and his Bride is ready in ’linen white and shining’—the righteous actions of the Saints—contrasted with the purple and scarlet silks of the Harlot. 10. ’The spirit of prophecy is the witness given by—and to—Jesus.’