Bible Commentaries
Revelation 18

Verse 1

^{FINAL FORM OF APOSTATE CHRISTIANDOM AND FINAL CALL TO THEM v. 1-8}

^{Note: see also Introduction Revelation}

^{1) ”After these things I saw another angel," (meta touta eidon allos angelon) "Following these things I recognized another angel;” The great whore (harlot), Ecclesiastical Babylon, was hated, destroyed by the ten king beast empire, Revelation 17:18; and the commercial center of the woman, religiously known as the cities of Babylon and Rome, were burned. Political Babylon’s destruction occurs at Armageddon.}

^{2) "Come down from heaven," (katabainonta ek tou ouranou) "Coming down out of heaven (itself);" This angel does not cry or speak from heaven, but comes down for immediate, or imminent judgment news upon the earth’s remaining habitants, Revelation 17:1.}

^{3) "Having great power," (echonta eksousian megale) "Having, holding, or possessing great administrative power;” This one appears to be Jesus Christ, the Son of God; The "Almighty Power", given to him, Matthew 28:18 is still his, for he was and is given power even to execute judgment, John 5:27; and to put sown all rule and authority, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.}

^{4) "And the earth was lightened with his glory," (kai he ge ephotisthe ek tes dokes autou) "And the earth was enlightened from his glory;- His authority, might, light, and glory seem to identify this angel or (messenger) as the very Son of God himself - - if not Gabriel, the chief of the "Information Agency Corps", of Angels serving God and heirs of salvation, Isaiah 43:2; Habakkuk 3:3-4; Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 9:27.}

^{The "light with his glory" most likely refers to the glory of Jesus Christ himself, who is the light and glory of the world, just as the church is his light reflecting and ordained glory reflecting agency or institution, forevermore, John 8:12; Matthew 5:15-16; Ephesians 3:21.}

Verse 2

^{1) "And he cried mightily with a strong voice," (kai ekrazen en ischura phone) "And he cried aloud in a strong voice;” This is a cry of victory, a cry of triumph, a cry of final emancipation from earth’s and sin’s slavery and inhumanities; why should it not be mighty and strong? 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:16.}

^{2) "Saying Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen," (legon epesen epeses Babulon he megale) "Repeatedly saying Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, (is fallen);" in her beauty, power, civilization, progress, philosophies, pride, moral pollutions, idolatrous fornication and rebellion she is fallen Ecclesiastically, commercially, and politically.}

^{3) "And is become the habitation of devils," (kai egeneto katoiketerion daimonion) "And it became (has become) a dwelling place of demons;” demons dominating the minds and souls of her idolatrous inhabitants who had her pledge of allegiance in her hand and forehead; all her people had an allegiance with Satan, against God; Revelation 13:4-5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 13:15-17; Isaiah 13:20-22; Isaiah 34:11-15; Jeremiah 50:39; Jeremiah 51:37.}

^{4) "And the hold of every foul spirit," (kai phulake pantos pneumatos akathartou) "And a prison-place (a half-way house) of every (kind) of unclean (foul) spirit," mind, disposition, and attitude, the very dwelling place of demon controlled, demon obsessed false prophets, 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 John 4:1-4; 1 John 4:6; Revelation 16:13-14.}

^{5) "And a cage of every unclean and hateful bird," (kai phulake pantos orneou akathartou kai memisemenou) "Even a prison-cage of every (kind of) unclean (foul) and hated (hateful) bird;” the whore(harlot) and her Protestant offspring seem to shelter and unionize with every form of ceremonialism, ritualism, idolatry, and philosophy fitted to be directed and controlled by demon spirit prophets which are described as unclean cages of hateful birds - - "birds of feather flock together," Isaiah 14:23; Isaiah 38:11.}

Verse 3

^{1) "For all nations have drunk," (hoti pepokan panta to ethne) "Because all the nations (races of people) have drunk;” have satisfied their thirst craving or thirst desire of the flesh.}

^{2) "Of the wine of the wrath of her fornication," (ek tou omou tou thurou tes porneias autes) "out of (from) the wine of her impassioned anger of her fornication;" Revelation 14:8.}

^{3) "And the kings of the earth," (kai hoi basileis tes ges) "Even the kings (royal rulers) of the earth;” the provincial princes or kingly rulers who had come under her influence had derided the true God of heaven, drinking wine in derision against the true God to the gods of their provinces, Daniel 5:1-4; Daniel 5:23; Daniel 5:30.}

^{4) "Have committed fornication with her," (met’ autes eporneusan) "Practiced or repeatedly (habitually) committed fornication with her;” Revelation 17:2; Revelation 17:4-5.}

^{5) "And the merchants of the earth," (kai hoi emporoi tes ges) "And (even) the merchants of the earth;” as well as kings; those dealing in business exchange have been “shook down" by this Babylonish harlot in business transactions of financial kick-backs, Revelation 18:11-15.}

^{6) "Are waxed rich, through the abundance of her delicacies," (ek tes dunameos tou strenous autes eploutesan) "Became rich, (wealthy) out of the power of her luxury;" Isaiah 47:15. Few question that the final Babylon and Rome of this Gentile age is personified in the Romish - Protestant collusion and collaboration with each other to form and advance a one world church and religio-state church with riches, glamour, and worldly power – Ezekiel 27:9-25; John 5:43; Revelation 18:9-12.}

Verse 4

^{1) "And I heard another voice," (kai ekousa allen phonen) "And I heard (gave heed to) another voice," other than that of angels and of Jesus Christ, those who had formerly announced pending judgments, Revelation 15:1; Revelation 16:1; Revelation 18:1-2.}

^{2) "From heaven saying," (ek tou ouranou legousan) "Out of heaven continuously repeating," saying repeatedly, so that all on earth could hear, give heed, or respond, 2 Peter 3:9.}

^{3) "Come out of her my people," (ekselthate ho laos mou eks autes) "The people of me (my people) come ye out, out of the midst of her;” God never sends judgment for sine without first providing a way and offering an escape to those who will obey, Ezekiel 23:11; 2 Chronicles 7:13-16; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 4:4.}

^{4) "That ye be not partakers of her sins," (hina me sungkoinonesete tais hamartias autes) "In order that you all may not jointly share in her lawlessness," in the consequence of her sinful deeds, Galatians 6:7-8; corporate or institutional identity with and sanction of sin therein entails personal liability; Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 50; Jeremiah 51; Romans 12:1-2.}

^{5) "And that ye receive not of her plagues," (kai ek ton plegon autes hina me lambete) "And in order that you all receive not of her plagues;” The plagues (the last seven) here referred to, are those that shall come Upon civil and religious, apostate, organized Babylon during the last half of the final week of Jacob’s trouble, with the heaviest of the wrath being pronounced on those who consort and cohabit in spiritual fornication with and wear the mark and name and number of the beast and the great whore. Revelation 13:4-5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 13:13-17; Revelation 14:8-11; Revelation 15:1-8; Revelation 16:1-2; Revelation 17:1-18.}

Verse 5

^{1) "For her sins have reached unto heaven," (hoti ekolethesan autes hai hamartia-achri tou ouranou) "Because her sins are linked together (continuously connected) aII the way up to heaven;” Genesis 6:5; Genesis 18:20-21; Jeremiah 51:9; linked to the Devil, Satan, the Serpent, that old Dragon who initiated war in Heaven, was cast out, from where he once appeared before the throne of heaven, accusing the brethren day and night; Jeremiah 51:9; Jonah 1:2; This wicked harlot city is linked to Satan, inseparably; Revelation 12:7-14.}

^{2) "And God hath remembered," (kai emnemoneusen ho theos) "And God remembered," called to mind, more accurately than a memorex (recorded recall) system of man; Revelation 16:19; Luke 16:25; And God will remember every act and. thought of obstinate impenitence and heart hardening against him, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 2:4-5.}

^{3) "Her iniquities," (ta adikemata autes) "The wrong (unrighteous deeds) of her which she had committed. The cities of Rome, Babylon, and ancient Babel seem to be assimilated in a one (final) Gentile world Empire presided over by the Dragon-empowered beast or antichrist in consort with a religio-state mistress called The Mystery Babylon the Great, Mother of harlots, with illicit offspring, worshipping at different altars, different gods, etc. Psalms 115:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Revelation 16:13-14; John 5:43. God calls his people - both Israel and the Church, to come or to abide outside of her corporate being, her organizations and her degraded forms of worship, Hebrews 13:10.}

Verse 6

^{1) "Reward her even as she rewarded you," (apodote aute hos kai aute apedoken) "Give back to her as indeed (just as) she gave back (to you)," or render to her as she has rendered to you. These words of Almighty God are addressed to his seven angelic ministers of Divine wrath, Jeremiah 1:15-16; Psalms 137:8; Jeremiah 50:15; Jeremiah 50:29.}

^{2) "And double unto her double," (kai diplosate ta dipla) "And double ye the double," or "multiply ye the multiplying," which she committed; Thieves and violent aggressors were required under Jewish theocracy law to restore double for hurt or damage maliciously done, Exodus 22:4; Exodus 22:7; Psalms 146:5-9.}

^{3) "According to her works,” (kata ta erga autes) "According to or based on her works;” Revelation 13:10; 2 Timothy 4:14; Jeremiah 51:24; Jeremiah 51:49.}

^{4) "In the cup which she hath filled," (en to polerio ho ekerasen) "in the cup (measure, container) which she mixed;- to dose out to others, Revelation 17:2; Revelation 17:6.}

^{5) "Fill to her double," (kerasate aute diploun) "Mix or multiply (doubling ye) to her;” Revelation 16:19; Isaiah 51:17; Isaiah 51:22; Jeremiah 25:15; Revelation 14:10.}

^{It appears that the redeemed, the "Church ye", and Holy Angels shall join in the praise of the final judgment of vengeance upon the enemies of God, to bring Armageddon to end, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 19:11-21; Romans 12:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:8.}

Verse 7

^{1) "How much she hath glorified herself," (hosa edoksasen euten) "By how many things she glorified herself," set herself upon a pedestal, exalted herself, given herself over to a swinging time, like the King of Tyre, proudly demanding homage of men; This is after the order of Satan himself, Ezekiel 28:2; Luke 9:25; Her exhalation shall bring her abasement, Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:14.}

^{2) "And lived deliciously," (kai estreniasen) "And lived luxuriously," lived "high on the hog", even luxuriated, Zephaniah 2:15. She had lived in deceit, selling for a price certain privileges of lust, fattening on pennies of the poor, for offered relief from purgatory or limbo for loved ones, laying up treasures on earth, calm in her carnal security and pride, Proverbs 16:18; 1 John 2:16.}

^{3) "So much torment and sorrow give her," (tosouton dote aute basanismon kai penthos) "By (reason of) so much dole ye out to her torment and sorrow;” this is an imprecatory prayer call from heaven, calling judgment down upon the harlot’s habitation, even Babylon.}

^{4) "For she saith in her heart," (hoti en te kardia autes legei) "Because she (yet) says in her heart," even till now she assures herself in her heart, Isaiah 47:1-15.}

^{5) "I sit a queen, and am no widow," (hoti kathemai basilissa kai chera ouk eimi) "I sit of my own accord, will, or making, (as) a queen, and a widow I am not, or do not exist as a widow, do not sit alone," unattended, Isaiah 47:7-8; She claims no cause for grief, but that she has plenty, Luke 12:20-21.}

^{6) "And shall see no sorrow," (kai penthos ou me ido) "And I shall see sorrow, by any means," or "I see no way that I shall see sorrow." She was saying, "There exists no God of judgment for me;” Psalms 14:1; Proverbs 25:14.}

Verse 8

^{1) "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day." (dia touto en mia hemera heksousin hai plegai autes) "Therefore (as just dues) there will come to her in one day," in that day of his great wrath, Revelation 6:17; Revelation 18:10; Isaiah 47:9.}

^{a) "Death" (thanatos) "death in its fulness," to her, who in vain expected longevity, a long, extended life. Death reigns over her rather than delight.}

^{b) "And mourning," (kai penthos) "and sorrow," for her rioting and drunkenness - mourning replaces mirth.}

^{c) "And famine," (kai limos) "also famine," to replace her delicacies and dainties; famine follows feasting.}

^{2) "And she shall be utterly burned with fire," (kai en puri katakauthesetai) "She will be burned down and burned up," consumed with fire when the Lord comes, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God," Isaiah 13:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 17:16. It shall be a sudden, consuming judgment.}

^{3) "For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her," (hoti ischuros kurios ho theos ho krinas auten) "Because strong is (exists) the Lord, the God, the one judging her," who judges her - - the Great Babylon, Jeremiah 50:34; Revelation 11:17. In His judgment hands her strength will be near perfect weakness; Hebrews 10:31. Note the fury of the flood and the end of Sodom and Gomorrha.}

Verse 9

^{1) "And the kings of the earth," (kai hoi basileis tes ges) "And the kings (royal rulers) of the earth," princes and ten kings who consorted with her, who helped form the unholy union of Church and state in spiritual fornication, Revelation 18:3; Ezekiel 26:16-21.}

^{2) "Who have committed fornication," (hoi met’ autes porneusantes) "Those who have repeatedly consorted in fornication with her," Revelation 17:2; Revelation 17:5-6; Revelation 18:3.}

^{3) "And lived deliciously with her," (kai streniasantes) "And exchanged luxury with her," prostituted with her, the great city of Babylon, center of the harlot-mistress and her fornication fed, as the fall of Tyre, Ezekiel 26:16-17; Revelation 17:1-6; Revelation 17:15-18; Revelation 18:3.}

^{4) "Shall bewail her, and lament for her," (klausousin kai kopsontai ep’ auten) "Will weep and wail over her," because of former common ties with her, Jeremiah 50:46.}

^{5) "When they shall see the smoke of her burning," (hotan bleposin ton kapnon tes puroseos autes) "Whenever they glance (upon) the smoke of her burning," when she is consumed and the smoke hangs low, a goodbye reminder of her destruction, Revelation 18:18; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 19:3.}

Verse 10

^{1) "Standing afar off," (apo makrothen hestekotes) "Standing (were the kings) from afar," from a long distance, glancing over the ruins, over which the smoke of desolation hovered heavily.}

^{2) "For fear of her torment," (dia ton phobon tou basanismou outes) "Through the fear that followed, came to them because of her torment," Revelation 18:15; Revelation 18:17; Lest they too should be consumed, Genesis 19:28.}

^{3) "Saying , Alas, alas that great city Babylon," (legontes ousai ousai he polis he megale Babulon) "Continuously, repeatedly saying, Woe, woe, (has come upon) the city, the great city of Babylon;- Her claim to be (1) eternal, (2) secure, and (3) Supreme was a blasphemous claim, Isaiah 21:9; Revelation 14:8.}

^{4) "That mighty city," (hepolis he ischura)"That mighty city," This cry was an exclamatory cry, repeated again and again, as an affirmation that consequences of sins of people and cities and nations are found out, and receive due pay; Numbers 32:23; Acts 17:30-31.}

^{5) "For in one hour is thy judgment come," (hoti mia hora elthen he krisis sou) "Because in one hour(suddenly) thy judgment came," in one unexpected, unanticipated hour, -God’s righteous judgment fell in suddenness, Revelation 18:8; Revelation 18:17; Revelation 18:19.}

Verse 11

^{THE HUMAN VIEW OF BABYLON (v. 11-19)}

^{1) "And the merchants of the earth," (kai hoi emporoi tes ges) "Even the merchants of the earth," barterers of exchange of goods of the earth, who waxed rich dealing, trading, consorting with her, Revelation 18:3.}

^{2) "Shall weep and mourn over her," (klaiousin kai penthousin ep’ auten) "Weep and sorrow (mourn) shed tears over her," Ezekiel 27:27-36, as over Tyrus in ancient days. These are tears for loss of commerce - almost sudden tears for those whose sins have found them out. Numbers 32:23; Proverbs 29:1.}

^{3) "For no man buyeth," (hoti oudeis agorazei) "Because no one (not even one) buys;” The market is shut in the street - the stock market of the ages is closed, never to open again to make merchandise of the souls of men through the barter and sale of idols or imaginary gods, Psalms 115:3-8.}

^{4) "Their merchandise any more," (ton gomon auton ouketi) "Their cargo (of merchandise) any more at all;” The mourning over this great city, like the prayer of the rich man in hell was, after the fulness of time, for such had past, beyond the days of their repentance, Proverbs 1:23-30; Proverbs 29:1; Luke 16:31.}

Verse 12

^{1) "The merchandise," (gomon) "Even diversified cargo" of more than 25 products, Revelation 17:4, as follows:}

^{a) "Of gold," (chrusou) "of gold;” (1) costly ornaments are first described, Ezekiel 27:12-22.}

^{b) "And silver," (kai argurou) "and of silver,"}

^{c) "And precious stones," (kai lithou timou) "And of valuable stones."}

^{d) "And of pearls," (kai margariton) "And of pearls"}

^{e) "And fine linen," (kai bussinou) "and fine linen"}

^{2) Costly raiment is secondly described.}

^{f) "And of purple," (kai porphuras) "Also of purple,"}

^{g) "And silk," (kai serikou) "And of silk,"}

^{h) "And scarlet," (kai kokkinou) "and of scarlet,"}

^{i) "And all thyine wood," (kai pan ulon thuinon) "and all (kinds of) thyine (sweet) wood;”}

^{3) Costly furniture is described thirdly.}

^{j) "And all manner vessels of ivory," (kai pan skeuos elephantinon) "and every vessel of ivory,"}

^{k) "And all manner vessels of most precious wood," (kai pan skeuos ek ksulou timiotatou) "and every vessel of very valuable wood;”}

^{1) "And of brass, and iron, and marble," (kai chalkou) and of bronze;” (kai siderou) "and of iron," (kai marmarou) "and of marble."}

Verse 13

^{1) "And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments," (kai kinnamomon) "and cinnamon," (kai amomon kai thumaimata) "and spice and incenses (odors)," (kai muron) "and ointment," (4) Fourthly, described as costly perfumes, used in anointing, Proverbs 7:17.}

^{2) "And frankincense, and wine, and oil," (kai libanon kai oinon kai elaion) "And also frankincense, wine, and oil," (5) Costly foods is fifthly described.}

^{3) "And fine flour, and wheat," (kai semidalin kai siton) "And fine meal and corn,"}

^{4) "And beasts and sheep,"(kai ktene kai probata) "And beasts of burden and sheep;” (6) Costly beasts of burden and bodies and souls of men are described sixth, Ezekiel 27:13.}

^{5) "And horses, and chariots," (kai hippon kai hredon) "And of horses and or carriages."}

^{6) "And slaves, and souls of men," (kai somaton, kai psuchas anthropon) "And of bodies and souls of men,” Ezekiel 27:13; Joel 3:3. Note that the list included Revelation 18:12-13 begins with gold and ends with merchandising the souls of men - - when a boy was sold for a prostitute, and a girl for a glass of wine. Yet, our Master warned that a man’s life or a nation’s did not "consist" or "stay glued together" by the abundance of things he possesses - -possessing all and losing one’s soul is merchandising, as a fool – Luke 12:15; Luke 12:20-21; Mark 8:36-37.}

Verse 14

^{1) "And the fruit that thy soul lusted after," (kai he opora sou tes epithumias tes psuches) "And the fruit that thy soul lusted to have;” to satisfy the appetite, the dainties and luxuries the soul desired, rather than the higher good, were gone forever.}

^{2) "Are departed from thee," (apelthen apo sou) "has gone away, departed from, or departed from you," Revelation 17:16; 1 John 2:15-17.}

^{3) "And all things which were dainty and godly," (kai panta ta lipara kai ta lampra) "And all the sumptuous and bright things;” These things of earthly, carnal craving and delight were the main objectives of life for the selfish, covetous city of Babylon and her harlot and beast-mark people, as grain was for the rich barn builder, and the man who built on the sand. Luke 12:19-21; Matthew 7:24-27.}

^{4) "Are departed from thee," (apoleto apo sou) "Are perished from ’you," or exist no more in your midst; the sarcasm of defeat, no profit, shall be their lot, their doom for eternity, Mark 8:36-37; 1 John 2:15-17.}

^{5) "And thou shalt find them no more at all,"(kai ouketi ou me auta heuresousin) "And they shall not find them any more, no matter how hard they try," they shall find them no more at all; As the flower of the grasses, so pass those who trust in things of lust and depraved Iife for their security, James 1:9-10; 1 Peter 1:24; 1 Corinthians 7:31.}

Verse 15

^{1) "The merchants of these things," (hoi emporoi touton) "The merchants (barterers, traders) of these things;" the dainties and luxuries of food and clothes were no longer brought by the merchants who had seen the fire fall on this great, wicked city, and who had fornicated with her, Revelation 18:3; Revelation 18:11.}

^{2) "Which were made rich by her," (hoi ploutesantes ap’ autes) "Those who were made rich (wealthy) from her," from her trade. As plutocrats, or "fat-cats," they stood afar, backed away, awaiting like stalled hogs near the slaughterhouse,” their hour of just judgment too, Galatians 6:7-8; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.}

^{3) "Shall stand afar off," (apo makrothen stesontai) "Shall standoff a long (far) distance;" They who flattered, now forsake her in fear. Like the person who will not go near a dead body of a funeral, as if it would prevent or delay his death; or as if they would escape judgment by standing aloof, Acts 17:30-31; Hebrews 9:27-28.}

^{4) "For the fear of her torment," (dia ton phobon tou basanismou autes) "Because of the fear (they have) of her torment;” For "fear hath torments," 1 John 4:18; Matthew 10:28; Proverbs 1:23-30. Even the torments of hell, afar from earth, reach those whose memorex, "Son remember," conscious recall shall bewail lost loved ones left behind, Luke 16:23-31.}

^{5) "Weeping and Wailing," (klaiontes kai penthountes) "Continually weeping and sorrowing (wailing);" for they, as merchants, have made merchandise of the property and life or souls of her people, in consort and collusion with this mistress-harlot and her harem of daughters, Deuteronomy 21:14; Revelation 18:13; They feared a "reaping of what they had sown," yet would not repent, even as Lucifer had done with his merchandise, Ezekiel 28:16; 2 Peter 2:3.}

Verse 16

^{1 ) "And saying, Alas, alas that great city," (legontes ouai, ouai he polis he megale) "Repeatedly saying woe, woe to the great city;- It was a great city in wickedness, in idolatrous fornication, great in the sight of men, but great only in wickedness against God, Revelation 17:18.}

^{2) "That was clothed," (he peribeblemene) "The one that was having been clothed, robed;” in flashy appeal and glamour to the eye, but of the nature that passes away, with its love and lust, 1 John 2:17.}

^{a) "in fine linen" (bussinon) "In (with) fine linen,"}

^{b) "and purple," (kai porphuroun) "and in purple"}

^{c) "and scarlet" (kai kokkinon) "and in scarlet,"}

^{3) "And decked with," (kai kechrusomene) "And has been gilded with,” decorated upon her clothing with,"}

^{a) "Gold," (chrusio) "with gold;" True people of God, like the three Hebrew children, still refuse to be joined, in business deals, to idolatrous worship; though required by the antichrist, of the harlot, for trade privileges, Daniel 3:16-18.}

^{b) "And precious stones," (kai litho timio) "and valuable stones," expensive, precious stones or gems.}

^{c) "And pearls," (kai margarite) "And expensive, valuable, or luxurious pearls;” The possession of these items is not sinful, but to use them in fornicating, lust satisfying, carnal allegiance to idolatrous religious allegiance, is life and soul-damning. To trust in such uncertain riches is condemned, 1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 6:19-21.}

Verse 17

^{1) "For in one hour," (hoti mia hora) "Because in one hour," almost suddenly, in a certain, specific period of limited time, Revelation 18:17; Revelation 18:19.}

^{2) "So great riches is come to nought," (eremothe ho tosoutos ploutos) "So much, such an abundance of wealth was desolated, made desolate," without value, laid in ruins, as a silent sarcasm of continued collusion of men against the moral and ethical precepts of God; James 4:17; Proverbs 29:1.}

^{3) "And every shipmaster," (kai tas kubernetes) "And every steersman (shipmaster);" everyone controlling a ship; captains of commerce begin to cry when their consort city of trade in lust and idolatry is gone - - their God is helpless, Psalms 115:3-9; Acts 17:29-31.}

^{4) "And, all the company sailing in ships," (kai pas ho epi topon pleon) "And everyone (aboard) sailing to (any) place," joined in mourning and weeping, Revelation 18:9 --- all passengers, tourists, and merchants.}

^{5) "And sailors," (kai nautai) "And every sailor;” because even their cargo without a purchaser (by virtue of her destruction) would be worthless, left to decay, to rot.}

^{6) "And as many as trade by sea," (aki hosoi ten thalassan ergazontai) "And as many as work the sea," as make their living by some type of sea-work; those enriched by trade for wicked purposes wept, because of their temporary business loss, to be much greater in soul loss. Mark 8:36-37.}

^{7) "Stood afar off," (apo makrathen estesan) "Stood from far away (a long distance off);” repeatedly crying, weeping, not for their sins, but because their business had halted, Revelation 22:11; Daniel 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:13.}

Verse 18

^{1) "And cried," (kai ekrazon) "And they cried aloud," cried out; not because of her and their dishonor of God, their destruction of the souls of men, or disregard for Godly living and worship.}

^{2) "When they saw the smoke of her burning," (blepontes ton kapton tes puroseos autes) "When they looked upon the smoke of her burning;" They were burdened not because of the pending loss of their souls, but for the loss of their business and pleasure and fornication with this whoring mistress and her harem, Revelation 17:2-6; 1 John 2:17.}

^{3) "Saying what city is like unto this great city," (legontes tis homoia te polei te megale) "Repeatedly saying, what city is like, similar to, to be (compared with) the great, great city!" In their carnal, covetous wickedness they cried not solely in admiration, but in lamentation, because of her destruction beyond full human conception. She was so splendid in her prosperity, so mournful in the woe of her fall, because of ill-gotten and ill-used gain, Proverbs 1:19; Proverbs 15:27; Ezekiel 22:27; James 4:13.}

Verse 19

^{1) "And they cast dust on their heads," (kai ebalon choun epi tas kephalas auton) "And they cast dust upon their heads," a token of humility, deep sorrow, bitter recognition of ruin, Joshua 7:6; 1 Samuel 4:12; Job 2:12; Ezekiel 27:30.}

^{2) "And cried, weeping and wailing," (kai ekrazon klaiontes kai penthountes) "And cried-out, cried aloud, weep and wailing," in deep(the depths of) sorrow, not for their sins, but because of their business loss, gaining the world, but losing their soul, Matthew 16:26.}

^{3) "Saying, Alas, alas that great city," (legontes ouai, ouai he polis he megale) "Saying repeatedly, muttering to themselves, woe, woe (upon) or (to) the great city;” after this, the judgment, concerns both individuals and committed institutions of men, cities, nations, and governments, Hebrews 9:27-28; Genesis 19:24-28; Luke 17:26-32.}

^{4) "Wherein were made rich," (en he eplousetan) "by which all those having ships in the sea were made rich, or enriched;” This shows that "the love of money," personal gain was the root of their evil and occasion of their grief, 1 Timothy 6:10-11; Matthew 6:19-21.}

^{5) "All that had ships in the sea," (pantes hoi echontes}

^{ta ploia en te thalasse) "Even all those having or owning ships in the sea," in sea or marine business.}

^{6) "By reason of her costliness," (ek tes kimiotetos autes) "Out of the wealth (worth-or value) of her," her costly treasures and great wealth, Proverbs 13:11.}

^{7) "For in one hour is she made desolate," (hoti mia hira eremothe) "Because in one hour she was desolated," made to be in a desolate, lifeless, useless state of existence, in one hour of one day, Revelation 18:8; Revelation 18:10; as in Isaiah 47:9.}

Verse 20

^{AN ANGELIC VISION OF BABYLON v. 20-24}

^{1) "Rejoice over her, thou heaven," (euphrainou ep’ aute ourane) "Be glad over her (fall) O heaven;" Revelation 12:12. Heaven and creatures of heaven - inclusive of angels and the redeemed in glory, are called to rejoice at the judgment of the great city Babylon, even as they rejoice when sinners repent on earth, Luke 15:7; Luke 15:10; Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 49:13.}

^{2) "And ye holy apostles and prophets," (kai hoi hagioi) "Even ye saints and apostles and prophets;” You prophets are to rejoice also and especially as you see your prophecies of judgment vindicated, Matthew 23:34-35; Luke 11:47-50; Revelation 19:2.}

^{While hell weeps, heaven rejoices at the triumph of truth over falsehood, right over wrong, the bride over the mistress-harlot and her polluted harem.}

^{3) "For God hath avenged you on her," (hoti ekrinen ho theos to krima humon eks autes) "Because God has judged her (in retribution) by the return measure she judged you all;” The fall, destruction of Babylon because of her sins shall vindicate the words of prophets Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, John, Paul, etc., and witnesses of God whom she had scorned; It appears that God calls upon his saints and prophets to laugh in judgment with him, at those who once scorned, scoffed, and jeered the Son of God, Church of Jesus Christ, her people and righteous conduct, Deuteronomy 32:43; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 11:18.}

^{The Ahabs, the Jezebels, the Judas Iscariots, and the Herods shall have their day of retribution, for God shall bring every secret thing into judgment, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.}

Verse 21

^{1) "And a mighty angel took up a stone," (kai eren eis angelos ischuros lithon) "And one strong angel lifted a stone," a huge rock, a foundation-like stone; the strong angel ’was perhaps Michael’s band of defensive ministering spirits, both to defend God’s people and property and administer judgment, even in battle, Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 10:1.}

^{2) "Like a great millstone," (hos mulinon megan) "As or like a great millstone," in appearance and size, Jeremiah 51:63-64. Much as Pharaoh and his armies sank, as a stone, to the bottom of the Red Sea, Exodus 15:5-6.}

^{3) "And cast it into the sea saying," (kai ebalen eis ten thalassan legon) "And tossed it (threw it down) into the sea saying," declaring as he threw it, focusing attention upon the waves of the sea, where it would instantly be lost to view, Jeremiah 51:25-26.}

^{4) "Thus with violence," (houtos hormemati) "Just like this, with a rush, splash, or violence," in force with a physical display of visible, literal drama in judgment.}

^{5) "Shall that great city Babylon be thrown down," (blethesetai Babulon he megale polis) "Shall the great Metropolis Babylon be cast down," to ruin, desolation, to rise no more at all; Matthew 18:6; Thus is described God’s retribution upon the Babylonish and Romanish religious corruption and idolatry of the final Gentile Empire of the antichrist, Daniel 5:30-31.}

^{6) "And shall be found no more at all," (kai ou me heurethe eti) "And shall by no means be found (to exist) at all," so deep shall she sink into Divine judgment, Revelation 12:8; Revelation 16:20; Like a huge lead-stone cast into the sea, Nehemiah 9:11; Exodus 15:10.}

Verse 22

^{1) "And the voice of," (kai phone) "And (not even) a sound,"}

^{a) "Harpers," (kitharodon) "of harpers," of the music of harpers," not even a sound,}

^{b) "And musicians," (kai mousikon) "And of musicians," not even a sound,}

^{c) "And of pipers," (kai auleton) "And of flutists," and all kinds of pipe music, not a sound,}

^{d) "And trumpeters," (kai salpiston) "And of trumpeters," not even a sound,}

^{2) "Shall be heard no more at all in thee," (ou me akousthe en soi eti) "Shall not by any means be found in thee (Babylon) any longer," or any more, Ezekiel 26:13.}

^{3) "And the sound of a millstone," (kai phone mulou) "And the sound of a millstone (grinding meal or flour)," to feed the people, for the city is zero population, depopulated by the judgment, Revelation 18:10.}

^{4) "Shall be heard no more at all in thee," (ou me akousthe en soi eit) "Shall be no longer heard in thee at all," Jeremiah 25:10.}

Verse 23

^{1) "And the light of a candle," (kai phos luchnou) "And (even) light of a candle," splendid illuminations of candies in the darkness, objects of safety, service, and beauty.}

^{2) "Shall shine no more at all in thee," (ou me phane en soi eti) "Shall not shine in thee any more at all;” shall never give even a glimmering glow again, Jeremiah 25:10; Palaces and homes shall be in darkness, in the total blackout of Babylon.}

^{3) "And the voice of the bridegroom and the bride," (kai phone numphiou kai numphes) "And a voice of a bridegroom and a bride," a voice of either, a voice of pomp and ceremony accompanying happy moments in weddings - - shall be no more, Jeremiah 16:9.}

^{4) "Shall be heard no more at all in thee," (ou me akousthe en soi eti) "Shall not be heard any more at all in thee," Jeremiah 7:34; 1 Peter 4:7.}

^{5) "For thy merchants are great men of the sea," (hoti emporoi sou esan hoi megistanes tes ges) "Because thy merchants were the great ones (the leading ones) 6f the earth," Revelation 18:3; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:15, They decked the city-woman Babylon with jewels and profited from her trade for a time.}

^{6) "For by thy sorceries," (hoti en te pharmakeia sou) "For in thy pharmaceutical deceptions," traffic in drugs and narcotics - - utilized by the great whore and her harem of fornicating daughters, Nahum 3:4; Revelation 17:1-6.}

^{7) "Were all nations deceived," (eplanethesan panta ta ethne) "Were all the nations (or races of people) deluded, even from the days of Jezebel, the witchcraft mother of whoredom, in Israel, 2 Kings 9:22; Revelation 21:8.}

Verse 24

^{1) "And in her was found," (kai en aute heurethe) "And in her there was found," discovered, disclosed, uncovered, or revealed,"}

^{2) "The blood of prophets and of saints," (haima propheton kai hagion) "Blood of prophets and saints," called and dedicated, committed, true martyrs of God’s worship and service, who gave their lives for his work. This city-woman-whore, and her whoring mistress daughters, who fornicated with ten kings and merchants in idolatrous union, had shed blood of God’s prophets and saints, Revelation 13:15; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 17:6.}

^{3) "And of all that were slain upon the earth," (kai panton ton esphamenon epi tes ges) "And (even) a retribution (judgment because of) all the blood of all those prophets and saints that had been slain upon the earth," for their fidelity to truth, Jeremiah 51:49.}

^{From righteous Abel who sealed his testimony of faith with his blood, till the blood of the final redeemed of the earth has been slain for his faith, God has kept a record for judgment, in reserve, for the great day of his wrath upon Babylon, and, then, thereafter the wicked of all ages, Genesis 4:10; Hebrews 11:4; Hebrews 12:24; Psalms 79:1-3; yet there is a victor’s hour for the redeemed, Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58.}

^{The city of Babylon and the Beast Government Babylon, having now been plagued to doom, a joyful hour of triumph is just ahead in the marriage of the Lamb, and coming of the King, Revelation 19:1-21.}