Revelation #28
Notes
Transcript
Revelation 18:1-24
Revelation 18:1-24
Introduction
Introduction
The Revelation of Jesus Christ has been telling us of the coming of the collapse of the world and the preparation for Jesus to return and rule. This coming demise of the Antichrist’s world religion, government, and economic system has been referred to or foreshadowed several times: the sixth seal (Rev. 6:15), the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15), the divine preview (Rev.14:8), and the seventh bowl (Rev. 16:19).
“The details here correspond to the smiting of the feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s great image (depicting the times of the gentiles) by the uncut stone of Daniel 2:33-35; 41-45. (Cummings pg. 167)
Babylon
We looked at some of the history of Babylon going back to Nimrod last week and we saw that this corruption of the world is not new.
It is both a system and city.
A System
Revelation 18 gives us the Antichrist’s kingdom as it will be in the end, Babylon. We have previously learned in Rev. 13:1; 17:10-12, that this kingdom is coming out of the revived Roman empire. A worldwide religious system will be part of this kingdom. It is another kingdom united in defiance of God the creator.
The City
Seven times it is called a city in Revelation 18. (vs. 10, 16, 18, 19, 21). Many commentators from many eras have different ideas as to what or where the city of Babylon is.
A. Rome - Based upon Rev. 17:9 and the fact that it is a religious center, it could be the government center too.
B. Jerusalem - Based upon Rev. 11:2,8; 16:19 and the fact that Antichrist is going to sit in the temple at Jerusalem - II Thess. 2:3-4.
C. Un-named city - This follows those who would say Babylon is more of a system than a place and that the center of babylonianism has changed over the years.
D. Literal Babylon - the main objection to this is that it was prophesied that Babylon would be destroyed and never inhabited again. Yet, there are some prophecies that have never been fulfilled about the destruction so it is possible it could be rebuilt and finally destroyed. (Isaiah 13:6-11, 19-22 ; Jeremiah 50:35-51:64.
After Darius was defeated it later become a large thriving city as part of Medo-persian empire (Ezra 6:1). Alexander the great resided and died therein 323 BC.
Peter preached at Babylon. I Peter 5:13 “13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.”
There is a city there now or right next to it.
Imagine the changes for it to become the center of world activity.
The Fall of Babylon Declared vs. 1-2
The Fall of Babylon Declared vs. 1-2
vs. 1 “After this” reveals that there is a new vision or a new section of the vision.
A Great angel - some think is Jesus Christ, yet the term “another angel” is the greek word “allos” - another of the same kind as opposed to “heteros” - another of a different kind. This is the same term that was used of the Holy Spirit when Jesus said he would send another. So it is best to assume this is another powerful angel like the one in chapter 17 and not Jesus Christ.
A Great angel - some think is Jesus Christ, yet the term “another angel” is the greek word “allos” - another of the same kind as opposed to “heteros” - another of a different kind. This is the same term that was used of the Holy Spirit when Jesus said he would send another. So it is best to assume this is another powerful angel like the one in chapter 17 and not Jesus Christ.
He is said to have great authority. He is powerful. As well as having glory that illuminates the earth. He has a mighty voice.
vs. 2 This mighty voice and the announcement that “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” is the fulfillment of prophecy. Isa. 13:19 “19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.” Isa. 21:9 “9 And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!” Then he answered and said, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground.”” and Jeremiah 51:8 “8 Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed. Wail for her! Take balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.”
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Revelation 18:2
The description of desolation most approximates the portrayal of Babylon’s and Edom’s judgment in Isa. 13:21; 34:11, 14. These judgments are viewed as anticipations of universal Babylon’s judgment at the end of history. The final stripping away of Babylon’s luxurious facade (17:4; 18:16) reveals her skeleton, within which sit only demonic birdlike creatures. Jewish interpretation of the creatures in Isa. 13:21; 34:11, 14 understood them to be demonic
A depraved city. Demons - fallen angels, Unclean spirits is a synonym for demons.
A depraved city. Demons - fallen angels, Unclean spirits is a synonym for demons.
Remember the release of the sixth trumpet Rev. 9:13-16 “13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.” And the fifth trumpet. Rev. 9:1-11 “1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were lik…”
Remember the release of the sixth trumpet Rev. 9:13-16 “13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.” And the fifth trumpet. Rev. 9:1-11 “1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were lik…”
Revelation 12–22: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Judgment Pronounced)
Babylon will also be a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. That phrase symbolizes the city’s total destruction (cf. Isa. 34:11). Like grotesque carrion birds, the demons will hover over the doomed city, waiting for its fall. The depiction of the demons as unclean and hateful reflects heaven’s view of them.
A Guilty City vs. 3-5; 23d, 24
A Guilty City vs. 3-5; 23d, 24
They had brought “all nations” into their sin vs. 3 “drunk the wine of her fornication, the kings of the earth have fornicated with her.” - evil political liaisons .
Her powerful economy is driven by the merchants who have become rich. These evil commercial relationships have drawn others in seeking her luxury.
The sins of the city have been heaped up to heaven and God remembers her iniquities. vs. 5
Sorcery, the use of satanic power has helped to deceive all nations vs. 23d
Babylon was guilty of opposition to the LORD and has demonstrated that by shedding the blood of prophets and saints. This system or philosophy was present even when the apostles were alive and was demonstrated in the opposition they faced. vs. 24, cf. 20
A Call to separate vs. 4
People living here, that is believers or Jews, were called to get out during the tribulation . Lot had been called to get out of Sodom.
Jeremiah 50:4–9 (NKJV) 4 “In those days and in that time,” says the Lord, “The children of Israel shall come, They and the children of Judah together; With continual weeping they shall come, And seek the Lord their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion, With their faces toward it, saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord In a perpetual covenant That will not be forgotten.’ 6 “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; They have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; They have forgotten their resting place. 7 All who found them have devoured them; And their adversaries said, ‘We have not offended, Because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, The Lord, the hope of their fathers.’ 8 “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks. 9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon An assembly of great nations from the north country, And they shall array themselves against her; From there she shall be captured. Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; None shall return in vain.
Jer 51:6 “6 Flee from the midst of Babylon, And every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; He shall recompense her.” Jer 51:45 “45 “My people, go out of the midst of her! And let everyone deliver himself from the fierce anger of the Lord.”
These challenges from Jeremiah seem like many other prophecies to have dual application. Immediately in Jeremiah’s day and total fulfillment later on.
These systems of Babylon, the world, and their philosophies are present today. We are challenged to come out from among them and be separate. (II Cor. 6:14-17 “14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.””
Man’s View of the City 7, 12-16, 22, 23
Man’s View of the City 7, 12-16, 22, 23
vs. 7 She glorifies herself.
She lives luxuriously - indulging oneself extravagantly and sensually, intermperately, lust...
Though she is in torment she gives herself self assurance.
vs. 12ff Look at the things she has that demonstrate wealth.
a. Precious metals and jewels
b. clothing
c. timber and lumber
d. Craftsman using natural resources.
e. precious oils -0 some used in medicine
f. Agricultural products
g. Livestock
h. transportation, protection
i. slave labor
j. vs. 17 foreign trade.
In Revelation 6:5,6 “6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”” The cost of food was exorbitant , not all is controlled by the antichrist. Think of Joseph...
From Cummings: “Note: the list of commodities is significant. At the top is gold - at the bottom is souls. This is the exact opposite of God’s value system!” pg. 172
Revelation 12–22: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Judgment Pronounced
Having thrown off any semblance of self-control or self-restraint, sinners will indulge in a wild materialistic orgy. Like those in ancient Babylon, they will be partying when their city is destroyed (cf. Dan. 5:1–30). James’s condemnation of the ruthless wealthy could also apply to them:
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. (James 5:1–5)
They live for entertainment vs. 22a Music is a great factor. It was in Noah’s day Gen. 4:21 “21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.” , It was used in Babylon to control the masses Dan. 3:4-5 “4 Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up;”
Judgment - Complete destruction is deserved and is coming vs. 6, 8-11, 17-21
Judgment - Complete destruction is deserved and is coming vs. 6, 8-11, 17-21
vs. 6 double destruction The angel’s prayer for justice is based on the Old Testament principle of lex talionis, the law of retaliation, the principle of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Matt. 5:38; cf. Ex. 21:23–24; Lev. 24:19–20; Deut. 19:21). Babylon has been extended enough grace and heard enough warnings. It is time for vengeance. It is time for her destruction. (John F. MacArthur Jr., Revelation 12–22, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 2000), 182–183.)
The destruction is swift vs. 8, 10, 17, 19 i.e. Belshazzar’s defeat.
The destruction will be complete vs. 8 Jer. 25:9-11 “9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.”
Notice vs. 21-24 “no more” or “not ...anymore”???
The kings of the earth will see and mourn vs. 9-19 How many references to this can you see?
This destruction will be violent vs. 21.
Remember vs. 8 “The Lord who judges her is strong. “
We see the future for Babylon is bleak, yet we see “Christians” today wanting to follow worldly things. The end is bleak today too.