Revelation 18:1-24

The Fall of Babylon

In the last c., the fall of Rome, and the manner of its fall, were prophetically announced. In this c., the greatness of the tragedy is shown by songs of thanksgiving and of lamentation which it calls forth.

As was suggested on Revelation 17, we may believe that the songs of the joy of angels over sinners that repent have taken the place of these songs. Yet they serve their purpose in encouraging God's people to faith and endurance when at any time wickedness and worldliness seem to be triumphant.

The language of the prophets of the OT. is freely used. From the human side, we may say that the mind of the writer was so saturated with the old Scriptures that he naturally employed their language. From the divine side, we are to learn that 'no prophecy.. is of any private interpretation,' 2 Peter 1:20, and that God looks on worldly wickedness at any time according to the same principles with which he regarded Babylon and Tyre of old.

1-3. Proclamation of the Fall of Rome.