Revelation 16:19

The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.

Study Bible

The great city was split into three parts
This phrase refers to a significant event during the end times, often interpreted as a literal or symbolic division of a major city. The "great city" is frequently identified as Jerusalem, a central location in biblical prophecy. The division into three parts may symbolize a complete and total upheaval, reflecting the judgment and transformation that occurs during the tribulation period. This division could also be seen as a fulfillment of prophecies found in Zechariah 14:4, where the Mount of Olives is split, indicating a dramatic change in the landscape and spiritual order.

and the cities of the nations collapsed
This indicates a widespread destruction affecting not just one city but multiple cities across the nations. It suggests a global impact, emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgment. The collapse of these cities can be seen as a reversal of human pride and achievement, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, where God intervened to disrupt human plans. This event underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs and the futility of relying on worldly power and structures.

And God remembered Babylon the great
"Babylon the great" is a symbolic representation of a system or city characterized by opposition to God, often associated with idolatry, immorality, and persecution of the faithful. In biblical history, Babylon was a literal city known for its grandeur and rebellion against God, as seen in the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. The phrase "God remembered" signifies that God is now acting on His promise to judge Babylon, fulfilling prophecies such as those in Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 50-51, where Babylon's downfall is foretold.

and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath
The imagery of a cup filled with wine is a common biblical metaphor for God's judgment. In this context, it represents the full measure of divine wrath being poured out on Babylon. This echoes the language found in Jeremiah 25:15-17, where nations are made to drink the cup of God's wrath, leading to their downfall. The "fury of His wrath" highlights the intensity and righteousness of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of defying God's authority and the ultimate triumph of His justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Great City
Often interpreted as symbolic of a significant center of power or influence, possibly representing a specific city or a metaphor for a collective of worldly systems opposed to God.

2. Babylon the Great
Symbolic of a corrupt and idolatrous system, often associated with historical Babylon, representing rebellion against God and moral decay.

3. The Cup of the Wine of the Fury of His Wrath
A metaphor for God's judgment and wrath being poured out on those who oppose Him, drawing from Old Testament imagery of divine retribution.

4. The Cities of the Nations
Represents the global scope of the judgment, indicating that the impact of God's wrath is not limited to one location but affects all nations.

5. God's Remembrance
Indicates God's active intervention in history, where He recalls the sins of Babylon and executes judgment accordingly.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in rebellion against Him. This should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel.

Symbolism of Babylon
Babylon represents any system or culture that opposes God. Christians are called to discern and resist such influences in their lives.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's remembrance of Babylon's sins underscores His sovereignty and justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

Global Impact of Sin and Judgment
The collapse of the cities of the nations reminds us that sin has widespread consequences, and God's judgment will be comprehensive.

Call to Repentance
The imagery of the cup of wrath serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to turn to God before it's too late.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "the great city" being split into three parts challenge or affirm your understanding of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of Babylon be seen in today's world, and how should Christians respond to it?

3. How does the concept of God "remembering" Babylon's sins impact your view of divine justice and accountability?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment described in Revelation 16:19 and other biblical accounts of God's wrath?

5. How can the certainty of God's future judgment influence your daily life and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25:15-29
This passage speaks of the cup of God's wrath being given to the nations, illustrating the theme of divine judgment.

Isaiah 51:17-23
Describes the cup of God's wrath and the consequences for those who drink it, paralleling the imagery in Revelation.

Revelation 14:8
Mentions the fall of Babylon, providing context for the judgment described in Revelation 16:19.

Genesis 11:1-9
The account of the Tower of Babel, which is often linked to Babylon, highlighting themes of human pride and rebellion against God.