Revelation 18:10

In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: "Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come."

Study Bible

In fear of her torment
This phrase highlights the terror and awe inspired by the judgment upon Babylon. The fear is not just physical but also spiritual, as the torment represents divine retribution. This echoes the Old Testament prophecies against cities like Nineveh and Tyre, where fear was a response to God's judgment (Nahum 3:7, Ezekiel 26:16-18).

they will stand at a distance
The distance signifies both literal and metaphorical separation. Those witnessing Babylon's fall are removed from the immediate destruction, possibly indicating their desire to avoid sharing in her fate. This mirrors the reaction of Lot's wife in Genesis 19:26, who looked back at Sodom's destruction, and the warning to flee from sin and judgment.

and cry out
The act of crying out is a common biblical expression of lament and despair. It reflects the deep emotional response to witnessing the downfall of a once-great power. This is reminiscent of the lamentations over fallen cities in the Old Testament, such as in Lamentations 1:1-2.

“Woe, woe to the great city,
The repetition of "woe" emphasizes the severity and certainty of the judgment. The term "great city" underscores Babylon's prominence and influence, much like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were also judged for their wickedness (Genesis 19:24-25).

the mighty city of Babylon!
Babylon is symbolic of human pride and opposition to God, drawing from its historical role as a center of idolatry and rebellion (Genesis 11:1-9). The reference to its might highlights the contrast between its earthly power and its ultimate downfall, as seen in Isaiah 13:19-22.

For in a single hour your judgment has come.”
The suddenness of the judgment underscores the swiftness and decisiveness of God's action. This echoes the theme of unexpected judgment found in the parables of Jesus, such as the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The phrase "single hour" indicates the completeness and finality of the event, reminiscent of the sudden fall of other biblical cities like Jericho (Joshua 6:20).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
Symbolic of a powerful, corrupt system or city that opposes God. In the context of Revelation, it represents the epitome of worldly power and immorality.

2. The Kings of the Earth
These are the rulers and leaders who have aligned themselves with Babylon, benefiting from its wealth and power but now witnessing its downfall.

3. Judgment
The divine retribution that comes upon Babylon, signifying God's ultimate authority and justice over human pride and sin.

4. Torment
The suffering and destruction that Babylon faces as a result of its sins and rebellion against God.

5. The Great City
A reference to Babylon, emphasizing its perceived strength and influence, which is ultimately shown to be fragile and temporary.

Teaching Points

The Illusion of Worldly Power
Babylon's fall reminds us that worldly power and wealth are temporary and ultimately subject to God's authority.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is certain and will come swiftly, as seen in the "single hour" of Babylon's downfall. We must live in readiness and righteousness.

The Consequences of Sin
Babylon's torment is a direct result of its sin and rebellion. This serves as a warning to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness.

The Fear of the Lord
The fear experienced by the kings of the earth highlights the importance of fearing God rather than man, recognizing His ultimate power and justice.

Separation from Worldly Systems
Believers are called to separate themselves from corrupt systems like Babylon, living in holiness and obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:10 serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals?

2. In what ways can we identify "Babylon" in today's world, and how should Christians respond to its influence?

3. How does the suddenness of Babylon's judgment challenge us to live with an eternal perspective?

4. What lessons can we learn from the fear and lament of the kings of the earth regarding misplaced trust in worldly power?

5. How do the prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah about Babylon's fall enhance our understanding of Revelation 18:10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13-14
These chapters prophesy the fall of Babylon, drawing parallels to the judgment described in Revelation 18.

Jeremiah 50-51
These chapters also speak of Babylon's destruction, highlighting God's judgment against nations that oppose Him.

Daniel 5
The fall of historical Babylon under King Belshazzar serves as a precursor to the symbolic fall of Babylon in Revelation.

Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus speaks of the suddenness of God's judgment, similar to the "single hour" in which Babylon's judgment comes.