cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls;This phrase highlights the immense wealth and opulence associated with Babylon, symbolizing the materialism and greed that characterize the city. Gold and silver have been historically used as currency and symbols of wealth and power throughout biblical history, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple ( Exodus 25:3; 1 Kings 6:20-22). Precious stones and pearls are often associated with beauty and value, reminiscent of the high priest's breastplate ( Exodus 28:17-20) and the New Jerusalem's foundations ( Revelation 21:19-21). The accumulation of such wealth can be seen as a critique of the idolatry of materialism, contrasting with the spiritual riches found in Christ ( Ephesians 1:18). of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet;
These textiles represent luxury and status. Fine linen was used in the garments of the priests (Exodus 28:39-42) and signifies purity and righteousness (Revelation 19:8). Purple dye, derived from the murex shellfish, was extremely costly and reserved for royalty and the wealthy (Judges 8:26; Mark 15:17). Silk, a rare and expensive fabric, and scarlet, a color associated with wealth and sin (Isaiah 1:18), further emphasize the decadence of Babylon. The use of these materials underscores the city's pride and self-indulgence, contrasting with the humility and simplicity taught by Jesus (Matthew 6:19-21). of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble;
Citron wood, known for its fragrance and durability, was used in luxury items and furniture. Ivory, often imported from distant lands, was a symbol of wealth and was used in Solomon's throne (1 Kings 10:18). Precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble were materials used in the construction of grand buildings and idols, reflecting human achievement and pride. These materials are reminiscent of the opulence of ancient empires like Babylon and Rome, which are often seen as types of worldly power opposed to God's kingdom. The mention of these materials serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the ultimate judgment against those who trust in material possessions rather than in God (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Persons / Places / Events 1. Babylon the GreatSymbolic of a powerful, corrupt system or city that is characterized by wealth and luxury, often interpreted as representing worldly materialism and idolatry. 2. Merchants of the EarthThese are the traders and business people who profit from the wealth and luxury of Babylon, lamenting its fall due to their loss of income. 3. The Fall of BabylonA prophetic event symbolizing the ultimate downfall of worldly systems that oppose God, marked by the destruction of material wealth and luxury. Teaching Points The Transience of Earthly WealthEarthly riches, no matter how luxurious, are temporary and will ultimately perish. Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures. The Danger of MaterialismThe pursuit of wealth and luxury can lead to spiritual downfall. Christians should guard against allowing material possessions to become idols. God's Sovereignty Over Worldly SystemsDespite the apparent power and influence of worldly systems, God is sovereign and will bring about their downfall in His timing. The Call to Spiritual ReadinessBelievers should live with an eternal perspective, being prepared for the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. The Importance of Righteous LivingIn contrast to the corruption of Babylon, Christians are called to live righteously, reflecting God's holiness in a fallen world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Babylon's wealth in Revelation 18:12 challenge our understanding of material success? 2. In what ways can the pursuit of material wealth become an idol in our lives, and how can we guard against this? 3. How does the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty? 4. What practical steps can we take to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21? 5. How can the warnings in Revelation 18:12 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10 guide our financial decisions and lifestyle choices today? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 27This chapter describes the wealth and trade of Tyre, a city known for its commerce, similar to the description of Babylon's wealth in Revelation 18. Both passages highlight the transient nature of material wealth. 1 Timothy 6:9-10These verses warn against the love of money and the desire for wealth, which can lead to ruin and destruction, paralleling the fate of Babylon. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the impermanence of earthly wealth, which aligns with the message of Revelation 18. People JohnPlaces BabylonTopics Article, Articles, Brass, Bronze, Cargo, Cargoes, Citron, Cloth, Costly, Delicate, Dye, Expensive, Fair, Fine, Gold, Goods, Iron, Ivory, Jewels, Kind, Kinds, Lading, Linen, Manner, Marble, Merchandise, Pearl, Pearls, Perfumed, Precious, Price, Purple, Rare, Red, Robes, Scarlet, Scented, Silk, Silver, Sort, Steel, Stone, Stones, Stuff, Thyine, Thyne, Vessel, Vessels, Wood, WoodsDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 18:12 4808 crimson
5392 linen Revelation 18:1-24 4215 Babylon Revelation 18:2-24 5407 merchants Revelation 18:9-19 5945 self-pity Revelation 18:9-24 5587 trade Revelation 18:11-12 4303 metals
4336 iron
4342 jewels Revelation 18:11-13 4333 gold
4339 ivory
4404 food Library Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2The Northern Iron and the Steel
That being the literal meaning, we shall draw from our text a general principle. It is a proverbial expression, no doubt, and applicable to many other matters besides that of the prophet and the Jews; it is clearly meant to show, that in order to achieve a purpose, there must be a sufficient force. The weaker cannot overcome the stronger. In a general clash the firmest will win. There must be sufficient firmness in the instrument or the work cannot be done. You cannot cut granite with a pen-knife, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 War! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10. …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Links Revelation 18:12 NIVRevelation 18:12 NLTRevelation 18:12 ESVRevelation 18:12 NASBRevelation 18:12 KJV
Revelation 18:12 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
