Revelation 18:21

Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.

Study Bible

Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone
In biblical literature, angels often serve as messengers or agents of God's will. The description of the angel as "mighty" emphasizes the power and authority given by God to execute judgment. The "stone the size of a great millstone" symbolizes a heavy and significant object, indicating the severity of the impending judgment. Millstones were large, heavy stones used for grinding grain, and their size and weight make them apt symbols for destruction. This imagery is reminiscent of Jeremiah 51:63-64, where a stone is used to symbolize the sinking of Babylon, indicating a complete and irreversible downfall.

and cast it into the sea,
The act of casting the stone into the sea signifies the total and sudden destruction of Babylon. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos, judgment, or the nations. The imagery of something being thrown into the sea suggests a forceful and decisive action, indicating that Babylon's fall will be both dramatic and conclusive. This action echoes the fate of the Egyptian army in Exodus 15:4-5, where they were cast into the sea, symbolizing God's judgment and deliverance of His people.

saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down,
The phrase "with such violence" underscores the intensity and swiftness of Babylon's destruction. Babylon, historically a symbol of human pride and opposition to God, represents a system of worldly power and corruption. The "great city" refers to the culmination of human rebellion against God, often interpreted as a future manifestation of a corrupt world system. The casting down of Babylon is a fulfillment of prophetic judgment, as seen in Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 50-51, where Babylon's fall is foretold as a divine act of retribution.

never to be seen again.
This phrase indicates the finality and completeness of Babylon's destruction. The idea of "never to be seen again" suggests that Babylon's influence and power will be utterly eradicated, leaving no trace of its former glory. This echoes the prophetic declarations in Isaiah 13:19-22 and Jeremiah 51:62, where Babylon's desolation is described as permanent. Theologically, this signifies the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the establishment of His eternal reign, as seen in Revelation 21-22, where the new heaven and new earth are revealed.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mighty Angel
A powerful celestial being tasked with delivering God's message and executing His judgment. The angel's might underscores the seriousness and finality of the message.

2. Great Millstone
A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain. Its size and weight symbolize the irreversible and total destruction of Babylon.

3. The Sea
Represents chaos and destruction in biblical symbolism. Casting the millstone into the sea signifies the complete obliteration of Babylon.

4. Babylon
A symbolic representation of a corrupt and sinful world system opposed to God. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its idolatry and immorality.

5. Destruction of Babylon
The event prophesied as the ultimate downfall of the corrupt world system, emphasizing God's judgment and the end of evil.

Teaching Points

The Finality of God's Judgment
God's judgment is decisive and irreversible. Just as the millstone cannot be retrieved from the sea, Babylon's fall is complete and final.

Symbolism of the Millstone
The millstone represents the weight of sin and the inevitability of divine justice. It serves as a warning against the burden of unrepentant sin.

The Corruption of Babylon
Babylon symbolizes the pervasive influence of sin in the world. Believers are called to remain separate from such corruption and live in holiness.

Hope in God's Justice
The destruction of Babylon assures believers that God will ultimately triumph over evil. This hope encourages perseverance in faith.

Call to Repentance
The prophecy serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn away from the world's sinful systems and align with God's righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the millstone enhance our understanding of the severity of Babylon's judgment?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:21 parallel the historical fall of ancient Babylon as described in Jeremiah 51?

3. How can believers today guard against the influence of "Babylon" in their personal lives and communities?

4. What does the finality of Babylon's destruction teach us about the nature of God's justice and mercy?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil provide comfort and motivation in our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 51:63-64
This passage describes a similar act where a stone is thrown into the Euphrates to symbolize Babylon's fall, highlighting the continuity of God's judgment against Babylon.

Matthew 18:6
Jesus speaks of a millstone being tied around the neck of those who lead others into sin, drawing a parallel to the severe consequences of sin and corruption.

Revelation 14:8
Earlier in Revelation, Babylon's fall is announced, connecting to the theme of God's ultimate victory over evil.