Revelation 18:7

As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.'

Study Bible

As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury
This phrase highlights the self-exaltation and indulgence of Babylon, symbolizing a system or city characterized by pride and opulence. The imagery of glorification and luxury is reminiscent of ancient Babylon's wealth and grandeur, as well as other historical empires known for their excesses. This self-glorification is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in Isaiah 47:8-9, where Babylon's arrogance leads to its downfall. The Bible consistently warns against pride and self-reliance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride precedes destruction.

give her the same measure of torment and grief
The principle of divine retribution is evident here, where the punishment matches the sin. This reflects the biblical concept of justice, where actions have corresponding consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7, "A man reaps what he sows." The torment and grief are proportional to the luxury and self-glorification, emphasizing God's righteous judgment. This mirrors the Old Testament law of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," found in Exodus 21:23-25, underscoring the fairness of divine justice.

In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’
This statement reveals Babylon's false sense of security and invincibility. The imagery of sitting as a queen suggests authority and power, while the denial of widowhood and grief indicates a belief in perpetual stability and prosperity. This echoes the attitude of ancient Babylon, as described in Isaiah 47:7-8, where the city boasts of its eternal reign. The prophetic literature often uses the metaphor of a widow to describe desolation and loss, as seen in Lamentations 1:1. The arrogance and self-deception of Babylon are ultimately its downfall, as God's judgment is inevitable, fulfilling prophecies of destruction and humbling of the proud.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon
Symbolic of a great city or system representing human pride, luxury, and opposition to God. In Revelation, it often represents the corrupt world system.

2. The Woman
Represents Babylon, personified as a queen who is arrogant and self-assured, believing herself to be invulnerable.

3. Torment and Grief
The consequences of Babylon's pride and self-indulgence, reflecting divine judgment.

4. The Heart
The inner thoughts and attitudes of Babylon, revealing her self-deception and arrogance.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution that Babylon will face due to her pride and self-glorification.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to self-deception and false security. Like Babylon, individuals and societies that glorify themselves above God will face consequences.

The Illusion of Invulnerability
Babylon's claim of being a queen and not a widow reflects a false sense of security. Believers should recognize that true security is found in God alone.

The Consequences of Luxury
Living in luxury without regard for God or others can lead to spiritual complacency and eventual judgment.

God's Justice is Certain
The judgment of Babylon assures us that God will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose Him.

Call to Humility
In contrast to Babylon's arrogance, believers are called to live humbly, recognizing their dependence on God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Babylon in Revelation 18:7 reflect attitudes or systems in today's world?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our personal lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Revelation 18:7 provide comfort or challenge to you in your current circumstances?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your security and identity are rooted in God rather than worldly success or luxury?

5. How can the warnings in Revelation 18:7 and its connected scriptures inspire you to live a life of humility and dependence on God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 47:7-9
This passage parallels the pride and downfall of Babylon, emphasizing the false security and eventual judgment of those who exalt themselves.

Proverbs 16:18
Highlights the principle that pride precedes destruction, a theme evident in the judgment of Babylon.

James 4:6
Speaks to God's opposition to the proud and His grace to the humble, contrasting the attitude of Babylon with the call to humility.

1 John 2:15-17
Warns against the love of the world and its desires, which are temporary and opposed to the will of God, similar to the indulgence of Babylon.