Revelation 18:8
Therefore her plagues will come in one day--death and grief and famine--and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her."
Therefore
This word connects the judgment described in this verse to the preceding context, where Babylon's sins and arrogance are detailed. The Greek word "διὰ τοῦτο" (dia touto) implies a direct consequence of her actions. It serves as a reminder of the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that divine justice is inevitable.

her plagues
The term "plagues" (Greek: "πληγαί," plēgai) refers to severe afflictions or calamities. In the biblical context, plagues are often seen as divine judgments, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12). These are not random disasters but purposeful acts of God to bring about repentance or judgment.

will come in one day
The phrase "in one day" underscores the suddenness and swiftness of Babylon's downfall. The Greek "ἐν μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ" (en mia hēmera) suggests an unexpected and rapid execution of judgment, highlighting the certainty and decisiveness of God's actions.

death and grief and famine
These three elements—death, grief, and famine—represent comprehensive devastation. "Death" (Greek: "θάνατος," thanatos) signifies the end of life, "grief" (Greek: "πένθος," penthos) indicates deep sorrow, and "famine" (Greek: "λιμός," limos) denotes scarcity of food. Together, they paint a picture of total desolation, reflecting the complete reversal of Babylon's former opulence and security.

and she will be consumed by fire
Fire is a common biblical symbol of judgment and purification. The Greek "κατακαυθήσεται" (katakauthēsetai) means to be utterly burned up. This imagery is reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) and serves as a powerful metaphor for the total and irreversible nature of Babylon's judgment.

for mighty is the Lord God
This phrase emphasizes the omnipotence of God. The Greek "ὅτι ἰσχυρὸς Κύριος ὁ Θεός" (hoti ischyros Kyrios ho Theos) affirms that God's power is unmatched and His will is unassailable. It reassures believers that despite the apparent strength of worldly powers, God is ultimately in control.

who judges her
The act of judgment is central to this verse. The Greek "ὁ κρίνων αὐτήν" (ho krinōn autēn) indicates a present and active role of God as judge. This serves as a reminder of God's righteousness and justice, assuring believers that evil will not go unpunished and that God's moral order will be upheld.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Babylon
Symbolic of a great city or system representing human pride, idolatry, and opposition to God. In Revelation, it is often interpreted as a representation of worldly powers and corrupt systems.

2. The Lord God
The sovereign and mighty judge who executes judgment on Babylon. His power and authority are emphasized in this passage.

3. Plagues
Represent divine judgments that come swiftly and decisively upon Babylon, including death, grief, and famine.

4. Fire
Symbolizes complete destruction and purification, often associated with divine judgment in biblical literature.

5. Judgment
The act of God executing justice, demonstrating His righteousness and sovereignty over all creation.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's judgment is inevitable and will come swiftly upon those who oppose Him. Believers are reminded of the certainty of divine justice.

The Sovereignty of God
The passage emphasizes God's ultimate authority and power over all nations and systems. Trust in God's sovereignty should be a source of comfort and assurance for believers.

The Call to Repentance
The impending judgment serves as a warning to turn away from worldly systems and idolatry. Believers are called to live lives of holiness and separation from the corrupt influences of the world.

The Transience of Earthly Powers
Earthly powers and systems, no matter how mighty, are temporary and subject to God's judgment. Believers should focus on eternal values rather than temporal power.

The Role of Fire in Purification
Fire as a symbol of judgment also represents purification. Believers are encouraged to undergo spiritual purification, aligning their lives with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Babylon in Revelation 18:8 challenge our understanding of worldly power and success?

2. In what ways can believers prepare for the certainty of God's judgment as described in this passage?

3. How does the swift nature of Babylon's judgment in Revelation 18:8 relate to the call for vigilance in 1 Thessalonians 5:3?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not influenced by the "Babylon" of our time?

5. How can the imagery of fire as both destructive and purifying influence our spiritual growth and daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 47
This chapter speaks of the fall of Babylon, highlighting themes of judgment and the downfall of prideful powers, similar to Revelation 18.

Jeremiah 50-51
These chapters prophesy the destruction of Babylon, emphasizing 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
This verse speaks of sudden destruction coming upon those who are complacent, paralleling the swift judgment described in Revelation 18:8.
BabylonR. Green.Revelation 18:1-8
National RuinT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 18:1-8
The Degenerate ChurchW. Milligan, D D.Revelation 18:1-8
The Fall of Corrupt SocietyD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 18:1-8
The Fall of Corrupt SocietyD. Thomas Revelation 18:1-8
The Habitation of DemonsWm. M'Kay.Revelation 18:1-8
The Influence of the Apostate BabylonG. S. Rowe.Revelation 18:1-8
The Overthrow of WickednessS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 18:1-8
The Rule of RetributionHomilistRevelation 18:1-8
The Overthrow of WickednessS. Conway Revelation 18:1-24
People
John
Places
Babylon
Topics
Burned, Burnt, Calamities, Completely, Consumed, Death, Famine, Fire, Grief, Ground, Judge, Judged, Judges, Judgeth, Judging, Mighty, Mourning, Overtake, Pestilence, Plagues, Reason, Single, Sorrow, Strong, Thick, Troubles, Utterly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 18:8

     1310   God, as judge
     4823   famine, physical
     5955   strength, divine

Revelation 18:1-8

     5305   empires

Revelation 18:1-10

     4125   Satan, agents of

Revelation 18:1-24

     4215   Babylon

Revelation 18:2-24

     5407   merchants

Revelation 18:4-8

     4843   plague

Revelation 18:7-8

     5776   achievement
     5961   superiority
     8805   pride, results

Revelation 18:7-9

     5399   luxury

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. 2

The 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

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