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Revelation 18

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‹ Chapter 17 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

1 After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory. 2 And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. 3 All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury." 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. 5 For her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. 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.’ 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." 9 Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. 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." 11 And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— 12 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; 13 of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men. 14 And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again." 15 The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, 16 saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance 18 and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. 19 Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed." 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. 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. 22 And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery." 24 And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth.

‹ Chapter 17 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

Study Notes — Revelation 18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with an angel announcing the fall of Babylon, calling her a dwelling place for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit (Revelation 18:1-2). The angel warns the people to come out of Babylon, lest they participate in her sins and receive her plagues (Revelation 18:4). The chapter then describes the reasons for Babylon's fall, including her arrogance, immorality, and persecution of God's people (Revelation 18:5-8). The kings of the earth mourn the fall of Babylon, but the believers rejoice, knowing that God has avenged them (Revelation 18:9-24). The chapter concludes with a final call to the people to come out of Babylon and a description of the ultimate destruction of the city (Revelation 18:4, Revelation 18:21).

Context for the Chapter

Revelation 18 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the ultimate triumph of God over evil. The chapter follows the description of the seven bowls of God's wrath in Revelation 16 and precedes the description of the return of Christ in Revelation 19. The fall of Babylon serves as a warning to believers to remain faithful and separate from the world's corruption, as they await the return of Christ.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to separate ourselves from the corrupt system of the world, lest we participate in its sins and receive its plagues. We must remain faithful to Christ and avoid the temptations of the world, knowing that God will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the fall of the world's sinful system, which is represented by Babylon. God is calling His people to come out of this system and to remain faithful to Him. As seen in Revelation 18:4, God warns His people to separate themselves from the world's corruption, lest they participate in its sins and receive its plagues.

Voices from the Church

“The fall of Babylon is a reminder that God's judgment is inevitable, and that we must separate ourselves from the world's corruption lest we suffer the same fate.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The call to come out of Babylon is a call to faithfulness, to remain separate from the world and to follow Christ, even in the face of persecution and temptation.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Announcement of Babylon's Fall (Revelation 18:1-3) — The angel announces the fall of Babylon, calling her a dwelling place for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit.
  2. The Call to Come Out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4-8) — The angel calls the people to come out of Babylon, lest they participate in her sins and receive her plagues.
  3. The Reasons for Babylon's Fall (Revelation 18:9-24) — The chapter describes the reasons for Babylon's fall, including her arrogance, immorality, and persecution of God's people.
  4. The Mourning of the Kings (Revelation 18:9-19) — The kings of the earth mourn the fall of Babylon, but the believers rejoice, knowing that God has avenged them.
  5. The Final Call to Come Out of Babylon (Revelation 18:21-24) — The chapter concludes with a final call to the people to come out of Babylon and a description of the ultimate destruction of the city.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the fall of Babylon and the ultimate judgment of the world.
The Corruption of the World
The chapter describes the world's system as corrupt and sinful, filled with immorality and persecution of God's people.
The Call to Separation
The chapter calls believers to separate themselves from the corrupt system of the world, lest they participate in its sins and receive its plagues.
The Return of Christ
The chapter alludes to the return of Christ, when He will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people.

Lessons from Revelation 18

  1. The Importance of Separation — The chapter teaches the importance of separating oneself from the corrupt system of the world, lest one participate in its sins and receive its plagues.
  2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the fall of Babylon and the ultimate judgment of the world.
  3. The Corruption of the World — The chapter describes the world's system as corrupt and sinful, filled with immorality and persecution of God's people.
  4. The Call to Faithfulness — The chapter calls believers to remain faithful to Christ and to avoid the temptations of the world, knowing that God will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people.
  5. The Return of Christ — The chapter alludes to the return of Christ, when He will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people.

Themes from Revelation 18

  1. The Fall of Babylon — The chapter describes the fall of Babylon, a symbol of the world's sinful system.
  2. The Call to Separation — The chapter calls believers to separate themselves from the corrupt system of the world, lest they participate in its sins and receive its plagues.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the fall of Babylon and the ultimate judgment of the world.
  4. The Corruption of the World — The chapter describes the world's system as corrupt and sinful, filled with immorality and persecution of God's people.
  5. The Return of Christ — The chapter alludes to the return of Christ, when He will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the fall of Babylon represent in this chapter?
  2. What is the call to come out of Babylon, and why is it important for believers?
  3. How does the chapter describe the reasons for Babylon's fall?
  4. What is the response of the kings of the earth to the fall of Babylon, and how do the believers respond?
  5. What is the ultimate destruction of Babylon, and what does it represent?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Announcement of Babylon's Fall (Revelation 18:1-3)

18:1 The angel announces the fall of Babylon, calling her a dwelling place for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit.
18:2 The angel describes Babylon as a place where every unclean spirit and every unclean and detestable animal has made its home.

2. The Call to Come Out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4-8)

18:4 The angel calls the people to come out of Babylon, lest they participate in her sins and receive her plagues.
18:5 The angel describes Babylon's sins, including her arrogance and immorality.

3. The Reasons for Babylon's Fall (Revelation 18:9-24)

18:9 The kings of the earth mourn the fall of Babylon, but the believers rejoice, knowing that God has avenged them.
18:10 The kings of the earth stand at a distance, fearing the wrath of God and the punishment of Babylon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the fall of Babylon represent in this chapter?

The fall of Babylon represents the ultimate judgment of God on the world's sinful system, as seen in Revelation 18:1-3. This event is a call to believers to separate themselves from the corrupt system of the world, as stated in Revelation 18:4.

What is the call to come out of Babylon, and why is it important for believers?

The call to come out of Babylon is a call to separate oneself from the corrupt system of the world, lest one participate in its sins and receive its plagues, as seen in Revelation 18:4. This is important for believers because it allows them to remain faithful to Christ and to avoid the temptations of the world, as stated in Revelation 18:4.

How does the chapter describe the reasons for Babylon's fall?

The chapter describes the reasons for Babylon's fall, including her arrogance, immorality, and persecution of God's people, as seen in Revelation 18:5-8.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Revelation 18:1 → Isaiah 13:19 The fall of Babylon is compared to the fall of the historical city of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19.
2 Revelation 18:4 → 2 Corinthians 6:17 The call to come out of Babylon is similar to the call to separate oneself from unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:17.
3 Revelation 18:8 → Psalm 37:9 The description of Babylon's destruction is similar to the description of the destruction of the wicked in Psalm 37:9.
4 Revelation 18:10 → Ezekiel 26:17 The mourning of the kings of the earth is similar to the mourning of the kings of the earth in Ezekiel 26:17.
5 Revelation 18:12 → Ezekiel 27:12-13 The description of Babylon's wealth and trade is similar to the description of the wealth and trade of Tyre in Ezekiel 27:12-13.
6 Revelation 18:15 → Isaiah 23:1 The description of the merchants mourning the fall of Babylon is similar to the description of the merchants mourning the fall of Tyre in Isaiah 23:1.
7 Revelation 18:20 → Deuteronomy 32:43 The call to rejoice over Babylon's destruction is similar to the call to rejoice over the destruction of God's enemies in Deuteronomy 32:43.
8 Revelation 18:21 → Jeremiah 51:63-64 The description of Babylon's destruction is similar to the description of the destruction of the historical city of Babylon in Jeremiah 51:63-64.
9 Revelation 18:22 → Psalm 107:33-34 The description of the silence in Babylon is similar to the description of the silence in the land after the destruction of the wicked in Psalm 107:33-34.
10 Revelation 18:24 → Genesis 4:10 The description of the blood of the saints in Babylon is similar to the description of the blood of Abel in Genesis 4:10.

Sermons on Revelation 18

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Why Do the Heathen Rage by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inability to pacify the wicked and gives four reasons why it is impossible. He uses Hosea 11:1 as a reference and explains that pursuing
David Wilkerson Sodom's Sister by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his initial desire to bring a cheerful and uplifting message, but instead finds himself drawn to the 16th chapter of Ezekiel. He em
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 20:1 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He introduces his new book, "Standing Up in a Fallen World," which i
Alan Redpath The Sure Road to Peace by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the road to revival, which is obedience to God's commandments. He highlights the importance of not only hearing God's word
Zac Poonen Our Kingdom Is Not of This Earth by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not fighting for our rights in any area of life. He refers to Luke 16:13, where Jesus states that we cannot serve both God
Zac Poonen The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole
John Daniel The History of Free Masonry - Part 1 by John Daniel In this sermon, Dr. Stan discusses the battle for the survival of Western civilization and emphasizes the importance of reality over illusion or delusion. He introduces his guest,
William MacDonald A Study in Hebrews 13 - Part 2 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker discusses the wicked system described in the book of Revelation. The system is characterized by the rulers of the nations making alliances with it and t
David Wilkerson God Is Doing a New Thing - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares stories of miraculous interventions by God in people's lives. He talks about a man who was able to rescue someone stuck in an elevator, and a wo
William MacDonald Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 5 by William MacDonald The video begins with the speaker mentioning a scripture verse about entering through the door to be saved. He then talks about the different doors in life, such as opportunities a

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 18

The fall of Babylon is a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all things, including the ultimate judgment of the world. The call to come out of Babylon is a call to faithfulness, to remain separate from the world and to follow Christ, even in the face of persecution and temptation. As seen in Revelation 18:4, God warns His people to separate themselves from the world's corruption, lest they participate in its sins and receive its plagues. The chapter teaches us to be faithful to Christ and to avoid the temptations of the world, knowing that God will ultimately judge the world and avenge His people, as stated in Revelation 18:20. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The World's Corruption

The chapter describes the world's system as corrupt and sinful, filled with immorality and persecution of God's people (Revelation 18:5-8).

God's Judgment

The chapter emphasizes God's judgment on the world's sinful system, as seen in the fall of Babylon (Revelation 18:1-2).

The Call to Separation

The chapter calls believers to separate themselves from the corrupt system of the world, lest they participate in its sins and receive its plagues (Revelation 18:4).

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