Teks -- Revelation 18:1-13 (NET)

Babylon is Destroyed

18:1 After these things I saw another angel, who possessed great authority, coming down out of heaven, and the earth was lit up by his radiance. 18:2 He shouted with a powerful voice: “Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detested beast. 18:3 For all the nations have fallen from the wine of her immoral passion, and the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have gotten rich from the power of her sensual behavior.” 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, so you will not take part in her sins and so you will not receive her plagues, 18:5 because her sins have piled up all the way to heaven and God has remembered her crimes. 18:6 Repay her the same way she repaid others; pay her back double corresponding to her deeds. In the cup she mixed, mix double the amount for her. 18:7 As much as she exalted herself and lived in sensual luxury, to this extent give her torment and grief because she said to herself, ‘I rule as queen and am no widow; I will never experience grief!’ 18:8 For this reason, she will experience her plagues in a single day: disease, mourning, and famine, and she will be burned down with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is powerful!” 18:9 Then the kings of the earth who committed immoral acts with her and lived in sensual luxury with her will weep and wail for her when they see the smoke from the fire that burns her up. 18:10 They will stand a long way off because they are afraid of her torment, and will say, “Woe, woe, O great city, Babylon the powerful city! For in a single hour your doom has come!” 18:11 Then the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her because no one buys their cargo any longer– 18:12 cargo such as gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all sorts of things made of citron wood, all sorts of objects made of ivory, all sorts of things made of expensive wood, bronze, iron and marble, 18:13 cinnamon, spice, incense, perfumed ointment, frankincense, wine, olive oil and costly flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and four-wheeled carriages, slaves and human lives.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Rev 18:1 - Coming down out of heaven

Coming down out of heaven ( katabainonta ek tou ouranou ).

Present active predicate participle. Not the angel of Rev 17:1, Rev 17:7, Rev 17:15 (John’ s guide), but one announcing the doom of Babylon (Rome). As in Rev 10:1; Rev 20:1.

Robertson: Rev 18:1 - Was lightened

Was lightened ( ephōtisthē ).

First aorist passive of phōtizō , old causative verb (from phōs , light), common in N.T. as in Rev 18:1; Rev 21:23; Rev 22:5.

Robertson: Rev 18:1 - With his glory

With his glory ( ek tēs doxēs autou ).

"By reason of (ek as in Rev 8:13; Rev 16:10) his glory.""So recently has he come from the Presence that in passing he flings a broad belt of light across the dark earth"(Swete).

Robertson: Rev 18:2 - Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great

Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great ( epesen , epesen Babulōn hē megalē ).

The very words of Rev 14:8 : "Did fall, did fall Babylon the great."Prophetic aorists of piptō repeated like a solemn dirge of the damned.

Robertson: Rev 18:2 - Is become

Is become ( egeneto ).

Prophetic aorist middle.

Robertson: Rev 18:2 - A habitation of devils

A habitation of devils ( katoikētērion ).

Late word (from katoikeō , to dwell), in N.T. only here and Eph 2:22. Devils should be demons, of course. So Isaiah prophesied of Babylon (Isa 13:21-22) and also Jeremiah (Jer 50:39) and Zephaniah of Nineveh (Zep 2:14). Both Babylon and Nineveh are ruins.

Robertson: Rev 18:2 - A hold of every unclean spirit

A hold of every unclean spirit ( phulakē pantos pneumatos akathartou ).

Phulakē is garrison or watch-tower as in Hab 2:1, rather than a prison (Rev 20:7).

Robertson: Rev 18:2 - A hold of every unclean and hateful bird

A hold of every unclean and hateful bird ( phulakē pantos orneou akathartou kai memisēmenou ).

Orneou is old word for bird, in N.T. only Rev 18:2; Rev 19:17, Rev 19:21. "The evil spirits, watching over fallen Rome like night-birds or harpies that wait for their prey, build their eyries in the broken towers which rise from the ashes of the city"(Swete). Long ago true of Babylon and Nineveh, some day to be true of Rome.

Robertson: Rev 18:3 - By

By ( ek ).

"As a result of."Some MSS. omit "of the wine"(tou oinou ). Cf. Rev 14:10; Rev 16:10.

Robertson: Rev 18:3 - Have fallen

Have fallen ( peptōkan ).

Perfect active third personal of piptō for usual peptōkasi . Some MSS. read pepōkan (have drunk), from pinō like the metaphor in Rev 14:8, Rev 14:10; Rev 16:19; Rev 17:2. See Rev 17:2 for the same charge about the kings of the earth.

Robertson: Rev 18:3 - The merchants of the earth

The merchants of the earth ( hoi emporoi tēs gēs ).

Old word for one on a journey for trade (from en , poros ), like drummers, in N.T. only Mat 13:45; Rev 18:3, Rev 18:11, Rev 18:15, Rev 18:23. Like emporion (Joh 2:16) and emporeuomai (Jam 4:13).

Robertson: Rev 18:3 - Waxed rich

Waxed rich ( eploutēsan ).

First ingressive aorist active indicative of plouteō , to be rich (cf. Rev 3:17). Here alone in the N.T. do we catch a glimpse of the vast traffic between east and west that made Rome rich.

Robertson: Rev 18:3 - Of her wantonness

Of her wantonness ( tou strēnous autēs ).

Late word for arrogance, luxury, here alone in N.T. See strēniaō in Rev 18:7, Rev 18:9, to live wantonly.

Robertson: Rev 18:4 - Come forth, my people, out of her

Come forth, my people, out of her ( exelthate , ho laos mou , ex autēs ).

Second aorist (urgency) active imperative (̇a form) of exerchomai . Like Isa 48:20; Isa 52:11; Jer 50:8; Jer 51:6, (about Babylon). See also the call of Abram (Gen 12:1). the rescue of Lot (Gen 19:12.). In the N.T. see Mar 13:4; 2Co 6:14; Eph 5:11; 1Ti 5:11. Hosea laos is vocative with the form of the nominative.

Robertson: Rev 18:4 - That ye have no fellowship with her sins

That ye have no fellowship with her sins ( hina mē sunkoinōnēsēte tais hamartais autēs ).

Purpose clause with hina mē and the first aorist active subjunctive of sunkoinōneō , old compound (sun , together, koinōnos , partner), in N.T. only here, Phi 4:14; Eph 5:11. With associative instrumental case hamartiais .

Robertson: Rev 18:4 - And that ye receive not of her plagues

And that ye receive not of her plagues ( kai ek tōn plēgōn autēs hina mē labēte ).

Another purpose clause dependent on the preceding, with hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of lambanō , and with proleptic emphatic position of ek tōn plēgōn autēs before hina mē .

Robertson: Rev 18:5 - Have reached

Have reached ( ekollēthēsan ).

First aorist passive (deponent) indicative of kollaō , old verb (from kolla , gluten, glue), to cleave to, to join one another in a mass "up to heaven"(achri tou ouranou ). Cf. Jer 51:9; Zec 14:5.

Robertson: Rev 18:5 - Hath remembered

Hath remembered ( emnēmoneusen ).

First aorist (prophetic) active indicative of mnēmoneuō , here with the accusative (adikēmata , iniquities) instead of the genitive (Col 4:18).

Robertson: Rev 18:6 - Render as she rendered

Render as she rendered ( apodote hōs apedōken ).

Second aorist (effective) active imperative and first aorist (effective) active of apodidōmi , old and common verb for requital, to give back, the lex talionis which is in the O.T. (Jer 50:15, Jer 50:29; Jer 51:24, Jer 51:56; Psa 137:8), and in the N.T. also (Mat 7:2). Here the reference is to persecutions by Rome, particularly the martyrdom of the saints (Rev 18:24; Rev 19:2).

Robertson: Rev 18:6 - Double the double

Double the double ( diplōsate ta dipla ).

First aorist imperative of diploō , old verb (from diploos , double, Mat 23:15), here only in N.T. Diplā is simply the neuter plural accusative (cognate) contract form for diploa (not diplō ). Requite here in double measure, a full requital (Exo 22:4, Exo 22:7, Exo 22:9; Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18; Jer 17:18; Zec 9:12). The double recompense was according to the Levitical law.

Robertson: Rev 18:6 - Which she mingled

Which she mingled ( hōi ekerasen ).

First aorist active indicative of kerannumi . The relative hōi is attracted to the locative case of its antecedent potēriōi (cup), for which see Rev 14:8, Rev 14:10; Rev 17:4; Rev 18:3.

Robertson: Rev 18:6 - Mingle unto her double

Mingle unto her double ( kerasate autēi diploun ).

First aorist active imperative of the same verb kerannumi , with the same idea of double punishment.

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - How much soever

How much soever ( hosa ).

Indefinite quantitative relative pronoun hosos in the accusative (cognate) neuter plural object of edoxasen (first aorist active indicative of doxazō ).

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - Herself

Herself ( hautēn ).

Reflexive pronoun, accusative also with edoxasen .

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - Waxed wanton

Waxed wanton ( estrēniasen ).

First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of strēniaō (to live luxuriously), verb in late comedy instead of truphaō (Jam 5:5), from strēnos (Rev 18:3), only here in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - So much give her of torment and mourning

So much give her of torment and mourning ( tosouton dote autēi basanismon kai penthos ).

Second aorist active imperative of didōmi , to give. The correlative pronoun tosouton is masculine singular accusative, agreeing with basanismon , for which see Rev 9:5; Rev 14:11, and is understood with the neuter word penthos (mourning), in N.T. only in Jam 4:9; Rev 18:7.; Rev 21:4 (kin to pathos , penomai ).

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - I sit a queen

I sit a queen ( kathēmai basilissa ).

Predicate nominative for the old form basileia (basilis ), as in Mat 12:42. Babylon and Tyre had preceded Rome in such boasting (Isa 47:7-9; Eze 27:3; Eze 28:2; Zep 2:15).

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - And am no widow

And am no widow ( kai chēra ouk eimi ).

Feminine of the adjective chēros (barren), old word (Mar 12:40).

Robertson: Rev 18:7 - Shall in no wise see mourning

Shall in no wise see mourning ( penthos ou mē idō ).

Confident boast of security with emphatic position of penthos (see above) and double negative ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive of horaō (defective verb).

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - Therefore

Therefore ( dia touto ).

Because of her presumption added to her crimes.

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - In one day

In one day ( en miāi hēmerāi ).

Symbolical term for suddenness like miāi hōrāi , in one hour (Rev 18:10, Rev 18:16, Rev 18:19). John has in mind still Isa 47:7-9.

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - Shall come

Shall come ( hēxousin ).

Future active of hēkō . Her plagues are named (death, mourning, famine).

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - She shall be utterly burned

She shall be utterly burned ( katakauthēsetai ).

Future passive of katakaiō (perfective use of kata ).

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - With fire

With fire ( en puri ).

"In fire,"as in Rev 17:16.

Robertson: Rev 18:8 - Which judged her

Which judged her ( ho krinas autēn ).

Articular first aorist active participle of krinō referring to kurios ho theos (the Lord God). The doom of Babylon is certain because of the power of God.

Robertson: Rev 18:9 - Shall weep

Shall weep ( klausousin ).

Future active of klaiō , middle klausontai in Attic, as in Joh 16:20.

Robertson: Rev 18:9 - And wail over her

And wail over her ( kai kopsontai ep' autēn ).

Future direct middle of koptō , old verb, to beat, to cut, middle to beat oneself (Rev 1:7). For combination with klaiō as here see Luk 8:52. See Rev 17:2; Rev 18:3, Rev 18:7 for hoi porneusantes kai strēniasantes ).

Robertson: Rev 18:9 - When they look upon

When they look upon ( hotan blepōsin ).

Indefinite temporal clause with hotan and the present active subjunctive of blepō .

Robertson: Rev 18:9 - The smoke of her burning

The smoke of her burning ( ton kapnon tēs purōseōs autēs ).

Purōsis is an old word (from puroō to burn), in N.T. only 1Pe 4:12; Rev 18:9, Rev 18:18. See Rev 18:8 for other plagues on Rome, but fire seems to be the worst (Rev 17:16; Rev 18:8, Rev 18:9, Rev 18:17; Rev 19:3).

Robertson: Rev 18:10 - Standing afar off

Standing afar off ( apo makrothen hestēkotes ).

Perfect active (intransitive) participle of histēmi . Vivid picture of the terrible scene, fascinated by the lurid blaze (cf. Nero’ s delight in the burning of Rome in a.d. 64), and yet afraid to draw near. On apo makrothen see Mar 5:6. There is a weird charm in a burning city. They feared the same fate (cf. Rev 18:7 for basanismou , torment).

Robertson: Rev 18:10 - Woe, woe, the great city

Woe, woe, the great city ( ouai , ouai , hē polis hē megalē ).

Only example in the Apocalypse of the nominative with ouai except Rev 18:16, Rev 18:19, though in Luk 6:25 and common in lxx (Isa 5:7, 11, etc.). For the dative see Rev 8:13, once so "strong"(hē ischura )!

Robertson: Rev 18:10 - In one hour

In one hour ( miāi hōrāi ).

Repeated in Rev 18:16, Rev 18:19, and like miāi hēmerāi (in one day) in Rev 18:8. Some MSS. have here mian hōran , like poian hōran (accusative of extent of time) in Rev 3:3. See Rev 18:8 (ho krinas ) for hē krisis sou (thy judgment). This is the dirge of the kings.

Robertson: Rev 18:11 - The merchants

The merchants ( hoi emporoi ).

As in Rev 18:3, Rev 18:15, Rev 18:23. The dirge of the merchants follows the wail of the kings.

Robertson: Rev 18:11 - Weep and mourn

Weep and mourn ( klaiousin kai penthousin ).

Present active indicatives of klaiō and pentheō as in Rev 18:9 (for klaiō ), Rev 18:15, and Rev 18:19.

Robertson: Rev 18:11 - For no man buyeth their merchandise any more

For no man buyeth their merchandise any more ( hoti ton gomon autōn oudeis agorazei ouketi ).

Reason enough for their sorrow over Rome’ s fall. Gomos is old word (from gemō to be full) for a ship’ s cargo (Act 21:3) and then any merchandise (Rev 18:11.). Galen, Pliny, Aristides tell of the vastness of the commerce and luxury of Rome, the world’ s chief market. Many of the items here are like those in the picture of the destruction of Tyre in Ezek 26; 27. There are twenty-nine items singled out in Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13 of this merchandise or cargo (gomon ), imports into the port of Rome. Only a few need any comment.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Of fine linen

Of fine linen ( bussinou ).

Genitive case after gomon , as are all the items to kokkinou . Old adjective from bussos (linen, Luk 16:19), here a garment of linen, in N.T. only Rev 18:12, Rev 18:16; Rev 19:8, Rev 19:14.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Purple

Purple ( porphuras ).

Fabric colored with purple dye (porphureos , Rev 17:4; Rev 18:16), as in Mar 15:17, Mar 15:20; Luk 16:19.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Silk

Silk ( sirikou ).

So the uncials here. To sērikon (the silken fabric) occurs in Plutarch, Strabo, Arrian, Lucian, only here in N.T. Probably from the name of the Indian or Chinese people (hoi Sēres ) from whom the fabric came after Alexander invaded India. Silk was a costly article among the Romans, and for women as a rule.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Scarlet

Scarlet ( kokkinou ).

See Rev 17:4; Rev 18:16.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - All thyine wood

All thyine wood ( pan xulon thuinon ).

Now accusative again without gomon dependence. An odoriferous North African citrus tree, prized for the colouring of the wood for dining-tables, like a peacock’ s tail or the stripes of a tiger or panther. Here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Of ivory

Of ivory ( elephantinon ).

Old adjective (from elephas elephant) agreeing with skeuos (vessel), here only in N.T. Cf. Ahab’ s ivory palace (1Ki 22:39).

Robertson: Rev 18:12 - Of marble

Of marble ( marmarou ).

Old word (from marmairō , to glisten), genitive after skeuos (vessel), here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Cinnamon

Cinnamon ( kinnamōmon ).

Old word transliterated into English, here only in N.T. Of Phoenician origin (Herodotus) as to name and possibly from South China.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Spice

Spice ( amōmon ).

A fragrant plant of India, amomum , for perfume.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Incense

Incense ( thumiamata ).

See Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Ointment

Ointment ( muron ).

See Mat 26:7.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Frankincense

Frankincense ( libanon ).

See Rev 8:3.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Fine flour

Fine flour ( semidalin ).

Old word for finest wheaten flour, here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Of horses

Of horses ( hippōn ).

Here then is a return to the construction of the genitive after gomon in Rev 18:12, though not used here, an anomalous genitive construction (Charles).

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Of chariots

Of chariots ( redōn ).

A Gallic word for a vehicle with four wheels, here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Of slaves

Of slaves ( somatōn ).

"Of bodies,"treated as animals or implements, like the horses and the chariots (cf. rickshaw men in China). This use of sōma for slave occurs in Gen 34:29; Tob 10:11 (sōmata kai ktēnē , slaves and cattle); 2 Macc. 8:11.

Robertson: Rev 18:13 - Souls of men

Souls of men ( psuchas anthrōpōn ).

Deissmann ( Bible Studies , p. 160) finds this use of sōma for slave in the Egyptian Delta. Return to the accusative psuchas . From Num 31:35; 1Ch 5:21; Eze 27:13. This addition is an explanation of the use of sōmata for slaves, "human live stock"(Swete), but slaves all the same. Perhaps kai here should be rendered "even,"not "and": "bodies even souls of men."The slave merchant was called sōmatemporos (body merchant).

Vincent: Rev 18:1 - Was lightened

Was lightened

Compare Eze 43:2.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Mightily with a strong voice

Mightily with a strong voice ( ἐν ἰσχύΐ́ φωνῇ μεγὰλῃ )

Lit., in strength with a great voice . Omit μεγάλῃ great , and read ἰσχυρᾷ φωνῇ with a mighty voice . So Rev.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Babylon - is fallen

Babylon - is fallen

The Rev. improves on the A.V. by placing fallen in the emphatic position of the Greek: " Fallen, fallen is Babylon." Compare Isa 21:9.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Is become

Is become ( ἐγένετο )

Lit., became.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Devils

Devils ( δαιμόνων )

Properly, demons , which Rev., strangely commits to the margin. See on Mar 1:34. See Isa 13:20-22; Isa 34:13-15. Also on Luk 11:24.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Hold

Hold ( φυλακὴ )

See on 1Pe 3:19, and see on Act 5:21. Rev., in margin, prison .

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Cage

Cage ( φυλακὴ )

The word rendered above hold . Rev., hold . Some, however, explain it, not as a cage where they are kept, but as a place of safety to which they resort.

Vincent: Rev 18:2 - Bird

Bird ( ὀρνέου )

Only in Revelation, here, Rev 19:17, Rev 19:21. Compare Jer 50:39.

Vincent: Rev 18:3 - Have drunk

Have drunk ( πέπωκεν or πέπωκαν )

Some, however, read πέπτωκαν have fallen . So Rev.

Vincent: Rev 18:3 - Of the wine

Of the wine ( ἐκ τοῦ οἴνου )

Thus if we read have drunk . If we adopt have fallen , ἐκ is instrumental, by . So Rev.

Vincent: Rev 18:3 - Of the wrath

Of the wrath

The wine of fornication has turned to wrath against herself.

Vincent: Rev 18:3 - Merchants

Merchants ( ἔμποροι )

The word originally means one on a journey by sea or land, especially for traffic. Hence a merchant as distinguished from κάπηλος a retailer or huckster .

Vincent: Rev 18:3 - The abundance of her delicacies

The abundance of her delicacies ( τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ στρήνους αὐτῆς )

Lit., as Rev., the power of her luxury . Στρῆνος is akin to στερεός firm , hard , stubborn (see on steadfast , 1Pe 5:9). Hence over-strength, luxury, wantonness. Only here in the New Testament. The kindred verb στρηνιάω to live deliciously occurs Rev 18:7, Rev 18:9.

Vincent: Rev 18:4 - Come out of her

Come out of her

Compare Jer 51:6, Jer 51:45; Isa 48:20; Isa 52:11; Num 16:26.

Vincent: Rev 18:4 - Have fellowship with

Have fellowship with ( συγκοινωνήσητε )

This compound verb is not of frequent occurrence in the New Testament. It is found only in Eph 5:11, Phi 4:14, and here. On the kindred noun συγκοινωνὸς companion , see on Rev 1:9.

Vincent: Rev 18:5 - Have reached

Have reached ( ἠκολούθησαν )

Lit., followed . But the best texts read ἐκολλήθησαν clave . Compare Jer 51:9. For different applications of the verb see on Mat 19:5; see on Luk 15:15; see on Act 5:13. Compare the classical phrase for following up closely a fleeing foe, hoerere in terga hostium , to cleave to the backs of the enemy . See also Zec 14:5 (Sept.), " The valley of the mountains shall reach (ἐγκολληθήσεται ) unto Azal." The radical idea of the metaphor is that of following or reaching after so as to be joined to.

Vincent: Rev 18:6 - Double

Double ( διπλώσατε )

Only here in the New Testament. Compare Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18; Zec 9:12. The Levitical law insisted on the double recompense. See Exo 22:4, Exo 22:7, Exo 22:9.

Vincent: Rev 18:7 - Lived deliciously

Lived deliciously ( ἐστρηνίασεν )

See on Rev 18:3.

Vincent: Rev 18:7 - Torment

Torment ( βασανισμὸν )

Only in Revelation. On the kindred word, βάσανος torment , see on Mat 4:23, Mat 4:24.

Vincent: Rev 18:7 - I sit a queen and am no widow

I sit a queen and am no widow

See Isa 47:8; Zep 2:15.

Vincent: Rev 18:8 - Therefore shall her plagues come, etc

Therefore shall her plagues come, etc.

See Isa 47:8, Isa 47:9.

Vincent: Rev 18:8 - Who judgeth

Who judgeth ( ὁ κρίνων )

Read κρίνας judged .

Vincent: Rev 18:11 - Merchandise

Merchandise ( γόμον )

Only here, Rev 18:12, and Act 21:3. From γέμω to be full . Hence, literally, lading or cargo . So Rev., in margin.

The main features of the following description are taken from that of the destruction of Tyre, Ezekiel 26, 27.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Fine Linen

Fine Linen ( βύσσου )

See on Luk 16:19.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Purple

Purple ( πορφύρας )

See on Luk 16:19.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Silk

Silk ( σηρικοῦ )

Properly an adjective, meaning pertaining to the Seres . From Σῆρες Seres , a people of India, perhaps of modern China.

Before the time of Justinian, when silkworms were first brought to Constantinople, it was thought that the Seres gathered or combed the downy substance woven by the worms from the leaves of certain trees. Hence Virgil speaks of the Seres, how they comb ( depectant ) the fine fleeces from the leaves (" Georgics," ii., 121).

Silk was a costly article of luxury among the Romans, so that Tacitus relates that in the reign of Tiberius a law was passed against " men disgracing themselves with silken garments" (" Annals," ii., 33). " Two hundred years after the age of Pliny," says Gibbon, " the use of pure or even of mixed silks was confined to the female sex, till the opulent citizens of Rome and the provinces were insensibly familiarized with the example of Elagabalos, the first who, by this effeminate habit, had sullied the dignity of an emperor and a man. Aorelian complained that a pound of silk was sold at Rome for twelve ounces of gold" (" Decline and Fall," ch. xl.).

At the time of Justinian the Persians held a monopoly of this trade. Two missionary monks residing in China imparted to Justinian the project of introducing the eggs of the silkworm into Europe, and returning to China concealed the eggs in a hollow cane and so transported them.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Scarlet

Scarlet

See on Mat 27:6.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Thyine wood

Thyine wood ( ξύλον θύΐ́νον )

Only here in the New Testament. From θυία or θύα the citrus , a North-African tree, a native of Barbary, used as incense and for inlaying. Pliny speaks of a mania among the Romans for tables made of this wood. The most expensive of these were called orbes , circles , because they were massive plates of wood cut from the stem in its whole diameter. Pliny mentions plates four feet in diameter, and nearly six inches thick. The most costly were those taken from near the root, both because the tree was broadest there, and because the wood was dappled and speckled. Hence they were described by different epithets according as the markings resembled those of the tiger, the panther, or the peacock.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Vessel

Vessel ( σκεῦος )

See on 1Pe 3:7, and see on Act 9:15. Also see on goods , Mat 12:29; see on Mar 3:27; and see on strake sail , Act 27:17.

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Of ivory

Of ivory ( ἐλεφάντινον )

Only here in the New Testament. References to ivory are frequent in the Old Testament. The navy of Tarshish brought ivory to Solomon with apes and peacocks (1Ki 10:22). His great throne was made of it (1Ki 10:18). Ahab's ivory palace (1Ki 22:39) was probably a house with ivory panels. " Ivory palaces" are mentioned in Psa 45:8, and " houses of ivory" in Amo 3:15. The Assyrians carried on a great trade in this article. On the obelisk in the British Museum the captives or tribute-bearers are represented as carrying tusks. The Egyptians early made use of it in decoration, bringing it mostly from Ethiopia, where, according to Pliny, ivory was so plentiful that the natives made of it door-posts and fences, and stalls for their cattle. In the early ages of Greece ivory was frequently employed for ornamental purposes, for the trappings of horses, the handles of kegs, and the bosses of shields. Homer represents an Asiatic woman staining ivory with purple to form trappings for horses, and describes the reins of chariot-horses as adorned with ivory. The statue of Jupiter by Phidias was of ivory and gold. In the " Odyssey" of Homer, Telemachus thus addresses his companion, the son of Nestor as they contemplate the splendor of Menelaus' palace:

" See, son of Nestor, my beloved friend,

In all these echoing rooms the sheen of brass,

Of gold, of amber and of ivory;

Such is the palace of Olympian Jove."

" Odyssey ," iv ., 71-74 .

Vincent: Rev 18:12 - Marble

Marble ( μαρμάρου )

From μαρμαίρω to sparkle or glisten .

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - Cinnamon

Cinnamon ( κινάμωμον )

Mentioned as one of the ingredients of the holy oil for anointing (Exo 30:23), and as a perfume for the bed (Pro 7:17).

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - And spice

And spice ( καὶ ἄμωμον )

These words are added by the best texts. A fragrant Indian plant, with seed in grape-like clusters, from which ointment was made. Preparations for the hair were made from it. Virgil, describing the coming golden age, says: " The Assyrian amomum shall spring up as a common plant" (" Eclogue" iv., 25; Compare " Eclogue" iii., 89). Forbiger (Virgil) says that the best was raised in Armenia, a poorer quality in Media and Pontus.

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - Fine flour

Fine flour ( σεμίδαλιν )

Only here in the New Testament.

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - Cattle

Cattle ( κτήνη )

See on Luk 10:34.

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - Merchandise of horses

Merchandise of horses

Merchandise is not in the text. It resumes the construction of γόμον merchandise with the genitive in Rev 18:12.

Vincent: Rev 18:13 - Chariots

Chariots ( ῥεδῶν )

A Latin word though of Gallic origin, rheda . It had four wheels.

Wesley: Rev 18:1 - And I saw another angel coming down out of heaven

Termed another, with respect to him who "came down out of heaven," Rev 10:1.

Wesley: Rev 18:1 - And the earth was enlightened with his glory

To make his coming more conspicuous. If such be the lustre of the servant, what images can display the majesty of the Lord, who has "thousand thousands" of those glorious attendants "ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand standing before him?"

Wesley: Rev 18:2 - And he cried, Babylon is fallen

This fall was mentioned before, Rev 14:8; but is now declared at large.

Wesley: Rev 18:2 - And is become an habitation

A free abode. Of devils, and an hold - A prison.

Wesley: Rev 18:2 - Of every unclean spirit

Perhaps confined there where they had once practised all uncleanness, till the judgment of the great day. How many horrid inhabitants hath desolate Babylon! of invisible beings, devils, and unclean spirits; of visible, every unclean beast, every filthy and hateful bird. Suppose, then, Babylon to mean heathen Rome; what have the Romanists gained, seeing from the time of that destruction, which they say is past, these are to be its only inhabitants for ever.

Wesley: Rev 18:4 - And I heard another voice

Of Christ, whose people, secretly scattered even there, are warned of her approaching destruction.

Wesley: Rev 18:4 - That ye be not partakers of her sins

That is, of the fruits of them. What a remarkable providence it was that the Revelation was printed in the midst of Spain, in the great Polyglot Bible, before the Reformation! Else how much easier had it been for the Papists to reject the whole book, than it is to evade these striking parts of it.

Wesley: Rev 18:5 - Even to heaven

An expression which implies the highest guilt.

Wesley: Rev 18:6 - Reward her

This God speaks to the executioners of his vengeance.

Wesley: Rev 18:6 - Even as she hath rewarded

Others; in particular, the saints of God.

Wesley: Rev 18:6 - And give her double

This, according to the Hebrew idiom, implies only a full retaliation.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - As much as she hath glorified herself

By pride, and pomp, and arrogant boasting.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - And lived deliciously

In all kinds of elegance, luxury, and wantonness.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - So much torment give her

Proportioning the punishment to the sin.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - Because she saith in her heart

As did ancient Babylon, Isa 47:8-9.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - I sit

Her usual style. Hence those expressions, "The chair, the see of Rome: he sat so many years." As a queen - Over many kings, "mistress of all churches; the supreme; the infallible; the only spouse of Christ; out of which there is no salvation." And am no widow - But the spouse of Christ.

Wesley: Rev 18:7 - And shall see no sorrow

From the death of my children, or any other calamity; for God himself will defend "the church."

Wesley: Rev 18:8 - Therefore

as both the natural and judicial consequence of this proud security Shall her plagues come - The death of her children, with an incapacity of bearing more.

Wesley: Rev 18:8 - Sorrow

of every kind.

Wesley: Rev 18:8 - And famine

In the room of luxurious plenty: the very things from which she imagined herself to be most safe.

Wesley: Rev 18:8 - For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her

Against whom therefore all her strength, great as it is, will not avail.

Wesley: Rev 18:10 - Thou strong city

Rome was anciently termed by its inhabitants, Valentia, that is, strong. And the word Rome itself, in Greek, signifies strength. This name was given it by the Greek strangers.

Wesley: Rev 18:12 - Merchandise of gold, &c.

_Almost all these are still in use at Rome, both in their idolatrous service, and in common life.

Wesley: Rev 18:12 - Fine linen

The sort of it mentioned in the original is exceeding costly.

Wesley: Rev 18:12 - Thyine wood

A sweet - smelling wood not unlike citron, used in adorning magnificent palaces.

Wesley: Rev 18:12 - Vessels of most precious wood

Ebony, in particular, which is often mentioned with ivory: the one excelling in whiteness, the other in blackness; and both in uncommon smoothness.

Wesley: Rev 18:13 - Amomum

A shrub whose wood is a fine perfume.

Wesley: Rev 18:13 - And beasts

Cows and oxen.

Wesley: Rev 18:13 - And of chariots

a purely Latin word is here inserted in the Greek. This St. John undoubtedly used on purpose, in describing the luxury of Rome.

Wesley: Rev 18:13 - And of bodies

A common term for slaves.

Wesley: Rev 18:13 - And souls of men

For these also are continually bought and sold at Rome. And this of all others is the most gainful merchandise to the Roman traffickers.

JFB: Rev 18:1 - And

So Vulgate and ANDREAS. But A, B, Syriac, and Coptic omit "And."

JFB: Rev 18:1 - power

Greek, "authority."

JFB: Rev 18:1 - lightened

"illumined."

JFB: Rev 18:1 - with

Greek, "owing to."

JFB: Rev 18:2 - mightily . . . strong

Not supported by manuscripts. But A, B, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, "with (literally, 'in') a mighty voice."

JFB: Rev 18:2 - is fallen, is fallen

So A, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS. But B and Coptic omit the second "is fallen" (Isa 21:9; Jer 51:8). This phrase is here prophetical of her fall, still future, as Rev 18:4 proves.

JFB: Rev 18:2 - devils

Greek, "demons."

JFB: Rev 18:2 - the hold

A keep or prison.

JFB: Rev 18:3 - drunk

Rev 14:8, from which perhaps "the wine" may have been interpolated. They have drunk of her fornication, the consequence of which will be wrath to themselves. But A, B, and C read, "(owing to the wrath of her fornication all nations) have fallen." Vulgate and most versions read as English Version, which may be the right reading though not supported by the oldest manuscripts. Babylon, the whore, is destroyed before the beast slays the two witnesses (Rev 11:7), and then the beast himself is destroyed.

JFB: Rev 18:3 - the wine

So B, Syriac, and Coptic. But A, C, and Vulgate omit.

JFB: Rev 18:3 - abundance

Literally, "power."

JFB: Rev 18:3 - delicacies

Greek, "luxury." See on 1Ti 5:11, where the Greek verb "wax wanton" is akin to the noun here. Translate, "wanton luxury." The reference is not to earthly merchandise, but to spiritual wares, indulgences, idolatries, superstitions, worldly compromises, wherewith the harlot, that is, the apostate Church, has made merchandise of men. This applies especially to Rome; but the Greek, and even in a less degree Protestant churches, are not guiltless. However, the principle of evangelical Protestantism is pure, but the principle of Rome and the Greek church is not so.

JFB: Rev 18:4 - Come out of her, my people

Quoted from Jer 50:8; Jer 51:6, Jer 51:45. Even in the Romish Church God has a people: but they are in great danger; their only safety is in coming out of her at once. So also in every apostate or world-conforming church there are some of God's invisible and true Church, who, if they would be safe, must come out. Especially at the eve of God's judgment on apostate Christendom: as Lot was warned to come out of Sodom just before its destruction, and Israel to come from about the tents of Dathan and Abiram. So the first Christians came out of Jerusalem when the apostate Jewish Church was judged. "State and Church are precious gifts of God. But the State being desecrated to a different end from what God designed it, namely. to govern for, and as under, God, becomes beast-like; the Church apostatizing becomes the harlot. The true woman is the kernel: beast and harlot are the shell: whenever the kernel is mature, the shell is thrown away" [AUBERLEN]. "The harlot is not Rome alone (though she is pre-eminently so), but every Church that has not Christ's mind and spirit. False Christendom, divided into very many sects, is truly Babylon, that is, confusion. However, in all Christendom the true Jesus-congregation, the woman clothed with the sun, lives and is hidden. Corrupt, lifeless Christendom is the harlot, whose great aim is the pleasure of the flesh, and which is governed by the spirit of nature and the world" [HAHN in AUBERLEN]. The first justification of the woman is in her being called out of Babylon the harlot, as the culminating stage of the latter's sin, when judgment is about to fall: for apostate Christendom, Babylon, is not to be converted, but to be destroyed. Secondly, she has to pass through an ordeal of persecution from the beast, which purifies and prepares her for the transfiguration glory at Christ's coming (Rev 20:4; Luk 21:28).

JFB: Rev 18:4 - be not partakers

Greek, "have no fellowship with her sins."

JFB: Rev 18:4 - that ye receive not of her plagues

As Lot's wife, by lingering too near the polluted and doomed city.

JFB: Rev 18:5 - her sins

As a great heap.

JFB: Rev 18:5 - reached

Greek, "reached so far as to come into close contact with, and to cleave unto."

JFB: Rev 18:6

Addressed to the executioners of God's wrath.

JFB: Rev 18:6 - Reward

Greek, "repay."

JFB: Rev 18:6 - she rewarded

English Version reading adds "you" with none of the oldest manuscripts. But A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit it. She had not rewarded or repaid the world power for some injury which the world power had inflicted on her; but she had given the world power that which was its due, namely, spiritual delusions, because it did not like to retain God in its knowledge; the unfaithful Church's principle was, "Populus vult decipi, et decipiatur." "The people like to be deceived, and let them be deceived."

JFB: Rev 18:6 - double

Of sorrow. Contrast with this the double of joy which Jerusalem shall receive for her past suffering (Isa 61:7; Zec 9:12); even as she has received double punishment for her sins (Isa 40:2).

JFB: Rev 18:6 - unto her

So Syriac, Coptic, and ANDREAS. A, B, and C omit it.

JFB: Rev 18:6 - in the cup

(Rev 18:3; Rev 14:8; Rev 17:4).

JFB: Rev 18:6 - filled

Literally "mixed."

JFB: Rev 18:6 - fill to her double

Of the Lord's cup of wrath.

JFB: Rev 18:7 - How much

That is in proportion as.

JFB: Rev 18:7 - lived deliciously

Luxuriously: see on Rev 18:3, where the Greek is akin.

JFB: Rev 18:7 - sorrow

Greek, "mourning," as for a dead husband.

JFB: Rev 18:7 - I sit

So Vulgate. But A, B, and C prefix "that."

JFB: Rev 18:7 - I . . . am no widow

For the world power is my husband and my supporter.

JFB: Rev 18:7 - shall see no sorrow

Greek, "mourning." "I am seated (this long time) . . . I am no widow . . . I shall see no sorrow," marks her complete unconcerned security as to the past, present, and future [BENGEL]. I shall never have to mourn as one bereft of her husband. As Babylon was queen of the East, so Rome has been queen of the West, and is called on Imperial coins "the eternal city." So Papal Rome is called by AMMIAN MARCELLIN [15.7]. "Babylon is a former Rome, and Rome a latter Babylon. Rome is a daughter of Babylon, and by her, as by her mother, God has been pleased to subdue the world under one sway" [AUGUSTINE]. As the Jew's restoration did not take place till Babylon's fall, so R. KIMCHI on Obadiah, writes, "When Rome (Edom) shall be devastated, there shall be redemption to Israel." Romish idolatries have been the great stumbling-blocks to the Jews' acceptance of Christianity.

JFB: Rev 18:8 - death

On herself, though she thought herself secure even from the death of her husband.

JFB: Rev 18:8 - mourning

Instead of her feasting.

JFB: Rev 18:8 - famine

Instead of her luxurious delicacies (Rev 18:3, Rev 18:7).

JFB: Rev 18:8 - fire

(See on Rev 17:16). Literal fire may burn the literal city of Rome, which is situated in the midst of volcanic agencies. As the ground was cursed for Adam's sin, and the earth under Noah was sunk beneath the flood, and Sodom was burnt with fire, so may Rome be. But as the harlot is mystical (the whole faithless Church), the burning may be mainly mystical, symbolizing utter destruction and removal. BENGEL is probably right in thinking Rome will once more rise to power. The carnal, faithless, and worldly elements in all churches, Roman, Greek, and Protestant, tend towards one common center, and prepare the way for the last form of the beast, namely, Antichrist. The Pharisees were in the main sound in creed, yet judgment fell on them as on the unsound Sadducees and half-heathenish Samaritans. So faithless and adulterous, carnal, worldly Protestant churches, will not escape for their soundness of creed.

JFB: Rev 18:8 - the Lord

So B, C, Syriac, and ANDREAS. But A and Vulgate omit. "Strong" is the meaning of God's Hebrew name, "EL."

JFB: Rev 18:8 - judgeth

But A, B, and C read the past tense (Greek, "krinas"), "who hath judged her": the prophetical past for the future: the charge in Rev 18:4 to God's people to come out of her implies that the judgment was not yet actually executed.

JFB: Rev 18:9 - lived deliciously

Greek, "luxuriated." The faithless Church, instead of reproving, connived at the self-indulgent luxury of the great men of this world, and sanctioned it by her own practice. Contrast the world's rejoicing over the dead bodies of the two witnesses (Rev 11:10) who had tormented it by their faithfulness, with its lamentations over the harlot who had made the way to heaven smooth, and had been found a useful tool in keeping subjects in abject tyranny. Men's carnal mind relishes a religion like that of the apostate Church, which gives an opiate to conscience, while leaving the sinner license to indulge his lusts.

JFB: Rev 18:9 - bewail her

A, B, C, Syriac, Coptic, and CYPRIAN omit "her."

JFB: Rev 18:10

God's judgments inspire fear even in the worldly, but it is of short duration, for the kings and great men soon attach themselves to the beast in its last and worst shape, as open Antichrist, claiming all that the harlot had claimed in blasphemous pretensions and more, and so making up to them for the loss of the harlot.

JFB: Rev 18:10 - mighty

Rome in Greek means strength; though that derivation is doubtful.

JFB: Rev 18:11 - shall

So. B. But A and C read the present, "weep and mourn."

JFB: Rev 18:11 - merchandise

Greek, "cargo": wares carried in ships: ship-lading (compare Rev 18:17). Rome was not a commercial city, and is not likely from her position to be so. The merchandise must therefore be spiritual, even as the harlot is not literal, but spiritual. She did not witness against carnal luxury and pleasure-seeking, the source of the merchants' gains, but conformed to them (Rev 18:7). She cared not for the sheep, but for the wool. Professing Christian merchants in her lived as if this world not heaven, were the reality, and were unscrupulous as to the means of getting gain. Compare Notes, see on Zec 5:4-11, on the same subject, the judgment on mystical Babylon's merchants for unjust gain. All the merchandise here mentioned occurs repeatedly in the Roman Ceremonial.

JFB: Rev 18:12

(See on Rev 17:4).

JFB: Rev 18:12 - stones . . . pearls

Greek, "stone . . . pearl."

JFB: Rev 18:12 - fine linen

A, B, and C read Greek, "bussinou" for "bussou," that is, "fine linen manufacture" [ALFORD]. The manufacture for which Egypt (the type of the apostate Church, Rev 11:8) was famed. Contrast "the fine linen" (Eze 16:10) put on Israel, and on the New Testament Church (Rev 19:8), the Bride, by God (Psa 132:9).

JFB: Rev 18:12 - thyine wood

The citrus of the Romans: probably the cypressus thyoyides, or the thuia articulata. "Citron wood" [ALFORD]. A sweet-smelling tree of Cyrene in Lybia, used for incense.

JFB: Rev 18:12 - all manner vessels

Greek, "every vessel," or "furniture."

JFB: Rev 18:13 - cinnamon

Designed by God for better purposes: being an ingredient in the holy anointing oil, and a plant in the garden of the Beloved (Son 4:14); but desecrated to vile uses by the adulteress (Pro 7:17).

JFB: Rev 18:13 - odours

Of incense. A, C, Vulgate, and Syriac prefix "and amomium" (a precious hair ointment made from an Asiatic shrub). English Version reading is supported by Coptic and ANDREAS, but not oldest manuscripts.

JFB: Rev 18:13 - ointments

Greek, "ointment."

JFB: Rev 18:13 - frankincense

Contrast the true "incense" which God loves (Psa 141:2; Mal 1:11).

JFB: Rev 18:13 - fine flour

The similago of the Latins [ALFORD].

JFB: Rev 18:13 - beasts

Of burden: cattle.

JFB: Rev 18:13 - slaves

Greek, "bodies."

JFB: Rev 18:13 - souls of men

(Eze 27:13). Said of slaves. Appropriate to the spiritual harlot, apostate Christendom, especially Rome, which has so often enslaved both bodies and souls of men. Though the New Testament does not directly forbid slavery, which would, in the then state of the world, have incited a slave revolt, it virtually condemns it, as here. Popery has derived its greatest gains from the sale of masses for the souls of men after death, and of indulgences purchased from the Papal chancery by rich merchants in various countries, to be retailed at a profit [MOSHEIM, III, 95, 96].

Clarke: Rev 18:1 - The earth was lightened with his glory

The earth was lightened with his glory - This may refer to some extraordinary messenger of the everlasting Gospel, who, by his preaching and writings, should be the means of diffusing the light of truth and true religion over the earth.

Clarke: Rev 18:2 - Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen

Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen - This is a quotation from Isa 21:9 : And he said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground. This is applied by some to Rome pagan; by others to Rome papal; and by others to Jerusalem

Clarke: Rev 18:2 - Is become - the hold of every foul spirit

Is become - the hold of every foul spirit - See the parallel passages in the margin. The figures here point out the most complete destruction. A city utterly sacked and ruined, never to be rebuilt.

Clarke: Rev 18:3 - The wine of the wrath

The wine of the wrath - The punishment due to her transgressions, because they have partaken with her in her sins. See the note on Rev 14:8.

Clarke: Rev 18:4 - Come out of her, my people

Come out of her, my people - These words appear to be taken from Isa 48:20; Jer 1:8; Jer 51:6, Jer 51:45. The poet Mantuanus expresses this thought well: -

Vivere qui sancte cupitis, discelite; Roma

Omnia quum liceant, non licet esse bonum

"Ye who desire to live a godly life, depart; for, although all things are lawful at Rome, yet to be godly is unlawful.

Clarke: Rev 18:5 - Her sins have reached unto heaven

Her sins have reached unto heaven - They are become so great and enormous that the long-suffering of God must give place to his justice.

Clarke: Rev 18:6 - Reward her even as she rewarded you

Reward her even as she rewarded you - These words are a prophetic declaration of what shall take place: God will deal with her as she dealt with others.

Clarke: Rev 18:7 - How much she hath glorified herself

How much she hath glorified herself - By every act of transgression and sinful pampering of the body she has been preparing for herself a suitable and proportionate punishment.

Clarke: Rev 18:8 - Therefore shall her plagues come

Therefore shall her plagues come - Death, by the sword of her adversaries; mourning on account of the slaughter; and famine, the fruits of the field being destroyed by the hostile bands

Clarke: Rev 18:8 - Utterly burned with fire

Utterly burned with fire - Of what city is this spoken? Rome pagan has never been thus treated; Alaric and Totilas burnt only some parts with fire. Rome papal has not been thus treated; but this is true of Jerusalem, and yet Jerusalem is not generally thought to be intended.

Clarke: Rev 18:9 - The kings of the earth

The kings of the earth - Those who copied her superstitions and adopted her idolatries.

Clarke: Rev 18:10 - Standing afar off

Standing afar off - Beholding her desolations with wonder and astonishment, utterly unable to afford her any kind of assistance.

Clarke: Rev 18:11 - The merchants of the earth

The merchants of the earth - These are represented as mourning over her, because their traffic with her was at an end

Bishop Bale, who applies all these things to the Church of Rome, thus paraphrases the principal passages: -

The mighty kinges and potentates of the earth, not havinge afore their eyes the love and feare of God, have committed with this whore moste vile filthynesse; abusinge themselves by many straunge or uncommaunded worshippings, and bynding themselves by othe to observe hyr lawes and customs. At the examples, doctrines, counsels, and perswasions of hyr holy whoremongers, have they broken the covenaunts of peace; battailed, oppressed, spoyled, ravished, tyrannously murthered innocents; yea, for vain foolish causes, and more vaine titles, as though there were neither heaven nor hel, God nor accounts to be made

"And her mitred marchantes, hyr shorne souldiers, hir massemongers, hyr soulesellers, and hir martbrokers, waxed very riche, through the sale of hir oyles, creme, salt, water, bread, orders, hallowings, houselinges, ashes, palme, waxe, frankensence, beades, crosses, candlesticks, copes, belles, organes, images, reliques, and other pedlary wares

"They have gotten in unto them pallaces and princely houses, fat pastors and parkes, meadowes and warrens, rivers and pondes, villages and towns, cities and whole provinces, with the divill and all els; besides other men’ s wives, daughters, mayde servantes, and children, whom they have abhominably corrupted. What profites they have drawen unto them also by the sale of great bishopricks, prelacies, promocions, benefices, tot quoties, pardons, pilgrymages, confessions, and purgatory; besides the yearely rents of cathedrall churches, abbayes, colleges, covents, for sutes and suche other. - Specially shal they be sore discontented with the matter, which have with hir committed the whordom of the spyrite, by many externe worshipings of drye waffer cakes, oyles, roods, relyques, ladyes, images, sculles, bones, chippes, olde ragges, showes, (shoes), bootes, spurres, hattes, breches, whodes, night capes, and such like

"And they that have lived wantonly with hir, (Rev 18:9), in following hir idle observacions, in mattenses, houres, and masses; in sensinges, halowings, and font halowing; in going processions with canapye, crosse, and pyx; with banneres, stremers, and torche light; with such other gaudes to folish for children

"Alas, alas, that great cyty (Rev 18:10) that beautiful Babilon, that blessed holy mother the Church, which somtime had so many popes pardons, so many bishoppes blessinges, so many holye stations, so many cleane remissions a pena et culpa, so many good ghostly fathers, so many religious orders, so much holy water for spirites, and Saint John’ s gospel, with the five woundes and the length of our Lord for drowning, is nowe decayed for ever

‘ Alas, alas, who shall pray for us now? Who shall singe dirges and trentoles? Who shal spoile us of our sinnes? Who shal give us ashes and palmes? Who shal blesse us with a spade, and singe us out of purgatory when we are deade? If we lacke these things we are like to want heaven. These are the desperate complaints of the wicked."

Clarke: Rev 18:12 - The merchandise of gold, and silver, etc.

The merchandise of gold, and silver, etc. - The same author, Bishop Bale, who was once a priest of the Romish Church, goes on to apply all these things to that Church; and whether the text have this meaning or not, they will show us something of the religious usages of his time, and the real mockery of this intolerant and superstitious Church. Speaking in reference to the Reformation, and the general light that had been diffused abroad by the word of God, which was then translated into the vulgar tongue, and put into the hands of the people at large, he says: -

"They will pay no more money for the housell sippings, bottom blessings; nor for ‘ seest me and seest me not,’ above the head and under of their chalices, which in many places be of fine gold. Neyther regarde they to kneele anye more downe, and to kisse their pontificall rings which are of the same metal. They will be no more at coste to have the ayre beaten, and the idols perfumed with their sensers at pryncipall feastes; to have their crucifixes layde upon horses, or to have them solemply borne aloft in their gaddings abroade; with the religious occupyings of their paxes, cruettes, and other jewels which be of silver

"Neyther passe they greatly to beholde precyous stones any more in their two-horned miters, whan they hollow their churches, give theyr whorishe orders, and tryumphantly muster in processions. Nor in costuous pearles in theyr copes perrours, and chysibilles, whan they be in their prelately pompous sacrifices. Men, knowing the worde of God, supposeth that their ornaments of silk, wherewith they garnishe their temples and adorne their idolles, is very blasphemous and divillish. They thinke also, that their fayre white rockets of raynes, or fine linnen cloath; their costly gray amices, of calaber and cattes tayles; theyr fresh purple gownes, whan they walke for their pleasures; and their read scarlet frockes, whan they preach lyes in the pulpit, are very superfluous and vayne

"In their thynen wood (whom some men call algume trees, some basill, some corall) may be understande all theyr curious buildings of temples, abbeys, chappels, and chambers; all shrines, images, church stooles, and pews that are well payed for; all banner staves, paternoster scores, and peeces of the holy crosse

"The vessels of ivory comprehendeth all their maundye dyshes, their offring platters, their relique chestes, their god boxes, their drinking horns, their sipping cuppes for the hiccough, their tables whereupon are charmed their chalises and vestiments; their standiches, their combes, their muske balles, their pomaunder pottes, and their dust boxes, with other toyes

"The vessels of precious stone; which after some interpretours, are of precious stone, or after some are of most precious wood; betokeneth their costuous cuppes, or cruses of jasper, jacinct, amel, and fine beral; and their alabaster boxes, wherwith they annointe kinges, confirme children, and minister their holy whorish orders. Their pardon masers, or drinking dishes, as St. Benit’ s bole, St. Edmond’ s bole, St. Giles’ s bole, St. Blythe’ s bole, and Westminster bole, with such other holy re-liques

"Of brasse, which containeth latten, copper, alcumine, and other harde metals, are made all their great candlesticks, holy water kettles, lampes, desks, pyllers, butterasses, bosses, bels, and many other thinges more

"Of strong yron are the braunches made that holde up the lightes before their false gods; the tacks that sustayne them for fallinge; the lockes that save them from the robberye of thieves; their fyre pans, bars, and poolyes, with many other straunge ginnes besides

"With marble most commonlye pave they their temples, and build strong pillers and arches in their great cathedrale churches and monastries; they make thereof also their superalities, their tumbs, and their solemne grave-stones; besides their other buildinges, with free-stone, flint, ragge, and brick, comprehended in the same.

Clarke: Rev 18:13 - And cinnamon

And cinnamon - " By the sinamon is ment all maner of costly spyces, wherewith they bury their byshops and founders, lest they shoulde stinke when they translate them agayne to make them saintes for advauntage

"By the smellynge odours, the swete herbes that they strewe abrode at theyr dedications and burials; besydes the damaske waters, bawmes, muskes, pomaunder, civet, and other curious confections they yet bestow upon theyr owne precious bodyes

"The oyntments are such oyles as they mingle with rose water, aloes, and spike, with other mery conceits, wherwith they anoynt their holy savours and roods, to make them to sweat, and to smell sweete when they are borne abrod in procession upon their high feastfull dayes

"Frankinsence occupye they ofte as a necessarie thinge in the sensyng of their idols, hallowinge of their paschal, conjuringe of their ploughes; besydes the blessing of their palmes, candles, ashes, and their dead men’ s graves, with requiescant in pace

"With wine synge they theyr masses for money, they housell the people at Easter, they wash their aultar stones upon Maundy Thursday; they fast the holy imber dayes, besydes other banketinges all the whole years, to kepe theyr flesh chaste

"With oyle smere they yonge infantes at baptisme and bishopping; they grease their massmongers, and gere them the mark of madian; they anele their cattell that starveth; and do many other feates els

"Fyne floure is suche a merchandyse of theirs as far excedeth all other, and was first geven them by Pope Alexander the first, thinkinge Christes institution not sufficient, nor comly in using the common breade in that ministerie. For that ware hath brought them in their plentifull possessions, their lordshippes, fatte benifices, and prebendaries, with innumerable plesures els

"Wheat have thei of their farms, whereof they make pardon bread and cakes, to draw people to devocion towardes them

"Cattell receive they, offered unto their idols by the idiots of the countries, for recover of sondrye diseases; besides that they have of their tithes

"Shepe have they, sometime of their owne pastures, sometime of begginge, sometime of bequestes for the dead, to cry them out of their feareful purgatorye, when they be asleepe at midnight

"Great horses have they, for mortuaries, for offices, for favers, giftes, and rewardes, to be good lords unto them, that they may holde still their farmes, and to have saunder waspe their sonne and their heire a priest; or to admitte him unto a manerly benefice, that he may be called ‘ maister person,’ and suche lyke

"Charets have they also, or horse litters, of al manner of sorts, specially at Rome, with foote men runninge on both sides of them, to make roome for the holy fathers. Of whom some carye their owne precious bodyes, some theyr treasure, some the blessed sacramente, some holy reliques and ornamentes, some their whores, and some their bastardes. The bodyes of men must needes be judged to be at their pleasure, so long as Christen provinces be tributaries unto them, princes obediente, people subject, and their lawes at their commaundement to slea and to kyll. And to make this good, who hath not in England payd his Peter peny, sometime to acknowledge hymselfe a bondman of theirs, at the receit of his yerely howsell? Furthermore yet, besides their market muster of monkes, fryars, and priestes, they have certayne bondmen, of whom some they sell to the Venicians, some to the Genues, some to the Portingales, and some to the Turks, to row in their galleis. And laste of all, to make up their market, least any thing should escape theyr hands, these unmercifull bribers maketh marchaundise of the soules of men, to deprive Christe of his whole right, sending many unto hell, but not one unto heaven, (unlesse they maliciously murther them for the truths sake), and all for mony. After many other sortes els, abuse they these good creatures of God, whom the Holy Ghost heere nameth. Much were it to shew here by the cronicles severally of what Pope they have received authorytie, power, and charge, to utter these wares to advauntage, and how they came firste by the old idolatrous.

Several of the most reputable MSS. versions, and some of the fathers, after cinnamon, add και αμωμον, and amomum. What this shrub was is not easy to say, though mentioned and partially described by Pliny and Dioscorides. Some think it was a species of geranium; others, the rose of Jericho. It was an odoriferous plant supposed to be a native of Assyria; and is thus mentioned by Virgil, Eclog. iv., ver. 25: -

- Assyrium vulgo nascetur amomum

"The Assyrian amomum shall grow in every soil.

This is translated by some spikenard; by others lady’ s rose

Clarke: Rev 18:13 - Thyine wood

Thyine wood - The Thyne or Thyin is said to be a tree whose boughs, leaves, stalks, and fruit, resemble the cypress. It is mentioned by Homer, Odyss, lib. v., ver. 60; by Theophrastes, Hist. Plant, Rev 18:5; and by Pliny, Hist. Nat. lib. xiii. c. 16. How much the different articles mentioned in the 12th and 13th verses were in request among the ancients, and how highly valued, every scholar knows

Clarke: Rev 18:13 - Slaves

Slaves - Σωματων· The bodies of men; probably distinguished here from ψυχας, souls of men, to express bondmen and freemen.

Defender: Rev 18:2 - Babylon the great

Even though Revelation 17 and 18 both have the same city in view, she is no longer called "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT," since her ecclesiastical aspects have been destroyed (Rev 17:16-18). At this point, approximately at the middle of the seven-year tribulation, all the ornate religious and cultural trappings of "the great whore" will have been destroyed by the ten-kingdom federation, and the beast will reign supreme in his great commercial and political capital, now called simply, "Babylon the great." This could not have referred to Babylon as it appeared in John's day. Even though Babylon still existed as a viable city at that time, there was little indication that the city of John's era could be called "great." At this point, the religions of the world, even in their final syncretistic New Age aspect, will have lost all their prestige and power; the beast and his false prophet will have total control.

Defender: Rev 18:2 - hateful bird

The ancient prophecies of Isa 13:19-22, fulfilled in part during the church age, will finally be completely fulfilled although Babylon's status as a habitation of "wild beasts" (Isa 13:21) and "hateful birds" (Rev 18:2) will only endure for a brief period before it finally vanishes forever. Though many commentators have thought that the past precursive fulfillment of this prophecy was its ultimate fulfillment, this belief encounters several fatal flaws. The latter is to be consummated only during the ultimate "day of the Lord" (Isa 13:6, Isa 13:9). Babylon has never yet become as barren "as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah" (Isa 13:19; Jer 50:40); it has never been completely devoid of human inhabitants (Isa 13:20; Jer 51:62); its fall was not accompanied by either terrestrial or celestial catastrophes (Isa 13:10, Isa 13:13); and it has never been thrown "into the midst of Euphrates" (Jer 51:63). All these calamities, therefore, must overtake it after its future restoration under the beast."

Defender: Rev 18:3 - fornication with her

This aspect of her wickedness applies mainly to her character as "MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH," with her false evolutionary pantheistic religious systems and the ungodly practices of their cultures (Jer 51:7; Rev 17:4).

Defender: Rev 18:3 - abundance of her delicacies

Ancient Babylon, beginning with Nimrod and brought to its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar, was also the mother of human covetousness and desire for wealth and luxuries. That same spirit infected many of the Jewish exiles there, as well as the trading partners of the Babylonians in other nations; and in every age and nation since, there have been some men who have been able to accumulate great wealth and even greater power than kings and emperors. Paul charged that covetousness was really idolatry (Eph 5:5, Col 3:5) and warned that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1Ti 6:10). Perhaps today, more so than ever in history, the real power of the nations rests in the hands of international financiers, industrial barons, shipping magnates and other men of great wealth who can manipulate governments almost like puppets. All of this wealth and power will finally be centered in Babylon the Great, after its installation as the world's great center - not only its geographical and population center, but also its center of finance, trade, communication, culture and government (see notes on Zec 5:5-11)."

Defender: Rev 18:4 - Come out of her

Compare Jer 51:45. It is a sad commentary on Christian men and women throughout history that their avarice and desire for acceptance by the world has made them so willing to compromise with the spirit of Babylon as it was manifested in their times. Even under the terrible judgments and repeated warnings and pleas of the Lord's witnesses during the early years of the tribulation, there will apparently be a number of new Christians choosing to live in Babylon. As always, God warns His people not to compromise with the Babylonian system, but to separate from it (2Co 6:14-18)."

Defender: Rev 18:7 - much torment and sorrow

Babylon will experience all the plagues inflicted on the rest of the world, in addition to intense suffering under the plagues of the sixth trumpet and fifth and sixth vials (Rev 9:14; Rev 16:10, Rev 16:12).

Defender: Rev 18:7 - shall see no sorrow

Compare Isa 47:1, Isa 47:7, Isa 47:8."

Defender: Rev 18:10 - Alas, alas

The same word (ouai) is translated as "woe" in Rev 8:13.

Defender: Rev 18:10 - one hour

Rev 18:8 suggested Babylon's troubles came "in one day." Obviously the great earthquake will be catastrophic (Rev 16:19), although it will not destroy Babylon as it does other great cities. It will be followed some time later by an all-engulfing fire, followed by other plagues; the end result is the complete demolition of the city and all its activities. The kings and leaders of the nations (those not already on the way to Armageddon) will observe the terrible fire "afar off," possibly by some form of visual media."

TSK: Rev 18:1 - I saw // and the

I saw : Rev 17:1

and the : Rev 21:23; Isa 60:1-3; Eze 43:2; Luk 17:24; 2Th 2:8

TSK: Rev 18:2 - cried // Babylon // become

cried : Rev 1:15, Rev 5:2, Rev 10:3, Rev 14:15; Jer 25:30; Joe 3:16

Babylon : Rev 18:10,Rev 18:21, Rev 14:8, Rev 16:19, Rev 17:5, Rev 17:18; Isa 13:19, Isa 21:9; Jer 51:8, Jer 51:60-64

become : Lev 11:13-19; Isa 13:20-22, Isa 14:23, Isa 21:8, Isa 34:11-15; Jer 50:39, Jer 50:40; Jer 51:37; Mar 5:3-5; Luk 8:27, Luk 8:28

TSK: Rev 18:3 - all // the merchants // abundance // her delicacies

all : Rev 18:9, Rev 14:8, Rev 17:2; Jer 51:7

the merchants : Rev 18:11-17, Rev 18:23; Isa 47:15; 2Pe 2:1-3

abundance : or, power, Pro 23:1-3

her delicacies : Jer 51:34; Lam 4:5; Luk 7:25

TSK: Rev 18:4 - Come // partakers

Come : Gen 19:12, Gen 19:13; Num 16:26, Num 16:27; Isa 48:20, Isa 52:11; Jer 50:8, Jer 51:6, Jer 51:45, Jer 51:50; Mat 24:15, Mat 24:16; 2Co 6:17

partakers : Psa 50:18; Mat 23:30; 1Ti 5:22; 2Jo 1:11

TSK: Rev 18:5 - reached // and

reached : Gen 18:20,Gen 18:21; 2Ch 28:9; Ezr 9:6; Jer 51:9; Jon 1:2

and : Rev 16:19

TSK: Rev 18:6 - Reward // double unto // the cup

Reward : Rev 13:10, Rev 16:5, Rev 16:6; Exo 21:23-25; Psa 137:8; Jer 50:15, Jer 50:29, Jer 51:24, Jer 51:49; 2Ti 4:14

double unto : Isa 40:2, Isa 61:7; Jer 16:18, Jer 17:18; Zec 9:12

the cup : Rev 14:10, Rev 16:19, Rev 17:2, Rev 17:4

TSK: Rev 18:7 - much she // I sit // no widow

much she : Isa 22:12-14, Isa 47:1, Isa 47:2, Isa 47:7-9; Eze 28:2-10; Zep 2:15; 2Th 2:4-8

I sit : Psa 45:9; Jer 13:18

no widow : Isa 47:7, Isa 47:8; Lam 1:1

TSK: Rev 18:8 - shall her // and she // for

shall her : Rev 18:10,Rev 18:17, Rev 18:19; Isa 47:9-11; Jer 51:6

and she : Rev 18:9, Rev 17:18, Rev 19:3; Jer 51:58

for : Rev 11:17; Job 9:19; Psa 62:11; Isa 27:1; Jer 50:31, Jer 50:34; 1Co 10:22

TSK: Rev 18:9 - the kings // shall bewail // the smoke

the kings : Rev 18:3, Rev 18:7, Rev 17:2, Rev 17:12, Rev 17:13

shall bewail : Rev 18:20; Psa 58:10; Jer 50:46; Eze 26:16, Eze 26:17, Eze 32:9, Eze 32:10; Dan 4:14; Zec 11:2, Zec 11:3

the smoke : Rev 18:18, Rev 14:11, Rev 19:3; Gen 19:28; Deu 29:23; Isa 13:19, Isa 30:33, Isa 34:9, Isa 34:10; Jer 50:40

TSK: Rev 18:10 - afar // Alas // that great // for

afar : Num 16:34

Alas : Rev 18:16, Rev 18:19; Jer 30:7; Joe 1:15; Amo 5:16

that great : Rev 14:8; Isa 21:9

for : Rev 18:8, Rev 18:17, Rev 18:19; Jer 51:8, Jer 51:9

TSK: Rev 18:11 - the merchants // buyeth

the merchants : Rev 18:3, Rev 18:9, Rev 18:15, Rev 18:20,Rev 18:23, Rev 13:16, Rev 13:17; Isa 23:1-15, Isa 47:15; Eze 26:17-21, Eze 27:27-36; Zep 1:11, Zep 1:18

buyeth : Pro 3:14; Mat 22:5; Joh 2:16; 2Pe 2:3

TSK: Rev 18:12 - merchandise // thyine

merchandise : Rev 17:4; 1Ki 10:11, 1Ki 10:12; Pro 8:10,Pro 8:11; Ezek. 27:5-25

thyine : or, sweet, 1Ki 10:11; 2Ch 2:8

TSK: Rev 18:13 - cinnamon // slaves // and souls

cinnamon : 1Ki 10:10,1Ki 10:15, 1Ki 10:25; 2Ch 9:9; Pro 7:17; Son 1:3, Son 4:13, Son 4:14, Son 5:5; Amo 6:6; Joh 12:3-8

slaves : or, bodies, Exo 21:16; Deu 24:7, Deu 28:68; Neh 5:4, Neh 5:5, Neh 5:8; Isa 50:1; Eze 27:13; Amo 2:6; Amo 8:6; 1Ti 1:10

and souls : By the sale of indulgences, dispensations, absolutions, masses, bulls, etc. 2Pe 2:3

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Rev 18:1 - angel // Having great power // And the earth was lightened with his glory

Rev 18:1-3 A mighty angel declareth the fall of Babylon.

Rev 18:4-7 God’ s people commanded to depart out of her.

Rev 18:8 After judgment.

Rev 18:9,10 The kings of the earth,

Rev 18:11-16 and the merchants,

Rev 18:17-19 and mariners, lament over her.

Rev 18:20 The saints are excited to rejoice over her.

Rev 18:21-24 A millstone cast into the sea denoteth her

irrecoverable fall.

It is a matter of no great moment, whether by this

angel we understand Christ, or a created angel; the description agreeth to Christ, and may agree to a created angel.

Having great power to whom God had given power and authority to declare the ruin of Babylon.

And the earth was lightened with his glory and he had communicated to him a great glory, suited to his splendour and greatness whose messenger he was.

Poole: Rev 18:2 - And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen // And is become the habitation of devils, &c.

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen: whoever was meant by the angel whom John saw, Rev 18:1 , his business was to give warning to the whole world, (therefore he crieth with a strong voice, ) that Rome, the great city, the mother of spiritual harlots, should fall. This angel was a prophet, and the messenger of him who calls the things that are not as if they were; and therefore he speaks in a Divine, prophetic style: the prophets (ordinarily) speaking of things to come as past, or present, to denote the certain futurity of them, and doubling their words to assure us of it; for this, is fallen, is; expounded by shall be thrown down, Rev 18:21 . We read of this angel, Rev 14:8 ; but it is ordinary with prophets to repeat the same things, and it is done as to the Chaldean Babylon, the type to this antitype, both Isaiah and Jeremiah declared in more than one sermon its certain approaching ruin. These words are taken from Isa 21:9 , where the word fallen is doubled, as here. They are found also, Jer 51:8 . God here explaineth what he had said before, Rev 14:8 .

And is become the habitation of devils, &c.: the words are such as might signify a sinful fall, or apostacy; and what is here, is true of it in that sense; idols in Scripture being ordinarily called devils: but they seem rather to be understood of a penal fall, for such is that spoken of Isa 21:9 , after which it should become a habitation of devils, and a cage of unclean birds. See the like spoken of literal Babylon, Isa 13:19-21 ; wild beasts and hateful birds usually frequenting desolate places.

Poole: Rev 18:3 - For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication // And the kings of the earth have committed, &c

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication that is, her fornications which have brought this wrath upon her.

And the kings of the earth have committed, &c. she hath not only herself committed idolatry, but allured others to it, teaching them to break the commandments of God, and hath influenced princes to establish, and propagate, and to uphold, and maintain it; and all sorts of men have been bewitched by her, growing rich by her abundance, and being drenched in her luxury.

Poole: Rev 18:4 - And heard another voice from heaven, saying // Come out of her, my people // of her sins // plagues

And heard another voice from heaven, saying: a command from God.

Come out of her, my people: they are the words of God by his prophet, Jer 50:8 51:6 , calling to his people, that the years of their captivity being now expired, and they having a liberty to go back to Jerusalem, they would not linger longer in Babylon, nor partake

of her sins for God was about to destroy that place; and if they were found in it, they would be in danger of being destroyed with it, especially if they were found partakers of its sins. But they are also a general warning to all to take heed of any fellowship with idolaters; and so the apostle applieth part of these words, 2Co 6:17 . Here they are applied to mystical Babylon, which is Rome antichristian. God calls to all that either love him, or their own souls, to forsake the commmion of it; for while they continue in it, they must partake of its sins, worshipping the beast, by paying, at his command, a Divine homage to saints and angels, to the virgin Mary, to images and statues, nay, to a piece of baker’ s bread; and doing so, they will be involved in her

plagues This text looks terribly upon those who apostatize to that idolatry; and instead of coming out, (in obedience to the command of God), being come out, go in again, and that not by compulsion, but out of choice, and voluntarily.

Poole: Rev 18:5 - For her sins have reached unto heaven // And God hath remembered her iniquities

For her sins have reached unto heaven that is, the cry of her sins; according to what is said of Sodom, (one of the types of antichrist), Gen 18:20,21 .

And God hath remembered her iniquities the time is come when God will punish her for her idolatry and persecution, and all the abominable things done and committed by her.

Poole: Rev 18:6

This verse soundeth in mine ears, as if God had reserved he ruin of the papacy to be effected by some protestant hands, some of those whom they had persecuted; if not some of their persons, yet some of the same faith.

Poole: Rev 18:7 - How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her // For she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: this speaketh thus much; That whenever God’ s time cometh for the ruin of the papacy, the condition of all that party shall appear as miserable as it appears now splendid and happy.

For she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow and one great reason of this so great affliction, will be the pride, presumption, and security of that faction, much after the rate of old Babylon, Isa 47:8 . Old Babylon thought itself impregnable; and new mystical Babylon thinks herself infallible and impregnable too; the only church, (if we will believe her), against whom the gates of hell shall not prevail.

Poole: Rev 18:8 - Therefore shall her plagues come in one day // In one day // Death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire // For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day as was threatened to old Babylon, Isa 47:9 .

In one day that is, in a short time.

Death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire all manner of judgments, till she be fully consumed.

For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her for she hath to do with a strong Lord: she thinks she hath secured herself from man, by interesting kings and princes in her quarrel; but it is the Lord that judgeth her, and she will find him strong enough to accomplish his word upon her.

Poole: Rev 18:9

Not all of them, for some of them shall help to burn her, Rev 17:16 ; but such as God had left to their hardness of heart, that they still live in her fellowship and communion: or, if others also, it must proceed from their humanity, not being able to see so splendid a city, as that of Rome, ruined, and so many ruined as will perish by her fall, without the moving of their bowels by some pity and commiseration.

Poole: Rev 18:10

As well as they loved her, they will not come nigh her in the time of her torments; the fire will be too hot for them, they will only stand aloof off, and pity her, that so great and brave a city should be so suddenly ruined; such a gay and splendid church, so politicly founded and put together, should be in a sudden so broken to pieces.

Poole: Rev 18:11

As the merchants, Eze 27:27 , lamented for Tyre, that they could barter and truck no more there, because all the trade thereof was destroyed; so those ecclesiastical merchants, that were wont to trade with Rome for indulgences, and pardons, and dispensations, and faculties, for cardinals’ caps, and bishoprics, and prebendaries, and other church preferments, shall lament when the papacy falls, that there will be no more such merchandise to be bought or sold there.

Poole: Rev 18:12-14 - gold, silver, precious stones // thyine wood, odours, ointments // beasts, sheep, horses, chariots

Ver. 12-14. Here is a large enumeration of several sorts of wares, such as were most precious,

gold, silver, precious stones such as were most useful for ornament,

fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet most gratifying the exterior senses,

thyine wood, odours, ointments & c.; most necessary,

beasts, sheep, horses, chariots all which, as is prophesied, shall depart from Rome: that is, whatsoever she had, which allured men into her idolatrous communion; all their idols and images, cardinals’ caps, priests’ copes, all their preferments and dignities, whatsoever served the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life; whatsoever their own carnal and ambitious minds, or the carnal and ambitious minds of others that courted this whore, thirsted after, which brought them to seek her communion; they should all perish, and she be despoiled of them. It is very remarkable, that here is one piece of merchandise to be had no where but at Rome, viz. the

souls of men which lets us know they are no earthly merchants that are here understood. As souls are to be sold a thousand ways, so they are to be bought; by paying for pardons, indulgences, dispensations, so the silly chapmen think they buy their own souls; by purchasing of cardinals’ caps, bishoprics, great livings, all manner of ecclesiastical dignities and preferments, so they really buy the souls of others; but when the papacy shall be wholly destroyed, none of these things shall any more be found.

PBC: Rev 18:1

Re 17:1-18 ended with a statement about the power of Jerusalem, " the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." The fact that the destruction of Jerusalem affected all nations verifies this, especially the destruction of the temple. All the kings of the earth whose nations furnished these rich adornments of the temple mourned over the loss of this income. We will know more about this loss as we go through Re 18:1-24.

Re 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Scripture does not reveal the identity of this powerful angel. We do know that he came from the presence of heavenly beings because of the light which emanated from his being. He came with a joyful proclamation to those being persecuted, and a sorrowful proclamation for those who thrived from income received for merchandise which they furnished.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:2

We will find this is no new message concerning Jerusalem (Babylon). How can Babylon correspond with Jerusalem? Examine the word used for Babylon. Babulon, bab-oo-lone’;(literally or figuratively) ([as a type of tyranny]). An important declaration is made in Re 14:8, " And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." [The same Greek word (Babulon) is used meaning literally, or figuratively] [as a type of tyranny]. We find another passage in Isaiah that use practically the same words, " And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground." {Isa 21:9} The Hebrew word used here for Babylon is Babel, meaning confusion.[1]  Another angel made this announcement following the angel who flew through the heavens having the everlasting gospel to preach to every kindred, tongue, and nation. The gospel he preached was, " Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship he that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." {Re 14:7-8} This announcement is made during the second cycle of God’s Judgment on Jerusalem.— Eld. Charles Taylor

[1] The interpretation used in Re 18:2 is a type of tyranny. There is a difference between confusion and tyranny.

PBC: Rev 18:3

Re 9:21; 14:8; 17:2; 18:3 all speak of the fornication of this city. She has been more interested in having fellowship with the world than she is in having fellowship with God. We must consider another point here. If this city under consideration was Rome, Scripture would not have called this sin fornication. Rome had no obligation toward a husband for she had none. Jerusalem had been called the wife by Isaiah. Now she is the harlot and God is in the process of destroying her.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:4

God now cries from heaven warning of this disaster and calling for His people to come out of her. Her sins are so great that no child of God can continue to be in her midst. We have stated earlier that God has not changed. He still hates sin among His people and will mete out punishment accordingly. The plagues which come on the world will reach even unto those who love the sins of the world.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:5

God is aware of her sins. Jerusalem has forgotten the God who led her through the wilderness and planted her here in the tops of the mountains.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:6

God has been longsuffering, even waiting long past the single filling of the cup of her iniquities. Yea, even to the double fulness.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:7

God first glorified her with the temple of God where he met with his people. Jerusalem has gone much further than that. She has added line upon line, precept upon precept. She has enlarged her borders until now she now feels completely self-sufficient. " I sit as a queen. I am no widow. No sorrow shall come to me."— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:8

Jerusalem utterly a putrified place

Jerusalem has become an utterly putrified place. She now is a habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. She is utterly burned with fire. Famine has taken her people by surprise. Mourning instead of gladness now is her lot.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:9

The great Whore who was so careless with the things of God and sold herself into whoredom now sends the smoke as a signal to all who have enjoyed her favor.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:10

God’s judgment has moved with great speed. None could withstand the ire of Rome which would have become the destroyer of God. The power of His arm has lashed with fury on the iniquity of this woman.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:11

The Church Kingdom is now in force. This merchandise is not needed in the worship of the Church kingdom. There is no demand for all the things which follow in the next verses. These were used in the temple worship.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:12

The loss of merchandise with which she would have filled her house, now lies in the storehouses of these merchants and none will purchase it. The Temple has no place with the angel who flies swiftly having the everlasting gospel to preach. Law and Grace simply do not mix.— Eld. Charles Taylor

Haydock: Rev 18:2 - Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen

Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. Idolatrous Rome is fallen. That mighty seat of power and dominion is fallen. The long fixed abode of voluptuousness and luxury, for the merchants of the earth have become rich by the strength of her delicacies, and now the hand of God hath struck her. It is utterly destroyed; not a human being in it. Thus it is become an accursed place, given up for an habitation of devils and a hold of every unclean spirit, or of frightful spectres and ghosts, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird, of owls, ravens, vultures, &c. &c. (Pastorini)

Haydock: Rev 18:4 - Go out from her, my people

Go out from her, my people. The people of God, the Christians, are all here told to leave the falling city, lest they be partakers of her sins, and receive of her plagues. At the time of Alaric's sacking Rome, many fled away to St. Jerome, who was then in Judea; others fled into other parts, as many holy fathers testify. St. Jerome says, (Ep. vii) that St. Paula and several illustrious Christian families had left Rome as if by particular inspiration, and retired into Judea. The holy pope Innocent was drawn by a particular providence out of the city, as Lot out of Sodom, that he might not see the ruin of a guilty people, says Orosius, lib. 7. chap. xxxix. We read likewise that Melania, as if she foresaw the approaching catastrophe, had prevailed upon many Christians to retire with her from a city doomed to destruction. (Histor. Laus. chap. cxviii.) In fine, we all know that when the storm broke out, the Christians took refuge and were saved in the Churches of St. Peter and St. Paul, which Alaric had allowed to be places of safety. (Haydock)

Haydock: Rev 18:10 - Alas! Alas!

Alas! Alas! St. Augustine informs us, that the people of the eastern provinces, and the remotest cities, mourned in a public manner on this occasion. (De Civ. Dei. lib. 1, chap. xxxiii.)

Haydock: Rev 18:13

We see here enumerated the articles of the luxury of the pagan Romans in dress, in ornaments, in furniture, in equipage, in the sumptuousness of their tables, &c. &c. Nothing is more remarkable than the extravagant luxury and profusion of some of the Roman emperors at their tables. Caligula once spent (according to Seneca) for a supper, 150,000 crowns. Suetonius tells us, that the emperor Vitellius would feast himself thrice, and often four times in a day, spending 10,000 crowns at each meal. But now they are all gone; they are now the fuel of fire, and in one hour brought to naught. (Haydock)

Gill: Rev 18:1 - And after these things // I saw another angel // come down from heaven // having great power // and the earth was lightened with his glory

And after these things,.... The vision of the woman on the scarlet coloured beast, and the interpretation of both by the angel:

I saw another angel; not the Lord Jesus Christ, though the several things said of this angel agree with him; nor one of the ministering spirits, though the characters of him will also suit with one of them, but rather a minister of the Gospel, or a set of Gospel ministers, who will arise a little before the downfall of Babylon, in the spiritual reign of Christ; though not the same with the angel of fire, Rev 14:18 as some have thought, because of his illustrious appearance, and the loudness of his voice; but the same with the angel, or third thundering voice in Rev 14:6 for not only the times of both agree, but the selfsame words are expressed by one as by the other; and this angel is distinct from him that showed John the preceding vision, and gave him the interpretation of it, and from all the seven angels that had the vials, and is described as follows: and first by the place from whence he came, John saw him

come down from heaven; denoting the suddenness of his appearance and cry; he came down at once, and cried out immediately; the subject of his cry, the destruction of Babylon, being what will be at an unawares; and also the commission and authority of the ministers signified by him, who will have their warrant from heaven to say what they will deliver; so that this likewise expresses the truth of their message, since both that and they come from heaven:

having great power; to do great work, to declare the fall of Babylon the great: or "having great authority"; being sent from the King of kings, in his name, as his ambassador, to proclaim what shortly will come to pass; an event of the greatest importance to the glory of God, the interest of Christ, and the comfort of his people:

and the earth was lightened with his glory; see Eze 43:2 by which is meant the glorious Gospel of Christ, the light of which will at this then be very great: these ministers will run to and fro the earth, and knowledge will be increased, and the earth will be filled with it: the Arabic version reads, "with the splendour of his countenance"; and the Ethiopic version, "with the splendour of his countenance, and his glory"; see Isa 60:1.

Gill: Rev 18:2 - And he cried mightily with a strong voice // saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen // and is become the habitation of devils // and the hold of every foul spirit // and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird

And he cried mightily with a strong voice,.... Which shows not only the vehemence and affection of the ministers of the word, who will publish what follows, but the greatness and importance of it; and this loud voice may be, as for the sake of the whole church in general, that all may bear, so for the sake of those of the Lord's people in particular, that will be in Babylon at this time; and it may have regard to that deep sleep and spirit of slumber that Babylon itself will be in, which, notwithstanding this loud cry, will remain insensible of its ruin till it comes upon her, as was the case of old Babylon, Jer 51:39,

saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen: the whole world is not designed by Babylon, for it is distinguished from all nations in the following verse; nor Babylon in Chaldea, which was fallen long before John saw this vision, but Rome Papal; See Gill on Rev 14:8 so the woman is called in Rev 17:5 who sits on seven mountains, and is that great city, the city of Rome, that reigns over the kings of the earth, Rev 18:9 this is said to be fallen, because, in a very little time after this declaration, it will fall; for as yet it was not destroyed, since after this the Lord's people are called upon to come out of her, and are bid to reward her double; and it is declared, that her plagues, should come in one day, and she should be burnt with fire; and an angel after this throws a millstone into the sea, saying, that so should Babylon be thrown down, Rev 18:4 and it is repeated to denote the certainty and utter destruction of her: and which is more fully expressed by what follows,

and is become the habitation of devils; as old Babylon was of satyrs, Isa 13:21 demons, which appeared in a hairy form, like goats, and the word is rendered devils in Lev 17:7 and the inhabitants of Rome now are no other; the pope and his cardinals, the priests, Jesuits, monks, and friars, are the spirits of devils, and their doctrines the doctrines of devils; see Rev 16:14

and the hold of every foul spirit: devils are frequently called unclean spirits, and these appear in desert and desolate places, Mat 12:43 where they are either of choice, or rather are obliged to it; and so the word translated "hold" signifies a prison, or place of confinement; and such as are comparable to unclean spirits now haunt and abound in Rome, and its territories; see Rev 16:13

and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird; such, as vultures, kites, owls, &c. which generally reside in desolate and uninhabited places; the Alexandrian copy, the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, add, "and the hold", or "seat of every unclean and hateful beast"; and so the desolation of old Babylon is described by wild beasts and doleful creatures dwelling in it, Isa 13:21. Some consider all this as a reason of the destruction of Babylon or Rome, because it now is the residence of persons comparable to devils, foul spirits, hateful birds, and beasts of prey; but this account rather describes its state and case in which it will be after its ruin, being never more to be inhabited by men, in allusion to old Babylon, Isa 13:19.

Gill: Rev 18:3 - For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication // And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her // And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,.... That is, all the nations of the Roman empire, the European nations, otherwise the Pagan and Mahometan nations have not; but these have, being made to drink by her, and made drunk therewith, that is, with her idolatries; See Gill on Rev 14:8.

And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; joined with her in her idolatrous worship and practices, and encouraged the same, and obliged their subjects to them in their dominions; See Gill on Rev 17:2.

And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies; or "luxury"; which is not to be understood in a literal sense; though it is true that many merchants, in all ages, have enriched themselves by sending their commodities to Rome, where, through the vast consumption and luxuriousness of the place, they have bore a good price; but this is to be interpreted of spiritual merchants; these are such who do not merchandise by sea, but are land merchants, the merchants of the earth, and are said to be the great men of the earth, Rev 18:23 such as are equal to princes, lords, and nobles; such are the cardinals, archbishops, and bishops; though the inferior clergy of the Romish church, who are under these, may be included: to which may be added, that one part of their wares is said to be the souls of men, Rev 18:13 which plainly shows what sort of merchants these are; they are such who make merchandise of men, and pretend to sell them heaven, and the salvation of their souls; these are they that deal in pardons and indulgences, which they sell to ignorant people, and for a sum of money say Mass to fetch souls out of purgatory: all things have been saleable at Rome, crucifixes, priests, altars, temples, prayers, heaven, Christ, yea, God himself, as the poet Mantuan expresses it; and because of these idolatries, and wicked practices, Rome will be at last destroyed.

Gill: Rev 18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven // saying, come out of her, my people // that ye be not partakers of her sins // and that ye receive not of her plagues

And I heard another voice from heaven,.... Either of another, or of the same angel, or rather of God, or Christ himself, since the persons addressed are called his people:

saying, come out of her, my people; meaning either his elect ones, till now uncalled, being such whom God had chosen for his people, and were so by virtue of the covenant of grace, were given to Christ as his people, and were redeemed by him, though, till this call, in an unconverted state; or else such who had been secretly called by the grace of God, but had not made a public profession of the Gospel, nor bore an open testimony against the Romish idolatry; for as the Lord had a righteous Lot in Sodom, and saints where Satan's seat was, Rome Pagan, so he will have a people in Rome Papal, at the time when its destruction draws near; and these wilt be called out, not only in a spiritual sense, to quit the communion of the church, to forsake its idolatries, and not touch the unclean thing, separate themselves from her, and bear a testimony against her doctrines and worship, but in a literal sense, locally; they shall be bid to come out of her, as Lot was ordered to go out of Sodom before its burning, and the people of the Jews out of Babylon before the taking of it, Jer 50:8 to which reference is here had: and as the Christians were called out of Jerusalem before the destruction of it: this shows the particular knowledge the Lord has of his people, be they where they will, and the gracious care he takes of them, that they perish not with others; and that it is his will they should be a separate people from the rest of the world; and this call of his sufficiently justifies the Protestants in their separation from the church of Rome, and every separation from any apostate church;

that ye be not partakers of her sins: by conniving at them, or committing the same; and all such are partakers of them, and have fellowship with these unfruitful works of darkness, that are in the communion of that church; and those that dwell at Rome are in great danger of being so, and cannot well avoid it: yea, even those that only go to see it, and stay but for a time in it, and that not only through the strength and influence of example, but through the force of power and authority:

and that ye receive not of her plagues; or punishments; the seven last plagues, which belong to her, the vials of which will be poured out upon one or other of the antichristian states, and the fifth particularly will fall upon Rome, the seat of the beast, and is what is here referred to.

Gill: Rev 18:5 - For her sins have reached unto heaven // and God hath remembered her iniquities

For her sins have reached unto heaven,.... Or "have followed unto heaven"; one after another, in one age after another, until they have been as it were heaped up together, and have reached the heavens; the phrase denotes the multitude of them, God's knowledge and notice of them, and the cry of them to him; see Gen 18:20 the Alexandrian copy and Complutensian edition read, "have cleaved", or "glued", and so the Syriac and Arabic versions seem to have read; her sins were as it were soldered together, and stuck fast to her, and being joined and linked together, made a long chain, and reached to heaven, and cleaved to that, and cried for vengeance:

and God hath remembered her iniquities; and is about to punish her for them; for as forgiveness of sin is signified by a non-remembrance of it, so punishment of sin by a remembrance of it, and of the persons that commit it; see Rev 16:19.

Gill: Rev 18:6 - Reward her even as she rewarded you // and double unto her double according to her works // in the cup which he hath filled, fill to her double

Reward her even as she rewarded you,.... This is spoken to the people of God, who are before called out of Babylon; and the chief of them are the seven angels with the seven last plagues of the wrath of God, and the same with the ten kings that will burn the whore with fire; these are called upon to take vengeance, by way of retaliation, for what she had done to them, in allusion to what is said of old Babylon, Jer 1:15 and must be understood not of what she will have done to them personally, but to their predecessors in the faith of Christ in former ages; that as she had hated them, and made war with them, so now they should hate her, and make war with her; and as she had stripped them naked of their clothes, and spoiled them of their worldly goods and substance, so now they should strip her naked of her harlot's attire, of her gold, silver, and precious stones, and make her and her territories desolate; and as she has burnt many of the precious saints in the flames, as here in England, and elsewhere, so now they shall utterly burn her with fire; and as she has shed the blood of the righteous, and drank it, and been drunk with it, they shall give her blood to drink; and as she hath killed multitudes with the sword, so now shall they kill her and her children; see Rev 13:12 nor is this contrary to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, and the spirit of Christianity, which will not admit of revenge, Mat 5:38 Rom 12:17 since this will not be private, but public revenge, inflicted by Christian princes and magistrates, who are ministers of God, and revengers to execute wrath on them that do evil:

and double unto her double according to her works: the meaning is not to inflict upon her a punishment doubly greater than her sins, for this would be contrary to the justice of God; nor does ever God punish men in this life more, but less, than their iniquities deserve; nor can any temporal punishment be doubly greater than sin, which deserves eternal death; and with this she will be punished hereafter, and therefore will not have her full punishment now, and much less a greater than her sins required; to which may be added, that this will be according to her works, her wicked works, and therefore will not exceed the demerit of her sins: but the sense is, that if it was possible to be done, they should use her with double severity to that she had used them with; seeing her sins deserved a severer treatment than even they had had from her; the phrase signifies an abundant and utter destruction, a punishment which was suitable and sufficient; see Isa 40:2 and it suggests that they should not spare her, nor pity her, but use her with the greatest severity imaginable, it being not possible to exceed her due deserts, or what her works required:

in the cup which he hath filled, fill to her double: not in the cup of her abominations, her errors, idolatries, and wickedness; but in the cup of afflictions and trouble, which she wrung out to the people of God, in that give her double portion: the sense is the same as before.

Gill: Rev 18:7 - How much she hath glorified herself // and lived deliciously // so much torment and sorrow give her // for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen // and am no widow // and shall see no sorrow

How much she hath glorified herself,.... And acted the proud and haughty part in exalting herself above all emperors, kings, and princes, above all kingdoms and states, and also above all churches, assuming arrogant titles, and even blasphemous names; see Rev 13:1

and lived deliciously: in a very luxuriant manner, as the popes, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, monks, and friars have done; some being clothed in purple and scarlet, and in gold and silver, and all living upon the fat of the land, and in rioting and drunkenness, in chambering and wantonness:

so much torment and sorrow give her: by pulling down her pride, which goes before a fall, than which nothing could more torment and afflict her; by stripping her of her fine clothes and rich apparel; and by taking away her fat benefices from her, which will cut her to the heart; and by burning her with fire, which will be very excruciating:

for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen; a lady of kingdoms, as in Isa 47:5 to which the reference is; having a temporal power and authority over the kings of the earth, and a spiritual jurisdiction over all churches, apostate ones, being the mother of harlots; and her "sitting" as such, as it well agrees with the whore on many waters, and the woman on the scarlet coloured beast and seven mountains, who are all the same, and is very suitable to antichrist, who pretends to sit in Peter's chair, and does sit in the temple of God, as if he was God; so it is expressive of her empire and government over nations and churches, and of the continuance of it, as she imagines, see Isa 46:7 and so the Ethiopic version renders it, "I shall reign always": to which she adds,

and am no widow; nor never shall be, as she flatters herself, see Isa 47:8. Were she the true spouse of Christ, as she boasts herself, she indeed would be no widow, for Christ is an everlasting and never dying husband; but she is the whore of the kings of the earth, and though she fancies she shall be no widow, that is, bereft of people and power, see Lam 1:1 because she now sits on many waters, people, multitudes, and nations and tongues; yet ere long, like old Babylon, she will have no men in her, but will be inhabited by devils, foul spirits, and hateful birds:

and shall see no sorrow; through loss of children, power, and authority; see Isa 47:8 but in this also she will be mistaken; her children will be killed with death, as is threatened to Jezebel, Rev 2:23 and her plagues shall come upon her at once: now these words may be considered either as spoken by her when in the height of her power and glory, as she was about three or four hundred years ago; or just before her destruction, which seems to be the case, and looks as if she would regain her power, and be in her former state before her utter ruin; See Gill on Rev 11:2.

Gill: Rev 18:8 - Therefore shall her plagues come in one day // death // mourning // famine // and she shall be utterly burnt with fire // for strong is the Lord God that judgeth her

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day,.... The seven last plagues, which will be in a very little time executed upon her, very speedily and very quickly, one after another, if not all together; and particularly the fifth vial may be respected, as well as the plagues that follow; see Isa 47:9

death; not the second death, which will not be till after the decisive battle at Armageddon, when the beast will be taken, and cast alive into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death; but either the pestilence, which is called so, Rev 6:8 or rather death by the sword, war, which will be brought upon her, and in which she and her children will be slain with the sword:

mourning; for the loss of her children, the destruction of the city of Rome itself, the seat of the beast, and for the darkness of his kingdom, the inhabitants of which shall be in such pain, as to gnaw their tongues for it:

famine; which generally attends war, at least sieges; and it looks as if Rome would be besieged awhile before it is destroyed, which will produce a grievous famine in it; this is opposed to her living deliciously, as well as the two former are to her notion of sitting a queen for ever, and knowing no sorrow:

and she shall be utterly burnt with fire; the burning of Rome has been attempted several times, by different persons, and has been burnt in part, but not wholly; see Gill on Rev 17:16 but now it will be entirely destroyed by fire; either by fire from heaven, as Sodom and Gomorrah were; or by fire breaking out of the earth, it being very manifest that there are volcanos, burning mountains, and subterraneous fires in those parts, which seem to be so many preparations in nature for the burning of that city; or rather by the ten kings, who will set fire to it; and it may be by all these ways. The Jews have a notion, that, at the coming of the Messiah, Rome will be burnt ^a, as Sodom has been; you will find, say they ^b, that of Sodom and of that kingdom (Rome, of which they are speaking, and which they afterwards call the fourth kingdom), it is decreed concerning them both, that they "should be burnt with fire"; of Sodom, Gen 19:24 and of the fourth kingdom (Rome), Isa 34:9.

for strong is the Lord God that judgeth her; the Alexandrian copy reads, "that has judged": and so the Syriac and Arabic versions; that is, has purposed and determined her destruction, and therefore it is unavoidable; he that has resolved upon it, and foretold it, and has condemned her to it, is the Lord God Almighty; and he is able to execute the sentence determined and pronounced, and it is impossible she should escape: it may be understood of Christ the mighty God, the Judge of quick and dead; see Jer 50:34.

Gill: Rev 18:9 - And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication // and lived deliciously with her // shall bewail her, and lament for her // when they shall see the smoke of her burning

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication,.... Idolatry, Rev 17:2

and lived deliciously with her; Rev 18:3 joining with her in her sensual, as well as in her idolatrous practices:

shall bewail her, and lament for her: shall mourn inwardly, and by various gestures outwardly express their sorrow at her desolation; see Eze 27:30 these will not be the ten kings who will burn the whore with fire, and then repent of what they have done, and weep over her, as Titus did at the destruction of Jerusalem, as some Popish writers have fancied, for they will hate the whore, and eat her flesh; but earthly and idolatrous kings, who will be in the communion of the church of Rome:

when they shall see the smoke of her burning: as Abraham saw the smoke of Sodom and Gomorrah go up like the smoke of a furnace; by which they will perceive that her judgment is come, and her ruin begun.

Gill: Rev 18:10 - Standing afar off for the fear of her torment // saying, alas! alas! that great city Babylon! that mighty city! // for in one hour is thy judgment come

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment,.... Lest they themselves should share in it, who have partook of her sins; either they will not be in a capacity to help her, or they will be dispirited, and will be in awe and dread of God's righteous judgments:

saying, alas! alas! that great city Babylon! that mighty city! it will aggravate their sorrow, when they reflect upon the former grandeur, magnificence, power, and authority, of the city and see of Rome, so often called in this book the great city; and so it is by other writers; the Jews call it so: they say ^c, when the Messiah comes,

"the kings of the world shall be gathered to קרתא רבתא, "the great city" of Rome; and the holy blessed God will cast upon them fire and hail, and great hail stones, (with which compare Rev 16:21), and they shall perish from the world, except those kings that do not come there.''

It is common with the Jewish writers to call the Roman empire Edom; and Magdiel, one of the dukes of Edom, Gen 36:43 who has his name from "greatness", is interpreted by one of their commentators ^d of Rome; the reason of which, another of them says ^e, is because Rome is become great above all kingdoms: the mount of Esau in Oba 1:21 is interpreted ית כרכא רבא, "that great city" of Esau, which is Rome ^f, and the same epithet it has in the Talmud ^g; and Porphyry calls it την μεγαλην πολιν, "that great city", without making mention of its name, as here; so among the Latins ^h, "Magnoe spes altera" Romae:

for in one hour is thy judgment come: the Ethiopic version reads, "the hour of her judgment"; the time of her punishment fixed by God; but the sense is, that her vengeance was suddenly come upon her; this is the judgment of the great whore, which the angel proposed to show to John, Rev 17:1.

Gill: Rev 18:11 - And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over over her

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over over her,.... Who these are; see Gill on Rev 18:3 and, what their lamentation, Rev 18:16 the reason of their weeping and mourning follows: for no man buyeth their merchandise any more; what their merchandise is, is expressed in the two next verses; and this shows that it is not to be understood merely in a literal sense; for such commodities in general as are there mentioned, if they do not sell at one place, they will at another; and the decline of trade in one city does not put a stop to business all the world over; and often so it is, that the ruin of commerce in one place is the rise of it in another; and all the things hereafter spoken of, excepting the last article, are what will be merchandised in one place or another to the end of the world; unless the sense should be, that no man at Rome, and the parts adjacent, will buy of this merchandise any more; but though they should not, this could not be cause of such lamentation as is afterwards expressed, since their goods might be sold elsewhere; but it looks as if this must be understood of such kind of wares as will be disused and despised all the world over, and they will meet with no customers any where to deal with them in them.

Gill: Rev 18:12 - The merchandise of gold and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls // and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet // and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble // and of brass, iron, and marble

The merchandise of gold and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls,.... Things for treasure and ornament, and with which the great whore is said to be decked, Rev 17:4 and, literally understood, may denote the vast riches which these spiritual merchants, or factors for Rome, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, monks, and friars, bring into their own coffers and the pope's, by the trade they drive in her wares with the souls of men; and may have also a regard to what their images, chalices, crowns, mitres, &c. are made of, and what some of them are adorned with; and as Tyre, to whom the reference is in the several particulars of this account, had her merchants for these things, Eze 27:12 so Mr. Brightman thinks that in these, and in some following ones, Spain is Rome's merchant, which fetches them from the Indies for her: but these things, mystically taken, sometimes design the doctrines of the Gospel, 1Co 3:12 and which are to be preferred to, and more to be esteemed than thousands of gold and silver; and these Rome's merchants pretended to deliver out; but instead of them, they put off wood, hay, and stubble, yea, doctrines of devils, and lies in hypocrisy; and sometimes the grace of God is meant, Rev 3:18 which is more precious than gold that perisheth; and this they pretend to convey to men "ex opere operato", in the ordinances, as baptism, &c. and to communicate the Spirit, with his gifts and graces, for money, which is direct simony; yea, they pretend to sell eternal life, nay, Christ, and God himself:

and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet: things which belong to apparel and dress; and, literally taken, the "fine linen" is for their copes, wore by bishops and by chanters, and sub-chanters, and for surplices wore by their priests, in imitation of the Jewish priests, and for Mass clothes, &c. the "purple, silk", and "scarlet", were for the popes, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops; so the woman on the scarlet coloured beast is said to be arrayed in purple and scarlet, Rev 17:4, Tyre had its merchants for these, Eze 27:7 the fine linen and silk may mystically denote the holy lives, good works, and merits of the saints, those of them called works of supererogation, which become the church's stock, and they sell out for others that want; which is a monstrous kind of ware, and a dreadful imposition upon men, since men cannot be saved and justified by works; and the best of men are so far from having a redundancy of works, that in everything they sin and offend, and are greatly deficient: and they are so far from helping others, that they are unprofitable servants themselves: the purple and scarlet may signify the blood of Christ, which they pretend to sell in the Mass; nay, they have pretended to have had the very liquid blood of Christ, which they have carried in a crystal glass, thick on one side, and transparent on the other; and so could not be seen by persons in a mortal sin, until they had given a good deal of money, and then the clear side was by sleight of hand turned to them; and which was no other than the blood of a duck, renewed weekly by the priest; which trick for a long time brought in vast sums of money, and was detected at Hales in Gloucestershire, in Henry the Eighth's time; or these may intend the sufferings of the saints, which likewise come into the treasure of the church, and are at its dispose for money, the virtue of which being very great for the salvation of men's souls:

and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble: things for utensils and furniture, not so much for their houses, as for their churches; Tyre had its merchants for these, Eze 27:5. "Thyine wood", Pliny says ⁱ, was very durable, and of it the rafters of ancient temples were made; and may design such like lasting and odoriferous wood as cypress, cedar, &c. used in the Popish churches, for the embellishing of them, and for images in them; it may be the same with the wood of the Almug, or Algum trees, since these are rendered thyine wood in the Vulgate Latin version in 1Ki 10:11 vessels of ivory may be boxes made thereof, in which the host is put, and the relics of saints are preserved: and "vessels of most precious wood", or "stone", as the Alexandrian copy, Vulgate Latin, and Ethiopic versions read,

and of brass, iron, and marble, may intend various vessels used in their churches; as vessels for holy water, fonts of marble, and other valuable stones, for baptism, censers of iron and brass to burn incense in. Cocceius thinks that by these vessels of different materials are meant good men; who are like sweet smelling wood for the fragrancy of their doctrines and lives; and like iron, brass, and marble, for their courage, constancy, and patience; and who have been canonized for saints, which has brought in much money into the pope's coffers: this is a practice in imitation of the Heathens, who deified men, and set them over particular days and affairs; and the privileges of such canonization among the Papists are, that such a saint has his name set in the calendar in red letters, may have churches and altars dedicated to him, and his image set up in them, and a holiday be kept for him, and may be prayed to, and worshipped; a practice dreadfully derogatory to the glory of Christ's person and office, but is that in which these merchants have found their account; for through references, commissions, and reports, for proof of the saint's character and miracles, his friends are at very great expense before the affair is issued, especially if rich; our King Henry the Seventh was very desirous of having his kinsman Henry the Sixth canonized, and solicited the pope for it, but he would not do it under fifteen hundred ducats of gold, which the king thought was too much, and so declined it.

Gill: Rev 18:13 - And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense // And wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep // and horses, and chariots, and slaves // and souls of men

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense,.... Things for delight and pleasure, for the gratifying of the senses; cinnamon, and odours were used for perfuming, Pro 7:17 anointing with oil was used at feasts, Psa 23:5 and "frankincense", or censings, at banquets, and for the regaling of persons after food ^k: these customs obtained among the eastern people. Tyre had its merchants for these things, Eze 27:19 and Mr. Brightman thinks Italy is Rome's merchant in these, which it fetches from Greece, Arabia, and Egypt; it may be these rather respect the ecclesiastical use of them; "cinnamon, odours", and "frankincense", may signify the perfumings and censings used in churches, or the burning incense in imitation of the sweet incense under the law; and "ointments" may denote their chrism, or anointing with oil at baptism, imagining that Christ was anointed with material oil at his baptism, whereas it was with the Holy Ghost: moreover, these things may be mystically understood, "cinnamon" being used by harlots in perfuming their bed, Pro 7:17 may intend the stews and brothel houses erected at Rome, and licensed by authority, each whore paying so much per week; the revenues of which would sometimes yearly amount to twenty thousand ducats: "ointments" may be understood of chrism in baptism, and extreme unction at death: "odours" and "frankincense" may mean their prayers and pater nosters, their prayers for the dead, which were never made without the pence; hence that proverbial expression, no pence, no pater noster.

And wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep: things for civil use; these are things which belong to food, to eating and drinking, and are the most material and necessary things of life, Psa 4:7. Tyre had her merchants for these, Eze 27:17 and Mr. Brightman will have Italy to be Rome's merchant for wine and oil; Sardinia and Sicily her merchants for fine flour and wheat; Germany for beasts, and England for sheep: and with respect to the ecclesiastical use of these things, wine is for the chalice, used in daily Masses, and drank only by the priests; "oil" for chrism at baptism, and for the extreme unction: "fine flour" for the Mass, or to make their breaden god of; and "wheat, beasts, and sheep" for tithes for the clergy:

and horses, and chariots, and slaves; things for splendour, equipage, and attendance; horses and chariots for the popes, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, to ride in state and grandeur, and slaves to wait upon them. Tyre had her merchants for these Eze 27:14 and Mr. Brightman's opinion is, that the French are Rome's merchants for horses and chariots, and the Swiss for slaves, or "bodies", as the word may be rendered, who live by exercising their bodies, and hiring them out in war; and who are many of them the guards of the person of the pope of Rome: and last of all it is added,

and souls of men; still in allusion to the merchandise of Tyre, some of whose merchants are said to trade in the persons of men, Eze 27:13 which the Targum and Septuagint render, in the souls of men; the popes have some of them sold their own souls to the devil, to get into the chair, and, when in, have been the means of destroying of thousands of others; they assume a power over the souls of men, of binding and loosing the consciences of men, imposing new laws upon them, and freeing them from obligation to the laws of God and men, to the ruin of their souls; and it has been said by their sycophants, that if the pope should send thousands of men to hell, no one should say to him, what dost thou? The Romish priests pretend to redeem souls out of purgatory for such a sum of money, and sell pardons and indulgences, say Mass, and promise heaven itself for money; and this they get at the expense of men's souls, by their false doctrine and superstitious worship, and so make merchandise of them, as is said of the false teachers, 2Pe 2:3 moreover, as by "slaves", or bodies, in the preceding clause, are meant such who serve with their bodies, either by way of attendance, or in unnatural lust; so by "souls" of men may be meant men of soul, of great natural wit and understanding, of great parts, abilities, and learning, with which they serve the man of sin, and his interest, such as Bellarmine, and others.