Revelation 18:1-24
Introduction
This chapter has four distinct voices.
The Voice of Judgment, vv. 1-3
The angel announces the fall of the world economy. This city, the center of the world economy, collaspes.
- It has been the habitation of demons, Ephesians 2:2.
- It has been the haven for foul spirits.
- Satan is pictured as a bird of prey. See Matthew 13:4, 19, 31-32.
- Babylon / Confusion made the nations drunk with riches and power.
The Voice of Separation, vv. 4-8
A. God’s people are in this Tribulation city and He wants them to be separate from the wicked.
B. Salvation means separation from the world unto the Lord, see 2 Corinthians 6:14.
- The world glorifies itself; the Christian seeks to glorify God.
- The world lives for the pleasures of sin; the Christian lives for the pleasures of Christ.
The Voice of Mourning, vv. 9-19
A. Two Groups of Mourners
- The kings of the earth, vv. 9-10
- The Merchants of the earth, vv. 11-19
- They sold their souls for wealth.
B. The Economy / Merchandise is gone!
- The slaves and the souls of men
- Slavery will increase in the Tribulation
- Luxuries and necessities will be destroyed
- Supply chains destroyed
The Voice of Rejoicing, vv. 20-24
A. Heaven rejoices because God has avenged the blood of the Tribulation saints.
B. Casting down the millstone indicates the suddenness of God’s judgment on the Satanic kingdom. This stone is the Second Coming of Christ. He is the stone cut without hands, see Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45.
C. Jeremiah 25:9-11 is fulfilled.
D. All that’s left is for Christ to destroy the Beast’s armies and set up His Millennial Kingdom.