In Revelation 1 John has a vision of Jesus and writes a description of what he saw. John is in exile on the island of Patmos for being a faithful witness for Jesus. In Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus has John send letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. Each church was an existing church in Asia Minor at the time of John’s exile around 95AD. But each letter has applications in our modern day lives and churches.
In Revelation 4 we saw John’s vision or visit to God’s throne. In Revelation 5 we saw the scroll with 7 seals. And that the Lamb, Jesus, was the only One worthy to receive and open the scroll. The scroll represents God’s will and the deed or title of the universe.
Only Jesus is worthy to receive and open the scroll. And to bring on God’s wrath and punishment for Satan, his demons, and for sinners that refuse to repent and believe in Jesus.
Then in Revelation 6 we saw the Lamb, Jesus, open the first 6 of 7 seals of the scroll. Revelation 6 is the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation, and shows a progression through the first half of the Tribulation and into the 2nd half, known as the Great Tribulation period. And of God’s judgement and punishment of Satan, his demons, and anyone who rebels against God and refuses to repent and bow down to Jesus.
In Revelation 7 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of heaven and God’s throne. Revelation 7 is a break between the opening of the first 6 seals in Revelation 6 and the 7th and final seal in Revelation 8. And we saw 4 angels and the 4 winds of the earth, 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel, and a great multitude.
In Revelation 8 we saw Jesus open the 7th seal of the scroll, which is the start of the 7 trumpet judgements of God. This takes place in the 2nd half of the 7 year tribulation, which is known as the Great Tribulation.
Then in Revelation 9 we saw the terrifying 5th and 6th trumpet judgements that God pours out on His enemies. The people that still refused to repent and bow down to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
And in Revelation 10 we saw John’s vision of a mighty angel with an opened scroll with a voice of 7 thunders. This takes place in the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements.
Then in Revelation 11 we saw a continuation of John’s vision of the break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgements in the final 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, known as the Great tribulation. We studied the 2 witnesses from God in Jerusalem, and the 7th trumpet judgement.
In Revelation 12 we saw a woman, a dragon, and a baby. The break between the 6th and 7th trumpet judgement continued in John’s vision. And John introduced 3 more main characters in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God.
Then in Revelation 13 John introduced 2 more of the main characters or players in the tribulation, and in the war between Satan and God. The beast of the sea or the antichrist, and the best from the earth, the false prophet.
In Revelation 14 we studied John’s vision of the 144,000 witness in the tribulation. And 3 angels flying high in the sky with 3 different messages. And more details about the day of the Lord and God’s wrath.
Next in Revelation 15 we study how John the 7 angels with 7 bowl judgements or plagues getting ready to pour them out on the world.
In Revelation 16 we studied the final 7 bowl judgements or plagues of God’s wrath. These will be the ending of God’s wrath and judgements being poured out onto the world and on those that will refuse to repent and turn to Christ.
Then in Revelation 17 we looked at John’s vision of a prostitute and the beast. The world’s false religion that deceives many people into turning away for God, and worshiping and following the antichrist.
Now in Revelation 18 we will study more about the antichrist’s world kingdom and Babylon. Specifically the antichrist’s global government and economic system of commerce.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
An Angel With Great Authority
“After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.” – Revelation 18:1-2
“After this ” means John is seeing another event or part of his vision. And it is describing something different than in the previous vision or event o Revelation 17.
Revelation 17 described the “Mystery Babylon” and the “Mother Of Prostitutes And Abominations”. Or in other words, the worldwide false religion led by the antichrist and false prophet to deceive many people in the world. And to get them to turn away from God, and follow and worship the antichrist and Satan.
Here in Revelation 18 John’s vision shifts to a different aspect of the antichrist’s global kingdom. He sees Babylon also as being the capitol city of the antichrist’s worldwide system of government and commerce.
First John sees an angel with great authority coming down from heaven, or from God’s presence.
The Angel Illuminates The Entire Earth
John describes how the angel made the earth bright with his glory. Having come from God’s presence and throne in heaven, the angel was shining with God’s glory. And he brightens the whole earth.
Remember at this point the entire earth is in darkness. The 5th bowl judgement or plague brought total darkness to the world.
“The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness.” – Revelation 16:10
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
The Angel Declares That Babylon The Great Has Fallen
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” – Revelation 18:2
The angel declares that the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom of false religion, government, and economic system or commerce has fallen. Or has finally been defeated and destroyed by God.
The angel is also referring to the city of Babylon. In various verses later in Revelation 18 the great city of Babylon is mentioned.
As we will show, the angel is most likely referring to the great city of Babylon, as the capitol city of the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom. The center of his worldwide false religion, government, and commerce or economic system.
The Capitol City Of The Antichrist’s Government, Economic System, & Religion
“And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” – Revelation 17:18
We have discussed already how the one world false religion will most likely be based in Rome. At least in the first half of the tribulation.
Then at around the middle of the tribulation the antichrist and his 10 kings will loot and pretty much destroy the false world religion. And the antichrist will make people worship him as God. He will be the world religion from that point on.
Most likely when he does that he will move the headquarters of the world religion in Rome to his world kingdom capitol city. Babylon.
Babylon is ancient days was a kingdom. And a system of false gods and idols, and of evil and immortality. And the capitol city of the kingdom was also called Babylon. It was located in modern day Iraq, on the Euphrates River.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Babylon In The Book Of Revelation
There are references in the book of Revelation to Babylon being a city in the future tribulation. In Revelation 18 the kings and people of the earth will mourn at the destruction of the “great city” Babylon.
“And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:9-10
The merchants and businesses that will get rich in the antichrist’s kingdom and world economic system will also mourn the destruction of the “great city” Babylon.
“The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” – Revelation 18:15-17
And verse 18 as well talks about the “great city” of Babylon.
“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more” – Revelation 18:18
All of these verses lead many to believe that there will be the antichrist’s global government, economic system and currency, and religion known as Babylon. And that there will be a capitol city of the kingdom known as “Babylon the great “. Or the “great city Babylon”.
Old Testament Prophecies About The City Of Babylon
There are various prophecies in the Old Testament about the ancient city of Babylon, and the future city of Babylon. Isaiah 13 and 14, and Jeremiah 50 and 51.
Isaiah’s Prophecy About Babylon
“The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw… Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger,
to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. 10 For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light. 11 I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless… And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the splendor and pomp of the Chaldeans, will be like Sodom and Gomorrah when God overthrew them. 20 It will never be inhabited
or lived in for all generations; no Arab will pitch his tent there; no shepherds will make their flocks lie down there.” – Isaiah 13:1,9-11,19-20
“I will rise up against them,” declares the Lord of hosts, “and will cut off from Babylon name and remnant, descendants and posterity,” declares the Lord. 23 “And I will make it a possession of the hedgehog, and pools of water, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” declares the Lord of hosts.” – Isaiah 14:22-23
Jeremiah’s Prophecy About Babylon
“The word that the Lord spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremiah the prophet… Because of the wrath of the Lord she shall not be inhabited but shall be an utter desolation; everyone who passes by Babylon shall be appalled, and hiss because of all her wounds… Therefore wild beasts shall dwell with hyenas in Babylon, and ostriches shall dwell in her. She shall never again have people, nor be inhabited for all generations. 40 As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the Lord, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her.” – Jeremiah 50:1,13,39-40
“Flee from the midst of Babylon; let every one save his life! Be not cut off in her punishment, for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance, the repayment he is rendering her. 7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, making all the earth drunken; the nations drank of her wine; therefore the nations went mad. 8 Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; wail for her!” – Jeremiah 51:6-8
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
The Great City Babylon
Most scholars believe there will be a capitol city of the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom. And it will be called Babylon.
And the name Babylon also represents the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom and system of government, economic system, and false religion.
One scholar and historian wrote:
“Babylon, indeed, will be permanently destroyed as described in Revelation 18. But this has not happened yet. The prophecies of Isaiah (13 and 14) and Jeremiah (50 and 51) also refer to this future destruction not merely to Babylon’s present-day condition, as is evident from the following considerations among others.”
“One, the destruction will take place in the time that the stars and the sun are darkened, as it says in Isaiah.
Two, the city will become as desolate as Sodom and Gomorrah, burned completely, with no remains whatever, according to Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Three, it shall become desolate forever with neither man nor beast entering it anymore. So say the two prophets (Isaiah and Jeremiah).
Four, it will be a time of judgment not only for Babylon but for all the nations of the world.
Five, it’s destruction will be followed by universal rest and permanent peace.
Six, it’s destruction is directly associated with the casting of Lucifer into Sheol, Isaiah 14.
Seventh, Babylon’s stones will never be used in future construction elsewhere; whereas the present-day ruins of Babylon have been frequently plundered and reused in later constructions.”
Babylon Being Rebuilt
When Saddam Hussein was in power in Iraq he initiated projects to rebuild the ancient city of Babylon.
And recently the restoration efforts have been restarted. The rebuilt walls of Babylon have been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Additionally, the Ishtar Gate, a key structure in Babylon, was restored. As was the Temple of Ninmakh, which was dedicated to a pagan goddess. The restoration of the temple was funded by the US.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Ships In The Desert?
Besides the restoration of walls, gates, and a temple, there is currently an ambitious project to make the rebuilt city of Babylon a large center of commerce. The government of Iraq has nearly completed a construction project to build a large port near the rebuild city of Babylon. The project includes a large port, a breakwater system, and a large system of highways and railways to connect the port and city to Turkey and beyond to Europe and Asia.
The 2026 article below details the ambitious projects of the Iraqi government to bring back Babylon to it’s former glory and more.
You can read the complete article here: Babylon Rising https://randykay.substack.com/p/babylon-rising
“Somewhere in the scorching flats of southern Iraq, where the Euphrates and Tigris rivers surrender their ancient waters to the Persian Gulf, a city is being conjured back from the dead.
For two thousand years, skeptics and scholars alike pointed to the ruins of Babylon and laughed at the prophets. Ships? they scoffed. Merchants trading at Babylon? The place sits fifty miles from the nearest coastline. Nothing but sand and broken stones. A graveyard of empire. Whatever the Apostle John saw in his apocalyptic vision, it couldn’t possibly be literal Babylon.
That objection just became obsolete.
Right now—not in some hazy prophetic future, but this year—the Iraqi government is pouring $17 billion into one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects on the planet. At the exact confluence of those legendary rivers, construction crews are erecting the Grand Faw Port, a behemoth designed to handle 99 million tons of cargo annually. The world’s longest breakwater—14.5 kilometers of engineered defiance against the Gulf’s currents—is already complete. The first ships are expected before the year ends.
Connected to that port stretches a 1,200-kilometer artery of highways and railways snaking northward through Iraq, into Turkey, and onward to Europe. Four nations have signed on. Officials are calling it “the new Silk Road.” They want Iraq to become—in their own words—”the heart of global trade.”
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
A Haunt For Demons & Unclean Spirits
“She (Babylon) has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.” – Revelation 18:2
The angel says that Babylon, the capitol city, has become a haunt for demons and unclean spirits. And unclean birds and detestable beasts.
The unclean birds refers to the unclean or evil flying demons in the world. And the detestable beasts refers to evil demonic creatures.
Back before this finale of the tribulation, the destruction of “Babylon”, several things happened in previous judgements.
When God sent the 5th trumpet judgement, back in Revelation 9, Satan was allowed to open the abyss or bottomless pit. And a huge locust like swarm of demonic creatures were released onto the earth.
“And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft. 3 Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone.” – Revelation 9:1-5
Also in the 6th trumpet judgement in Revelation 9 a large army of 2 million more demonic creatures were released into the world.
“Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.” – Revelation 9:13-19
So there will be demons and demonic creatures all over the earth. And the angel seems to be saying that the capitol city of Babylon will be the main hub of their demonic activity.
Babylon- The Capitol City Of The Antichrist’s Global Commerce & Economic System
“For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.” – Revelation 18:3
This verse further clarifies that John is talking about the political and economic system and commerce in the antichrist’s world kingdom in the tribulation. This is taking place at the very end of the Great Tribulation, and we will see the final defeat and destruction of the antichrist’s kingdom. And the destruction of the future city of Babylon.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
God’s People Need To Separate Themselves From Evil
“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” – Revelation 18:4-5
John next hears another voice from heaven. And it is speaking to believers that have come to Christ during the tribulation.
There will be people that become believers and followers of Jesus in the tribulation. In fact there will be a great number of people saved during the tribulation. Most of them will be killed by the antichrist.
But some will live through the tribulation, and will go into Jesus’ 1000 year kingdom on earth alive. The 144,000 Jewish witnesses in Revelation 7 and seen again in Revelation 14. They will be sealed or protected by God in the tribulation. And most likely some others will make it through alive.
The voice from heaven is warning God’s people, the followers of Jesus, to not turn away from God and turn to the evil, immorality, and materialism of the world. Or they too will have to experience the judgment and plagues God is sending.
Throughout God’s word He has been telling His people this. To be “holy”, or set apart from evil, immorality, materialism, and idolatry.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – Romans 12:1
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Judgment For Sin And Rebellion Against God
“for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.
6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.” – Revelation 18:5-6
Why is God going to bring judgement against the people that reject Christ and live for themselves? And against those that live for pleasure, and for material things? And for power and prestige, and for the right to do whatever they want?
Because all of these are sinful rebellion against God. And idols and immortality and are detestable to God. All are terrible counterfeits for a loving relationship with God.
On top of that, since the days of the Old Testament God has sent prophets and witnesses to try to reach sinful people that are separated from God by their sins. And they killed many of them. In the tribulation the antichrist and his followers will kill a great multitude of believers in the tribulation.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Too Late To Repent
By this point late in the tribulation, at the very end of it, it is too late to repent and turn to Jesus. It is time to pay the price for sins. Even throughout the tribulation God will give people the chance to repent and turn to Jesus. Now it is too late.
Peter talked about how God has sent many prophets and witnesses to try to turn sinful people to Him. But many will rebel and be scoffers.
“that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” – 2 Peter 3:2-10
Fulfillment Of Many Prophecies
The day of the Lord, the time of God’s wrath and judgment in the tribulation, will be a fulfillment of many Old and New Testament prophecies.
One such prophecy is in Jeremiah 50.
“I set a snare for you and you were taken, O Babylon, and you did not know it; you were found and caught, because you opposed the Lord. 25 The Lord has opened his armory and brought out the weapons of his wrath… Summon archers against Babylon, all those who bend the bow. Encamp around her; let no one escape. Repay her according to her deeds; do to her according to all that she has done. For she has proudly defied the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. 30 Therefore her young men shall fall in her squares, and all her soldiers shall be destroyed on that day, declares the Lord. 31 “Behold, I am against you, O proud one, declares the Lord God of hosts, for your day has come, the time when I will punish you. 32 The proud one shall stumble and fall, with none to raise him up, and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all that is around him.” – Jeremiah 50:24-25, 29-32
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Full And Complete Judgement And Punishment
The voice from heaven that John hears says to repay Babylon double for her deeds. “For her sins are heaped high as heaven”. The sins of mankind’s immorality and idolatry reach all the way to heaven, and it is time to bring a double portion of judgement and punishment.
“Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.” – Revelation 18:6
In the Old Testament you find many verses where God deals with the sins and rebellion of people by repaying “double “.
“For my eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from me, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes. 18 But first I will doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations.” – Jeremiah 16:17-18
“For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.” – Exodus 22:9
A double portion in the Bible means a full and complete portion of judgment and punishment.
Repayment And Judgement For Arrogance And Pride
“As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ 8 For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” 9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:7-10
These verses give us a good idea of why God will pour out a double portion, or full and complete judgement and punishment on anyone that participates in the antichrist’s ungodly and sinful way of life.
The first sin mentioned is “she glorified herself”. Rather than living to glorify God, they live for themselves in pride and arrogance.
The second thing mentioned is “and lived in luxury”. People will live for material things and wealth, which is a form of idolatry.
The third thing mentioned is “committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her”. There will be rampant immorality in the end times or tribulation.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
The Antichrist’s Economic System Will Be Prosperous
In John’s description of the antichrist’s global government and economic system in the tribulation, he mentions living in luxury. Besides great immorality and the idolatry of worshiping the antichrist, materialism and greed will be prevalent.
The economic system of the antichrist will be prosperous in the tribulation, despite all of the judgements and catastrophes that God will send. It will be prosperous and bring luxurious living and riches at least for the antichrist, the kings and leaders of the 10 regions of the kingdom, and the merchants that are allowed to participate in commerce. Perhaps not so much for everyone else.
Not Allowed To Buy Or Sell Without The Mark Of The Beast
Remember from Revelation 13 that the antichrist will force people to worship him. And to take on the “mark of the beast “, some type of mark or brand to identify who worships and follows the antichrist.
“Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.” – Revelation 13:16-17
Believers in the tribulation will have to refuse to deny Christ. And refuse to worship the antichrist and take his mark.
And they will not be able to buy food or anything else. And they will not be able to participate in the antichrist’s system of commerce. They will have no way to get employment or make a living. Only those that worship the antichrist and take his mark will be able to.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Zephaniah’s Prophecy
The Old Testament prophet Zephaniah prophesied about God’s judgement in the day of the Lord. He mentions how the riches and gold and silver will not be able to save anyone from God’s wrath and judgment.
“A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements. 17 I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind,
because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord. In the fire of his jealousy, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full and sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.” – Zephaniah 1:15-18
Kings Of The Earth Mourning
“And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:9-10
John sees the 10 kings of the earth in his vision. These are the kings or leaders of the 10 territories or regions in the antichrist’s world kingdom.
He sees them mourning for the great city Babylon.
Since it is mentioned several times in Revelation 18 as “the great city”, it is most likely that there will be a capitol city of the antichrist’s kingdom called Babylon.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
Judgment And Destruction In An Hour Or A Day
Verse 8 says:
“For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” – Revelation 18:8
Then in verse 10:
“They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:10
Then later in verses 15 to 17:
“The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” – Revelation 18:15-17
And in verses 17 to 19:
“And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” 19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.” – Revelation 18:17-19
Verse 8 mentions that destruction will come to the capitol city of Babylon in “a single day”. And verses 10, 17 and 19 mention that destruction will come in “a single hour “.
It is unsure if these literally mean an hour or a day. But it is clear that the final destruction of the capitol city of Babylon, and ultimately the entire world, will come swiftly.
Saints In Heaven Rejoicing
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” – Revelation 18:20
Back in Revelation 6, when the 5th seal judgement was opened, John saw a great number of saints or believers that were martyred in the tribulation. They were crying out to God for Him to avenge their blood and deaths. And they were told to wait a little longer.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” – Revelation 6:9-11
Now in Revelation 18 their wait is over. The final judgement and punishment of God has come. And the time for the Lord’s vengeance for the deaths of His faithful witnesses has arrived. And the saints will be rejoicing.
Revelation 18 – Babylon & The Antichrist’s Global Economic System
The Final Judgement And Destruction
“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 22 and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.” – Revelation 18:21-24
These verses are the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning Babylon.
“Jeremiah wrote in a book all the disaster that should come upon Babylon, all these words that are written concerning Babylon. 61 And Jeremiah said to Seraiah: “When you come to Babylon, see that you read all these words, 62 and say, ‘O Lord, you have said concerning this place that you will cut it off, so that nothing shall dwell in it, neither man nor beast, and it shall be desolate forever.’ 63 When you finish reading this book, tie a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates, 64 and say, ‘Thus shall Babylon sink, to rise no more, because of the disaster that I am bringing upon her, and they shall become exhausted.” – Jeremiah 51:60-64
Another Reason For Saints And Angels In Heaven To Rejoice
There is another reason for the saints and angels in heaven to rejoice at the final judgement and destruction of Babylon and the antichrist’s world kingdom. It signifies that the end of Satan and his attempt to defeat God and His people is near.
And the end of sin and death is near. And the time for Jesus to return and reign on the earth, and then in God’s eternal kingdom is near. We will see all of this take place in Revelation 19, 20, 21, and 22.
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Is Jesus Your First Love ? Part 2
Prayer Is Passion To Seek & Know God
God’s Purpose & Mission For You And Your Church
Spiritual Gifts: All Christians Have Gifts
Jesus Wants To Heal You & Set You Free
Salvation & The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
The Kind of Christian & Church God Wants
Kevin Bart has been a Jesus follower for over 40 years. Kevin has taught Bible study classes, small groups, and discipleship classes for many years. He developed Pursuing Intimacy With God after many years of seeking God and studying His word.
Kevin is a former business owner, and current international missions ministry leader with more than four decades of combined business and ministry experience. After building and running a successful business for 23 years, with God’s guidance and blessings, he sold his company to dedicate himself to full-time global missions.
For over 20 years, Kevin and his wife Nancy have led an international missions ministry. Utilizing learned business and financial management skills, as well as knowledge and experience in travel points and miles, to date they have had 51 mission trips to 36 countries in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
