saying: "Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! and cry outThis phrase indicates a vocal expression of lamentation and mourning. In the context of Revelation 18, it is the reaction of those who witness the fall of Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and corruption. The Greek word used here, "kraugazō," conveys a loud, public outcry, often associated with deep emotional distress. Historically, such cries were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures during times of disaster or judgment, reflecting the profound impact of Babylon's fall on those who benefited from its wealth and influence. ‘Woe, woe to the great city
The repetition of "woe" emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the depth of sorrow. In biblical literature, "woe" is a term of lament and impending doom. The "great city" refers to Babylon, representing the epitome of human pride and rebellion against God. This phrase echoes the prophetic tradition found in the Old Testament, where cities like Nineveh and Tyre were similarly denounced for their wickedness and eventual destruction. clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet
These materials symbolize wealth, luxury, and royal status. In the ancient world, fine linen was a costly fabric, and purple dye was rare and expensive, often associated with royalty and nobility. Scarlet, too, was a color of opulence. The description highlights Babylon's external splendor and allure, which ultimately masks its moral and spiritual corruption. This imagery serves as a warning against the seductive nature of materialism and the fleeting nature of earthly riches. adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!
The adornment with gold, precious stones, and pearls further underscores the city's immense wealth and the allure of its material prosperity. In biblical symbolism, such treasures often represent human achievement and the temptation to prioritize worldly success over spiritual fidelity. The use of these elements in Revelation contrasts with the New Jerusalem, which is also described with similar imagery but represents eternal, divine glory rather than temporal, corruptible wealth. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Great CityOften interpreted as Babylon, symbolizing a powerful, corrupt system or city that opposes God. In the context of Revelation, it represents the epitome of worldly wealth and decadence. 2. Merchants and KingsThese are the people lamenting the fall of the great city. They represent those who have profited from the city's wealth and luxury. 3. Fine Linen, Purple, and ScarletThese materials symbolize wealth, luxury, and royalty. In ancient times, such garments were worn by the elite and those in positions of power. 4. Gold, Precious Stones, and PearlsThese items further emphasize the opulence and material wealth of the city, highlighting its focus on earthly riches. 5. The Fall of BabylonThis event signifies God's judgment on the city for its sins and excesses, serving as a warning against idolatry and materialism. Teaching Points The Danger of MaterialismThe opulence of Babylon serves as a caution against placing trust and value in material wealth, which is fleeting and subject to God's judgment. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe fall of the great city underscores God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His judgment against sin and rebellion. The Call to Spiritual ReadinessBelievers are reminded to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual riches over earthly gains. The Consequences of IdolatryBabylon's downfall illustrates the destructive nature of idolatry, urging Christians to examine their own lives for anything that might take precedence over God. Hope in God's JusticeWhile the fall of Babylon is a scene of woe, it also reassures believers of God's justice and the eventual triumph of His kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Babylon in Revelation 18:16 challenge our understanding of wealth and success in today's society? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon serve as a warning to modern-day Christians about the dangers of materialism and idolatry? 3. How do the lamentations of the merchants and kings reflect the transient nature of worldly power and influence? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our priorities align with storing treasures in heaven, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21? 5. How does the certainty of God's judgment, as seen in the fall of Babylon, provide hope and encouragement for believers facing injustice and persecution today? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 47This chapter speaks of the fall of Babylon, drawing parallels to Revelation 18 in its depiction of judgment against pride and idolatry. Ezekiel 27The lament over Tyre's fall mirrors the lament over Babylon, emphasizing the transient nature of wealth and human achievement. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus' teaching on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth connects to the theme of misplaced priorities seen in Babylon's fall. People JohnPlaces BabylonTopics Adorned, Alas, Aloud, Arrayed, Beautified, Bedecked, Brilliantly, Clothed, Decked, Delicate, Dressed, Fine, Gilded, Glittering, Gold, Hour, Jewels, Linen, O, Ornaments, Pearl, Pearls, Precious, Price, Purple, Red, Riches, Saying, Scarlet, Sorrow, Sorrowing, Stone, Stones, Stuff, Town, Waste, Weeping, Wo, WoeDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 18:16 4333 gold
4808 crimson
5392 linen Revelation 18:1-24 4215 Babylon Revelation 18:2-24 5407 merchants Revelation 18:9-19 5945 self-pity Revelation 18:9-24 5587 trade Revelation 18:14-17 1194 glory, divine and human Revelation 18:14-20 8809 riches Revelation 18:15-16 5198 weeping Revelation 18:15-17 4342 jewels Revelation 18:16-17 9250 woe Revelation 18:16-19 5776 achievement Library Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2The Northern Iron and the Steel
That being the literal meaning, we shall draw from our text a general principle. It is a proverbial expression, no doubt, and applicable to many other matters besides that of the prophet and the Jews; it is clearly meant to show, that in order to achieve a purpose, there must be a sufficient force. The weaker cannot overcome the stronger. In a general clash the firmest will win. There must be sufficient firmness in the instrument or the work cannot be done. You cannot cut granite with a pen-knife, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 War! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10. …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Links Revelation 18:16 NIVRevelation 18:16 NLTRevelation 18:16 ESVRevelation 18:16 NASBRevelation 18:16 KJV
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