For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!" Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance For in a single hourThis phrase emphasizes the suddenness and swiftness of the judgment that befalls Babylon, symbolizing the world system opposed to God. The Greek word for "hour" (ὥρα, hōra) can denote a specific time or moment, underscoring the immediacy and unexpectedness of the event. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme of divine judgment coming swiftly and unexpectedly, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 52). It serves as a warning to remain vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, as echoed in Matthew 24:44. such fabulous wealth
The term "fabulous wealth" highlights the immense prosperity and opulence of Babylon, representing the materialistic and hedonistic values of a society that prioritizes wealth over spiritual integrity. The Greek word for "wealth" (πλοῦτος, ploutos) conveys not just material riches but also abundance and prosperity. This reflects the historical context of ancient Babylon, known for its grandeur and luxury, as well as the broader biblical narrative that warns against the dangers of wealth leading to spiritual complacency and idolatry (1 Timothy 6:10). has been destroyed
The phrase "has been destroyed" signifies the complete and utter ruin of Babylon's wealth and power. The Greek word for "destroyed" (ἠρημώθη, ērēmōthē) implies desolation and devastation, often used in the context of divine judgment. This echoes the prophetic declarations against ancient cities like Tyre and Nineveh, which were judged for their pride and wickedness (Ezekiel 26:19-21, Nahum 3). It serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and powers. The destruction of Babylon is a call to repentance and a return to Godly values, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShipmasterRepresents those who are in charge of maritime trade and commerce, symbolizing the broader economic systems dependent on Babylon. 2. PassengerIndividuals who travel by sea, possibly representing those who benefit from or are complicit in the economic systems of Babylon. 3. SailorWorkers who operate ships, symbolizing the labor force that supports the economic structure of Babylon. 4. Those who make their living from the seaThis group includes merchants and traders who profit from maritime commerce, highlighting the economic impact of Babylon's fall. 5. BabylonA symbolic representation of a corrupt and idolatrous system, often interpreted as a world power or city that embodies opposition to God. Teaching Points The Transience of Earthly WealthRevelation 18:17 serves as a stark reminder that material wealth is temporary and can be destroyed in an instant. Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporal riches. The Consequences of Idolatry and CorruptionBabylon's fall illustrates the inevitable judgment that comes upon systems and individuals who prioritize wealth and power over righteousness and obedience to God. The Importance of Spiritual VigilanceChristians are called to remain spiritually vigilant and not be seduced by the allure of wealth and power, which can lead to spiritual compromise and distance from God. The Call to Stand ApartAs those who stand at a distance witness Babylon's fall, believers are reminded to separate themselves from corrupt systems and practices, maintaining their integrity and faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the sudden destruction of wealth in Revelation 18:17 challenge our perspective on material possessions and financial security? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are not entangled with systems or practices that oppose God's values, as symbolized by Babylon? 3. How do the warnings about wealth in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 and Matthew 6:19-21 apply to our daily decisions and priorities? 4. What practical steps can we take to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, as Jesus instructs? 5. How can we support one another in maintaining spiritual vigilance and integrity in a world that often prioritizes wealth and power? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 27This chapter describes the fall of Tyre, a prosperous trading city, drawing a parallel to the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18. Both passages emphasize the sudden and complete destruction of wealth and commerce. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which connects to the transient nature of Babylon's wealth and the ultimate futility of earthly riches. 1 Timothy 6:9-10Paul warns about the dangers of desiring wealth, which can lead to ruin and destruction, similar to the fate of those associated with Babylon. People JohnPlaces BabylonTopics Afar, Anywhere, Calling, Captain, Company, Crews, Desolate, Distance, Earn, Exercise, Gain, Hour, Laid, Mariners, Naught, Nothing, Nought, Passenger, Ply, Riches, Ruin, Sailed, Saileth, Sailing, Sailor, Sailors, Sails, Seafaring, Ship, Shipmaster, Ship-master, Shipmasters, Ships, Short, Stand, Steersman, Stood, Trade, Travel, Waste, Watching, Wealth, WitherDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 18:17 4948 hour
5590 travel 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 18:15-17 4342 jewels Revelation 18:16-17 9250 woe Revelation 18:16-19 5776 achievement Revelation 18:17-19 5245 captain
5517 seafaring 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 18:17 NIVRevelation 18:17 NLTRevelation 18:17 ESVRevelation 18:17 NASBRevelation 18:17 KJV
Revelation 18:17 Commentaries
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