Revelation 18:21

Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.

Study Bible

Then a mighty angel
The phrase "Then a mighty angel" introduces a powerful celestial being, emphasizing the authority and strength of God's messengers. In the Greek, "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) means "messenger," and "mighty" (ἰσχυρός, ischyros) denotes strength and power. This angel's might underscores the seriousness of the message and the divine authority behind the impending judgment. Historically, angels are seen as executors of God's will, and their involvement here signifies the divine orchestration of Babylon's downfall.

picked up a stone the size of a great millstone
The imagery of a "stone the size of a great millstone" is vivid and symbolic. Millstones were large, heavy stones used for grinding grain, and their size indicates something substantial and weighty. In the Greek, "millstone" (μύλος, mylos) conveys the idea of something burdensome and crushing. This symbolizes the irreversible and complete nature of Babylon's destruction. Archaeologically, millstones were essential in ancient economies, and their mention here highlights the total cessation of Babylon's influence and power.

and cast it into the sea
The act of casting the stone "into the sea" signifies a decisive and final action. The sea, in biblical literature, often represents chaos and destruction. The Greek verb "cast" (βάλλω, ballo) implies a forceful and deliberate action. This imagery echoes Jeremiah 51:63-64, where a stone is thrown into the Euphrates as a symbol of Babylon's fall. The sea swallowing the stone illustrates the complete and utter disappearance of Babylon, never to rise again.

saying 'With such violence
The phrase "With such violence" indicates the manner of Babylon's fall. The Greek word for "violence" (ὁρμή, horme) suggests a sudden and forceful action. This reflects the swift and overwhelming nature of God's judgment. The use of this term emphasizes that Babylon's destruction is not a gradual decline but an abrupt and catastrophic event, underscoring the power and decisiveness of divine retribution.

the great city of Babylon
"Babylon" is a symbolic representation of a city characterized by sin, idolatry, and opposition to God. Historically, Babylon was a literal city known for its grandeur and wickedness. In Revelation, it represents the epitome of human pride and rebellion against God. The "great city" (πόλις μεγάλη, polis megale) signifies its influence and prominence in the world, yet despite its greatness, it is not immune to God's judgment.

will be cast down
The phrase "will be cast down" conveys the certainty of Babylon's fall. The Greek verb "cast down" (καταβαίνω, katabaino) implies a descent from a high place, symbolizing the humbling of the proud and powerful. This reflects the biblical theme that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matthew 23:12). The assuredness of this action highlights the inevitability of divine justice.

never to be seen again
The finality of "never to be seen again" underscores the complete and permanent nature of Babylon's destruction. The Greek phrase (οὐ μὴ εὑρεθῇ ἔτι, ou me heurethei eti) is emphatic, indicating absolute certainty. This echoes the prophetic declarations of the Old Testament, where the downfall of wicked nations is depicted as total and irreversible. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of defying God and the ultimate triumph of His righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mighty Angel
A powerful celestial being tasked with delivering God's message and executing His judgment. The angel's might underscores the seriousness and finality of the message.

2. Great Millstone
A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain. Its size and weight symbolize the irreversible and total destruction of Babylon.

3. The Sea
Represents chaos and destruction in biblical symbolism. Casting the millstone into the sea signifies the complete obliteration of Babylon.

4. Babylon
A symbolic representation of a corrupt and sinful world system opposed to God. Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its idolatry and immorality.

5. Destruction of Babylon
The event prophesied as the ultimate downfall of the corrupt world system, emphasizing God's judgment and the end of evil.

Teaching Points

The Finality of God's Judgment
God's judgment is decisive and irreversible. Just as the millstone cannot be retrieved from the sea, Babylon's fall is complete and final.

Symbolism of the Millstone
The millstone represents the weight of sin and the inevitability of divine justice. It serves as a warning against the burden of unrepentant sin.

The Corruption of Babylon
Babylon symbolizes the pervasive influence of sin in the world. Believers are called to remain separate from such corruption and live in holiness.

Hope in God's Justice
The destruction of Babylon assures believers that God will ultimately triumph over evil. This hope encourages perseverance in faith.

Call to Repentance
The prophecy serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals to turn away from the world's sinful systems and align with God's righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the millstone enhance our understanding of the severity of Babylon's judgment?

2. In what ways does the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:21 parallel the historical fall of ancient Babylon as described in Jeremiah 51?

3. How can believers today guard against the influence of "Babylon" in their personal lives and communities?

4. What does the finality of Babylon's destruction teach us about the nature of God's justice and mercy?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil provide comfort and motivation in our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 51:63-64
This passage describes a similar act where a stone is thrown into the Euphrates to symbolize Babylon's fall, highlighting the continuity of God's judgment against Babylon.

Matthew 18:6
Jesus speaks of a millstone being tied around the neck of those who lead others into sin, drawing a parallel to the severe consequences of sin and corruption.

Revelation 14:8
Earlier in Revelation, Babylon's fall is announced, connecting to the theme of God's ultimate victory over evil.