Rev. 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

The Angel's Prophecy

The angel will prophesy about the future of Babylon the Great. It will fall and become the habitat of demons, the dwelling place of all evil spirits, and the home to all unclean birds. The great and beautiful city will become a dark and loathsome place. This fulfils what the Old Testament prophets said.

Warning ----> Certain scholars suggest the great city described in this chapter cannot be the literal Babylon. They seem to think more of a tourist attraction. They overlook what the Antichrist could do if several dozen nations flew in work crews and materials from around the world. A hundred nations with unlimited financing, hundreds of engineers, modern equipment, and thousands of workers could turn Babylon into a great city virtually overnight.

Rev. 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Drunkard Nations

This is a picture of government and business becoming obsessed with and controlled by, a concept. Every nation on earth has delved into the idea of world government and world trade. By the time the Tribulation Period arrives they will be intoxicated with it. The idea will receive their full support, and the businessmen involved will become extremely wealthy.

Rev. 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Don't Fall Into The Same Fate

A voice from heaven will urge Elohim's people to leave Babylon for two reasons:
1.) so they will not become involved in Babylon's sin
2.) so they will not fall victim to the plagues Elohim will inflict on Babylon.

Even during this terrible time of Elohim's wrath being poured out we can see that Elohim still cares about his people.

Rev. 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and Elohim hath remembered her iniquities.

No Skipping Town

In the Old Testament, Elohim did not overlook what Babylon was doing when she tried to build a tower to heaven, and he will not overlook this. To stop construction on the Tower of Babel, he confused their language and scattered them around the world. In the future, to stop their sins from piling any higher, he will burn her to the ground.

Rev. 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

Double Jeopardy

It will seem for awhile that Babylon will be getting away with killing Elohim's people. Her day, however, will come, and when it does, she will be severely dealt with. Those who offer no mercy will receive no mercy. This is true justice.

Something To Ponder ---->It is predicted that in 30 years there will be no Christians in the Palestinian controlled areas of Israel. Palestinian persecution is driving them out of the land where Christ was born. Babylon's cup will be filled with abominable things.

Rev. 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

The Taller They Are...

This godless city will be filled with the proud and haughty. Her residents will declare her beauty, greatness, glory, and her reign over all the earth. They will think she is a queen, and that she is married to the kings of the earth. As such, she is not a widow but a wealthy queen who has nothing to moan about. They will be self-deceived and will extol her around the world. never mind the fact that God brought her down in one day during the reign of Belshazzar.
The voice from heaven will say,"Let her torture and grief be in accordance with the way she glorifies herself". This will be one of Elohim's standards of judgment when he remembers Babylon: the great grief of the godly will be turned into glory, and the glory of the godless will be turned into great grief.

Something to Ponder ----> Today, many global corporations and world leaders are making decisions for the sole purpose of producing wealth. They cannot see Elohim's love, mercy, and grace because they are only looking for a big return on their investments. Unfortunately, their willing blindness will be no excuse when Elohim decides that their sins are piled high enough.

Rev. 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Yahuah Elohim who judgeth her.

Quick And Painful

As the home of one-world government and global trade, Babylon will think she is very powerful. She will control powerful weapons and great armies. But compared to the Yahuah Elohim who will judge her, this highly-touted strength will be like a dart gun.
What no earthly army can do, Elohim will accomplish in one day. First, the angel of death will pass over Babylon. Second, this city which just finished saying, I will never mourn will grieve bitterly. Third, this rich city will suddenly run out of food. Lastly, it will be burned to the ground.

Remember This ---->The head of a Gentile world kingdom in Egypt was a man called Pharaoh. He dreamed about seven fat cows with plenty to eat followed by seven skinny cows with very little to eat. He thought This was very significant and called in his advisors, but they could not interpret the dream. Then he called in Joeseph who told him Elohim is letting Pharaoh know that Egypt will go through seven years of good harvests with plenty to eat followed by seven years of poor harvests with very little to eat. Pharaoh believed Joseph, built storehouses for food, and located them in areas where the food could be easily distributed. The preparations paid off. Seven years of tremendous harvests came followed by seven years of worldwide famine with Egypt being severely affected, but the nation handled it well.

After moving to the promised land, Abraham and his nephew Lot decided to separate. Lot eventually moved to the city of Sodom. It was a beautiful city, but it was full of injustice and sordid sins called sodomy (homosexuality). Because of this Elohim decided to destroy Sodom and the equally sinful neighbor city of Gomorrah. He sent angels to tell Lot what was going to happen and to get Lot and his family out of Sodom. Lot barely escaped when fire fell from heaven and burned the cities to the ground.

Rev. 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Weeping Kings

The destruction of Babylon will be worldwide news. Kings, dictators, politicians, and those who supported her will see the smoke billowing up into the air causing them to grieve and cry.

Rev. 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

A Quick Fate

The kings, dictators, and politicians will shake in fear. Panic will grip them. Their cry of woe, woe reveals deep anguish and terror because her destruction will come in one hour. A few experts suggest that one hour could mean "a short space of time" or "spread out over a few days," but most think it means suddenly or instantaneously. That will add to the panic and terror.

Rev. 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

No More Deliveries

Not only will the heads of state weep but so will the world's big businessmen. However, it will not be over the loss of life, loss of souls to hell, or even their own sins. They will weep and mourn over their loss of customers.

Rev. 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

Deep Inventory

Purple and scarlet was worn by royalty in John's day. Silk was so scarce at one time it was outlawed. Citron wood was also scarce and highly sought for ornamental purposes. However, during the Tribulation Period, Babylon will import these cargoes frequently. These are the goods of an affluent society. The global traders will pile them up in Babylon, but the Apostle James warned about such things when he said, "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days" (James 5:1-3). It will be boom time in Babylon when the billionaires head there, but it will be bust when the ball of fire falls. Elohim gives wealth, but he meant for it to benefit society, not to enrich a few.

Rev. 18:13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

Even The Souls Of Man

Some more products large corporations of the world will deal in during the Tribulation Period are expensive perfumes, spices, food, grain, cattle, and even human beings. this is a picture of large corporations that will sell anything for a profit. It is also a picture of businessmen crying because they have lost sales.
It seems almost unthinkable that we would have slavery in this modern world. Nevertheless, slavery is a tragic reality in Sudan and there is virtually no outcry from global leaders or human rights activists around the world. The Jihad (holy war) being waged against Christians and non-Muslim villages are being burned, the men are being killed, and the women and children are being sold in open slave markets for sometimes as little as $10 - $15 apiece.

From their treasures the wise men gave the baby Yahusha gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

Rev. 18:14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

To Be No More

The global traders will acknowledge that the Babylonian dream has been destroyed. All her riches and glory will be gone forever.

Remember This --->Babylon has always been associated with wealth. It is appropriately called the Kingdom of Gold in Daniel 2. The most famous gardens the world has ever known are called "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon." They have been designated one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In order to make the mountain princess he married feel at home, King Nebuchadnezzar built terraces for gardens that were 400 feet square and went up to 75 feet high. Flowers, shrubs, and trees were planted on those terraces and slaves worked the gardens day and night.

Rev. 18:15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

Shaking In Their Boots

The businessmen who prospered by brokering deals at Babylon will not go near the burned-out ruins. They will cry and grieve at a distance because they are terrified at her judgment. Some may stand in their executive suites halfway around the world watching (on television), weeping, and wailing.

Rev. 18:16 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

Beauty Isn't Everything

We have already learned that the businessmen of the world will cry because Babylon's great power will not protect her. Now we learn that they will cry because her beauty and wealth will also fail to protect her. It matters not how powerful an entity is, how beautiful or how rich if God decides it should fall, it will surely fall.

Something To Ponder ----> Jesus said, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19,20). Good financial planning includes much more than large bank accounts, sound investments, and a diversified portfolio. Everyone needs to think about these things, but the only permanent investments are spiritual. Giving to the Lord's work is truly sound financial planning because it becomes legal tender in Heaven. That is the most careful money management of all.

Rev. 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea stood afar off,

Don't Get To Close

The sudden destruction of such great wealth in a short time will be catastrophic for multitudes. First, we read that the kings, dictators, and politicians who supported Babylon will cry. Then we read that the global merchants who do business with her will cry. Now we learn that the seamen who transport her goods will cry. Hauling the merchandise of Babylon will be big business, but in one hour her great wealth will be gone. Every sea pilot, every sea traveler to Babylon, all the sailors and all who will be earning a living on the sea will stand back and mourn the loss of goods, jobs, and business.

Rev. 18:18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Smoldering Ashes

This cry is similar to the lament people heard when the beautiful city of Tyre was destroyed for the second time. Nebuchadnezzar wiped out the original city on the mainland, so the Phoenicians rebuild it on an island. They made it their capital and turned it into a great trading center. Alexander the Great came along and pushed the ruins of the old city into the sea, making a causeway out to the island. His troops walked out on dry land and destroyed the rebuilt city. People compared that to the sinking of a great ship. They cried and asked," What city is like Tyre? Who was ever silenced like Tyre?" When people see the smoke of Babylon rising in the air they will ask, Was there ever a city like this great city?

Rev. 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

The Captains Cry

This is the third time we are told Babylon will fall within one hour. The sudden nature of her destruction will leave the political, business, and shipping world bitterly weeping, reeling, and stunned. This is a clear sign of what the love of money will do the people. When money is a god, and Elohim is gone, what is left but godless grief? Some think the destruction of this great city in just one hour could mean an atomic or nuclear explosion. The fact that people will not go near it is another indication of that.

1.) A mighty angel asked, Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll(Revelation 5:2).
2.) An angel with great authority and a mighty voice shouted, Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the great (Revelation 18:1,2).
3.) A mighty angel picked up a boulder, hurled it into the sea and said, With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again (Revelation 18:21).

Rev. 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for Elohim hath avenged you on her.

The Heavens Rejoice

This is something the Old Testament prophets prophesied, the New Testament apostles predicted, and the Tribulation Period Saints will pray for. We would join the angels in heaven in rejoicing when Elohim's Word is fulfilled and the prayers of Elohim's people are answered.
Here we have a difference between Elohim's people and the godless. One group will rejoice and sing the praises of Elohim. The other will grieve and mourn the loss of their god (money). In the end, Babylon will have brought this judgment on herself for mistreating God's people.

Rev. 18:21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more at all.

Never To Rise Again

This is the third time we have read about a mighty angel. Whether these will be three different angles or the same angel is not known, but the picture is that of a huge stone being violently hurled down into the sea where it will disappear forever. This symbolizes the sudden, violent, and eternal destruction of future Babylon.

Rev. 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

Silenced

Everything from entertainment to manual labor jobs will cease. There will be no more music in Babylon, no people going to work, and no craftsmen on the job. She will be silenced forever.

Something to Ponder----> The ancient city of Pompeii, Italy was suddenly destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Hot ashes, cinders, poisonous gas and smoke killed about 2,000 people. Archaeologists have found shells or molds of human bodies preserved in the hardened ash. The details are so clear that even the expressions of pain and terror on their faces have been preserved.

Rev. 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Who Turned Out The Lights

The street lights; the lights in the malls, shops, and homes will all be dark. Joyous occasions such as marriages will never be heard again. Babylon will be an utter waste.
The merchants in Babylon will be great men on earth. They will use black magic, sorcery, and demonic practices to lead people astray. The forces of darkness will reign until Elohim turns their lights off.

Rev. 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Filled With Blood

Babylon has a long history of the city of Satan. The False Prophet will make his headquarters there during the last half of the Tribulation Period. He will worship the Antichrist and have not tolerance for the people of Elohim. He will kill all those who lack the Mark of the Beast. Babylon's destruction will be well deserved.

Remember This----> The False Prophet came with two horns like a lamb. Lambs do not have horns, so we know he will be a fake in lamb's clothing.

Yahusha warned that false prophets will deceive many in the last days. The winds of deceit will reach gale force during the Tribulation Period. Beware of any religious leader who speaks ill of Yahusha and opposes the scriptures. Any message that contradicts the Bible, no matter how sweet-sounding is not from Elohim.