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Text -- Revelation 18:21-24 (NET)

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Context
18:21 Then one powerful angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone, threw it into the sea, and said, “With this kind of sudden violent force Babylon the great city will be thrown down and it will never be found again! 18:22 And the sound of the harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again. No craftsman who practices any trade will ever be found in you again; the noise of a mill will never be heard in you again. 18:23 Even the light from a lamp will never shine in you again! The voices of the bridegroom and his bride will never be heard in you again. For your merchants were the tycoons of the world, because all the nations were deceived by your magic spells! 18:24 The blood of the saints and prophets was found in her, along with the blood of all those who had been killed on the earth.”
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Babylon a country of Babylon in lower Mesopotamia


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Vision | TRADE | Saints | Saint | REVELATION OF JOHN | PERSECUTION | Music | Mill | Merchant | MILL; MILLSTONE | MARRIAGE | Harp | HANDICRAFT | Babylon | BISHOP | BABYLON IN THE NEW TESTAMENT | Angel | ANGELS | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- A strong angel ( heis aggelos ischuros ). Here heis = a, just an indefinite article, not "one"as a numeral.

A strong angel ( heis aggelos ischuros ).

Here heis = a, just an indefinite article, not "one"as a numeral.

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- Took up ( ēren ). First aorist active indicative of airō .

Took up ( ēren ).

First aorist active indicative of airō .

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- As it were a great millstone ( hōs mulinon megan ). Late adjective, in inscriptions, here only in N.T., made of millstone (mulos , Mat 18:6; Rev 18...

As it were a great millstone ( hōs mulinon megan ).

Late adjective, in inscriptions, here only in N.T., made of millstone (mulos , Mat 18:6; Rev 18:22), while mulikos (Luk 17:2) means belonging to a mill. This is not a small millstone turned by women (Mat 24:41), but one requiring an ass to turn it (Mar 9:42), and so "a great"one.

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- Cast ( ebalen ). Second aorist active of ballō , to hurl.

Cast ( ebalen ).

Second aorist active of ballō , to hurl.

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- With a mighty fall ( hormēmati ). Instrumental case (manner) of hormēma , a rush, old word from hormaō , to rush (Mat 8:32), here only in N.T.

With a mighty fall ( hormēmati ).

Instrumental case (manner) of hormēma , a rush, old word from hormaō , to rush (Mat 8:32), here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- Shall be cast down ( blethēsetai ). Future (first) passive of ballō , the same verb (ebalen ), effective punctiliar future. Like a boulder hurle...

Shall be cast down ( blethēsetai ).

Future (first) passive of ballō , the same verb (ebalen ), effective punctiliar future. Like a boulder hurled into the sea.

Robertson: Rev 18:21 - -- Shall be found no more at all ( ou mē heurethēi eti ). Double negative with first aorist passive subjunctive of heuriskō . See Rev 9:6 for ou m...

Shall be found no more at all ( ou mē heurethēi eti ).

Double negative with first aorist passive subjunctive of heuriskō . See Rev 9:6 for ou mē with the active voice of heuriskō . Already the old Babylon was a desert waste (Strabo, XVI. 1073).

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- The voice ( phōnē ). Cf. Eze 26:13. Or "sound"as in 1Co 14:8 with salpigx (trumpet). For this song of judgment see Jer 25:10.

The voice ( phōnē ).

Cf. Eze 26:13. Or "sound"as in 1Co 14:8 with salpigx (trumpet). For this song of judgment see Jer 25:10.

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- Of harpers ( kitharōidōn ). Old word (from kithara , harp, and ōidos , singer) as in Rev 14:2.

Of harpers ( kitharōidōn ).

Old word (from kithara , harp, and ōidos , singer) as in Rev 14:2.

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- Of minstrels ( mousikōn ). Old word (from mousa , music), here only in N.T., one playing on musical instruments.

Of minstrels ( mousikōn ).

Old word (from mousa , music), here only in N.T., one playing on musical instruments.

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- Of flute-players ( aulētōn ). Old word (from auleō , to play on a flute, Mat 11:17, aulos , flute, 1Co 14:7), in N.T. only here and Mat 9:23.

Of flute-players ( aulētōn ).

Old word (from auleō , to play on a flute, Mat 11:17, aulos , flute, 1Co 14:7), in N.T. only here and Mat 9:23.

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- Of trumpeters ( salpistōn ). Late form for the earlier salpigktēs (from salpizō ), here only in N.T.

Of trumpeters ( salpistōn ).

Late form for the earlier salpigktēs (from salpizō ), here only in N.T.

Robertson: Rev 18:22 - -- Shall be heard no more at all ( ou mē akousthēi ). First aorist passive subjunctive of akouō with the double negative as below, with phōne...

Shall be heard no more at all ( ou mē akousthēi ).

First aorist passive subjunctive of akouō with the double negative as below, with phōnē mulou (sound of the millstone), and as in Rev 18:21 with ou me heurethēi and again with pās technitēs (craftsman). This old word is from technē , art, as here in some MSS. ("of whatsoever craft,"pasēs technēs ). Technitēs occurs also in this sense in Act 19:24, Act 19:38; and in Heb 11:10 of God as the Architect. There is power in this four-fold sonorous repetition of ou mē and the subjunctive with two more examples in Rev 18:23.

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- Of a lamp ( luchnou ). Old word (Mat 5:15), again in Rev 22:5.

Of a lamp ( luchnou ).

Old word (Mat 5:15), again in Rev 22:5.

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- Shall shine no more at all ( ou mē phanēi ). Fifth instance in these verses of ou mē with the aorist subjunctive, here the active of phainō...

Shall shine no more at all ( ou mē phanēi ).

Fifth instance in these verses of ou mē with the aorist subjunctive, here the active of phainō as in Rev 8:12. It is not known whether Rome had street lights or not.

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride ( phōnē numphiou kai numphēs ). See Joh 3:29; Jer 7:34; Jer 16:9. "Even the occasional flash of th...

The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride ( phōnē numphiou kai numphēs ).

See Joh 3:29; Jer 7:34; Jer 16:9. "Even the occasional flash of the torches carried by bridal processions (Mat 25:1.) is seen no more"(Swete). The sixth instance of ou mē , in Rev 18:21-23, occurs with akousthēi (third instance of akousthēi , two in Rev 18:22).

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- Were the princes of the earth ( ēsan hoi megistānes tēs gēs ). For megistān see Rev 6:15; Mar 6:21. "Thy merchants were the grandees"once...

Were the princes of the earth ( ēsan hoi megistānes tēs gēs ).

For megistān see Rev 6:15; Mar 6:21. "Thy merchants were the grandees"once, but now these merchant princes are gone.

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- With thy sorcery ( en tēi pharmakiāi sou ). En (instrumental use) and the locative case of pharmakia , old word (from pharmakeuō , to prepare...

With thy sorcery ( en tēi pharmakiāi sou ).

En (instrumental use) and the locative case of pharmakia , old word (from pharmakeuō , to prepare drugs, from pharmakon , sorcery, Rev 9:21), in N.T. only here and Gal 5:20 for sorcery and magical arts. If one is puzzled over the connection between medicine and sorcery as illustrated by this word (our pharmacy), he has only to recall quackery today in medicine (patent medicines and cure-alls), witch-doctors, professional faith-healers, medicine-men in Africa. True medical science has had a hard fight to shake off chicanery and charlatanry.

Robertson: Rev 18:23 - -- Were deceived ( eplanēthēsan ). First aorist passive indicative of planaō . These charlatans always find plenty of victims. See Mar 12:24.

Were deceived ( eplanēthēsan ).

First aorist passive indicative of planaō . These charlatans always find plenty of victims. See Mar 12:24.

Robertson: Rev 18:24 - -- In her ( en autēi ). In Rome.

In her ( en autēi ).

In Rome.

Robertson: Rev 18:24 - -- Was found ( heurethē ). First aorist passive indicative of heuriskō . See Rev 16:6; Rev 17:6 for the blood already shed by Rome. Rome "butchered ...

Was found ( heurethē ).

First aorist passive indicative of heuriskō . See Rev 16:6; Rev 17:6 for the blood already shed by Rome. Rome "butchered to make a Roman holiday"(Dill, Roman Society , p. 242) not merely gladiators, but prophets and saints from Nero’ s massacre a.d. 64 to Domitian and beyond.

Robertson: Rev 18:24 - -- Of all that have been slain ( pantōn tōn esphagmenōn ). Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of sphazō , the verb used of the...

Of all that have been slain ( pantōn tōn esphagmenōn ).

Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of sphazō , the verb used of the Lamb slain (Rev 5:9, Rev 5:12; Rev 13:8). Cf. Mat 23:35 about Jerusalem.

Vincent: Rev 18:21 - -- A mighty angel ( εἷς ἄγγελος ἰσχυρὸς ) Lit., " one strong angel."

A mighty angel ( εἷς ἄγγελος ἰσχυρὸς )

Lit., " one strong angel."

Vincent: Rev 18:21 - -- A great millstone See on Mat 18:6.

A great millstone

See on Mat 18:6.

Vincent: Rev 18:21 - -- With violence ( ὁρμήματι ) Lit. with an impulse or rush . Only here in the New Testament.

With violence ( ὁρμήματι )

Lit. with an impulse or rush . Only here in the New Testament.

Vincent: Rev 18:22 - -- Harpers See on Rev 14:2.

Harpers

See on Rev 14:2.

Vincent: Rev 18:22 - -- Musicians ( μουσικῶν ) Only here in the New Testament. There seems to be no special reason for changing the rendering to minstrels , a...

Musicians ( μουσικῶν )

Only here in the New Testament. There seems to be no special reason for changing the rendering to minstrels , as Rev. The term music had a much wider signification among the Greeks than that which we attach to it. " The primitive education at Athens consisted of two branches: gymnastics for the body, music for the mind. Music comprehended from the beginning everything appertaining to the province of the nine Muses; not merely learning the use of the lyre or how to bear part in a chorus, but also the hearing, learning, and repeating of poetical compositions, as well as the practice of exact and elegant pronunciation - which latter accomplishment, in a language like the Greek, with long words, measured syllables, and great diversity of accentuation between one word and another, must have been far more difficult to acquire than it is in any modern European language. As the range of ideas enlarged, so the words music and musical teachers acquired an expanded meanings so as to comprehend matter of instruction at once ampler and more diversified. During the middle of the fifth century b.c. at Athens, there came thus to be found among the musical teachers men of the most distinguished abilities and eminence, masters of all the learning and accomplishments of the age, teaching what was known of Astronomy, Geography, and Physics, and capable of holding dialectical discussions with their pupils upon all the various problems then afloat among intellectual men" (Grote, " History of Greece," vi., ch. lxvii.).

Vincent: Rev 18:22 - -- Pipers ( αὐλητῶν ) Rev., flute-players . Only here and Mat 9:23. The female flute-players, usually dissolute characters, were indispe...

Pipers ( αὐλητῶν )

Rev., flute-players . Only here and Mat 9:23. The female flute-players, usually dissolute characters, were indispensable attendants at the Greek banquets. Plato makes Eryximachus in " the Symposium," say: " I move that the flute-girl who has just made her appearance, be told to go away and play to herself, or, if she likes, to the women who are within. Today let us have conversation instead" (" Symposium," 176). Again, Socrates says: " The talk about the poets seems to me like a commonplace entertainment to which a vulgar company have recourse; who, because they are not able to converse and amuse one another, while they are drinking, with the sound of their own voices and conversation, by reason of their stupidity, raise the price of flute-girls in the market, hiring for a great sum the voice of a flute instead of their own breath, to be the medium of intercourse among them" (" Protagoras," 347). Compare Isa 24:8; Eze 26:13.

Vincent: Rev 18:22 - -- Millstone Compare Jer 25:10; Mat 24:41.

Millstone

Compare Jer 25:10; Mat 24:41.

Vincent: Rev 18:23 - -- Bridegroom - bride Compare Jer 25:10.

Bridegroom - bride

Compare Jer 25:10.

Vincent: Rev 18:23 - -- Great men ( μεγιστᾶνες ) Rev., princes . See on Rev 6:15.

Great men ( μεγιστᾶνες )

Rev., princes . See on Rev 6:15.

Vincent: Rev 18:23 - -- By thy sorceries ( ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ) See on Rev 9:21. Rev., more literally, with thy sorcery .

By thy sorceries ( ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου )

See on Rev 9:21. Rev., more literally, with thy sorcery .

Vincent: Rev 18:23 - -- Were deceived ( ἐπλανήθησαν ) Or led astray . See on Mar 12:24.

Were deceived ( ἐπλανήθησαν )

Or led astray . See on Mar 12:24.

Wesley: Rev 18:21 - -- By a like emblem Jeremiah fore - showed the fall of the Chaldean Babylon, Jer 51:63-64.

By a like emblem Jeremiah fore - showed the fall of the Chaldean Babylon, Jer 51:63-64.

Wesley: Rev 18:22 - -- Players on stringed instruments.

Players on stringed instruments.

Wesley: Rev 18:22 - -- Skilful singers in particular.

Skilful singers in particular.

Wesley: Rev 18:22 - -- Who played on flutes, chiefly on mournful, whereas trumpeters played on joyful, occasions.

Who played on flutes, chiefly on mournful, whereas trumpeters played on joyful, occasions.

Wesley: Rev 18:22 - -- Arts of every kind, particularly music, sculpture, painting, and statuary, were there carried to their greatest height. No, nor even the sound of a mi...

Arts of every kind, particularly music, sculpture, painting, and statuary, were there carried to their greatest height. No, nor even the sound of a mill - stone shall be heard any more in thee - Not only the arts that adorn life, but even those employments without which it cannot subsist, will cease from thee for ever. All these expressions denote absolute and eternal desolation.

Wesley: Rev 18:22 - -- Music was the entertainment of the rich and great; trade, the business of men of middle rank; preparing bread and the necessaries of life, the employm...

Music was the entertainment of the rich and great; trade, the business of men of middle rank; preparing bread and the necessaries of life, the employment of the lowest people: marriages, in which lamps and songs were known ceremonies, are the means of peopling cities, as new births supply the place of those that die. The desolation of Rome is therefore described in such a manner, as to show that neither rich nor poor, neither persons of middle rank, nor those of the lowest condition, should be able to live there any more. Neither shall it be repeopled by new marriages, but remain desolate and uninhabited for ever.

Wesley: Rev 18:23 - -- A circumstance which was in itself indifferent, and yet led them into pride, luxury, and numberless other sins.

A circumstance which was in itself indifferent, and yet led them into pride, luxury, and numberless other sins.

Wesley: Rev 18:24 - -- The same angel speaks still, yet he does not say "in thee," but in her, now so sunk as not to hear these last words.

The same angel speaks still, yet he does not say "in thee," but in her, now so sunk as not to hear these last words.

Wesley: Rev 18:24 - -- Even before she was built. See Mat 23:35.

Even before she was built. See Mat 23:35.

Wesley: Rev 18:24 - -- guiltiness as Rome. The guilt of the blood shed under the heathen emperors has not been removed under the Popes, but hugely multiplied. Nor is Rome ac...

guiltiness as Rome. The guilt of the blood shed under the heathen emperors has not been removed under the Popes, but hugely multiplied. Nor is Rome accountable only for that which hath been shed in the city, but for that shed in all the earth. For at Rome under the Pope, as well as under the heathen emperors, were the bloody orders and edicts given: and whereever the blood of holy men was shed, there were the grand rejoicings for it. And what immense quantities of blood have been shed by her agents! Charles IX., of France, in his letter to Gregory XIII., boasts, that in and not long after the massacre of Paris, he had destroyed seventy thousand Hugonots. Some have computed, that, from the year 1518, to 1548, fifteen millions of Protestants have perished by the Inquisition. This may be overcharged; but certainly the number of them in those thirty years, as well as since, is almost incredible. To these we may add innumerable martyrs, in ancient, middle, and late ages, in Bohemia, Germany, Holland, France, England, Ireland, and many other parts of Europe, Afric, and Asia.

JFB: Rev 18:21 - -- Greek, "one."

Greek, "one."

JFB: Rev 18:21 - -- Compare the judgment on the Egyptian hosts at the Red Sea, Exo 15:5, Exo 15:10; Neh 9:11, and the foretold doom of Babylon, the world power, Jer 51:63...

Compare the judgment on the Egyptian hosts at the Red Sea, Exo 15:5, Exo 15:10; Neh 9:11, and the foretold doom of Babylon, the world power, Jer 51:63-64.

JFB: Rev 18:21 - -- Greek, "with impetus." This verse shows that this prophecy is regarded as still to be fulfilled.

Greek, "with impetus." This verse shows that this prophecy is regarded as still to be fulfilled.

JFB: Rev 18:22 - -- Flute players. "Musicians," painters and sculptors, have desecrated their art to lend fascination to the sensuous worship of corrupt Christendom.

Flute players. "Musicians," painters and sculptors, have desecrated their art to lend fascination to the sensuous worship of corrupt Christendom.

JFB: Rev 18:22 - -- Artisan.

Artisan.

JFB: Rev 18:23 - -- What a blessed contrast is Rev 22:5, respecting the city of God: "They need no candle (just as Babylon shall no more have the light of a candle, but f...

What a blessed contrast is Rev 22:5, respecting the city of God: "They need no candle (just as Babylon shall no more have the light of a candle, but for a widely different reason), for the Lord God giveth them light."

JFB: Rev 18:23 - -- Translate as Greek, "lamp."

Translate as Greek, "lamp."

JFB: Rev 18:23 - -- Contrast the heavenly city, with its Bridegroom, Bride, and blessed marriage supper (Rev 19:7, Rev 19:9; Rev 21:2, Rev 21:9; Isa 62:4-5).

Contrast the heavenly city, with its Bridegroom, Bride, and blessed marriage supper (Rev 19:7, Rev 19:9; Rev 21:2, Rev 21:9; Isa 62:4-5).

JFB: Rev 18:23 - -- So most of the best authorities read. But A omits the Greek article before "merchants," and then translates, "The great men of . . . were thy merchant...

So most of the best authorities read. But A omits the Greek article before "merchants," and then translates, "The great men of . . . were thy merchants."

JFB: Rev 18:23 - -- Greek, "sorcery."

Greek, "sorcery."

JFB: Rev 18:24 - -- Applied by Christ (Mat 23:35) to apostate Jerusalem, which proves that not merely the literal city Rome, and the Church of Rome (though the chief repr...

Applied by Christ (Mat 23:35) to apostate Jerusalem, which proves that not merely the literal city Rome, and the Church of Rome (though the chief representative of the apostasy), but the WHOLE of the faithless Church of both the Old and New Testament is meant by Babylon the harlot; just as the whole Church (Old and New Testament) is meant by "the woman" (Rev 12:1). As to literal city, ARINGHUS in BENGEL says, Pagan Rome was the "general shambles" for slaying the sheep of Jesus. FRED. SEYLER in BENGEL calculates that papal Rome, between A.D. 1540 and 1580, slew more than nine hundred thousand Protestants. Three reasons for the harlot's downfall are given: (1) The worldly greatness of her merchants, which was due to unholy traffic in spiritual things. (2) Her sorceries, or juggling tricks, in which the false prophet that ministers to the beast in its last form shall exceed her; compare "sorcerers" (Rev 21:8; Rev 22:15), specially mentioned among those doomed to the lake of fire. (3) Her persecution of (Old Testament) "prophets" and (New Testament) "saints."

Clarke: Rev 18:21 - -- Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down - This action is finely and forcibly expressed by the original words: Οὑτως ...

Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down - This action is finely and forcibly expressed by the original words: Οὑτως ὁρμηματι βληθησεται Βαβυλων ἡ μεγαλη πολις . The millstone will in falling have not only an accelerated force from the law of gravitation, but that force will be greatly increased by the projectile force impressed upon it by the power of the destroying angel

Clarke: Rev 18:21 - -- Shall be found no more at all - In her government, consequence, or influence. This is true of ancient Babylon; we are not certain even of the place ...

Shall be found no more at all - In her government, consequence, or influence. This is true of ancient Babylon; we are not certain even of the place where it stood. It is also true of Jerusalem; her government, consequence, and influence are gone. It is not true of Rome pagan; nor, as yet, of Rome papal: the latter still exists, and the former is most intimately blended with it; for in her religions service Rome papal has retained her language, and many of her heathen temples has she dedicated to saints real or reputed, and incorporated many of her superstitions and absurdities in a professedly Christian service. It is true also that many idols are now restored under the names of Christian saints!

Clarke: Rev 18:22 - -- The voice of harpers, etc. - This seems to indicate not only a total destruction of influence, etc., but also of being. It seems as if this city was...

The voice of harpers, etc. - This seems to indicate not only a total destruction of influence, etc., but also of being. It seems as if this city was to be swallowed up by an earthquake, or burnt up by fire from heaven.

Clarke: Rev 18:23 - -- By thy sorceries - Political arts, state tricks, counterfeit miracles, and deceptive maneuvers of every kind. This may be spoken of many great citie...

By thy sorceries - Political arts, state tricks, counterfeit miracles, and deceptive maneuvers of every kind. This may be spoken of many great cities of the world, which still continue to flourish!

Clarke: Rev 18:24 - -- In her was found the blood of prophets, etc. - She was the persecutor and murderer of prophets and of righteous men

In her was found the blood of prophets, etc. - She was the persecutor and murderer of prophets and of righteous men

Clarke: Rev 18:24 - -- And of all that were slain upon the earth - This refers to her counsels and influence, exciting other nations and people to persecute and destroy th...

And of all that were slain upon the earth - This refers to her counsels and influence, exciting other nations and people to persecute and destroy the real followers of God. There is no city to which all these things are yet applicable, therefore we may presume that the prophecy remains yet to be fulfilled

Bishop Bale, who applies this, as before, to the Romish Church, has, on Rev 18:22, given some information to the curious antiquary

"But be certaine,"says he, "and sure, thou myserable Church, that thou shalt no longer enjoy the commodious pleasures of a free cittye. - The merry noyes of them that play upon harpes, lutes, and fidels; the sweet voice of musicians that sing with virginals, vials, and chimes; the armony of them that pipe in recorders, flutes, and drums; and the shirle showt of trumpets, waits, and shawmes, shall no more be heard in thee to the delight of men. Neyther shall the sweet organs containing the melodious noyse of all maner of instruments and byrdes be plaied upon, nor the great belles be rong after that, nor yet the fresh discant, prick-song, counter-point, and faburden be called for in thee, which art the very sinagog of Sathan. Thy lascivious armonye, and delectable musique, much provoking the weake hartes of men to meddle in thy abhominable whordom, by the wantonnes of idolatry in that kinde, shall perish with thee for ever. No cunning artificer, carver, paynter, nor gilder, embroderer, goldsmith, nor silk-worker; with such other like of what occupacion soever they be, or have bene to thy commodity, shall never more be found so agayne

"Copes, cruettes, candelstickes, miters, crosses, sensers, crismatoris, corporasses, and chalices, which for thy whorishe holines might not somtime be touched, will than for thy sake be abhorred of all men. Never more shall be builded for marchants of thi livery and mark, palaces, temples, abbeys, collages, covents, chauntries, fair houses, and horcherds of plesure. The clapping noise of neyther wyndmil, horsemil, nor watermil, shal any more be heard to the gluttenous feeding of thy puffed up porklings, for the maintenaunce of thine idle observacions and ceremonies. For thy mitred marchaunts were sumtimes princes of the earth, whan they reigned in their roialty. Thy shorn shavelinges were lordes over the multitude whan they held their priestly authority over the soules and bodies of men. Yea, and with thy privy legerdemain, with thy juggling castes, with thy craftes and inchauntmentes of thy subtile charmes, were all nacions of the world deceyved.

This is very plain language, and thus on all hands a monstrous system of superstition and idolatry was attacked by our Reformers; and with these unfurbished weapons, directed by the Spirit of the living God, popery was driven from the throne, from the bench, from the universities, and from the churches of this favored kingdom. And by a proper application of Scripture, and by the universal diffusion of the word of God, it may be soon driven from the face of the universe. And when the inventions of men are separated from that Church, and it becomes truly regenerated, (and of this it is highly capable, as, among its monstrous errors and absurdities, it contains all the essential truths of God), it will become a praise and a glory in the earth. Protestants wish not its destruction, but its reformation

Some there may be, who, in their zeal for truth, would pull the whole edifice to pieces; but this is not God’ s method: he destroys what is evil, and saves what is good. It is reformation, not annihilation, that this Church needs.

Defender: Rev 18:21 - -- Christ had said it would be better for a man who "shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me ... that a millstone were hanged about his...

Christ had said it would be better for a man who "shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me ... that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Mat 18:6). Babylon is the greatest offender of all.

Defender: Rev 18:21 - -- This final disappearance of Babylon, possibly brought about by an aftershock of the great earthquake, may well result from a sudden fracturing or slip...

This final disappearance of Babylon, possibly brought about by an aftershock of the great earthquake, may well result from a sudden fracturing or slippage of the earth's crust, causing the entire region to drop down below sea level. This may occur some weeks or months after the great disaster (a nuclear explosion or perhaps even fire from heaven) that left the great city in ashes. This would give time for the ancient prophecies of Babylon's great desolation to be literally fulfilled (Isa 13:20-22; Jer 18:2; Jer 51:41, Jer 51:42, Jer 51:63, Jer 51:64. Rev 18:2)."

Defender: Rev 18:22 - -- Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13 gives insight into the former commerce of Babylon; Rev 18:22, Rev 18:23 gives a picture of her former daily life, filled with rau...

Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13 gives insight into the former commerce of Babylon; Rev 18:22, Rev 18:23 gives a picture of her former daily life, filled with raucous, sensual music and opulent, immoral living."

Defender: Rev 18:23 - -- Ever since the plague of the fifth vial (Rev 16:10), Babylon will have been in darkness. With the drying of the Euphrates (Rev 16:12), the city's powe...

Ever since the plague of the fifth vial (Rev 16:10), Babylon will have been in darkness. With the drying of the Euphrates (Rev 16:12), the city's power plants would soon fail, and the city would have to be lit by candlelight. The city's riotous social life would come almost to a standstill.

Defender: Rev 18:23 - -- The "sorceries" (Greek pharmakeia) indicate the widespread use of drugs as well as occult arts in this great New Age metropolis (see notes on Rev 9:21...

The "sorceries" (Greek pharmakeia) indicate the widespread use of drugs as well as occult arts in this great New Age metropolis (see notes on Rev 9:21)."

Defender: Rev 18:24 - -- Not only was Babylon (both political and ecclesiastical Babylon) the "mother of harlots" but also the mother of persecutions (Rev 17:4-6). False relig...

Not only was Babylon (both political and ecclesiastical Babylon) the "mother of harlots" but also the mother of persecutions (Rev 17:4-6). False religion and corrupt government, while demanding tolerance for themselves, have always tried to destroy true creationism and the worship of the true God through Jesus Christ."

TSK: Rev 18:21 - -- a mighty : This was to represent the violence of her fall, and that she should never rise again; which is further illustrated by varied emphatic expre...

a mighty : This was to represent the violence of her fall, and that she should never rise again; which is further illustrated by varied emphatic expressions taken from the ancient prophets. But Rome is still standing and flourishing, and honoured by many nations as the metropolis of the Christian world; she still resounds with singers and musicians; she still excels in arts, which serve for pomp and luxury; she still abounds with candles, and lamps, and torches, burning even by day, as well as by night; and consequently this prophecy has not been, but remains to fulfilled.

Thus : Exo 15:5; Neh 9:11; Jer 51:63, Jer 51:64

and shall : Rev 18:22, Rev 12:8, Rev 16:20, Rev 20:11; Job 20:8; Psa 37:36; Eze 26:21; Dan 11:19

TSK: Rev 18:22 - -- the voice : Isa 24:8, Isa 24:9; Jer 7:34, Jer 16:9, Jer 25:10, Jer 33:11; Eze 26:13

TSK: Rev 18:23 - -- the light : Rev 22:5; Job 21:17; Pro 4:18, Pro 4:19, Pro 24:20 the voice : Rev 18:22 thy merchants : Rev 18:3, Rev 18:11-19; Isa 23:8; Eze 27:24, Eze ...

TSK: Rev 18:24 - -- in her : Rev 11:7, Rev 16:6, Rev 17:6, Rev 19:2; Jer 2:34; Eze 22:9, Eze 22:12, Eze 22:27; Dan 7:21; Mat 23:27; Luk 11:47-51; Act 7:52; 1Th 2:15 were ...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Rev 18:21 - -- And a mighty angel - See the notes on Rev 18:1. This seems, however, to have been a different angel from the one mentioned in Rev 18:1, though,...

And a mighty angel - See the notes on Rev 18:1. This seems, however, to have been a different angel from the one mentioned in Rev 18:1, though, like that, he is described as having great power.

Took up a stone like a great millstone - On the structure of mills among the ancients see the notes on Mat 24:41.

And cast it into the sea - As an emblem of the utter ruin of the city; an indication that the city would be as completely destroyed as that stone was covered by the waters.

Saying, Thus with violence - With force, as the stone was thrown into the sea. The idea is, that it would not be by a gentle and natural decline, but by the application of foreign power. This accords with all the representations in this book, that violence will be employed to overthrow the papal power. See Rev 17:16-17. The origin of this image is probably Jer 51:63-64; "And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates; and thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring on her."

Barnes: Rev 18:22 - -- And the voice of harpers - Those who play on the harp. This was usually accompanied with singing. The idea, in this verse and the following, is...

And the voice of harpers - Those who play on the harp. This was usually accompanied with singing. The idea, in this verse and the following, is substantially the same as in the previous parts of the chapter, that the mystical Babylon - papal Rome - would be brought to utter desolation. This thought is here exhibited under another form - that all which constituted festivity, joy, and amusement, and all that indicated thrift and prosperity, would disappear. Of course, in a great and "fun"city, there would be all kinds of music; and when it is said that this would be heard there no more it is a most striking image of utter desolation.

And musicians - Musicians in general; but perhaps here singers, as distinguished from those who played on instruments.

And of pipers - Those who played on pipes or flutes. See the 1Co 14:7 note; Mat 11:17 note.

And trumpeters - Trumpets were common instruments of music, employed on festival occasions, in war, and in worship. Only the principal instruments of music are mentioned here, as representatives of the rest. The general idea is, that the sound of music, as an indication of festivity and joy, would cease.

Shall be heard no more at all in thee - It would become utterly and permanently desolate.

And no craftsman, of whatsoever craft - That is, artificers of all kinds would cease to ply their trades there. The word used here - τεχνίτης technitēs - would include all artisans or mechanics, all who were engaged in any kind of trade or craft. The meaning here is, that all these would disappear, an image, of course, of utter decay.

And the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more - Taylor (Frag. to Calmet, Dictionary vol. iv. p. 346) supposes that this may refer not so much to the rattle of the mill as to the voice of singing, which usually accompanied grinding. The sound of a mill is cheerful, and indicates prosperity; its ceasing is an image of decline.

Barnes: Rev 18:23 - -- And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee - Another image of desolation, as if every light were put out, and there were tota...

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee - Another image of desolation, as if every light were put out, and there were total darkness.

And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee - The merry and cheerful voice of the marriage procession in the streets (notes on Mat 25:1-7), or the cheerful, glad voice of the newly-married couple in their own dwelling (notes on Joh 3:29).

For thy merchants were the great men of the earth - Those who dealt with thee were the rich, and among them were even nobles and princes; and now that they trade with thee no more there is occasion for lamentation and sorrow. The contrast is great between the time when distinguished foreigners crowded thy marts, and now, when none of any kind come to traffic with thee. The origin of this representation is probably the description of Tyre in Ezek. 27.

For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived - This is stated as a reason for the ruin that had come upon her. It is a common representation of papal Rome that she has deceived or deluded the nations of the earth (see the notes on Rev 13:14), and no representation ever made accords more with facts as they have occurred. The word "sorceries"here refers to the various arts the tricks impostures, and false pretences by which this has been done. See the notes on Rev 9:21.

Barnes: Rev 18:24 - -- And in her - When she came to be destroyed, and her real character was seen. Was found the blood of prophets - Of the public teachers of ...

And in her - When she came to be destroyed, and her real character was seen.

Was found the blood of prophets - Of the public teachers of the true religion. On the word "prophets"see the notes on Rev 18:20.

And of saints - Of the holy. See the notes on Rev 18:20.

And of all that were slain upon the earth - So numerous have been the slain, so constant and bloody have been the persecutions there, that it may be said that all the blood ever shed has been poured out there. Compare the notes on Mat 23:35. No one can doubt the propriety of this representation with respect to pagan and papal Rome.

In regard to the general meaning and application of this chapter the following remarks may be made:

(1) It refers to papal Rome, and is designed to describe the final overthrow of that formidable anti-Christian power. The whole course of the interpretation of the previous chapters demands such an application, and the chapter itself naturally suggests it.

\caps1 (2) i\caps0 f it be asked why so much of this imagery is derived from the condition of a maritime power, or pertains to commerce, since both Babylon and Rome were at some distance from the sea, and neither could with propriety be regarded as seaport towns, it may be replied:

(a)\caps1     t\caps0 hat the main idea in the mind of John was that of a rich and magnificent city;

(b)\caps1     t\caps0 hat all the things enumerated were doubtless found, in fact, in both Babylon and Rome;

©\caps1     t\caps0 hat though not properly seaport towns, they were situated on rivers that opened into seas, and were therefore not unfavorably situated for commerce; and,

(d)\caps1     t\caps0 hat, in fact, they traded with all parts of the earth.

The leading idea is that of a great and luxurious city, and this is filled up and decorated with images of what is commonly found in large commercial towns. We are not, therefore, to look for a literal application of this, and it is not necessary to attempt to find all these things, in fact, in the city referred to. Much of the description may be for the mere sake of keeping, or ornament.

\caps1 (3) i\caps0 f this refers to Rome, as is supposed, then, in accordance with the previous representations, it shows that the destruction of the papal power is to be complete and final. The image which John had in his eye as illustrating that was undoubtedly ancient Babylon as prophetically described in Isa. 13\endash 14, and the destruction of the power here referred to is to be as complete as was the destruction described there. It would not be absolutely necessary in the fulfillment of this to suppose that Rome itself is to become a heap of ruins like Babylon, whatever may be true on that point, but that the papal power, as such, is to be so utterly destroyed that the ruins of desolate Babylon would properly represent it.

\caps1 (4) i\caps0 f this interpretation is correct, then the Reformation was in entire accordance with what God would have his people do, and was demanded by solemn duty to him. Thus, in Rev 18:4, his people are expressly commanded to "come out of her, that they might not be partakers of her sins, nor of her plagues."If it had been the design of the Reformers to perform a work that should be in all respects a fulfilling of the command of God, they could have done nothing that would have more literally met the divine requirement. Indeed, the church has never performed a duty more manifestly in accordance with the divine will, and more indispensable for its own purity, prosperity, and safety, than the act of separating entirely and forever from papal Rome.

\caps1 (5) t\caps0 he Reformation was a great movement in human affairs. It was the index of great progress already reached, and the pledge of still greater. The affairs of the world were at that period placed on a new footing, and from the period of the Reformation, and just in proportion as the principles of the Reformation are acted on, the destiny of mankind is onward.

\caps1 (6) t\caps0 he fall of papal Rome, as described in this chapter, will remove one of the last obstructions to the final triumph of the gospel. In the notes on Rev 16:10-16, we saw that one great hindrance to the spread of the true religion would be taken away by the decline and fall of the Turkish power. A still more formidable hindrance will be taken away by the decline and fall of the papal power; for that power holds more million of the race under its subjection, and with a more consummate art, and a more powerful spell. The papal influence has been felt, and still is felt, in a considerable part of the world. It has churches, and schools, and colleges, in almost all lands. It exercises a vast influence over governments. It has powerful societies organized for the purpose of propagating its opinions; and it so panders to some of the most powerful passions of our nature, and so converts to its own purposes all the resources of superstition, as still to retain a mighty, though a waning hold on the human mind. When this power shall finally cease, anyone can see that perhaps the most mighty obstruction which has ever been on the earth for a thousand years to the spread of the gospel will have been removed, and the way will be prepared for the introduction of the long-hoped-for millennium.

Poole: Rev 18:21 - -- And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea for a sign or symbol of the irreparable ruin of Rome, signified b...

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea for a sign or symbol of the irreparable ruin of Rome, signified by that great millstone which had ground to powder so many of God’ s holy ones. By this sign God shows his prophet:

1. That Rome shall be ruined.

2. That it shall be done with violence.

3. That it shall be a total, utter ruin, from whence it shall never recover.

Poole: Rev 18:22-23 - -- Ver. 22,23. And the voice of harpers, &c., shall be heard no more at all in thee all these seem to me but the expression of an utter ruin and desola...

Ver. 22,23. And the voice of harpers, &c., shall be heard no more at all in thee all these seem to me but the expression of an utter ruin and desolation, by various phrases and expressions; they should have no more occasion of mirth, nor any more business done in their city. If any will understand these expressions, of their organs, and other musical instruments used in worship, and of spiritual craftsmen, I shall not contradict it; but I think it more proper to understand the words more largely.

For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived: though thou hast had a trade with great men, and by thy enchanted cups of the wine of thy fornication hast intoxicated many in all nations, yet thou shalt use that trade no more; the nations shall be deceived no more by thee; here shall be an end of thee. And one thing that brings thee to thy ruin, shall be thy seducing others to idolatry, so as they have seemed to reasonable men to be bewitched by thee.

Poole: Rev 18:24 - -- In the rubbish of Rome, when destroyed, will be found the blood of all those holy servants of God, whether ministers of the gospel, or professors of...

In the rubbish of Rome, when destroyed, will be found the blood of all those holy servants of God, whether ministers of the gospel, or professors of it, who ever since the year 606, when the pope came first to his power, have been put to death for the testimony of Christ, and a faithful adherence to the purity of doctrine by him delivered, the purity of worship by him prescribed and directed, or the purity of discipline by his direction set up. As it is storied, that upon the dissolution of abbeys, and monasteries, and nunneries here in England, there were found in holes of walls, and ponds, the skulls and bones of many infants, the supposed bastards of those fathers: so, though men cannot or will not see it now, yet when the papacy shall have its period, men shall understand, that no prophet nor righteous man hath violently been put to death for the truth out of Rome, that is, out of the jurisdiction and influence of Rome; but though it may be they have been no professed papists that have been the cause or instruments of their death, yet they have done it as influenced from that bloody city; and the principles have been perfectly popish and antichristian which madly hurried them on to such cruelties. It was one of Luthers reasons why he would have none put to death for heresy, (as they call it), because he would have this particular character reserved for that antichristian synagogue.— But ah, Lord Jesus! When shall these things be? Or who shall live when the wise providence of God shall effect them, to join with the whole church, both triumphant and militant, in the song which we have prophesied of upon this occasion in the next chapter.

It is not for us to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power, Act 1:7 .

PBC: Rev 18:21 - -- Re 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...

Re 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.

This place of animal sacrifice would no longer be occupied by God’s presence in the Holiest of Holies. It would occupy the same place as our sins, never to be remembered anymore by God.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:22 - -- What a desolation it is now that those things which once caused great rejoicing in the streets would be as silent as death—Eld. Charles Taylor

What a desolation it is now that those things which once caused great rejoicing in the streets would be as silent as death—Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:23 - -- The source of light had gone out. The rejoicing of the bride and bridegroom would not be heard any more at all. The sorceries of this woman who had on...

The source of light had gone out. The rejoicing of the bride and bridegroom would not be heard any more at all. The sorceries of this woman who had once been in league with all nations, and deceived them, would no longer be used.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 18:24 - -- Again we find our God identifying this woman called Babylon. Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem in the writings of Mt 23:35-38 said, " That upon...

Again we find our God identifying this woman called Babylon. Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem in the writings of Mt 23:35-38 said, " That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Her bloody works have not been hid. God has found this wickedness and destroyed her with her works.— Eld. Charles Taylor

Gill: Rev 18:21 - -- And a mighty angel,.... Not Christ, nor one of the ministering spirits, but some man or set of men, perhaps the same with him in Rev 18:1 took up a...

And a mighty angel,.... Not Christ, nor one of the ministering spirits, but some man or set of men, perhaps the same with him in Rev 18:1

took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea; just as Jeremiah took a stone and bound it to his book after he had read it, and cast it into the river Euphrates, as a sign and token of the destruction of old Babylon, Jer 51:63

saying, thus with violence shall that great city be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all; which is expressive of the utter destruction of Rome, and of the violence, force, and power with which it will be destroyed, and of the suddenness and swiftness of its destruction, and of the irrecoverableness of its state and condition.

Gill: Rev 18:22 - -- And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers and trumpeters,.... Which were for mirth, delight, and pleasure: shall be heard no more at a...

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers and trumpeters,.... Which were for mirth, delight, and pleasure:

shall be heard no more at all in thee: the words seem to be taken from Isa 24:8 and may not only regard the loss of every thing that was delightful and pleasant to the ear in private houses, at festivals, and nuptials, and the like, but the ceasing of church music; there will be no more bells, nor organs, or any other instruments of music; no more chanters, and sub-chanters, choristers, singing men and boys:

and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be shall be, found any more in thee; which are very useful and necessary in cities and societies; it is threatened to Judah, that the cunning artificer should be taken from her, Isa 3:3 and it is reckoned as a considerable part of the distress of the captivity that the carpenters and smiths were away from Jerusalem, Jer 24:1 and this judgment may fall on Rome for her worshipping idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, the works of men's hands, artificers and craftsmen, and who are employed in making other trinkets and wares for antichrist:

and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; to grind corn with, see Jer 25:10 there will be a famine at the time that Rome is besieged, Rev 18:8 and after it is destroyed, there will be no corn to grind, nor inhabitants to eat it, and so no use of the millstone; this is said in opposition to her luxurious and delicious living, Rev 18:3 and this may also refer to feasts and rich entertainments, for which spices were ground and prepared by an hand mill m in the house; and so may signify here that there would be no more of such entertainments and rich living; with which sense agrees what follows. This clause is wanting in the Syriac and Ethiopic versions.

Gill: Rev 18:23 - -- And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee,.... Either for common use, or at feasts, or at marriages, which being kept at night, req...

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee,.... Either for common use, or at feasts, or at marriages, which being kept at night, required candies, lamps, or torches; this shows that Babylon, or Rome, shall be deprived of everything, even of the least thing that is comfortable in life; see Jer 25:10 this will be a just punishment upon her for her abuse of this blessing of life; so where wax candles in great numbers have been burning in the daytime, there will not be so much as a single candle to give light in the night; and where candles have been lighted up for the dead, there will not be one for the use of the living:

and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: there will be no marrying, nor giving in marriage; no procreation of children, or propagation of posterity, in this place; which denotes the utter extirpation of the inhabitants of it; the phrases are taken from Jer 7:34 Jer 25:10 and this will be in righteous retaliation for the prohibition of marriage; which God has instituted, and is honourable, 1Ti 4:2 the reasons of Babylon's destruction follow:

for thy merchants were the great men of the earth: in allusion to the merchants of Tyre, said to be princes, Isa 23:8 for by trading and dealing in the wares and merchandise of Rome, persons of mean extract, and of very low circumstances of life, have grown exceeding rich, and have equalled the princes of the earth; as for instance, Cardinal Wolsey here in England, a butcher's son at Ipswich; and on the other hand, the princes and great men of the earth have become Rome's merchants, and have thought it an high honour to get a cardinal's hat, as the Cardinals Albertus duke of Austria, Bourbon, Pool, and others, mentioned by Brightman:

for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived; meaning her false doctrines, traditions, idolatry, superstition, and will worship, with which, as another Jezebel, she has bewitched, allured, and deceived the nations of the empire, and the kings thereof, Rev 18:3.

Gill: Rev 18:24 - -- And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,.... Such as before mentioned, in Rev 18:20 this is another reason of her destruction, beside...

And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,.... Such as before mentioned, in Rev 18:20 this is another reason of her destruction, besides her luxury and idolatry, namely, her shedding the blood of the saints, with which she is said to be drunk, and therefore blood is now given her to drink, Rev 17:6 for she will now be found guilty of slaying the witnesses, who are meant by the prophets and saints, that have been from the beginning of the apostasy:

and of all that were slain upon the earth: not only of those that have been slain in the city of Rome, but of all those that have been slain throughout the empire; they being slain by her order, or with her consent, and she conniving at it, encouraging it, and therefore will be justly chargeable with it all; see Mat 23:31 the Ethiopic version adds, "for the name of Christ".

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Rev 18:21 Thrown down is a play on both the words and the action. The angel’s action with the stone illustrates the kind of sudden violent force with whic...

NET Notes: Rev 18:22 This is a different Greek word (μύλος, mulos) from the one for the millstone in v. 21 (μύλινο&#...

NET Notes: Rev 18:23 On the term φαρμακεία (farmakeia, “magic spells”) see L&N 53.100: “the use of magic...

NET Notes: Rev 18:24 Grk “and of all.” The phrase “along with the blood” has been repeated from the previous clause for stylistic reasons.

Geneva Bible: Rev 18:21 ( 13 ) 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...

Geneva Bible: Rev 18:22 ( 14 ) 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 ...

Geneva Bible: Rev 18:24 And in her was found the ( 15 ) blood of prophets, ( 16 ) and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. ( 15 ) That is shed by bloody mas...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Rev 18:1-24 - --1 Babylon is fallen.4 People commanded to depart out of her.9 The kings of the earth, with the merchants and mariners, lament over her.20 The saints r...

MHCC: Rev 18:20-24 - --That which is matter of rejoicing to the servants of God on earth, is matter of rejoicing to the angels in heaven. The apostles, who are honoured and ...

Matthew Henry: Rev 18:9-24 - -- Here we have, I. A doleful lamentation made by Babylon's friends for her fall; and here observe, 1. Who are the mourners, namely, those who had been...

Barclay: Rev 18:21-24 - --The picture is of the final desolation of Rome. It begins with a symbolic action. A strong angel takes a great millstone and hurls it into the sea wh...

Constable: Rev 4:1--22:6 - --III. THE REVELATION OF THE FUTURE 4:1--22:5 John recorded the rest of this book to reveal those aspects of the f...

Constable: Rev 17:1--18:24 - --K. Supplementary revelation of the judgment of ungodly systems in the Great Tribulation chs. 17-18 Furth...

Constable: Rev 18:1-24 - --2. Commerce in the Great Tribulation ch. 18 God next led John to reveal the destruction of the c...

Constable: Rev 18:21-24 - --The second angelic announcement of judgment 18:21-24 18:21 The angelic act of throwing the millstone into the sea is symbolic of Babylon's fate (cf. J...

College: Rev 18:1-24 - --REVELATION 18 (3) The Fall of Babylon (18:1-19:4). Having introduced Rome as "Babylon the Great" in chapter 17, John announces the fall of "Babylon" ...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Revelation (Book Introduction) THE REVELATION OF JOHN ABOUT a.d. 95 By Way of Introduction Difficulty in the Problem Perhaps no single book in the New Testament presents so ...

JFB: Revelation (Book Introduction) AUTHENTICITY.--The author calls himself John (Rev 1:1, Rev 1:4, Rev 1:9; Rev 2:8). JUSTIN MARTYR [Dialogue with Trypho, p. 308] (A.D. 139-161) quotes ...

JFB: Revelation (Outline) TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOL...

TSK: Revelation (Book Introduction) The obscurity of this prophecy, which has been urged against its genuineness, necessarily results from the highly figurative and symbolical language i...

TSK: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Rev 18:1, Babylon is fallen; Rev 18:4, People commanded to depart out of her; Rev 18:9, The kings of the earth, with the merchants and ma...

Poole: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 18

MHCC: Revelation (Book Introduction) The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two principal divisions. 1. Relates to " the things which are," that is, the then present state of...

MHCC: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) (Rev 18:1-3) Another angel from heaven proclaims the fall of mystical Babylon. (Rev 18:4-8) A voice from heaven admonishes the people of God, lest th...

Matthew Henry: Revelation (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Revelation of St. John the Divine It ought to be no prejudice to the credit and authority of this b...

Matthew Henry: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) We have here, I. An angel proclaiming the fall of Babylon (Rev 18:1, Rev 18:2). II. Assigning the reasons of her fall (Rev 18:3). III. Giving wa...

Barclay: Revelation (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE REVELATION OF JOHN The Strange Book When a student of the New Testament embarks upon the study of the Revelation he feels him...

Barclay: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) The Doom Of Rome (Rev_18:1-3) Come Ye Out! (Rev_18:4-5) The Doom Of Pride (Rev_18:6-8) The Lament Of The Kings (Rev_18:9-10) (1) The Lament Of Th...

Constable: Revelation (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background The opening verses of the book state that "John" wr...

Constable: Revelation (Outline) Outline I. The preparation of the prophet ch. 1 A. The prologue of the book 1:1-8 ...

Constable: Revelation Revelation Bibliography Abbott-Smith, George. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & ...

Haydock: Revelation (Book Introduction) THE APOCALYPSE OF ST. JOHN, THE APOSTLE. INTRODUCTION. Though some in the first ages [centuries] doubted whether this book was canonical, and ...

Gill: Revelation (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION That this book was written by the Apostle and Evangelist John, is clear not only from the express mention of his name, a...

Gill: Revelation 18 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 18 This chapter gives an account of the fall of Babylon, and of the lamentation of many, and of the joy of others, by re...

College: Revelation (Book Introduction) PREFACE This commentary on the Revelation of John has been prepared for general readers of the Bible who desire to deepen their understanding of God'...

College: Revelation (Outline) OUTLINE I. PROLOGUE - 1:1-20 A. Introduction to the Prophecy - 1:1-3 B. Sender - 1:4a C. Recipients - 1:4b D. Prescript - 1:4c-5a E. ...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


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