The prediction of the voice from heaven 18:4-20This section contains a call for believers to leave Babylon, laments over Babylon’s destruction by those afflicted by it, and rejoicing in heaven over Babylon’s fall. read more
Laments over this judgment by those affected 18:9-19Three groups of people mourn Babylon’s destruction in these verses: kings (Revelation 18:9-10; cf. Ezekiel 26:15-18), merchants (Revelation 18:11-13; Revelation 18:15-17 a; cf. Ezekiel 27:36), and sea people (Revelation 18:17-19; cf. Ezekiel 27:29-36). read more
The merchants also lament over the destruction of this system, further indicating that this is a different system than the religious one symbolized in chapter 17. The collapse of economic Babylon results in merchants being unable to buy and sell goods. They sorrow over the loss of customers and profits that its destruction causes. However the city itself is a treasure that they also regret losing (cf. Ezekiel 27:25-31). [Note: Beasley-Murray, p. 267; Wall, p. 216.] The wailing of the merchants... read more
The variety of the goods John listed suggests how extensive trade will be at this time in history. The market is the world. Most of the items listed were luxuries in John’s day (cf. Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 16:9-13; Ezekiel 27:12-24). There are seven categories into which these 29 items fall. These categories are precious metals and gems, clothing, furnishings, spices, food, animals and implements, and people. People are even buying and selling other human beings."Persons are ’bought and sold’ (and... read more
18:11 lading (b-17) Or 'merchandise.' read more
18:13 amomum, (c-4) A spice-plant. read more
The Fall of BabylonIn the last c., the fall of Rome, and the manner of its fall, were prophetically announced. In this c., the greatness of the tragedy is shown by songs of thanksgiving and of lamentation which it calls forth.As was suggested on Revelation 17, we may believe that the songs of the joy of angels over sinners that repent have taken the place of these songs. Yet they serve their purpose in encouraging God’s people to faith and endurance when at any time wickedness and worldliness... read more
(4-20) The voice out of heaven warns the faithful to leave her, and describes her fall. read more
(11-13) And the merchants of the earth . . .—Better, The merchants of the earth weep and mourn (not “shall weep;” the vividness of the description is intensified by the use of the present tense) over her; because their cargo no one buyeth any longer—the cargo of gold, &c. The list of the cargoes and merchandise is not without arrangement. The various goods are placed in groups. The treasures come first—gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls. The soft goods used for raiment are placed... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Revelation 18:13
13. cinnamon—designed by God for better purposes: being an ingredient in the holy anointing oil, and a plant in the garden of the Beloved ( :-); but desecrated to vile uses by the adulteress ( :-). odours—of incense. A, C, Vulgate, and Syriac prefix "and amomium" (a precious hair ointment made from an Asiatic shrub). English Version reading is supported by Coptic and ANDREAS, but not oldest manuscripts. ointments—Greek, "ointment." frankincense—Contrast the true "incense" which God loves... read more