Revelation of John 18:7

     7. How much—that is in proportion as.

      lived deliciously—luxuriously: see on Re 18:3, where the Greek is akin.

      sorrowGreek, "mourning," as for a dead husband.

      I sit—so Vulgate. But A, B, and C prefix "that."

      I . . . am no widow—for the world power is my husband and my supporter.

      shall see no sorrowGreek, "mourning." "I am seated (this long time) . . . I am no widow . . . I shall see no sorrow," marks her complete unconcerned security as to the past, present, and future [BENGEL]. I shall never have to mourn as one bereft of her husband. As Babylon was queen of the East, so Rome has been queen of the West, and is called on Imperial coins "the eternal city." So Papal Rome is called by AMMIAN MARCELLIN [15.7]. "Babylon is a former Rome, and Rome a latter Babylon. Rome is a daughter of Babylon, and by her, as by her mother, God has been pleased to subdue the world under one sway" [AUGUSTINE]. As the Jew's restoration did not take place till Babylon's fall, so R. KIMCHI on Obadiah, writes, "When Rome (Edom) shall be devastated, there shall be redemption to Israel." Romish idolatries have been the great stumbling-blocks to the Jews' acceptance of Christianity.

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