Rev 18:1-3 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 18:1-24: 18:1-24 This chapter contains seven poetic responses to the fall of Babylon (or Rome; see study note on 17:5). Summary for Rev 18:1-3: 18:1-3 The angel’s powerful taunt song is the first poetic response. Ancient taunt songs derided a defeated enemy (see Isa 13:19-22 ; 34:10-17 ). In these taunts, the fall of Babylon (or Rome; see study note on Rev 14:8) is portrayed as a traumatic event for subservient kingdoms and especially for those who had profited from her luxury. The sacking of Rome by the Goths and Visigoths ( AD 400s) brought the prosperous empire to an end. 18:1 This angel derived his splendor from heaven . The word splendor is normally used for the divine presence.

a18:1-24►

b18:1-3►

cIsa 13:19-22►

d34:10-17►

e18:1►

f18:2►

gIsa 21:9►

hRev 17:4►

iIsa 13:20-22►

jJer 4:23-31►

k50:39►

l18:3►

‏ Revelation of John 18:1-3

Summary for Rev 18:1-24: 18:1-24 ^a This chapter contains seven poetic responses to the fall of Babylon (or Rome; see study note on 17:5).
Summary for Rev 18:1-3: 18:1-3 ^b The angel’s powerful taunt song is the first poetic response. Ancient taunt songs derided a defeated enemy (see Isa 13:19-22 ^c; 34:10-17 ^d). In these taunts, the fall of Babylon (or Rome; see study note on Rev 14:8) is portrayed as a traumatic event for subservient kingdoms and especially for those who had profited from her luxury. The sacking of Rome by the Goths and Visigoths (AD 400s) brought the prosperous empire to an end. 18:1 ^e This angel derived his splendor from heaven. The word splendor is normally used for the divine presence.
18:2 ^f Babylon is fallen: See Isa 21:9 ^g. Once a beautifully dressed woman (see Rev 17:4 ^h), Babylon (Rome) became a desolate den for demons and unclean birds such as vultures (cp. Isa 13:20-22 ⁱ; Jer 4:23-31 ^j; 50:39 ^k).
18:3 ^l extravagant luxury: Rome plundered conquered nations of their wealth before God’s justice fell on her.