The Fall of Babylon

In this chapter

In this chapter, you’ll:

Read the text: Rev 17 · Rev 18 · Rev 19

Key takeaways

• Babylon was a real empire that fell; by John’s day the name meant Rome, and Revelation’s picture is built on both.
• The “prostitute” is the prophets’ word for a society that sells itself for gain — not a word about women.
• Her sins are named: pride, luxury, violence against the saints, and a trade in human beings.
• Her own allies destroy her. Evil devours itself, and God is sovereign even over that.
• The world mourns her; heaven sings its only Hallelujahs. Choose now which song is yours.

Reflect & discuss

• Read Revelation 18:11–13. What does Babylon trade in? What’s last on the list, and why do you think John put it there?
• Revelation explains its own pictures in 17:15 and 17:18. What are the waters, and who is the woman? How does that change what “Babylon” means?
• Why does heaven rejoice at Babylon’s fall while the world weeps? What does that contrast reveal about two very different loves?
• “You don’t have to live in Babylon to be shaped by her values.” Which of them has quietly shaped you?
• (Personal; feel free to pass.) How do you “come out of her” without withdrawing from the people who live there and need Christ?

The last question is personal — no one should be required to answer it.