REVELATION 18: 9 - 19 PART 2 of 3

REVELATION 18: 9 - 19

PART 2 of 3

photo courtesy of Jesus Loves You Today.org

9) And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

   10) Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city!  for in one hour is thy judgment come.

   11) And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

   12) The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

   13) And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

   14) And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

   15) The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

   16) And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

 17) For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.  And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

   18) And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

   19) And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!  for in one hour is she made desolate. 
King James Version  (KJV) public domain

COMMENTARY

   The kings of the earth have thrown their lot in with Satan.  Angels have warned them.  Just think about that for a moment.  When was the last time you saw an angel flying through the air globally, declaring what God says?  When earth dwellers finally do see this, they harden their hearts and greed takes over.  They sell their souls for that which will rust and moths will devour.  Now, they witness the total destruction of political Babylon.  They keep their distance, lest they be discovered and suffer the same fate.  Oh, snap!  That is exactly what is in store for them!  But they don't cry for their souls, they cry for their wallets, their bank accounts,  They don't repent and turn their eyes to God.  

   The merchandise listed in verse 12 is a representative list.  The first listed are items of timeless value:  precious metals, gems, and pearls.  People have been using these to hedge against inflation since the beginning of time.  Then we have valuable cloth listed in the most desired colors.  This represents the tremendous commerce of clothing for the world.  Next is all kind of materials for both domestic and industrial building uses. Ivory and fine woods are the best materials for construction, furniture, housing, and ornaments.  Two of the most important metals for practical uses are also included, brass and iron, which can be used for building and furnishings, and also musical instruments, appliances, machinery, tools, weapons, etc.

   The next  luxury items represent export-import items, including wine and oil.  Wine includes all intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs.  Currently, we in America are being advised that we have an opioid epidemic.  It will be so much worse during the tribulation..  In the days of the Apostle John, oil was understood as being olive oil.  Today, crude oil is far more valuable than olive oil.  Agricultural commodities, livestock are included.  Sadly, slaves and souls of men are also listed and is probably speaking of prostitution, as Babylon is the "mother of harlots".

   The fruits that thy soul lusteth after refers to those things mostly desired that are just out of reach; just before "ripening"; just as you are expecting all you desire to be yours.  Then, "poof", it is gone.  The "kings" were mourning their losses; the merchants were mourning their losses.  None repented.  This is where Matthew 16:26 comes into play:  "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  Back in the great depression, men were killing themselves for much less than these lost.

   All those who were employed in these places mourned.  All was lost.  No 401K's, no employment, no unemployment checks, all gone....just like that!


What about you?  Are you banking on the things of this world?  Let me introduce you to my Jesus, Who paid the penalty for YOUR sins and gave you Life!  Please see our "Pathway to Salvation" page:    https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

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