The Great Cities Will Fall – Revelation 18
‘And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, And is become the habitation of devils, And the hold of every foul spirit, And a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.’ — Revelation 18:2
The city of Babylon has always been the enemy of God and His people. The southern kingdom of Judah was carried away into captivity to Babylon in the 6th century B.C. And in the end times, a city called Babylon will rise up against God again. There is some debate about the location of this city, whether it will be in the same location as ancient Babylon or the city of Rome.
But regardless, this city will be wealthy and powerful and will be allied with the false world religion. But, then it will fall. It will be judged, and it will break the hearts of all the kings and people of the earth. The primary reason for their distress will be the economic impact. As you read Revelation 18, you get a sense that wealth and prosperity are their gods. In their desire for material gain, they are willing to go against God and kill prophets, saints, and people.
What happens to people in the future is a warning to us today not to trust in material wealth or place confidence in the cities that provide that prosperity. Just like ancient Babylon fell and future Babylon will fall, so the wealth and power of this world will fall. Our hope must be in the eternal city of God not the earthy cities of man.