The Strong-Voiced Angel and the Doom of Babylon vs. 18
"And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."
Introduction
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The key is in verse 2: "Babylon the great is fallen." 10, 16, 18, 19, 21. In all these verses, the aspect of the city is the thing that is emphasized.
- The chronology is marked for the end of the tribulation week. This is an event that takes place as a direct judgment of God (8). "After these things" (1); "From heaven."
- The intimations of her fall are recorded in Rev. 14:8 and Rev. 16:19. The first emphasized the double aspect of judgment, as a religious system and as a political power. The second emphasized the utter destruction of the city.
- The double aspect is mentioned in this chapter. vs. 6 The first has already taken place and recorded in Chapter 17. The second is about to be described.
- The identity of this city is difficult. As far as present day history is concerned, it looks as though Rome is the place. However, it would not be difficult for the scene to shift to Babylon on the Euphrates if that city should be rebuilt. The prophecy of Zechariah suggests that evil will be removed to that location and will be judged in the place of its origin (Zech. 5:5-11)
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