Revelation (Written)

Thursday, 17 June 2021

and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. Revelation 18:13

The list of valuable commodities which began in the previous verse now continues here. It should be noted that there are some differences in source texts, so the list – as evaluated here – may have some variations from the Bible being referred to at any given time.

Understanding this, the list now continues with, “cinnamon and incense.” Cinnamon is both a spice and an aromatic product used in incense. In the Greek of the New Testament, it is found only in this verse. However, it is also found in Exodus 30:23 when used in the holy anointing oil. It is also found in Proverbs 7:17 and the Song of Solomon 4:14. The Hebrew name is qinnamon. In Greek, it is kinamómon. One can see the similarity between both languages and our modern English.

This is the last of six times that “incense” is found in the New Testament. It is the word thumiama. That comes from the root thuó which signifies “to kill as a sacrifice on an altar.” Thus, one can see the intimate connection between sacrifices and the offering of incense.

These are next followed by “fragrant oil and frankincense.” The “fragrant oil” is synonymous with perfume. It is understood that these are the luxurious items found in both temple worship and among people all around the world that have disposable income.

“Frankincense” is mentioned next. It was and continues to be an extremely expensive commodity. It was one of the gifts presented to the Lord in Matthew 2:11, and it was also used during the temple times as part of the incense compound presented to the Lord. Chapter 4 of the Song of Solomon contains a similar list of fragrant products in its beautiful verses.

The list continues with “wine and oil.” Again, these were used in the temple in Israel during offerings and were a part of the daily life of the people of Israel. Both have been items indicating luxury and even wealth. They are valuable items in trading.

Next is listed, “fine flour and wheat.” The word translated as “fine flour” is only found here in the New Testament. Both of these were also used in offerings to the Lord and have been staple foods for thousands of years. Following these are listed “cattle and sheep.”

In Israel, both were considered clean animals, and they are both animals that were used in temple sacrifices. They were also commonly eaten by the people of Israel.

Next in the list are “horses and chariots.” Horses and chariots are noted in the Bible as means of transportation, warfare, and trading. The word translated as “chariots” is rhedé. It is only found here in the New Testament. It is a Latin word, but it is of Gallic origin. It signifies a chariot of four wheels.

Finally, the list ends with “the bodies and souls of men.” The meaning appears obvious. It signifies humans that are traded for-profit and for use. Hence, slavery is the intended meaning. It is something that has existed, and it continues to exist in various forms to this day.

Life application: It should be noted that owning slaves was allowed under the law, and it was commonly practiced throughout ancient times. The biblical rule for slaves was of care and not abuse. However, the master of the slave was given more authority over his slaves than other people because they were his property. The issue of slavery is a part of the human story, and it has always been a reality.

Babylon the great has had great wealth in many forms as has been seen in the past two verses. However, despite its immense wealth, power, and status, it has come to ruin.

When we put our hopes and trust in the creation rather than the Creator, the inevitable result will be mourning, sadness, and loss. And so, let us look to the eternal. Let us allow the words of Scripture to fill our minds, and let us anticipate all goodness in a world that is prepared for us by a loving Creator. He is coming to gather us to Himself. He is JESUS.

To You alone, O God, is our allegiance due. You have given us a world of variety and wonder, and You have given us beautiful things to bring joy to our hearts, but we need to remember that they are a part of what You have created and are not things we are to idolize. Rather, we are to give thanks to You for them. Help us to remember this and to worship and praise You alone. Amen.

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; Revelation 18:12

A description of the cargoes of the merchants of the earth is now provided. As noted in the previous commentary, the listing now is similar to that provided in Ezekiel 27. The list begins by saying, “merchandise of gold and silver.” As in the previous verse, the word “merchandise” is more precisely “lading” or “cargo.” It is that which is stored in a ship for transport.

The precious metals are named first. Gold is the royal metal, and it is a symbol of wealth and purchasing power. In the Bible, it is used as a symbol of royalty and divinity. Silver is more specifically emblematic of currency. In Scripture, it is used as a symbol of redemption because of this.

It next says, “precious stones and pearls.” The word precious is an adjective used to describe the stone. The word “stone” is singular, but it is speaking of any stone. It signifies that of great price, precious, honored, and so forth. Thus, these would be those stones that have value for jewelry and other important uses.

The pearl is something emblematic of extreme value. Jesus equates the precious teachings of the gospel to a pearl. As can be seen, there is a categorical listing that can be followed. The things considered as treasures have been listed. Next, the list turns to soft goods with the words, “fine linen and purple.”

Fine linen is that which is the purest of its kind and which is then used for various purposes. In Revelation, this word is equated to the garments of righteousness (the righteous acts of the saints in Revelation 19:8).

The purple can be a deep purple, deep scarlet (or crimson), and deep blue. It signifies power and/or wealth, even royal status. Proverbs 31:22 links this color with godliness in a woman.

Next, it says, “silk and scarlet.” The word translated as silk, Ser, is a tribe of India (or possibly modern China) from whom silk was obtained. This is the only use of the word in Scripture.

The scarlet is a crimson color obtained from the Kermes (coccum), which is the female coccus of the Kermes oak. In the Bible, the scarlet is used at times to indicate substitutionary atonement. From the soft goods, the list next goes to that made of wood and objects obtained from such woody material, beginning with “every kind of citron wood.”

This is a word only found in Scripture. It signifies an aromatic wood of North African origin. Because of its fragrance, it would be highly valuable. The term “every kind” is probably referring to its various uses rather than different kinds of this particular tree. There would be plates, furniture, chests, or whatever – all made with this wood.

Next, it refers to “every kind of object of ivory.” The Greek word, elephantinos, found only here, makes it obvious what is being referred to. The tusks of the elephant are highly desired for carving various things, or for being inserted as highlights into furniture and the like. The ivory throne Solomon made is referred to in 2 Chronicles –

“Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. ¹⁸ The throne had six steps, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne; there were armrests on either side of the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests. ¹⁹ Twelve lions stood there, one on each side of the six steps; nothing like this had been made for any other kingdom.” 2 Chronicles 9:17-19

The description next turns to objects that are fashioned. It is a general statement, saying, “every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble.”

The same adjective used earlier to describe the “precious stones” is used again here. Whatever wood is highly valued for making articles is what is being referred to. Also, articles of bronze (a symbol of judgment in Scripture), iron (a symbol of unyielding strength), and marble are all mentioned. The word translated as “marble” is found only here in the Bible.

Life application: As noted earlier, the list of goods mentioned here is reminiscent of the list of the wealth of Tyre in Ezekiel 27. She also had large stockpiles of such things amassed, but she was destroyed, and her abundant wealth couldn’t help her. The destruction of Tyre, and many of the things recorded surrounding that destruction, mirror what is said of Babylon the great.

There is nothing wrong with owning any of the objects mentioned here. Gold and silver are used throughout the Bible as units of currency and for other reasons. They were owned by God’s people and used for the building of the tabernacle and the furniture in it. They were also used to make purchases in Jerusalem during feast days.

Likewise, stones and pearls are recorded in the Bible as being possessed by God’s people. Linens, of course, were used to adorn the people and also their living quarters. Precious woods and ivory are noted many times. And of course, there are innumerable references to the use of metals such as bronze and iron and also stone for construction.

The problem isn’t in owning or using any of these things. The problem is in trusting in them for security or for safety in times of trouble. When the woeful times come, these things lose all of their value. Only a faithful reliance on the Lord can save. Great nations have seen the futility of trusting in amassed wealth. In only minutes, trillions of dollars can vanish.

Unfortunately, seeing the futility in something and learning the necessary lessons are two different things. Unless we repent of our trust in the creation and turn it towards the Creator, we are only increasing our guilt. Let us trust in Christ alone for our ultimate hope. When the world is reaching for gold at the same time as it is perishing, let us reach for eternal life and a return to the paradise God intended for man to reside in. Let us reach out for JESUS.

Heavenly Father, You have given us such a wonderful variety of things to adorn our lives with. And You have given them in just the right measure so that they have varying degrees of value to us and so that we can set up systems of exchange and barter through them. But these are useful only for our earthly lives. Help us to keep their value in proper perspective and to trust only in You for the fulfillment of our eternal needs. Amen.

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

“And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: Revelation 18:11

With the description of the kings of the earth mourning over Babylon the great, the account goes to a second group of mourners. The verse begins with, “And the merchants of the earth.” The word is emporos, and it signifies a passenger on a ship, a trader, or a merchant. It is found only in Matthew 13:45 and four times in this chapter of Revelation (3, 11, 15, & 23). Of these people, it says they “will weep and mourn over her.”

The translation is correct and fixes the incorrect “shall weep and mourn” of the older KJV. The tense of the verses has gone from the future in verse 9 (“will weep and lament”) to the present tense. The tense will change again in verse 17 where aorist verbs are used. Thus, there is a process occurring that captures the scene – “they will weep and lament,” “they weep and mourn,” “they stood at a distance.”

The first group was the kings of the earth and so this catastrophe is not just in the political realm, but in the economic realm as well. In fact, the details about the merchants and their merchandise will be extremely detailed in the coming verses. They will follow the general theme that is presented in the lamentation over Tyre in Ezekiel 27. For now, it says, “for no one buys their merchandise anymore.”

The word gomos is used. It signifies the lading of a ship. It is better translated as “lading,” or “cargo.” The destruction of Babylon the great will bring the world to a financial precipice from which it cannot hide. These merchants will weep and mourn over her because of this. In other words, there is less weeping for the city than there is for their personal catastrophe.

Merchants have always found ways to buy and sell regardless of the economic system which exists. Through capitalism, they openly sell, profit, and grow. Through socialism, they sell what they can legally and pay as little as possible to the corrupt government by selling what they can illegally. Through communism, much is sold on the black market to avoid giving to the government.

No matter what though, the merchants sell. But in the case of the end times, there has already been set up a worldwide system which controls all commerce, and no one can buy or sell unless they have the mark of the beast. In an attempt to control everything and everyone, this system was developed, and the inevitable result is that when it falls, everything else will fall with it. No one will buy merchandise anymore because there is no method of transaction left.

Life application: The state of the world is aligning in the manner described in Revelation. For example, the liberal left in America is doing everything possible to head us into this brave new world. However, what is coming is already destroyed in God’s mind. What they think is liberation from Him and His rule will be the very mode and method of their own destruction.

So much for progressive liberalism leading to socialism, leading to communism, and finally to world control! It is a one-way avenue that has been proven wrong in the pages of the Scripture. Only one form of government will prevail. It will be that of the rule of the coming King, JESUS!

Lord God, we know that the system of this world is coming to an end. The Bible tells us that the things that are happening now will lead to a great system of control over all people, but that it too will come to an end when Christ returns. It would be great if people would just submit to Him now and avoid all of the troubles that are foreseen in Your word. Help us to keep telling others about the good news of Jesus while there is time. Amen.

Monday, 14 June 2021

standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’  Revelation 18:10

This verse completes the thought of the previous verse. Taken together, they read, “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, ¹⁰ standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’”

With the context understood, this verse begins with, “standing at a distance for fear of her torment.” The context explains the matter. This is speaking of “the kings of the earth.” The kings of the earth are spread around the earth. The leader of the Philippines is in the Philippines. The leader of Guatemala will be in Guatemala. And so on.

This is simply a way of expressing the terror of what is beheld. It is also another implicit reference to modern technology where such things can be seen in such a manner. More such references will follow in the verses ahead. When these “kings of the earth” see what happens to Babylon the great, they will recoil in horror, “saying, ‘Alas, alas.”

It is the Greek word already seen in Revelation, ouai. It is an interjection signifying a calling out of “woe” or “alas.” In repeating it twice, it intensifies the grief being expressed. And the grief is then stated as being directed towards “that great city Babylon.”

This great city that has existed for so long, and that has been the center of supposed worship of the true God for millennia, will fall so quickly and so completely that it will be beyond comprehension.

It would be the same as if Tokyo, Moscow, or Washington D.C. suddenly evaporated in nuclear destruction. Who would ever truly imagine it until it occurred? And in its occurring, a sense of disbelief would still exist in the minds of those who saw it. As a great emphasis, the thought is repeated, saying, “that mighty city!”

Babylon the great is a city as already noted (17:18). The terminology is explicit and is not symbolic. Not only has she been a hub of diplomacy, religious leadership, and trade, but it has endured for such a long time. And more, it has been the seat of so many military and religious leaders that it has seemed that it would never cease to be. And yet, when the suddenness and the greatness of its destruction occurs, they will cry out, “For in one hour your judgment has come.”

It seems unlikely that the destruction of Babylon will be anything short of the most significant of natural disasters, or a man-made nuclear explosion. The term “one hour” is given to show the suddenness of the matter. It will not be a long, drawn-out battle. Rather, it will be something that happens so quickly that it will seem over as soon as it begins.

Even if its destruction is due to the onslaught of an invading army, it will be such a quick, complete, and decisive battle that it will seem as if the invaders were simply a flood that overwhelmed in an instant. What is certain is that its destruction will be quick, and its effects will be total.

Life application: The kings of the earth have participated in the prosperity and apostasy of Babylon and have committed fornication with her. They now stand watching as its annihilation comes.

When someone loves another and there is a mutual respect and relationship built on truth and morality, they will do anything to protect them. This is especially true with those we are intimate with. However, when intimacy is found in a relationship of fornication, there is no desire to protect the one they have been with, only a desire for self-preservation.

These kings were certainly intimate with the harlot, having shared in her false religion and in the wealth of her position, but now those intimate relations mean nothing – because they were nothing. Rather, they were only expenditures on a whore.

This is something each person needs to truly think about. Are our religious affiliations truly out of love for the Creator, or are they made to enrich ourselves, satisfy our own needs, and find satisfaction without devotion? Are we willing to help our religious partner, even to the point of death?

In Christ, the answer will always be, “Yes” (see Philippians 1:21). But, for Babylon the great, these kings are regretting the loss of the harlotry and the many perverse pleasures they participated in with her, but they aren’t willing to step forward to help her.

Because the term “mighty” is added into their discourse, it is the sure acknowledgment that the destructing force is even mightier, and it has now shown its power. Therefore, this must logically be divine judgment upon the harlot, even if it is executed by a human agent. As amazing as it seems, the people will know – without a doubt – that this is judgment from God. The logical connection then is that Babylon the great was, and always has been, a false instrument of religious practice.

There is something actually perverse in our nature which tells us when we are following the wrong path. And yet, we are still impelled on to follow it, nonetheless. It is no different than committing adultery on our spouse or stealing from the grocery store. We know right from wrong, but often act despite this. Proof of the kings’ knowledge about Babylon the great is given in their sentiments.

As for you, stop and think through your religious affiliation. Are you in a church that is not following the commands of the Bible? Are there homosexuals in the pulpit or other church offices? Are other types of sexual immorality being overlooked? Is your pastor a male (the Bible is gender-specific) who meets the requirements of the pastoral office as are given in 1 Timothy and in Titus?

If your church isn’t following the guidelines of the Bible, then you are participating in willful disobedience of God. Through His word, God calls out to you to “Wake up” and “Come out of her, My people.” What is right and proper is to put the Lord before your own desires or allegiances. There is only one proper avenue of faith, and it is revealed in Scripture as it directs us to the obedience of our Lord JESUS.

Heavenly Father, help us to not be disobedient servants, but rather to exalt You and Your word above our personal feelings for those in our churches. Open our eyes to what is authorized by You and then open our hearts to be obedient to that knowledge. We ask this so that You will be glorified by our properly directed faith and practice. Amen.

Sunday, 13 June 2021

The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, Revelation 18:9

With the coming destruction of Babylon the great, there will be an accompanying lamentation that fills the earth. As the woman was said to sit on many waters (17:1), her scope of harlotry went throughout the world (17:15). The lamentation over her begins with “The kings of the earth.”

In verse 17:18, it was explicitly stated that “the woman you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” With her destroyed, their lamentation will be raised. This is because it is they “who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her.”

The fornication means mixing in idolatrous practices and being turned from proper worship of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The world will follow her in her deception and find out that they had been led astray. This wasn’t only by false religion though, but the words “lived luxuriously” signify they prospered off of being aligned with her.

And how many nations and leaders can this be said of in their intimate connection with Rome? By aligning themselves with the apostate harlot, they have become Speakers of the House, leaders of the Senate, and even Presidents. They have become Prime Ministers, Supreme Court Justices, governors, and so on.

All over the world, being aligned with the Vatican has brought immense prestige, wealth, and power. When she is destroyed, they “will weep and lament for her.”

These people will suddenly realize that they had put their allegiance in the wrong place. They thought they were earning heaven through donations, indulgences, and confessionals. Instead, they are deceived and are set to go off to perdition. There will be utter confusion and great lamentation at how their misplaced source of hope could be brought to nothing. This will all come to pass “when they see the smoke of her burning.”

Imagine the stunned state of Muslims if Mecca was suddenly destroyed! They could not mentally process that their religion was suddenly wiped out, proving it was always a false religion. This is the shock and horror that adherents to the false worship of the Vatican will feel. It will be a double-edged cut – the loss of worldly wealth and power, and the loss of any chance of being allowed into God’s paradise.

The words now closely reflect that which came at the destruction of Tyre, as is recorded in Ezekiel 26 –

“Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you.” Ezekiel 26:16

Life application:  The thought of this verse closely mirrors the analysis of verse 18:3. The religious institutions of the world increase in wealth along with the prosperity of the people they minister to. As they so increase, it leads to indulgence, coveting, idolatry, and feelings of self-importance.

Follow the upward path of most religions or denominations and this is the normal result. As this occurs, the political and societal leaders align themselves with these apostate religions because it becomes a mutual way of exploiting the people. The religious leaders keep the people in spiritual bondage and the political and business leaders keep the people in line by controlling their pay, benefits, and rights of speech and assembly. They work hand in hand to manipulate the masses and keep the people in line with their will.

However, eventually, rifts do develop, and the leaders of the society often learn to hate the religious leaders and will devour them so that their control is complete over the people. This would be the state found in Revelation 17:16, 17. There, the destruction that comes upon the great harlot is possibly a result of this – the main leaders of the beast fulfilling God’s purpose to destroy her. The other kings of the earth who committed fornication with her will weep and lament over her.

There will be immense sadness because of the loss of the riches she possessed, and which also enriched them. They lived luxuriously off of her and that will all be lost. Because she is judged and destroyed, they know their turn cannot be far off. They will see her destruction, and will wail and lament at the suddenness and immensity of it. In this, they will know that they too are mere mortals and possibly next in line for termination.

There is only one true path to what is right and good. God has laid it out for us in the pages of Scripture. He has carefully and meticulously set things out so that we can be reconciled to Him by a mere act of faith. And yet, we as humans will follow almost any path except the right one because we cannot give up on our own pride. Set that aside, admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and – by faith – come to the cross. Be reconciled to God through JESUS.

Great are You, O Lord God Almighty, and great are Your judgments. We all deserve destruction and burning, for we are dust and ashes. But You, in Your abundant mercy, have spared the people You love by sending Jesus as our Substitute. Thank You for this Gift of love and this Offering of peace. Help us to share the truth of this great message, O God. Amen.