Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 18
Here, at last, we see how terrible selfish behaviour can become. It is not merely responsible for proud and greedy attitudes, although God opposes such attitudes (James 4:6; James 5:1-5). It is not just responsible for the use of witchcraft (magic), although by such acts, people give honour to evil spirits (Deuteronomy 18:9-13; 1 Samuel 15:23; 1 Corinthians 10:20).
The selfish attitudes of Babylon’s people caused them both to become greedy and to use witchcraft (18:23). They tried to use the devil’s power for their own purposes - but in the end, the devil took control of them. Then they were guilty of the most terrible and evil acts (see Galatians 5:19-21).
They carried out murders of the most cruel and awful kind (see the Book of Lamentations). It is hard for us to think about a crime that is worse than murder. However, they became even more wicked (see Romans 1:28-32). It was not enough just to murder, so they murdered holy people. They even killed the people who brought God’s message to them.
That is how terrible selfish behaviour can be. In the end, it was not just a crime against other people. It was against God, whose servants they had killed (Psalm 79).
For such terrible crimes, God’s law says that there must be proper punishment (Numbers 35:31-34). God’s people have long appealed for him to act in this matter (Genesis 4:10; Psalm 74:18-23; Revelation 6:9-11). God alone has the right and duty to act in judgement, because his servants have suffered. As the judge of all people, he must do what is right. So he will destroy the power of every evil system and every evil government on earth. Then at last he will establish the perfect rule of his Son upon the earth.
Next part: A great crowd in heaven praises God (Revelation 19:1)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.