Bible Commentaries
Revelation 18

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Verse 1

Verse 1

And after these things, &c. The visions described in this and in the following chapter are evidently intended to represent, by vivid images, the certain and terrible destruction of the great anti-Christian power represented by Babylon.

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Verse 2

Verse 2

The habitation of devils; of demons, which are often spoken of as dwelling in desert and desolate places. This an the subsequent clauses express desolation and abandonment, not mere moral corruption.

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Verse 8

Verse 8

In one day; suddenly. This and similar expressions, in Revelation 18:10,Revelation 18:17,Revelation 18:21, indicate, in the opinion of some commentators, that Jerusalem was the city intended; as the destruction of that city was sudden and overwhelming.

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Verse 9

Verse 9

Shall bewail her. The kings are represented in Revelation 17:16, as conspiring to effect the ruin of the woman, who seems to be the same as Babylon (Revelation 17:5.) We may suppose that some of them had turned against her, while others lamented her downfall,--or we may consider it as a change in the imagery, both representations denoting, in different ways, the certainty of her overthrow.

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Verse 12

Verse 12

Thyine; a fragrant wood.

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Verse 13

Verse 13

And souls of men; men having souls.

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Verse 16

Verse 16

Here the writer returns to the image of the woman, by which the city was represented in the Revelation 17:1-18.

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Verse 21

Verse 21

A mighty angel; that is, another angel, who comes forward to present, in still different language, a view of the greatness and the certainty of the impending destruction.

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Verse 24

Verse 24

Was found the blood of prophets; that is, the guilt of shedding that blood.

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RevelationRev 17 RevelationRev RevelationRev 19

Bibliographical Information
Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on Revelation 18". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ain/revelation-18.html. 1878.

Bible CommentariesRevelation 18

Abbott's Illustrated New TestamentAbbott's NT

Bible Commentaries
Revelation 18