Revelation 14:8; Babylon is Fallen (2)

Revelation 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 

Babylon is fallen is the pronouncement of the defeat for the empire of the Antichrist and the False Prophet – political, economic, religious – that has deceived the world. The drunkenness of the nations who partook of the evil perpetuated suffers the judgment of God. 

We are given a preface of events to come. It is a preliminary and preparatory announcement of the judgment described in chapter 17-18. The destruction of Babylon is being celebrated in heaven, where judgment is treated as already accomplished. The intensity is not mere Hebraism but speaks of a double judgment. Both as a system and as a city, Babylon is to be destroyed. The word “is” indicates the anticipation of sure destruction. From heaven’s standpoint Babylon is fallen, even though its actual doom has not yet occured. [Herbert Lockyer, All About the Second Coming – The Drama of the Ages, Hendrickson, 2007, 128]

Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 

Revelation 18:2-3 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. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 

Revelation 18:10-11 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 

Jeremiah 51:7-8 Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. 

Jeremiah 51:64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.