Revelation 18:15; The Fear of Her Torment

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with , ,

Revelation 18:15 (KJV)  The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 

The words stand far off occur three times in this chapter (v10, 15, 17). These merchants are filled with fear, because they are fully aware that their doom is near and they will suffer the same torment. Presently they weep and lament, but nothing can alter their situation (v10, 11). They have lost their wealth that was their idol.

Once again the merchants wail their twofold woe over the great city (v10) and describe her with the same terms John uses to portray the great prostitute (Revelation 17:4). Except for the addition “fine linen,” the following two sentences are nearly identical:

Revelation 17:4
Revelation 18:16
clothed in purple and scarlet cloth
clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet,
and was gilded with gold and
and gilded with gold,
precious stones and pearls
precious stones and pearls

Revelation 17:4 (KJV)  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 

Revelation 18:16 (KJV)  And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 

This is another indication that the woman and the great city are the same (Revelation 17:18), which means that the economic riches adorning the great city vanish.

Revelation 17:18 (KJV)  And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. 

By contrast, the glory that adorns the bride of Christ and the city of God abides forever. Worldly riches disappear in one hour; that is, the plagues strike the woman and the great city abruptly and with devastating consequence (v10, 19; Revelation 17:12).

Revelation 17:12 (KJV)  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 

 Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, pp. 497–498). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.