Revelation Chapter 18
Vs. 1 - A new and powerful angel whose presence provides light.
Vs. 2- The ancient city of Babylon was an enormous city, with walls said to be 335 ft. high, 85 ft. wide and 56 miles long. See BD. The period of Babylonian captivity was possible the low point in the history of Israel. It thus becomes a symbol for all that is Anti-Israel and Anti-Christ. "John shows that Babylon's seductive power tempts almost everyone. In the face of this reality the angel gives a command and warning: 'Come out of her, my people...that ye receive not of her plagues' (vs. 4) The Saints in the latter days have received the same warning, 'The voice of the Lord is unto you: Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (D&C 133:7) And more explicitly: 'Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon' (C&C 133:14). The Lord means the Saints to take him seriously; he warns: 'After today cometh the burning-this is peaking after the manner of the Lord-for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon' (D&C 64:24) Draper p. 200.
Vs. 3- Who has not been influenced by Babylon?
Vs. 4- Just as the Saints of John's day were warned not to be partakers of the pagan worship, we are warned to not associate with Babylon. Do we do missionary work in Babylon? Yes and No. We do missionary work, but we do not give up our home court advantage. We flee Babylon and invite others to join us.
Vs. 5- The idea that God does not know what Babylon is doing is put to rest.
Vs. 6- See D&C 1:7-10
Vs. 7- Do you know people who seem satisfied and feel bullet-proof because they have wealth, fame and power, in their wicked ways? Individuals and empires are prone to feel bullet-proof. (Isaiah 47:7-8)
Vs. 8 - See D&C 5:9 64:24: 88:94
Vs. 9 - The change in lifestyle of the wicked will not be an easy day.
Vs. 10-The cry and lament of fair weather fans of the whore. People
Vs. 11 -I guess we have to be careful what we build our foundation upon.
Vs. 12 & 13 - An incomplete list of things that Satan uses to buy the lasts item on the list; "the souls of men.."
Vs. 14 - "You have no doubt noticed that repetition is of used in the scriptures to drive home a point. What you are seeing in John's vision here is an example of this teaching technique."(Ridges) When the Lord repeats himself, it is not because he forgot he already said it. Repetition is the Lord's exclamation mark.
Vs. 15-19 - True friends stick with us through thick and think. Read Ann Dibb's talk about being True in the May Ensign, 2011.
Vs. 20- This vengeance fulfills the promise made back in Rev. 6:9-11
Vs. 21- When you throw a giant stone which is used to grind wheat into the ocean, it doesn't float. (Remember Matt. 18:6 and those who offend little children. See also Jeremiah 51:60-64)
Vs. 22- The sounds of people seeking worldly pleasure or working or doing anything will not be seen. When the millstone stops grinding, people go hungry, but then Babylon is not.
Vs. 23-Satan's deceptions were accepted through the whole world.
Vs. 24-All of Babylon's sins have been uncovered. Babylon is guilty as charged.
