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Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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| 1 After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory. |
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After these things – Indicating a new vision.
I – John, the church in the flesh during our Lords 2nd advent.
Another angel – Our Lord Jesus.
Come down from heaven – Since Revelation is a symbolic book we first tend to look for symbolic applications. Heaven is the power of spiritual control. In this case, the true power of spiritual control, i.e., from the Divine Throne in the literal heavens. Thus this pictures Jesus coming from His place in heaven at His Second Advent.
Having great power – As the general of Jehovah.
The earth – Organized society under religious restraint.
Lightened – The symbolic earth has the message of Truth presented to it.
His glory – The Glory of the Lord is shown in His message of Present Truth. At our Lord's second advent the Truth begins to go forth and the earth (gradually) becomes enlightened by it.
This clearly identifies this angel as our Lord. |
| 2 And he cried with a strong voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird. |
Babylon the great – Not the literal city of Babylon, but the symbolic city. R5478:1[R5478:1], 2372:2; D22[D22]
We should not apply this term to individuals, but to great systems. Similarly, not to any sect or party, but to the general conglomeration of systems and denominations. SM424:1[SM424:1]
The extravagant language used throughout the prophecies in respect to the fall of Babylon was made extravagant because the divine testimony had reference to mystic Babylon. R2372:5
Babylon is the religious element of the fourth empire--Papal Rome. It embraces all the church-state organizations of the Christian nations. HG90:2
Both Papal and Protestant systems. R5092:2
The word "Babylon" signifies "confusion," and is used in reference to mixing the things of God and of men. R5730:1, 5564:6, 5406:5, 5092:3, 45:1; Q63:1[Q63:1], 351:2
So named because her many errors of doctrine, mixed with a few elements of divine truth, make great confusion, and the mixed company brought together by the mixed truths and errors. Since they will hold the errors at a sacrifice of truth, the latter is made void, and often worse than meaningless. C181; R5911:6
Originally "Babylon" signified "Gate of God." But the word came subsequently to have the meaning of confusion, mixture. R5092:3
Confusion--the confusion of sectarianism. R1364:1
Confusion by reason of opposing and jarring creeds, discord prevails among them. R1011:5*
The confused, mixed condition of worldly-mindedness and lukewarm Christianity. R474:6, 317:3*, 310:4*, 304:2
These systems are so numerous, and their theories so diverse and confused, that the general term of "Babylon" (confusion) is applied to them as a general or family name. R2845:3[R2845:3]; D35; NS44:1; Q63:1
Proudly calling itself Christendom (Christ's kingdom). R1357:3[R1357:8]
Early churches were merely "associations," rather than "organizations," bound and fettered by creeds and traditions. R984:1
The term Babylon seems to signify a concentration of the various errors in apostate church systems, personified in Revelation, as mother and daughters. R5478:1[R5478:1]; NS11:6
Catholics declare that Protestants are this Babylonish system, and Protestants claim that Catholics are this Babylonish system. Both are right! CR165:5; HG522:2
As the mother was called "Babylon," the daughters--so like their mother--bear also the family name. R5092:1, 986:4, 472:6; CR165:5; HG522:3
The "Disciples" professedly hold the Bible as the only standard for faith and practice. However few practice what they all theoretically profess. While they have no written creed, they generally have an unwritten creed which is even more positive and arbitrary. R2338:6, 1578:2
The professed church of Christ being married to worldly governments God calls Babylon. R5730:2
These great systems calling themselves his churches are without authority of God, without Scriptural recognition. They are merely human institutions. Only the saintly ones in them are recognized of God as his people. R5564:6
The spirit of Babylon manifests itself in the Protestant churches in another way. They pander to the worldly spirit. They take note of the rich, thus recognizing money above spirituality. R5730:3
The Jewish clerical class--Priests, Scribes and Pharisees--represented the system as a whole; and our Lord so recognized them. C168
Jesus rarely rebuked the people for failure to receive him, but repeatedly held responsible the "blind leaders" who would neither enter into the Kingdom themselves, nor permit the people to do so. C168
Is fallen, is fallen – From divine favor. NS44:2; R4842:3, 2553:2, 438:4; SM125:2
Rejected of the Lord. R3963:3
Cast off and disowned because of intoxication. R1444:2
No longer recognized of God. R438:4
From the divine standpoint. SM125:2
She has been spewed out of his mouth. R5478:2
From her exalted position of control and respect with the world, to one of ignominy and contempt. R45:6
The fall will not be instantaneous. It will have a beginning and will gather momentum as it falls until it is dashed to pieces. R45:6
Babylon had long misrepresented the truth and the true Church, which to a large extent was in her and in her daughter systems, but her sentence of rejection was reserved until the time of "harvest." R1577:6
Not the outward collapse of "Churchianity"; but that nominal "Christendom" has fallen from divine favor, just as the fall of natural Judaism from divine favor meant not the collapse at that moment of that religio-political system. R2553:1
The collapse of Judaism came 37 years later in AD 69-70. During that interim "Israelites indeed" were called out by the voice of the Gospel dispensation. So now the collapse of nominal Christianity, in 1914 AD, though fallen from favor in 1878, provides an interim to call out the Little Flock of overcomers. R2553:2, 46:1; C152, C165
In the harvest of the Jewish dispensation as now, all sects were rejected, and the "Israelites indeed" were called out of all, into freedom. C159
The reason for not attempting to purify the nominal system is that no amount of cleansing would make the consecrated mass of "Christendom" suitable to the Lord's work. C159
The rejection of the nominal church and the call to his people to "Come out of her," we understand to be symbolically styled the fall of Babylon, and the spewing out of Laodicea. (Rev. 3:16) R2982:1
She is now falling, but not fallen. HG90:3
The fall, plagues, destruction, etc., foretold to come upon mystic Babylon, were foreshadowed in the great trouble and national destruction which came upon fleshly Israel, and which ended with the complete overthrow of that nation in AD 70. C153
When the civil power refuses any longer to carry the church, Babylon will have fallen. The fall of Babylon and the "division of that great city" is one and the same. HG90:3
While only the few realize the fallen-from-grace condition of Babylon in the present, none will be ignorant of her collapse when it comes. R2553:2
Full of worldlings, many of them moral and respectable, but unregenerate, unconverted-- ignorant of the principles of Christianity and inclined to regard the few "saints" as fanatics. R3403:3
The fallen ones will think they are rising higher and higher--getting rid of error, blind to the fact that with the errors and superstitions they are getting rid also of the truths and faith which alone constituted them Christians in God's sight. R2451:1
Babylon literal fell because, when tried in the balances by the Lord, she was found wanting: mystic Babylon falls for a similar reason. R2498:5
The contrast between the many gradual reform movements and this final separation should be clearly discerned: they were permitted attempts to reform Babylon, while this recognizes her as beyond all hope of reform. C156
We need not hope at all to turn the tide. One man or a thousand or a million would be powerless to turn the tide of Babylon today. She is fallen; therefore forsake her! (Jer. 51:6-9) R5696:6
Babylon is falling and no power can stay her from utter destruction. R849:6
It would be useless to attempt to prop an institution which God has doomed to destruction. R457:5
She might have been healed once (Jer. 8:18-22), but now, like her prototype Israel, she is given up--left desolate. The ax is now at the very root of the tree, and its complete fall is at hand. R731:4; C187
It will be especially difficult for Christian people who are seeking to convert the world. R5456:4
It would be useless to prosecute the matter, as the increased knowledge and opportunities and blessings are seen to bring more of worldliness, selfishness and corruption. R3452:3
We perceive the impossibility of putting the new wine which the Master is now providing into the old wine skins of sectarianism. R2592:5; C160
The Babylonish church has the outward body, or form of religion, but not the inward spirit of vital piety; consequently the Babylonish church is spiritually dead. R174:2*
But how loath are her inmates to leave their old and comfortable home. "Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion." (Amos 6:1) R228:5
Really worse than heathendom, which are more excusable because of grosser darkness and denser blindness. R3610:5
Indicating that at one time Babylon was not fallen from divine favor. Notwithstanding her mixed character, she was not entirely cast off from God's favor until the harvest time of separation. C156
Compare Jer. 51:7-9. R1371:6, 436:5; C156; CR165:2; HG520:5
Christ is a stone of stumbling and rock of offense to both the houses of Israel. (Isa. 8:14) R862:5
The nominal church stumbles and falls. R213:5
Habitation of devils – The most execrable of society seek and wear the garb of Christian profession and ceremonialism, in some of the various quarters (sects) of Babylon. C162
A majority of even the most brutal criminals executed die in the Roman Catholic communion. C162
At socials worldly men are enticed to associate with the church. Soon, feeling he is as good as the others, he becomes a member. As a bell sheep, he soon entices others likewise to join. Thus Babylon becomes a habitation of devils. R45:5[R45:17]
The various sectaries along the stream of truth have built little mud dams, claiming that they had secured it all, they covered it carefully from the light. Thus, what should have been to them a well of life has become a veritable frog pond. (Rev. 16:13) R243:6*
Compare Jer. 51:37. R1371:6, 436:5; CR165:2; HG520:5
Foul spirit – Every impure principle and doctrine, somehow and somewhere, finds representation in her. C162
Cage – A "cage" which holds securely not only the Lord's meek and gentle doves, but also many unclean and hateful birds. C162
Jews have perceived that nominal Christendom is confused in doctrines and practices. OV71:3
Implying that these unclean birds are considered very desirable to be held on to by nominal Christianity. R5050:1
Every unclean – Babylon has contained both the best and the worst, both the cream and the dregs, of the population of the civilized world. C162
Thousands have been brought into the various nominal churches whose hearts remain unchanged, and hypocrites of every shade also find a home there. R1357:5
Hateful bird – The birds represented the wicked one and his agents, ever ready to take away the seed of truth and to work adversely as respects the Gospel program. (Matt. 13:4, 19) R5406:5, 5050:1, 2634:6
Representatives of the Devil, hypocrites, wolves in sheep's clothing. R45:6, 275:5
Remember the policy of Rome--"she changes not"; "instruments of cruelty are in her habitation." R2147:2*
A report of criminals in England and Wales illustrates the proportion of unclean and hateful birds in and out of Babylon. C162
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He – The angel, our Lord Jesus at His second advent.
Cried mightily – There is a special emphasis to this message here being given by our Lord.
With a strong voice – A special confirmation from heaven, i.e., speaking with Divine Authority. see Loud Voice.
Babylon the great – In chapter 17:5 this name is given to "The Mother of harlots," i.e., the church of Rome.
R5478:1
Is fallen, is fallen – From divine favor. NS44:1; R4842:3, 2553:2, 438; SM125:2
Is fallen, is fallen – Not once but twice. What is here intended? Babylon fell in 1878 (parallel to A.D. 33) when she is cast off, "spued out" of the Lord's mouth. She falls the second time when in 1914 the civil power is struck with the stone cut out of the mountain (Dan. 2).
The habitation – Dwelling place.
Of devils – Fallen angels?
The hold of every foul spirit – Spirit = teaching, doctrine, thus a foul spirit = a false, evil teaching. – Compare 1 John 4:1-3 where spirit is used to indicate teaching.
A cage of every unclean and hateful bird – Jer. 5:26,27. Please note in the Jeremiah reference vs 26 says they catch and trap men. Then vs 27 declares their houses are as a cage of birds.
We also note that the saints at the end of the age are described as birds in Matt. 24:28. |
| 3 For by the wrath of her fornication all the nations are fallen; and the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich by the power of her wantonness. |
All nations – Inhabitants of the earth. R2904:6
The intimation is that the whole civilized world will be so intoxicated with the false teaching of Babylon as to be completely under her influence. CR165:4; HG522:2
Have drunk – Babylon made all the peoples drunk. C164
Signifying that fellowship with false doctrines has permeated, influenced, bewildered the world in general. NS745:5
The nations were drunk (stupefied), they lost their senses in drinking the mixed wine (doctrine, false and true mixed) given them by the apostate church. B348; HG543:6
So that they "err in vision, they stumble in judgment." (Isa. 28:7) NS506:6
Some are so stupidly asleep, so thoroughly intoxicated with the wine of Babylon, we have no hope of influencing them. SM294:1
Antichrist, intoxicated with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus and with its phenomenal success continues to intoxicate and deceive the nations. C104
Hence they err in vision, they cannot see the riches of divine grace; the nightmare of eternal torment is vividly before their minds; and they stumble in judgment. R3962:6
The Great Judge will most severely arraign those who, for the sake of money and popularity, have dealt out the intoxicating errors. He will have greater compassion upon their dupes. R3320:5
As the lords of Babylon were made drunk by wine which they drank from the golden vessels captured from the Temple at Jerusalem, so mystic Babylon is said to make all nations drunk with the wine of her doctrine. CR165:3; HG521:6
Of the wine – Spirit, influence. C164
Creed-intoxication, the wine of false doctrine. R5474:5; HG543:6; NS764:3
The intoxication of error, false doctrines and theories. R4287:3, 3963:3; C160
Intoxication with the spirit of this world, and of false doctrines. R3247:2, 3055:4, 1896:2, 1357:5
Mixed wine of "wrath"--mixing horrible and distorting errors with a little truth. 922:3
The wine of Churchianity confuses those who use it, and beclouds their minds. It addles their judgment and brings the people into captivity to false doctrines and false teachers. R2904:6
Taking away reason and blinding the eyes of men to the truth. R922:3
Christian professors now are drowsy with the wine of Babylon's false doctrine, and are not sufficiently interested and active in the service of truth. R1467:4
The Church is scattered here and there throughout the sects, whose Babylonish, worldly, fleshly spirit troubles them, but whose wine of false doctrine deceives them. R3112:6
The drunkards of Ephraim (Isa. 28:1-7; 29:9-12) represent the intoxication of Christendom. R3104:2; NS506:6
Not literal alcoholic intoxication, but the intoxication of error, of false doctrine, of human schemes and plans, the spirit of man and of the Adversary in contradistinction to the spirit and teaching of the Lord. R3104:2
Fornication – Worldly affiliation. C164
Harlotry, confusion, the mixing of world systems with that which should be true, pure, loyal to the Lord alone. NS294:5
The union of the woman (church) with the Beast (empire) constitutes the spiritual harlotry of which she is guilty. R472:6
Her incontinency and unfaithfulness to him. R2904:6
Symbolically signifying any illicit fellowship with the world on the part of those who have betrothed themselves to be God's consecrated people. R2300:1
The union of church and state. The fall of Babylon is the dissolution of that union--"the woman" being thrown from "the Beast." (Rev. 17:3) HG90:3
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All nations – The nations of Christendom. Strong's G1494.This is the same word used by our Lord in Luke 21:24 – "the times of the Gentiles."
Have drunk – Become intoxicated.
The wine – The spirit of the false doctrines.
The wrath – These doctrines did indeed lead to wrath. Consider the "Divine Right of Kings" and the "Divine authority of the clergy." People were taught that to go against either king or priest was to incure the wrath of God in eternal torment.
Consider also that these doctrines lead to terrible persecutions upon any who would not convert – B09.
Her fornication – The illicit union of church (supposedly waiting in virgin purity for her bridegroom) and state. Instead of remaining pure the false church 'married' the kings of the earth and formed this impure union.
"We are aware that Catholics declare Protestants to be this Babylon system; and we are aware that Protestants claim that Catholics are this Babylon system. To our understanding of the Divine Word, both are right!" HG522:3
Kings of the earth – Kings of Christendom.
Fornication with her – While both the religious and the civil powers are involved in this illicit union, it is clear that the primary target of the Lord's displeasure is the religious, the church nominal. For, like her counterpart in the Jewish Age, "unto them were committed the oracles of God." Rom. 3:2
Merchants of the earth – Those who make merchandise of religious associations for earthly gain.
Waxed rich – Have made unholy gain, either in status or in wealth or both.
Abundance of her delicacies – R457:7-8
She offers money, prestige, fame etc. These may well constitute the abundance of her delacies. |
| 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues: |
And I heard – The Lord is still mindful of his true saints in Babylon. R4200:2[R4200:2]
We do not think all have yet heard. Hence, there must be some Christians still in Babylon, partakers of her sins, but confused because of ignorance, lack of knowledge. R5478:5
Those who cannot see the errors of Babylon are not of the called ones. R5092:3
Not to those who are still blind in Babylon, therefore not the first message to be given out at the present time. R3884:4
Voice – The voice of God, the voice of conscience, of enlightenment. R5173:1
Not an audible voice--he merely calls us by the principles of righteousness. R3884:2
An imperative command. The magnet of truth is gathering out the Jewels and the reproaches of the world and the nominal church are fitting them for the Master's use. R472:6
The voice of God, crying not from the "City Babylon the Great," not from the citadel of Christendom; but from the wilderness, from those who are more or less separated. NS852:4
Calling out by the voice of the Truth--by the exposing of Babylon's errors. NS294:6; R3884:4, 3452:4
The voice is Present Truth--a presentation of the doctrines of the Scriptures, with their times and seasons. R5478:6
The times and seasons of God's plan, now made plain, show we are now living in the time foretold, when these systems of error are to be rejected. This is God's voice to "come out of her." R5478:3
The Shepherd's voice. R3113:1
The Lord sends messages through under-shepherds, never recognized by the great systems, but merely for those who had an ear to hear and the right condition of heart to appreciate the message. R4200:2
Our present Lord, King, Bridegroom. R2693:4
We are not ashamed to be the Lord's mouthpieces in this timely but unpopular message; and what timely truth has not been unpopular? R986:5
Raised up in every direction. R375:4
Perhaps the radical blindness of their leaders may help some of the "wheat" class yet in Babylon to realize the situation, and to hasten their separation as those loyal to God. R1959:6
This is the midnight cry itself, and it appeals to all "the wise," wherever they are domiciled, to go out to meet their coming Lord. (Matt. 25:1) R1295:1*
From heaven – It is the Lord who calls his people out of Babylon. R5478:6, 986:4
Since it is the Lord who calls his people out of Babylon, we cannot doubt that, whatever may be his agencies for giving the call, all truly his people will hear it. C161
Wherever they may be (within or outside of human organizations), "the Lord knoweth them that are his," (2 Tim. 2:19) and calleth and leadeth forth his own sheep. R2047:4
Never urge anyone to come out of Babylon. If they have "ears to hear," God's voice tells them plainly to take this step, and gives the reason why they should do so. R5092:4
No one should be urged to come out of Babylon. If he does not come out joyfully, "with singing," let him stay. (Isa. 48:20) R3643:4
We urge none to withdraw from Babylon. We point out that each must confess with his mouth. He cannot suppress truth and continue spiritual progress. It is only a question of time when such will realize that loyalty to God will call him out of Babylon. R3653:1
It is not our thought that we should avoid doing our duty in the proclamation of the truth, but that we should avoid arousing unnecessary antagonism. R5479:1
The voice, the teaching of Present Truth, is outside her walls; and whoever has an ear for the truth, must come outside of sectarianism before he can be filled. R2592:6
The third angel's message. HG90:6
Come out of her – In the same breath that it declares that Babylon is fallen, is fallen--from divine favor, rejected; there comes additionally the message, "Come out of her, my people." NS24:1
New Creatures, begotten of the Lord, are more or less closely connected with the institutions of Babylon until now, when the point of deliverance has been reached. F656
It was not due time to bring the matter to their attention until the harvest time of separation would come. NS294:6
We have come to the turning point, now we are in the separating time. The Lord no longer says, "Let both grow together," (Matt. 13:30) but "Come out of her, my people." R3884:4
This advice was not always applicable; not until mystic Babylon's fall under divine condemnation, which prophecy shows was in 1878 AD. R1577:5, 475:1, 375:4, 304:2, 224:4; B240; C156; Q550:T
This general call to stand in personal relationship to God through Christ belongs to the end of the age, before the judgments come upon Babylon. SM423:4
The rejection of Babylon (Christendom), in 1878, was the rejection of the mass of professors--the "host," as it is termed by Daniel, to distinguish it from the sanctuary class. C180
This cannot mean a physical emigration from the midst of the nations of Christendom. The idea is a separation from all the binding yokes of Christendom--to have no part nor lot in her civil, social or religious organizations. D44
Stand with God, even if that should seem to imply standing alone. The Lord knoweth them that are his, and he has more than seven thousand who bow not to sectarianism. R1383:3
Stand free from all slandering of the Almighty God and his gracious provisions. Stand for the Bible, the Truth, the God of love and wisdom, justice and power. OV347:7
Withdraw in order to be more free in your conscience toward God and man, and that you may most fully fellowship all who are heartily the Lord's people--not only such in one congregation and denomination, but in all others as well. R1579:4
For those who would obey this command, there is but one place of refuge; and that is, not in a new sect and bondage, but in "The secret place of the Most High"--the place or condition of entire consecration. (Psa. 91:1) D43
As at his first advent he gathered the Israelites indeed out of the fleshly house, so now will he gather the same class out of the nominal spiritual house. R3113:1, 1702:4
It is in vain that some attempt to make a plea that their sect is an exception to the general character of Babylon, and that, therefore, the Lord cannot be calling upon them to withdraw from it formally and publicly, as they once joined it. C181
If there are tares among the wheat, much depends upon which is the majority. If wheat preponderates, the tares will no longer care to stay. If the majority are tares, as nine-tenths or more generally are, the wheat will find their liberty so restricted that they cannot let there light shine in that congregation. C183
Our duty then is plain. Deliver your loving testimony to the goodness and wisdom of the Lord's great plan of the ages, and, wisely and meekly giving your reasons, publicly withdraw from them. C184
While they remain in those systems of error, endeavoring to support and defend them, they are prejudiced and blinded against God's truth, wherever it conflicts with their creeds. R1364:1
If you remain you must submit to its fetters. Your very presence binds your influence to its systems. You dare not declare the whole counsel of God, lest it condemn them and call you out from among them. R457:5
The true Church does not want her own theories, her own plans of salvation, her own schemes, her own methods; but desires rather that which God has provided as her daily portion. HG413:4
The feeling of uneasiness and insecurity if not bound by the chains of some sect, is begotten of the false idea, first promulgated by Papacy, that membership in an earthly organization is essential to everlasting life. C186
Do you advise us to disconnect ourselves from the church? I advise you to be separate from the world. If the church with which you are connected lives in adulterous union with the world, you must. R46:4
There must be a separation of true wheat from tare imitations, first in spirit, and afterward actually. R1702:4
It is not enough that we come out in spirit, while personally we remain there, giving it our influence and support. R457:5
As the first work of our Lord in the typical "harvest" was to reject the nominal house of Israel, so in the present harvest the first work of our King is the rejection of the nominal Gospel house of sons. R2982:1
The Lord and the apostles could go into the synagogues and teach the people there, for a time, but as they shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God, they soon found little and finally no opportunity to teach the people in the synagogues. R986:5
God bids his people to separate themselves from all sin and sinful conditions. Our forefathers did not hear this voice, did not see this condition of sin, for the voice had not then spoken. R5478:3
The Lord's true people are to stand free from this bondage to error and worldliness, and set a good example to others also. Then they are to wait for the Lord's further instructions. R5696:6
Instead of unions in cliques, societies and denominations, bound tighter and tighter to prevent disintegration, each individual Christian must stand free from all human alliance, that he may be most completely united to Christ. R1969:1
The Lord is by Present Truth and its influence calling to his people to separate themselves, to turn away (2 Tim. 3:5) from others who are not really his people, who have merely the form of godliness, but not its power. R2461:5
Your light is under a bushel, and will go out, unless you give it more liberty. R1578:3
So long as you have opportunities to hear others and to express yourself, you may conclude that you are in a safe place. R1578:4
A safe way to judge whether your present associations are part of Babylon is this: If there is no meeting of the congregation at which, by calling up a passage of Scripture for discussion you, with others, can present your views of God's Word, there is something wrong. R1578:3
But do not abuse your congregation's hospitality. (1) Choose wisely a subject that will strengthen, not strangle, your hearers; (2) pray that, as a servant of the truth, you may be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed," (2 Tim. 2:15) (3) let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; (Phil. 2:3) and (4) "speak the truth in love," (Eph. 4:15) while you speak it none the less clearly and forcibly. R1578:4
Let your speech at all times be seasoned with grace, and as ye go, preach--the kingdom of God is at hand. (Col. 4:6) R378:2
Finding no response in the hearts of other members of the assembly, one must submit his conscience in the matter to the majority, and thus become a partaker of their sins. The only proper course under these convictions, would be to step out. R1547:6
The truth lovers will be drawn and attracted to the truth as to a magnet, the others will proportionately not be attracted. Thus the breach will grow wider and wider. NS44:3
The trouble is that in both pulpit and pews the "tares" outnumber the "wheat," the sanctified in Christ Jesus. The Gospel, because it acts upon the heart, controls only the "wheat." R1898:2
He is sending forth his reapers to gather every grain of wheat into his garner. He is finding them in the Baptist, Disciple, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Congregationalist, Roman Catholic and other denominations. F431
Not merely to withdraw from a nominal church, but to stand for truth and righteousness as well. R5092:3
Renounce their allegiance to the human systems, and declare their allegiance only to the one Head and to the one "church which is his body." R2845:3
The louder grow the revelry and irreverence and the scoffing at God's Word by "Higher Critics" and the boasts of Evolution, the louder in the ears of the Lord's true saints will sound this command. R2561:5
It is a delusion to suppose that any can do God service by cooperating with Babylon in any measure, sense or degree. R2693:4
It is time for all who have any moral honesty to show it. R2614:6
Some hinder the harvest work by coming out of Babylon, and then seeking to separate others who have likewise come out. R3884:5
These are liable to two extremes: (1) with too much combativeness they are apt to speak too harshly of those still asleep; or (2) with too little positiveness, they are likely to miss an opportunity for declaring meekly but firmly for the Lord and his Word. R3653:1
Your responsibility is not alone to your minister or congregation, but to the entire denomination. You are obligated in your belief and conduct to them all. If you do not believe as they do, it is your duty to withdraw, and thus set yourself and others right before them all. R1578:5, 849:3
The dissolution of your membership should, if possible, be as public as was your joining. R1578:6
Such a one is not withdrawing from the Church, which is the Body of Christ. R849:3
While coming out of Babylon is one step, and a long one, it is by no means the last one. Preceded by obedience, it will be followed by other tests of standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. C188
We are to come out of the errors and systems of error, but we are not to organize another denomination. The original call was to membership in the Body of Christ. R5092:4
The Church founded by our Lord and the apostles took no sectarian name. R3249:1
While calling them thus to come out of Babylon, he calls them also to come into another place, or condition--"Enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself until the indignation be overpast." (Isa. 26:20) R1788:2
Into joy, peace and liberty in Christ. R378:2
This is a call to associate with Christ, with Messiah. "Gather my saints together unto me." (Psa. 50:5) R5092:4, 375:4
We do not read, Gather together unto Calvin, Luther, Wesley, Paul, Apollos or Peter, but, "Gather together my saints unto me." (Psa. 50:5) SM127:1
"Come unto me"; "take my yoke upon you, and learn of me"; "my yoke is easy and my burden is light, and ye shall find rest to your souls." (Matt. 11:29, 30) C187
Some may hesitate because of uncertainty as to how best inform their congregational associates of the Scriptural reasons for their withdrawal from the nominal system. R3135:3
Many erroneously say to themselves, "I see that present institutions are contrary to the Gospel of Christ, but what can I do? If I now withdraw, it will mean disaster. I cannot go, for necessity is laid upon me." R5647:3, 5431:1
Many err, saying, "I will use my office or influence in Babylon, and then obey the Lord after I have gathered some of the wheat.'" They forget that obedience is better than even sacrifice. R2553:3
Others say, "I am free from Babylon in spirit, God knows!" But is this right--to be half out and half in Babylon? R2553:3
Others say, "I merely retain my membership in the church for the sake of peace in my family." But is this "overcoming" or being overcome? R2553:5
To decry sectarianism and division, while remaining in Babylon, is to appear as merely a grumbler, and is analogous to a man attempting to throw away his boots while he still wears them. R849:3
Such as are of and who love Babylon, and who are therefore unready to obey the command, "Come out of her," shall be forced to drink the cup of their own mixing. C158
Should your fidelity separate you from every earthly tie, rejoice that it links you closer to the throne of God. R945:5*
This work is nearly completed. R5911:6
We are now in the little season in which the Lord is waiting for the response of those whom he is calling out of Babylon. R3884:2
Those who thus, by overcoming the influence and power of error, prove their love of the truth and loyalty to the Lord, will receive the great reward. R1372:1
It is one thing to gather out of Babylon his people, and quite another thing to gather out of his kingdom the offenders (Matt. 13:41): yet both expressions cover the same events. R2545:2
It is as much a part of this harvest work to gather the tares into "bundles" and "bind" them, as it is to gather the "wheat" into the light and liberty wherewith Christ makes free and safe in his "garner." R2704:6
The remnant of natural Israel, delivered from literal Babylon was a type of the remnant of God's people now about to be delivered from symbolic Babylon. Its fall, at the hand of Cyrus, foreshadowing the fall of mystic Babylon under the antitypical Cyrus, the Captain of our salvation. R2372:6
As Cyrus, who overthrew literal Babylon, made the proclamation which permitted literal Israel to return from captivity, so it is the King of kings who, upon taking his great power, sends this message. R2498:6
"Leave them; they are blind guides; and if the blind lead the blind both will fall into the pit." (Matt. 15:14--Diaglott) Although applied to the Jewish house, also applies to that of which it is a shadow, the Gospel house. R718:3, R4016:1
In accord with the second message of Rev. 14 (verse 8). R475:1, 304:2
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye [the Royal Priesthood] clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Isa. 52:11) B240; C187; R3596:3
In a secondary interpretation of the prophecy of the dry bones (Ezek. 37) corresponding to the commotion amongst the dry bones, amongst the Israelites indeed, whose hopes in the Kingdom had perished. R2506:4
This work is represented under various symbolic descriptions: gathering of the wheat from the tares (Matt. 13:30); the gathering of the good fish (Matt. 13:47-49); that gathering of his jewels (Mal. 3:17); the midnight cry (Matt. 25:6) and the gathering of the "elect" from the four winds (Matt. 24:31). D600
As the literal Israelites were invited to leave Babylon the literal and were helped to do so, but only a few responded, so spiritual Israelites are urged to leave mystic Babylon. CR165:3; HG521:6
If the I.B.S.A. can be shown to be a section of Babylon, we all ought to get out of it. Q351:1
"We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed; forsake her; for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies." (Jer. 51:9) D543
"Flee out of Babylon; deliver every man his soul." (Jer. 51:6) SM411:1
My people – We would not be understood as including all Christians as "Babylonians." The Lord recognizes some in Babylon as true to him, and addresses these. D267; HG718:4
Some are in Babylon and not of Babylon, just the same as the children of Israel were carried captive into Babylon, but they were not Babylonians. Q63:1
Indicates clearly that some of God's true saints have been in Babylon, and that, up to the time of her fall, God did not object to this, and did not call on them to come out. R1577:6; C156
They could not be God's people unless they were spirit-begotten, and they could not come out of her unless they were in her. Q155:2
The Lord's call indicates that we should expect to find many of the Lord's people in, and confused and bewildered by, sectarianism, in Babylon. F206
We believe that there are today thousands who have not bowed the knee to the Baal of our day. D268; HG718:4
We expect to find the Lord's poor in all the various wheat fields, behind all the various creed fences, intermingling with all the various bands of tares. 37:6
In other words, the saints of God are scattered throughout the denominations. R5092:2
This class is described and blessedly comforted in Psalms 91 and 46. D158
Some yet bound in Babylon. R2752:4
Still in Babylon as wheat in the midst of tares. R1357:6, 2506:4, 375:4
Up to the moment of its destruction, or very nearly so, children of God will be found more or less connected with Babylon. R471:5
There was much wheat in the Jewish church when given up, so, too, there is much wheat among the chaff and tares of the Babylon church. R46:4
Hidden for centuries in the great mass of tares of the nominal system, the true Church as represented by its living members is now manifested. R1548:5
The few of his own who still remain in that city doomed to destruction. R317:3*
The favor of the present is not to the nominal church, but to individuals in her, that they may come out and receive the present Lord. R224:4
To leave Christendom, repudiating her temples, her social enchantments, etc., and to brave her denunciations and her various powers of boycott is quite a flight. Few but the "saints" will even think of starting on it. D573
Consider the number of the professed church (four hundred millions). How many of these would themselves claim to be fully consecrated to the Lord. C159
The ten thousand of Psa. 91:7, the Great Company, will be partakers with Babylon in her sins, and have part in her great fall. R4926:4, 3884:3, 1649:2
Some of the Great Company must see the utter wreck of Great Babylon and receive some measure of her plagues. C364
The Great Company will not come out when this cry is made. It is after Babylon has fallen to pieces that they are liberated from her chains and influences. R275:6, 5656:2; Q549:7
There are true people of God still in this Babylonian system. But the time of separation is here; those yet remaining in Babylon must hasten. R5478:2, 5134:4
If they are in Babylon, their presence there shows that they are not yet well developed; and if they are God's people, they are not enjoying the full strength of the present truth, although spirit-begotten. R5134:4
Only when they behold the wreck of nominal Zion--Christendom, Babylon--will they realize its gross errors and be delivered from them and it. R1649:3
The fall of Babylon means the setting of liberty of those whom God calls "My people." R1969:4
Many will not get free from the shackles of error until the fall of Babylon opens their eyes to the true situation. R2135:3
The fact that some of God's people have been in Babylon all through the age shows us why God had any respect at all for Babylon. R5478:2
For the wheat's sake God's favor extended even to the mixed bunches, or Babylonish systems. C155; SM127:1
Many ministers and many of the more intelligent realize Churchianity is merely a golden calf. Many, like Aaron, reluctantly join in sectarian practices. They should be more courageous if they would be overcomers. R4022:6
The ass knoweth his Master's crib. (Isa. 1:3) But the Lord intimates that the stupid ass could give pointers to some of his people. R4044:2
As in the Jewish age, Jews were compelled to live in Babylon, so today God's people are required to stay in mystical Babylon. Therefore it becomes a difficult matter to flee. R5092:3
Literal Babylon never was Israel, but the Israelites were for a time swallowed up in Babylon; likewise mystic Babylon never was spiritual Israel, though for a long time spiritual Israel has been in captivity to mystic Babylon. R2498:6
The tares never were wheat, and God never proposed to recognize them as such. C165
Compare Jer. 51:6, 45. R1371:6, 436:5; HG520:5
A four-paragraph excerpt from The Three Worlds (1877) suggesting that the term "my people" applies to natural Israel and not to the Church. HG90:6
That ye be not – This shows that the class who are called out and obey are not partakers of Babylon's sins, but overcomers. R399:4
These words apply not to those who see nothing of what we see, not to those who consider the doctrines of the nominal churches thoroughly satisfactory and Scriptural. NS24:2
The better you understand, the more responsibility you have. If when you see what the truth is and what untruth is, you still remain in Babylon, you will be very culpable. R5478:4
To remain after the eyes of one's understanding are opened would be to bring oneself intelligently and willfully into fellowship with the wrong. NS294:6
If, after one has seen the real character of Babylon and has gotten his bearings in a general way, he then remains, it can be only by compromising the truth. R5478:6
God's true people in Babylon are not to be considered as implicated in her sins of worldliness and ignoring of divine truth, up to the time they shall learn that Babylon is fallen--cast off. C161; NS24:1
Partakers of her sins – That you may have no fellowship with her sins. D574
False doctrines and antagonism to those now seeking to lift up the standard raised by our Lord and the apostles. NS194:1
Her errors, her false teachings, and the crimes implied in these. R2693:4
Specially the one of rejecting his truth. R457:5
Our Lord's expressed reason for calling us out of Babylon. C181
Her sins are those of conformity to the opinions, ideas, manners and customs of the world irrespective of God's will, and also the rejection of truth to an increasing extent. R945:5*
Those who blindly follow the leading of the intelligent and influential become partakers of their sins and share the same penalty--both together "fall into the ditch." (Matt. 15:14) R1875:1
Implying that God's people will see clearly what constitutes Babylon's sins--errors of doctrine and of life. R1578:1
You are not sharers of her sins until you see this. Born in Babylon, the Lord is not holding you responsible for what you did not understand. R5478:4, 5092:4, 4044:2; Q63:1
A reminder as well as a threat: a reminder that, when in ignorance of the truth, they had no responsibility for the errors, but that now that they see these errors, they are responsible. R1578:1
As responsible as those who formulated those errors, or more so, and will surely and justly partake of the consequences. R1578:1
That ye receive not – A large number, even of the Lord's people, will share with Babylon the trouble of that hour. CR166:1
Those who love self, popularity, honor of men more than they love the Lord, and who reverence human theories and systems more than the Word of the Lord will not come out until Babylon falls. D268; HG718:5
The classes are to be marked and separated before the plagues come upon rejected, cast off Babylon. C166
When the Master said, "Watch ye, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things coming upon the world," it included the pain of the seven last plagues. R1573:4
Because their obedience in fleeing out as soon as they see Babylon's real condition will prove that they were never in real accord with her sins. R2553:3
The true Church, the "wheat," will all be separated from the "tares" before the binding of the "tares" in bundles, ready for the "fire" (trouble) of this day of vengeance. R2538:1
Those who do not stand aloof will be involved in the disaster. SM411:2
Of her plagues – Babylon's troubles. SM125:2
The seven last plagues. R189:6, 172:4
Chastisements. R2168:5
Punishments. NS391:2
Overwhelmed in the great tribulation of which the Lord and the prophets forewarn us. (Matt. 24:21; Dan. 12:1) R1983:1; SM411:2
They will probably have a large share in the punishments of the Day of Vengeance. R5092:5
Deserving the "plagues" most thoroughly--as much or more than the "tare" class of Babylonians, because they have greater light. R2553:3
Soon to come in a great time of trouble. R2883:6
The intimation is that as soon as the loyally obedient have been gathered out of Babylon some drastic trouble will come upon her. SM424:T
In the close of this time of trouble, all is corrected by the fall of sectarian systems as well as political governments. R1573:1
Sore troubles, which will result in the overthrow of the present order of things--political, social, financial and religious. R5478:5
If they approve her doctrines, methods, etc., so as to be loathe to leave her, they will prove themselves unworthy of present truth, and deserving of her coming plagues. C161
It will be theirs to mourn that they were unfaithful to the voice of the Lord, that they remained in Babylon contrary to his Word, and that they receive of her plagues--the "seven last plagues." R3643:5
From the vials of wrath which shortly shall be poured upon her. R2372:1
The pain from these will consist largely of mental chagrin, the disappointment of sectarian hopes and plans, and the wounding of sectarian pride. R1573:4, 172:4
The Kingdom reign will begin before "Babylon" falls. Babylon will fall as a result of Kingdom judgments. D623
Telling them that very suddenly a great calamity will come upon this great institution called Christendom, which will entirely demolish this system in every sense of the word. R5565:1
The prosperity of the cause of Christ means the deliverance of his true saints from Babylon. This shall signify eventually the complete fall of Babylon. R3884:2
"For this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be judged [openly condemned] who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in injustice." (2 Thes. 2:11, 12) R1766:4
The scapegoat type pictures the sending into the wilderness of isolation and persecution the Great Company, who after consecration were unwilling to go voluntarily "outside the camp." R4016:4
The same interval of time, and the same work to be accomplished in it are also referred to, in symbol, in Rev. 7:3. C165
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I – The John class, the church in the flesh during our Lord's second advent.
Heard – Because the church class is listening. Others do not hear this call.
Another voice from heaven – Another (a different) special confirmation from heaven, i.e., speaking with Divine Authority. – see additional comments on vs. 2. See also R5478.
The symbolism does not change. It is still a message speaking with Divine authority. This is simply a different message.
Note: It does not say this message came from a different angel.
Come out of her – Out of the Mother and daughter systems. Come out of the Church of Rome and come out of Organized Protestantism.
My people – The true church. Q155:1 Br. Russell says they could not be the Lord's people unless they were spirit-begotten.
"So the Lord's call, applicable now, clearly indicates that we should expect to find many of the Lord's people in, and confused and bewildered by, sectarianism, in Babylon: "Babylon the great is fallen." "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Rev. 18:2,4" – F206
R5092
R1357 – Jan. 15, 1892
R5656
Be not partakers of her sins – Vs. 5 reminds us that "Her sins have reached unto heaven." The little flock (new creatures in Christ) is to be pure, free from sin, especially the sin of spiritual harlotry.
Ye – The true church.
Receive not of her plagues – Those who remain in Babylon after recognizing her fallen condition are indeed worthy of receiving her plagues.
C161:3 |
| 5 for her sins have reached even unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. |
Reached unto heaven – Compare Jer. 51:9. R1371:6; C156
|
Her sins – Those of mystic Babylon.
Reached unto heaven – In the past God had been reserving the execution of His justice against mystice Babylon.
God hath remembered – But now (1878) the time has come for God to take action against her.
Of course God remembers her iniquities. Nothing escapes His notice, especially when it comes to the treatment of His saints (see Luke 12:6-7.) But now the time has come for Him to respond to the accumulated sins of mystic Babylon. |
| 6 Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double strength. |
As she rewarded you – Compare Jer. 50:15, 29. R1371:6; HG520:5
Double unto her – A penalty equivalent to the combined judgments upon all who have despised, rejected and persecuted God's people throughout the age. R1702:5
As a punishment equivalent to all other punishments combined for shedding of righteous blood was exacted of the closing generation of typical Israel, so will it be with the closing generation of the Gospel age. R1702:4
According to her works – The horrible decree of Papacy--for torturing of the saints in every conceivable way, executed with such fiendish cruelty by the arm of the state--await the full measure of retribution. D39
Fill to her double – The cup of divine indignation is now full. The Lord will have pity and patience no longer. R472:6
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Reward her even as she rewarded you – Notice God's Justice at work here. The punishments that come upon Babylon are merely balancing the scales of justice.
Compare with Jer. 50:15,29.
Double unto her double – Strong's 1363 'to render two-fold'. If Babylon is to be rendered 'two-fold' of the Lord's judgment upon her, how then do we harmonize this with the fact that 'judgment and justice are the habitation [foundation] of thy throne..' Psa. 89:14? Additionally in vs. 7 the Lord says 'How much she hath glorified and lived deliciously, so much sorrow give her', i.e., give unto her an equal portion. If it is equal, how then can it be double?
The answer may be found in the fact that Christendom ('Christ's Kingdom' – falsely so-called) was found in the Church-state systems of Europe. These were completely destroyed by the combined impact of World War I and World War II, i.e., 'double unto her'. |
| 7 How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of testing and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning. |
Glorified herself – Pride and ambition led to the grasping of worldly power by the early Church. C164
How great is Papacy's triumph at the present hour, as she seems to see what she considers the little season of Satan's power drawing to a close, and herself rising again to glory and power. R1002:2
The marks of apostasy in the Babylonish church include pride, haughtiness, high-mindedness, seeking of worldly power and greatness. R174:3
Lived deliciously – Upon the wealthy class of this generation shall be visited the penalty due to those thieving Barons of past centuries who kept their dependant neighbors in serfdom and grew rich at the expense of those who reaped their fields. R1423:6
So much torment – In proportion as she has glorified herself, she shall have trouble and sorrow. R1002:2
She saith – Only for a little moment shall she seem to succeed. R996:1;
Sit a queen – While the broadest application of this language is, of course, to Papacy, it also involves all who are in any degree in confederation or sympathy with her. D38
As Queen Jezebel, representing a great religious system of this Gospel age which did great violence to the truth; Ahab representing the worldly governments. R5751:2, 557:2; B256; HG69:4
The church of Rome is losing no opportunity for the display of her mighty power, that Protestants and politicians may take due notice. She is now claiming that she is no widow--but a mighty queen. R4343:3
She loudly boasts of her right to rule the nations, and claims that her former power will soon be regained. D38
We do not expect a complete union between Catholics and Protestants, but a fraternization embracing generally the capitalists, kings and great ones of earth. R996:1
Looking down and covering with reproach the Little Flock of truth seekers who dare to point out the faults of a worldly church. R5993:6
Some thought to improve on God's plan and, instead of suffering, got the church into a reigning position. By a combination with earthly empires, they succeeded, and, as a result, Papacy was exalted and became the "Mistress and Queen of the nations." A268; R507:3, 305:1, 54:3
As literal Babylon ruled over the whole world, so mystic Babylon is represented as ruling the civilized world, and hence the entire world. CR165:3; HG521:6
Am no widow – Compare Isa. 47:8. D43
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How much she .. so much give her – This affirms that God's justice is exact. There is no giving too much retribution nor too little. Psa. 89:14.
She – The church nominal which should have remained faithful and waited for her heavenly bridegroom, our Lord.
Hath glorified herself – By forming an illicit union with the kings of the earth.
Lived deliciously – Extravagently (instead of following in the footsteps of the Master who, during his earthly ministry, "hath not where to lay his head." Matt. 8:20.
So much – Exactly the same, i.e., a just amount.
Torment and sorrow give her – Because she failed to fulfill her promise to wait for her Lord.
For – Because.
She saith in her heart – This is what she (the false church) really believed.
I sit a queen – Isa. 47:7. I (the false church united to the earthly kings of Europe) am ruling now over Christendom.
And am no widow – I am the chief ruler. Normally the king would be the ruler and the queen subservient to him. But here she claims to be the one who is in control. Thus it was in the arrangement of the church and state. It was the false church which had the higher position and the kings often had to come to her. – Isa. 47:8 |
| 8 Therefore in one day shall her plagues have come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned in fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her. |
In one day – Suddenly. D39[D39:1]; R2553:2, 1352:6; SM411:2, 424:3
Not that the trouble will come in an hour, or in one day, or in one year. The intimation is that the catastrophe will be a very sudden one. It will be very sudden if it comes in twelve months. The flood required many days to come, and many days to assuage. R5328:2
We are already living in the day in which Babylon is falling, though the day of her severe plagues and punishments is still future. NS44:2
Prophetic time is a day for a year. R2553:2[R2553:3]
Utterly burned – Babylon, a "conglomerate" composed of "nations," Gentiles, aliens, will inherit nothing but tribulation and destruction. R2125:5
Fire – Symbolic fire--destructive calamities. D39
The same symbol of fire is used by St. Peter in referring to the same trouble and destruction. SM424:3
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Therefore – As a result of the attitude expressed in the previous verse.
Her plagues – These plagues are here described as coming upon the false church who sat as a ruler over Christendom. While the seven last plagues come upon all of Christendom, the special impact of these plagues is upon the religious element. – These plagues are poured out on the symbolic earth (Rev. 16:1) – Organized society under religious restraint. R498
In one day – One specific year, i.e., 1881. This does not mean they are all poured out in 1881. It means the first one is poured out then and thus the process of executing God's wrath is begun there and no power in heaven or on earth can stop it, therefore, God counts it as an accomplished fact. – Compare Rom. 4:17 with Rev. 15:1,8 and 16:1. Notice in 16:1 that ALL SEVEN of the plagues are described as being poured on "the earth." Then in 16:2, the first plague is poured on "the earth," while the rest are poured on the sea, the rivers and fountains of waters, the sun, the seat of the beast, the river Euphrates and on the air.
"In a moment, in one day" – Isa. 47:9.
Death – Isa. 47:9 – Loss of children.
Mourning – Mourning for the loss of those children.
Famine – Amos 8:11,13
She – The false churh system. The ecclesiastical portion of Christendom.
Utterly – Completely.
Burned with fire – Complete destruction. Fire is used both to destroy and to cleanse.
The Lord God who judgeth her – Whatever means is used to bring about her total destruction, the real cause is the fact that she is being made to answer before God's judgement seat. |
| 9 And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived wantonly with her, shall weep and wail over her, when they look upon the smoke of her burning, |
The kings of the earth – Socialism will never become king of mystic "Babylon." Babylon will be on the side of the chief captains and mighty men. R4144:2
As one section of literal Babylon fell before another, so Revelation predicts it will be with mystic Babylon. CR165:3; HG521:6
Bewail her – The "children of light" rejoice in it, while those not in the light "weep and lament." R409:2
When Christendom goes down suddenly, the effects will be most serious upon all the more or less dependent nations which are represented as greatly bewailing the fall of that great city Babylon. D73
Thus Babylon will fall before the kingdoms will fall. Q626:4
The fall of Babylon will astonish the entire world, so complete is the illusion that Christendom represents the throne and government of Messiah among men. CR165:6
The judgment of the Lord upon both Christendom and heathendom will be on the strictest lines of equity. D73
The interests of the church and world are so closely linked. The church, both Papal and Protestant, has greatly aided governments in controlling them. Therefore the great, the mighty, and the rich, will weep and lament her fall. R409:2
It will cause pain and distress to all who are worshipping and serving these systems, instead of God; but it will be a blessing in disguise, for thus they will be liberated and brought to a refreshing knowledge of God. R413:5
Though temporary aid may come from establishing a world religion, it will be only a preparatory step which will involve the whole world in the impending doom of Babylon, causing the kings and merchants and traders of the whole earth to mourn and lament. D186
For a short time Church Federation will bring great political influence which will breed ecclesiastical arrogance and persecution--culminating in ruin. CR81:5
Compare Jer. 50:46. R1371:6; HG520:5
See the smoke – That means that they will not come in to help her. They will perceive that the masses of the people have turned against Churchianity. Q627:T
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The kings of the earth, who have committed fornication with her – This specifies exactly who these kings are. This cannot refer to any other than the kings that made up the nations of Christendom, for none others have (symbolically) "committed fornication with her" – with Babylon, Christendom. These would be the same as those in Dan. 2:43,44.
Since the kings here described are no longer in existence it must be very clear that this is a fulfilled prophecy.
Lived deliciously with her – It was mutually beneficial for both the Kings of the earth and for the church nominal to be united in their unholy alliance. That is, it was mutually beneficial from a temporal standpoint, but not from a spiritual one.
Shall bewail her – Mourn the loss of her power and influence.
Bewail is Strong's 2875 which means to beat the breast in grief.
Lament for her – Lament is Strong's 2799 means to wail aloud and it is usually translated "weep."
The only other reference in the New Testament that combines these two words together is Luke 8:52 where the household was bewailing and weeping due to the death of the twelve year old girl. – This would seem to imply that the kings of the earth recognize the death of their paramour the false church system, now no longer in power with the kings.
When they – The kings of the earth (of Christendom).
Shall see – When these kings recognize the
The smoke of her burning – The remembrance, evidence of her destruction. |
| 10 standing afar off for the fear of her testing, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. |
In one hour – Suddenly. CR165:3; 271:1; R4690:3[R4690:6]; SM127:1, 411:2, 424:3
A very short space of time, not meaning necessarily a literal hour. R5569:2[R5569:2]
The forty years of the Gospel age harvest will end October, 1914. The overthrow of "Christendom," so-called, must be expected to immediately follow. B245; CR271:3
Judgment – Greek, krisis. R2553:2
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Standing afar off – The kings were forced to keep distance from the failing former leader of Christendom.
For fear of her torment – This distance was kept because they feared the same thing would happen to them. Consider "The Holy Alliance" – see C66:2.
Alas, that great city – Babylon, Christendom. Compare Eze. 27:32,35. B245:2 |
| 11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise any more; |
The merchants – Symbolic of the clergy. R603:4*
No man buyeth – Some denominations did not average one new member per church during the past year. The membership completely fails to keep pace with the growth of the population. R341:6
Because of general apathy and indifference of her membership, and the fall off of attendance at her services. R602:1*
The misrepresentation or malrepresentation of God in the horrific dogmatic theology of the Dark Ages is the chief cause of all that is now transpiring within the wall of that "great city Babylon." R602:4*
She makes rich the merchants because of her costliness. R174:6
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The merchants – Those who buy and sell in the spiritual market place. Compare with Rev. 13:15-18.
The earth – Organized society under religious restraint.
Note that these are the "merchants of the earth," i.e., they are not of the church system but they are of the earth class who is profiting by their association with the harlot system.
No man buyeth their merchandise – See Rev. 13:15-18. This is why they are mourning and weeping. No one is buying what they are selling. Who still believes that the false church system is the true Kingdom of God? Who still believes that they are ruling with the kings of Europe? The kings are gone and their merchandise has also gone. |
| 12 merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of copper, and iron, and marble; |
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Please note that all those things that are legitimate are twisted by the harlot system. They are perversions of the true goods that belong to the true church.
The merchandise of – Gold -- Divine promises.
Silver – Truth (doctrines)
Precious stones – As in the breastplate of the High Priest.
Pearls – ".. of great price."
Fine linen – The righteousness of saints.
Purple – Royalty.
Scarlet – Redeemed (by the red blood of the ransom.)
Thyine wood – "The name of this wood is derived from the Greek word thuein , 'to sacrifice,' and it was so called because it was burnt in sacrifices, on account of its fragrance." – Easton's Bible Dictionary
Vessels of ivory – King Solomon made (for himself) a house that had a thone of ivory – 1 Kings 10:18. The evil King Ahab (husband of Jezebel) made an ivory house – 1 Kings 22:39. From these it seems that ivory is associated with royalty in some fashion.
In Psa. 45:8 our Lord is described as wearing garments "out of the ivory palaces."
Our Lord is prophetically described in Song of Solomon as having a belly of ivory. Cant. 5:14.
(vessels of) brass – Copper – perfect human nature (justification.)
(vessels of) iron – Civil power working in co-operation with the church. |
| 13 and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men. |
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Oil – The Holy Spirit.
Wheat – Ripe wheat – Little Flock, unripe wheat – Great Company.
Sheep – Little Flock.
Horses – Doctrines.
Chariots – Organizations. |
| 14 And the fruits which thy soul lusted after are gone from thee, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous are perished from thee, and men shall find them no more at all. |
Find them no more – Dignified and high-sounding titles, as Reverend and Doctor of Divinity, as such shall all perish with the fall of Babylon, and as such they shall never awake or exist again. R1951:4
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| 15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her testing, weeping and mourning; |
Shall stand afar off – Keeping clear of too close an affiliation with her.
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| 16 saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl! |
Alas, alas – They will greatly lament her destruction, realizing that it forebodes their own.
One of the delusions of this time is to persuade the Lord's people that any downfall of Babylon would be sacrilegious and an injury to the cause of Christ. R3884:1
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| 17 for in one hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off, |
Come to nought – Go into oblivion, destruction. R1896:4
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Every shipmaster – A shipmaster would be a merchant of the sea. |
| 18 and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city? |
Of her burning – The present strife in Europe, depicted in some of the prophecies, is only the beginning of the great trouble and overthrow. The whole present order will go up in a mighty conflagration. R5735:4
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| 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. |
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They – The shipmasters. These would be the merchants of the sea (irreligious wrestless masses of mankind) as opposed to merchants of the symbolic earth. – see vs. 17.
Cast dust on their heads – The traditional sign of mourning. Josh 7:6; Job 2:12; Lam. 2:10; Eze. 27:30,33,36,9
That great city – Christendom, Christ's Kingdom (falsely so-called).
Wherein were made rich – Those that cooperated with this false system (Christendom, outwardly ruled by the pope – Eze. 28:2-10, but really ruled by Satan – see Eze. 28:12-19) gained in worldly riches and/or fame or influence. This, and indeed all the classes that are indicated here are mourning over her fall because it indicates their own loss of worldly riches, fame, influence, etc.
In one hour she is made desolate – Rotherham says this is a quote from Eze. 26:19. |
| 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.
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And prophets – The inference is that the resurrection of these holy men of old takes place before Babylon falls. R92:1*
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Rejoice over her – Over Babylon because her fall means she will no longer be able to commit the terrible things she has done thruout history.
Note: There are Four groups that are to rejoice over her: - Heaven
- Saints
- Apostles
- Prophets
Heaven – This represents the power of spiritual or ecclesiastical control. In this case we suggest it is the true heavens that are rejoicing.
Saints – Those who have before (Rev. 6:10) were asking "How long .. until you judge them."
Ye holy apostles – The truth as given to us by word and example of the actual 12 Apostles, as opposed to the false apostles of the papacy.
Prophets – Those special mouthpieces used of the Lord in a special way. These were given to the church in order to keep her by making her familiar with God's true character as expressed in His word.
This may also refer to the message of the prophets of old whose message was so twisted by this Babylon system as to turn a God of Love into one of Fear and Dread.
God has avenged you – He has now answered the cry of the saints in Rev. 6:10. He has poured out the seven last plagues "for in them is filled up the wrath of God." We should always remember that the pouring out of the seven last plagues is the vengeance of God. This is in answer to Rev. 6:10. |
| 21 And a strong angel took up a stone as it were a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall Babylon, the great city, be cast down, and shall be found no more at all. |
Took up – Lifted up in order that she may have the greater fall. R5993:6[R5993:20]; D37[D37:1]
The present uplift in influence is but the lifting of the great millstone to make its casting down the more violent. R1002:2 [R1002:2]
Preceding her collapse. The spirit of trusts abroad in the world, permeating everything, combines denominations, leading to the formation of great religious trusts--a menace to the liberties of the Lord's people, but no injury to their spiritual interests. R3553:2[R3553:2]
A stone – Both literal and mystic Babylon are compared to a stone cast into the water. R45:1[R45:1]
Compare Jer. 51:63, 64. R1371:6[R1371:21], 436:5[R436:5], 45:1[R45:1]; HG520:5[HG520:5]
Cast it – The ending of the war might bring an armistice, during which the Federation would come into full life and do some of its work; when the "earthquake," running quickly into the "fire," would cause great Babylon to be cast like a millstone into the sea. R5969:3*[R5969:3*]
The parallel between the Jewish harvest and the present harvest would corroborate the thought that the trouble to the full will be accomplished by October, 1915. R5142:1[R5141:1]
Resorting through his deluded servants to use miracles of physical healing illustrates the division in Satan's house, and a house thus divided against itself is sure to fall. D612[D612]
This necessity for Satan's playing reformer and good physician is an evidence that the fall is near. F641[F641]
Into the sea – The restless sea of ungovernable peoples. D111[D111]; R5349:4
The world on plane R of the Chart of the Ages. R275:6[R275:6]
The "sea" of anarchy will swallow up the false systems prophesied to be fulfilled in the very near future. R5478:2[R5478:2], 5463:1
Shortly after Babylon goes down, the great conflagration will reach the whole world. Q627:T
October 1914 will witness the full end of Babylon, utterly destroyed as a system. R4842:3[R4842:3]
Thus – With all her boasted civil and ecclesiastical power, and with all her assumed dignity, her wealth, her titles, her influence, her honors, and all her vain glory. D111[D110]
With violence – That Babylon's destruction will be sudden, violent and complete is thus forcibly stated. D37[D37]; Diii
Yet it was to undergo a gradual consuming process as shown by Dan. 7:26: "But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end." D37[D37:1]
The collapse will be sudden and awful when it does come. R2553:2[R2553:2]
The fall of literal Babylon, while it was sudden, and while it made a great commotion amongst the nations, lacks much of the filling to the full the prophetic picture. R2498:3[R2498:3]
The trouble doubtless will be considerable before the final crash, even though that crash come suddenly like the casting of a great millstone into the sea. R5142:1[R5141]
This same "time of trouble" is spoken of as a "whirlwind,:" the result of letting loose the "four winds of heaven." Again as a "fire" and as a "storm." R5058:6[R5058:6]
"The gold contained in the medals, vessels, chains and other objects preserved in the Vatican would make more gold money than the whole of European circulation."--Pittsburgh Dispatch--perhaps having an important bearing on the fate in store for Papacy. R3343:4[R3343:4]
Be thrown down – Egypt represents the world; Babylon, the nominal church and Israel, the whole world in its justified condition. To Israel the blessings are promised, to Egypt the plagues, and to strong Babylon a wonderful, complete and everlasting overthrow. A313[A313]
God will never call those overcomers who "are all their lifetime subject to bondage," (Heb. 2:15) even though he shall eventually deliver them by the complete overthrow of Babylon. R694:5[R694:5]
There is a difference between Babylon falling in a judicial sense, by being rejected by the Lord, and the actual falling, as when she goes down like a millstone. Q381:1
Found no more – The shaking of the heavens, as the Apostle indicates, "signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things" that are imperfect and of human construction. (Heb. 12:27) R712:1[R712:3]
It will go into oblivion, sheol. E369
Babylon's power is soon to be completely overthrown as precedent to a full deliverance of all who are Israelites indeed and the establishment of the Kingdom. R3624:6, 1352:6
A destroying process as with the first house of Israel when it was rejected, only it stumbled to rise again, while Babylon's destruction is to be complete and forever. R731:4, 177:6
When reading of the utter destruction of Babylon, we are to differentiate between the systems and the individuals connected with those systems. SM424:1[SM424:1]
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A mighty angel – Our returned Lord.
Took up – Picked up, indicating he is about to do something with it.
A stone like a great millstone – Jer. 51:60-64
A millstone is used for grinding grain for food (bread). This is how people survived, by eating bread (Matt. 4:4). Under the law, one could not take another man's millstone for an I.O.U. (Deut. 24:6).
Babylon claimed to be the source for all spiritual food (bread). While it was supposed to be producing the food to feed the people and to help make that "one bread." 1 Cor. 10:17, it was producing only "junk food" at best.
Christendom had forced the people, by various false teachings backed up by the force of civil power, to eat this "junk food" (consider the three unclean spirits [doctrines] that come out of the mouth of the dragon [civil power], beast [papacy] and false prophet [protestantism]. In other words, Babylon had taken from men their means for producing bread and were thus in violation of God's law (Deut. 24:6).
Remember, Babylon was not a millstone taken up, but like a millstone. She wasn't actually producing the food, she only claimed that she was.
Cast it into the sea – The irreligious restless masses of mankind.
With violence – How much more violent can one get than World War I and World War II?
Great city – That church-state government which ruled over the so-called Christian world. This is the same city that is described in Rev. 16:19. There it is broken into its three component parts: the Dragon (civil power), the Beast (Papacy) and the False Prophet (organized Protestantism) – Rev. 16:13.
Babylon – R45:10-11
Be thrown down – Down from its lofty place of ruling over the "civilized world," ruling over the saints as well as over the common people. Telling them what to believe (follow the religion of their earthly king) and who to kill (the Arians, the Waldenses, the Hugonots, etc.)
Be found no more at all – And will NEVER rise up again. Isa. 43:17; Jer. 51:64; Nah. 1:8-10. |
| 22 And the voice of harpers and minstrels and flute-players and trumpeters shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft, shall be found any more at all in thee; and the voice of a mill shall be heard no more at all in thee; |
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Voice of harpers – Harpers are those who play harps. Our understanding is that the Bible is the "Harp of God". Please see F233:1; R395. This suggests that those who know how to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb are no longer found in Babylon. Rev. 15:2
Musicians – Singers. – The word for musician in the Old Testament is Strong's 5329. Many of the Psalms are addressed to "The chief musician." In Habakkuk closes his prophecy with: "To the chief singer [Strong's 5329] on my stringed instruments." Hab. 3:19
Pipers – Strong's 834 and indicates a flute player. The same word is used in Matt 9:23 where it is translated "minstrels." This would seem to indicate those who accompany the singers, much in the way that Priscilla and Aquila helped the Apostle Paul. Rom. 16:3.
Trumpeters – Perhaps a reference to the seven messengers who sound the seven trumpets.
Heard no more at all in thee – Remember, it is the voice of these that is no longer heard in Babylon.
No craftsman of whatsoever craft – There are craftsmen mentioned in scripture. Many were carried away captive to Babylon as described in 2 Kings 24:14,16. There are warnings about craftsmen who use their talent to make idols (see Deut. 27:15; Hos. 13:2; Acts 19:24.) The fact that the phrase "of whatsoever craft" is used seems to indicate that people of special talent may be using those talents for either good or evil will completely forsake Christendom.
We also remember that there were those who did "cunning work" for the Lord in the construction of the Tabernacle. The Lord put His spirit upon these men to do this special work (Exo. 31:2-6; 35:30-35.) While they are not specifically designated as "craftsmen" they did a special work. These appear to represent the Little flock and the Great company. If these also be considered as "craftsmen" our text would also fit for these too will no longer be found in Babylon.
Sound of a millstone – A millstone is used to grind wheat for making bread. There is no more bread (nurishment) coming out from Babylon.
There are at least two ways of looking at this expression "the sound of a millstone." The one has already been described, i.e., the production of grain for bread (food). The other is the thought that during the Gospel Age the Lord was still using Babylon, keeping enough truth (bread) to feed the few saints that remained in her. The "sound" was being made by the saints. Who else was working to grind out the grain (consider 1 Cor. 10:16,17)? Therefore, the sound of a millstone no longer being heard in her would indicate that the saints had all left her. |
| 23 and the light of a lamp shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived. |
Light of a candle – Lamp--the Word. R603:4*
The removal of the "candlestick out of his place" has become a necessity. (Rev. 2:5) R590:6*
The stars are falling: some one way, some another. Soon the lights will all be out--not even a candle left. R341:6*
Voice of the bridegroom – The Lord Jesus. Q720:4; R603:4*
God will use Babylon no more as a channel for the bestowment of his best blessings. R3884:2
Babylon has been his mouthpiece, and through her he has spoken to the world, but it shall be so no longer. R177:2
Her King is not in her, she is spewed out of his mouth. (Jer. 8:22, Young's Translation; Rev. 3:16) R498:5[R498:11]
But we have no intimation in the Scriptures, nor any reason for supposing, that God ever used or recognized the Jewish church-nation, its rulers and representatives, after it was cast off. C181
The turning aside of the literal Euphrates by Cyrus may show the turning aside of popular support from Babylon; or it may show that the truth will be turned aside and no longer flow through Babylon. The consequence of either is the fall of Babylon. Q720:4
The same lesson should be recognized in connection with Babylon. She is "spewed out" of the Lord's mouth; and neither the voice of the Bridegroom nor of the Bride shall be heard in her any more forever. C181
And of the bride – The Lamb's wife. R603:4*
The Church prospective. Q720:4
The names Bridegroom and Bride were applicable before Babylon's fall, and before the marriage feast. The same is true in Jewish custom. R1388:6
Heard no more – Clearly showing that previously they had spoken in and through Babylon, the confused class. R1388:6
Babylon will not permit them to be heard. R2592:6
Even amongst the "Protestant" fifteenth of humanity darkness and discord are preferred and the "joyful sound" (Psa. 89:15) is spurned and considered to be the discord that is of the Adversary. R2569:3
The time will come, whether now or at a future time. CR292:4
She is "spewed out" of the Lord's mouth. C181
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The light of a candle – The light of the Holy Spirit. This is the same Holy Spirit given to guide all seven stages of the church. The candlesticks hold this light. Rev. 1:12,13,20. This helps us to understand that it is the true church that counts, not the nominal. Each phase of the church is given the light of the Holy Spirit. Here in the 7th stage, that light is no longer found in the nominal church but it is still found within the True.
Shall shine no more at all in thee – Because the Lord's spirit is no longer there. She has been cast out of His mouth in 1878 – Rev. 3:16.
See also Eze. 9:3; 10:4 where the Glory of God moves from the house [of God, the temple] to the threshold [entrance] of the house [temple]. This shows the removal of God's Holy Spirit (the glory of God) from the nominal system during the beginning of the Harvest (1878-1881).
The voice of the bridegroom – The voice of our Lord.
And of the bride – The voice of the true church, the bride of Christ.
Shall be heard no more at all in thee – Neither our Lord nor His Bride has any voice in Babylon.
This condition has already been reached. R2592:14 (March 1900)
Compare vss 22-23 with Jer. 25:10. There it is speaking of what would happen when the LORD sent the king of Babylon to carry away the inhabitants of Judah for the 70 years captivity.
Thy merchants were the great men of the earth – See Additional comments for vs. 18:11.
By thy sorceries – Not only does this refer to false doctrines but especially it implies the influence of Satan and the fallen angels.
All nations deceived – Satan is the great deceiver. It is his masterpiece (both mother and daughters) that here managed to deceive all the nations of Christendom (falsely so-called) into believing that Christ's Kingdom had been set up. Please compare with the three unclean spirits in rev16:13. |
| 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth. |
In her – Papacy, typified by Jezebel--the civil government, corresponding to King Ahab, the agent in propagating her system and destroying the prophets of the Lord. R3408:3[R3408:5-6]
The blood of prophets – Prefiguring this system as a cruelly persecuting one. R471:5[R471:7]
Despising and persecuting the true saints of God. R174:6[R174:1-3*]
And of all – All that fear God's name. R151:3*[R151:6]
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In her – While Babylon, Christendom (Christ's Kingdom – falsely so-called), is the union between the kings of the earth and the nominal church (which union existed at least until 1914 and was thereafter broken up), the emphasis here is on the religious element of that union, "in her," and primarily upon the "mother" system.
Was found – Indicating that after the destruction of the church-state systems of Europe, the religious systems, no longer connected with the state, still exist -- and that something is found there.
The blood of – The blood is the life of anything. (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:11,14; Deut. 12:23)
When we see an expression like this one we recognize it as indicating that this blood has been shed, i.e., the life has been taken from it, it has been killed. (Heb. 12:4; Matt. 23:35)
Prophets – This would seem to have a dual application.
1) The life (blood) of the prophets of the Bible was slain by her, i.e., the true meaning of what was prophecied was corrupted (slain) by her so that the truth of those prophecies had no meaning (for all those who accepted her teachings).
2) The Lord's people have always also been prophets, public expounders of His word. The witnessing of these was crushed.
[The blood] of saints – The saints were both literally and symbolically slain. Rev. 6:9-10
[The blood] of all that were slain – Not only the prophets and saints but also those who were desireous of knowing God.
The earth – Organized society under religious restraint. Revelation 17
Revelation (RVIC) Chapter Index
Revelation 19
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