Lesson 42

Revelation Chapter Fourteen

Snapshots of the Victory of Christ

A Pronouncement 14:8-13

- First a pronouncement of judgment on Babylon.

From Gen 11 down to the closing chapters of Rev. Babylon is mentioned around 260 times; Babel 2 x's in Gen 10-11

* In Scripture it prefigures apostate religion in the Great Tribulation.

* It also is used to prefigure the godless political system of the last days.

There are many views as to what Babylon refers to.

> "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great."

* Historical Babylon or Babel prefigures the ultimate rebellion against God that we find here in the Tribulation.

Historical Babylon: Some Observations:

1. Begins in Gen 10/11 which intro's us to the founder of Babylon Nimrod.

2. What is Nimrod's importance? He established 2 things;

#1 A kingdom (first); central rule over men! Babel/Babylon

#2 Also established a pattern, a trend.

3. Description of Nimrod! What can we learn from the context?

a. his name is significant; Nimrod drom.nI from drm means to revolt; usually against some established order

b. Described by reputation; 10:8 "mighty one" rABGI

- Refers to one whose reputation is established by their deeds; his accomplishments were extremely great.

c. Described by his influence; dyIc; vs:9 "mighty hunter before the Lord"

Its used most to indicate powerful influence over another or having the power to influence others.

- His great power of influence over others then stood in opposition to the Lord;

d. Described as to his rule/kingdom; 10:10-12 Extensive

4. His success 11:1-4

a. vs:1 unity of the people linguistically; lit. one lip; one language, vocabulary

b. vs:2 Settled in the Plain of Shinar; area around Babylon; Iraq; now a geographical unity; all in one place.

c. vs:3-4 Ideological unity; B.L. We don't need God! Total arrogance.

- "let us make for ourselves a name" name = ~ve_ means mark, ensign, also used as a rallying point.

Idea here is - Lets construct this great building, lets make it the rallying point for unity and security.

They're saying: We do not want our unity to be destroyed and we are going to come together in one place. We don't want to be scattered over the whole earth.

** The judgment on Babylon is twofold!

#1 immediate; Gen 11:5;

#2 Future; Rev 16:17-19; ch 17-18

14:8b The reason for the fall of Babylon; The Indictment

"she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."

- Speaks of the establishment of the political system and its control.

For the one knowing this prophecy of the judgment of Babylon; its a promise designed to bring comfort.

In general; knowing that God is going to deal with all sin and evil wherever found.

In particular for those of that period who are going to choose to believe in Christ and who will suffer greatly for their faith.