In our earlier study of Revelation chapter seventeen, we noted that the Book of Revelation employs the word “Babylon” as a shorthand designation for the blasphemous political, religious, and economic structures that will arise in the future. Those structures have always existed to greater or lesser degrees throughout much of human history, but they will dominate the future that is chronicled for us within this book.
The previous chapter of Revelation also detailed the fall of the blasphemous religious system that will arise during that period. Here now, in Revelation chapter eighteen, we will witness the fiery devastation that will be unleashed upon the godless economic system of that era. And while it is never explicitly mentioned within our text, the underlying presence of idolatry will emerge as one of the core components of that system.
As noted in our survey of Revelation chapter two, we can define an idol as anything that takes God’s place within our lives. When someone elects to replace God with something else at the top of life’s priority scale, that “something” (whatever it is) effectively becomes his or her idol. That alternative doesn’t have to involve a spiritual concept or philosophy. Instead, it might represent an underlying value, ideology, conviction, or belief that serves to establish the principles that guide our lives.
For many, the acquisition of financial and material wealth (along with the status and privilege that accompany it) often represents one such priority. As we consider the economic aspects of the godless worldview described here in Revelation chapter eighteen, we will find that the relentless pursuit of personal gain and financial self-interest will largely shape the narrative of this chapter. The prevailing attitude will be one of self-concern, and to borrow a phrase from modern parlance, “everyone will be in it for themselves.”
Those who witness the downfall of this blasphemous economic system will also demonstrate a callous disregard for the lives that are lost and the destruction that takes place. Instead, their primary concern might be expressed in a single question: “What does this mean for me?” That attitude is far removed from the precepts given to us in the Scriptures…
“Try to do what is good for others, not just what is good for yourselves” (1 Corinthians 10:23 ERV).
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2 NIV).
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 AMP).
The events of this chapter will thus provide us with an object lesson and an example to avoid.