More of the Merchandise of Babylon Revelation 18:13

An “angel” from heaven showed John the apostle many things which will occur in the tribulation time on the earth, and he continued, “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she has filled fill to her double. How much she has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning. Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble.” In chapter eighteen and verse thirteen of Revelation we learn of more of the wares of the city of “Babylon” where we read:

And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

The verse reads, “And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, ...” John began with the words, “and cinnamon” which means “a well known aromatic substance which was the rind of Laurus cinnamonum called Korunda-gauhah in Ceylon”, “and odors” which means “aromatic substances burnt or incense”, “and ointments” or “perfumed oil such as myrrh”, “and frankincense” which means “the perfume from the frankincense tree”, “and wine” or “grapes pressed made into drink”, “and oil” which means “fuel for lamps, olive oil for healing the sick and anointing the head and body at feasts”, “and fine flour” which refers to “the finest of wheat flour”. John saw more of the valuable wares of Babylon including “ointments, perfumes, drink and oils”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.” John added the words “and wheat” which means “grain such as wheat or corn”, “and beasts” or “four legged animals as opposed to fishes or birds”, “and sheep” or “four footed tame animals accustomed to graze such as small cattle like sheep and goats”, “and horses” which means “like horses used for labor and riding”, “and chariots” which means “a type of vehicle, wagon or carriage having four wheels and used for riding”, “and slaves” or “bodies used in servile work”, “and souls of men” which means “living seats of feelings, desires, affections and aversions of people both male and female”. John was also shown “grains, animals, carriages, servants and people” as part of the abundance and affluence of Babylon.

When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we see how the treasures within the city of “Babylon” were broad and abundant as they included “ointments, perfumes, animals, servants and more”. In other words, “Babylon” had every temporary treasure a person could desire, and yet, all of these things were made invaluable in one day's time. There is nothing more precious than a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, and all other “temporary” treasures pale in comparison. Those who are wise will receive Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” and shall invest themselves in the “eternal” Kingdom of God.

Next time we learn how “Babylon's”, “fruits that” “their” “soul lusted after are departed” from them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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