Babylon will be destroyed suddenly

Revelation 18:20–24
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In these verses we find the reaction in heaven to the destruction of Babylon. Babylon had slain the saints; now God slays Babylon. As a confirmation to the citizens of heaven that the destruction is final, an angel takes a millstone and casts it into the sea to symbolize the sure and complete destruction of Babylon (v. 21). Never again will domestic activity be heard. Grinding was done by the women at home with two great circular stones, one on top of the other. The corn was put into a hole in the upper stone; it was ground between the two stones and emerged through the lower stone. The creaking sound of stone on stone will never again be heard. Neither will there be the sound of the craftsman doing his trade or of the sound of wedding rejoicing, for even love will die. Never again will there be light on the streets or in the houses. The reason is twofold: Babylon deceived the nations and Babylon killed the saints (vv. 23-24).

The description of Babylon’s destruction in Revelation 18 declares it will be destroyed suddenly (“in one day her plagues will come” [v. 8]; “for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste” [v. 17]). The destruction will be complete and final, “it shall be found no more at all” (Jer. 51:63-64); “So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer” (Rev. 18:21). Babylon will be destroyed with fire from heaven as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Rev. 18:18; 16:17-21). Universal peace will follow the destruction.

Application

I should never live for accumulating money or things as it will be worthless in eternity. “The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Tim. 6:10). Just like the example in the destruction of Babylon, it will destroy me.