3. the Fall of Babylon

Babylon is doomed. Her fall, which is by the hand of God, precedes the coming of the Lord. It has both a civil and religious aspect, and is a mighty system permeating almost every other, spreading its influence among all nations and ranks. It is a terribly corrupting system, dwelling in ease and luxury, and supported by the strength of the nations. She now says in her heart,
I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow {Rev. 18:7}.
But her loftiness must be laid low, her glitter pass away, her delusions exposed, and her adultery judged. Hence the announcement from heaven —
Babylon is fallen, is fallen . . . because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication {Rev. 14:8}.
Ah, how little do men think they are under a terribly deceiving power, when they take the intoxicating drink from the cup of this false system. So important a consideration is Babylon in the mind of God, that two chapters are occupied with its details, which we hope to consider in due time. Here her fall is simply announced.