Revelation 18:2 (NASB)

Bible Commentary

Revelation 18:2 is a Bible verse about the mighty fall of the great prostitute, Babylon.

Let’s first look at what Babylon actually is. The word “Babylon” in the Greek from Revelation 18:2 means: the capital of Chaldaea (literally or figuratively as a type of tyranny). It comes from the original Hebrew word, which means: confusion, Babel.

You might remember the story of the tower of Babel from the Book of Genesis, where the people wanted to make for themselves a name, a city and a tower. Because of the wrong intent of their hearts, God caused confusion in their communication with one another, which prohibited them from building any further (Genesis 11:1-9).

The motive to build the tower of Babel was a type of tyranny, as we saw above in the definition of Babylon. Webster’s Dictionary defines “tyranny” as: cruel and unjust use of power. This is very similar to the definition of “oppression,” (more recognizable in today’s society): to keep down by the cruel or unjust use of authority.

As I noted in our study of Matthew 24:50, God is very serious about holding us accountable for how we use the authority He has given us in the way we influence others. Babylon is referred to as the great harlot in Revelation 17:1 and 17:5, and in the Old Testament in Ezekiel 23:17.

So, in the Book of Revelation, Babylon is not necessarily a geographical location on earth, but a representation of tyranny and idolatry–Satan’s stronghold of spiritual oppression. You can think of it as the devil’s bag of tricks—a lethal weapon that has lured many down a cruel path of seductive pleasures mixed with torture (usually in the mind), which leads to death and destruction. Satan’s work of Babylon, like the work of the tower of Babel, has been stopped.

Unlocking the Truth-Babylon has Fallen!

Just like a war of battles on earth, a military strategy map would include particular strongholds, or fortress locations. It’s no different in the spirit world. This stronghold is where Satan strategizes and issues his commands against God’s people.

In the spiritual realm, Babylon has been a citadel, or fortress for the execution of all kinds of evil assignments, which is spiritual oppression over the people on earth. In Revelation 18:2, Babylon is proclaimed fallen, or defeated, like a messenger who comes to the king to announce news from the battlefield.

Not only is the announcement that Babylon has fallen, but that it is no longer a significant stronghold, or fortress, and has now become a “dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.”

In other words, instead of it being a demonic power, it is now a demonic prison.

In these last days, as Jesus Christ gathers all things to Himself (Ephesians 1:10), He is separating the wheat from the tares.

Referring to the kingdom of heaven, He says in Matthew 13:30, “Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”

What are “Tares”?

In the Greek, “tares” means: false grain. Many think the tares Jesus is referring to are unbelievers or sinners–people. However, the very definition of tares speaks to the deception of Satan. The tares are the devil’s armies of demons.

Satan has been very good at concealing himself and his demonic forces with the actions and attitudes of people on earth. Think of it as a cloak of people. Our war is not against one another, it is against Satan and the powers of deception and darkness.

Ephesians 6:12 states this quite clearly, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Jesus Christ is separating us from the demonic forces of darkness, and thus the announcement of Revelation 18:2, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.”

Hallelujah!! The great citadel of Babylon has fallen. In Jesus Christ, we are free from spiritual oppression! Glory to God! Study the Bible verse of Revelation 18:2, and pray for eyes to see His Kingdom come and the faith to believe His will is being done on earth as it is in Heaven.