Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Revelation 18:20 (KJV)

Context

Revelation is a book of prophecy written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The book contains a series of visions that reveal God’s plan for the end times and the ultimate triumph of Christ over evil. In this vision, Babylon appears as a symbolic representation of the worldly system that opposes God’s kingdom, embodying evil, immorality, and rebellion against God. The fall of Babylon symbolizes the judgment and destruction of these opposing forces.

Meaning

In Revelation 18:20, John hears a call for heaven and the holy apostles and prophets to rejoice over the fall of Babylon. This rejoicing is not over destruction itself, but over the display of God’s justice and righteousness. It demonstrates that God’s plan is being fulfilled, and the righteous are vindicated. The verse states that God has avenged the apostles and prophets on Babylon, meaning that God has brought judgment upon those who persecuted His servants throughout history. The Greek word Εὐφραίνου (euphrainou) means to rejoice or be glad, and the phrase τὸ κρίμα ὑμῶν ἐξ αὐτῆς conveys the idea that God has judged your judgment upon her, or has given judgment for you against her.

Biblical connections

This call to rejoice connects back to Revelation 18:4, where a voice from heaven had called God’s people to come out of Babylon. The rejoicing of God’s servants on earth is shared by the angels in heaven. The verse contrasts the mourning of the kings, merchants, and mariners who benefited from Babylon with the joy of those who were persecuted by her. Because Babylon’s fall is a final ruin, this enemy will never molest God’s people again.

Application

This verse serves as a warning, urging believers to take warning from the things that brought others to destruction and to set their affections on things above, considering the changeable nature of earthly things. It reflects God’s faithfulness in upholding justice and vindicating His faithful followers, encouraging believers to trust that God will ultimately avenge His people and bring about His righteous purposes.

Reflection

Rejoicing over the fall of Babylon is a celebration of God’s justice, not a delight in suffering. It assures believers that God sees their struggles and will one day right every wrong. This hope calls us to remain faithful, knowing that the same God who judged Babylon will also vindicate those who trust in Him.