With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’ She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal. – Revelation 18:2

Today’s Scripture Reading (May 7, 2018): Revelation 18

For a thousand years, Babylon has laid empty and void. The once great city has been lost, but never really forgotten. Early in the 19^th Century, Claudius Rich began a concentrated effort to excavate the city. Since then, several people have been involved in the process, and the city ruins have been rebuilt. There has also been a dream of reconstructing the city. On February 14, 1978, Saddam Hussein began the “Archeological Restoration of Babylon Project.” The Iraqi leader, among many others, had dreams of rebuilding the city to its former splendor. If the dream of reconstructing Babylon were ever completed, it would likely swiftly become one of the world economic leaders because of Middle East oil. But so far, no reconstruction of the city has been successful.

In John’s Revelation, we actually find the story of two Babylons. The first is the spiritual Babylon. And the spiritual Babylon is usually considered to be an allegory reflecting the spiritual decay present in other great cities and organizations that have captured our imagination, for a time, in this world. But the second Babylon, and the one mentioned in this passage of Revelation, is the economic or commercial Babylon. And the question that has plagued scholars is simply this – is this Babylon meant to be literal or symbolic. Some still hold that this Babylon is one that will be rebuilt at some time in the future. Someday there will be someone like Saddam Hussein, who will come to power and be able to rebuild the ancient city, only to watch it fall one more time. But most hold that this commercial Babylon, like the spiritual Babylon, is merely a symbolic representation. The desolate desert that has gathered the ancient city of Babylon into its harsh grasp symbolizes the end of any of our commercial enterprises when they are devoid of God. They exist for their moment, and then they are gone.

And so, John presents us with a dirge. “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great.” All of her economic power and prestige could not protect the city from her ultimate fate. She has become a place for demons to inhabit. John paints for us a picture of absolute devastation and desolation. And he presents a call so that all who hear it can avoid her sad fate.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Revelation 19

Personal Note: Happy Birthday to my son, Craig. I hope you are having a great day.