What does Revelation 18:20 mean?

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. Revelation 18:20

Explanation

Revelation 18:20 calls on a distinct group – heaven, holy apostles, and prophets – to rejoice because God has exacted judgment on “her,” a reference to Babylon as a symbol of evil and opposition to God’s ways. Babylon’s fall is not just political or economic; it’s moral and spiritual. This verse is a vindication of the suffering experienced by the righteous at the hands of Babylon. The “rejoicing” can be seen as the approval of divine justice and the righting of wrongs.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos, traditionally identified as the Apostle John, near the end of the first century A.D. It was a period of intense persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire. The reference to Babylon is often understood as a veiled criticism of Rome, considered the antagonist of God’s people, similar to Babylon’s historical role. The themes of judgment and divine retribution offered hope to oppressed believers that tyrannical powers would eventually face God’s justice.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is set within the framework of eschatology (the study of end times). It reflects the belief in a final judgment where God will vindicate the faithful and punish the wicked. Some Christian perspectives interpret Revelation and the fall of Babylon as a future event preceding Christ’s return. Other viewpoints may see this event as having already occurred, a spiritual metaphor, or as an ongoing cycle of divine judgment on oppressive systems throughout history.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to trust in divine justice. It speaks to anyone who has felt oppressed or wronged – it is a reassurance that evil does not prevail indefinitely. It is also a reminder to avoid complicity with corrupt systems that oppress others. In daily life, it may be applied by valuing justice, advocating for the downtrodden, and cultivating hope even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Cross-References

• Revelation 14:8 – “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
• Revelation 17:1-2 – “Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters.”
• Revelation 19:2 – “For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”

Language Study

The phrase “for God hath avenged you on her” places emphasis on the divine act of retribution. The Greek word for “avenged” (εκδικέω – ekdikeo) means to vindicate, retaliate, or to give justice. The exhortation to “rejoice” (χαίρω – chairo) reflects more than happiness; it implies a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfilment of divine promise.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between the fall of Babylon in Revelation and the fall of oppressive empires in other ancient texts, such as in the prophetic books of the Old Testament like Isaiah and Jeremiah. In many religions, there is a common motif of divine retribution against corrupt systems and the eventual victory of good over evil, seen in myths of apocalypse and narratives of cosmic or moral justice.

Scientific Perspectives

Science primarily deals with empirical evidence and the material world, so it does not provide a direct analysis of prophetic or spiritual claims. However, the universal human desire for justice and fairness can be explored psychologically and sociologically. The impact of hope and the belief in ultimate justice can also be a subject of study in terms of their effects on human behavior and societal structures.

Commentaries

Commentators often delve into the symbolism of Babylon as it represents more than a city—it signifies any entity that opposes God’s will. Many see this verse as part of the larger narrative of Revelation that emphasizes the omnipotence of God and the eventual triumph of divine morality. Some, such as Matthew Henry, indicate that the rejoicing is not over the destruction per se, but at justice being served and God’s faithfulness being manifested. It is often discussed in light of the harsh reality faced by early Christians, offering a spiritually therapeutic vision of hope and justification amidst persecution.