How does Revelation 18:24 connect to God's justice throughout Scripture? Scripture Focus: Revelation 18:24 “And there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Babylon’s Blood-Guilt and God’s Response • “Her” is the end-time Babylon system—political, economic, religious—personally responsible for murder and persecution. • God does not overlook even one drop of innocent blood. The verse sits at the climax of the chapter, just before Babylon’s sudden fall. • Justice arrives when the measure of sins is full (cf. Genesis 15:16). Revelation 18 is that moment: heaven’s books are opened, guilt is exposed, and the sentence is executed. A Crimson Thread of Justice from Genesis to Revelation 1. The first murder, Genesis 4:10—“The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” 2. Pre-Flood violence, Genesis 6:11-13—“The earth was filled with violence… I will destroy them.” 3. The Mosaic principle, Deuteronomy 32:35—“Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” 4. National apostasy, 2 Chronicles 36:15-16—repeated rejection of prophets until “there was no remedy.” 5. Psalm 9:12—“He who avenges blood shed remembers.” 6. Isaiah 26:21—earth “will no longer conceal her slain.” 7. Jesus’ indictment, Matthew 23:34-36—“upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth.” 8. Cry beneath the altar, Revelation 6:9-10—martyrs ask, “How long… until You avenge our blood?” 9. Bowl judgments, Revelation 16:5-7—“You are just… They have shed the blood of saints… You have given them blood to drink.” 10. Final hallelujah, Revelation 19:2—“He has avenged the blood of His servants.” Why God Waits, Then Acts • Patience—2 Peter 3:9 says He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish.” • Certainty—Hebrews 10:30-31 echoes Deuteronomy: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Completeness—Justice is not partial; Revelation 18:24 includes “all who were slain on the earth.” Every victim is remembered. The Character of God on Display • Holiness: He must judge sin (Habakkuk 1:13). • Faithfulness: Promises of vindication made to the prophets and martyrs are kept. • Omniscience: He knows hidden crimes (“there was found in her the blood”). • Sovereignty: He alone sets the timing and carries out the sentence. Living in Light of Certain Justice • Confidence—Believers need not seek personal revenge; Romans 12:19. • Endurance—Persecution is temporary; Babylon’s fall is permanent. • Worship—Revelation 19:1-3 shows heaven praising God precisely because His judgments are true and just. Revelation 18:24 is the culmination of a scriptural storyline that begins with Abel’s blood and ends with every injustice set right. The verse assures God’s people that no evil escapes His notice and no act of faithfulness goes unrewarded. |
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