What is the meaning of Revelation 18:3? All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality – “All the nations” shows global reach; no culture is untouched. Compare Revelation 14:8 where “every nation” is warned that “Babylon has made all nations drink.” – The image of “wine” signals intoxication—voluntary participation in sin that dulls moral judgment (Jeremiah 51:7). – “Passion” underscores intensity; it is not casual compromise but burning desire (Revelation 17:2). – Nations pursue wealth, pleasure, and power under Babylon’s spell, accepting her standards instead of God’s (Isaiah 13:11). The kings of the earth were immoral with her – Political leaders ally themselves with the system for mutual benefit, echoing Psalm 2:2 where “the kings of the earth take their stand” against the LORD. – The partnership is called “immoral” because it replaces righteous rule with corruption (Revelation 17:18). – Daniel 4:17 reminds us God grants authority; thus these kings are accountable for joining rebellion. – Their example trickles down: when rulers embrace wickedness, societies follow (Proverbs 29:12). The merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury – Commerce is not condemned in itself; the issue is profit gained by exploiting Babylon’s lust for opulence (Ezekiel 27:33). – “Extravagance” points to excess—luxury that feeds greed (1 Timothy 6:9). – Revelation 18:11-13 lists the cargo that enriched them: gold, spices, even “human souls,” revealing callous disregard for life. – James 5:1-5 warns wealthy oppressors that their riches “have corroded” and testify against them. – The phrase “have grown wealthy” confirms literal economic prosperity, yet it is fleeting; verse 17 records it vanishing “in a single hour.” summary Revelation 18:3 paints a three-fold indictment: every nation is seduced, rulers willingly join, and merchants cash in. Together they reveal a world system intoxicated by sin, welded by political power, and financed through unchecked materialism. God’s judgment falls because people embrace, promote, and profit from rebellion rather than submit to His righteous rule. |
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