Opening Question

Should we rejoice when a criminal is brought to justice?

Introduction

Revelation 17-18 show the fall of Babylon, the arch-type enemy of God. Beginning with the tower in Genesis 11, that region and that attitude have symbolized opposition to God throughout the Old Testament. Babylon becomes the nation that harasses Israel, steals the vessels from their temple, ravishes their city, and takes them exile. Babylon is also the tool that God uses to punish His people. But God has people in Babylon—sometimes even the King of the pagan city himself!—and so the message is given to “come out of ...