Revelation 18:1

ΒΆ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

And {G2532} after {G3326} these things {G5023} I saw {G1492} another {G243} angel {G32} come down {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, having {G2192} great {G3173} power {G1849}; and {G2532} the earth {G1093} was lightened {G5461} with {G1537} his {G846} glory {G1391}.

After these things, I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, the earth was lit up by his splendor.

After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory.

After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Commentary

Revelation 18:1 introduces a pivotal moment in the apocalyptic visions of John, setting the stage for the dramatic pronouncement of judgment against "Babylon the Great." This verse highlights the divine authority and immense significance of the message about to be delivered.

Context

This verse follows directly from the preceding chapters, particularly Revelation 17, which describes the identity and characteristics of "Babylon the Great" – a symbolic representation of a corrupt spiritual and political system opposed to God. The phrase "after these things" signifies a continuation of John's prophetic visions, moving from the description of Babylon's nature to the unfolding of its ultimate downfall. The appearance of this powerful angel signals that the time for this long-foretold judgment is at hand, emphasizing the certainty and divine origin of what is to follow.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Messenger: The angel's descent "from heaven" immediately establishes the divine source and unchallengeable authority of the message. His "great power" underscores the magnitude of the coming judgment and the impossibility of resistance against God's decree. This powerful messenger contrasts with the earthly powers that have rebelled against God.
  • Imminent Judgment: The angel's arrival heralds the beginning of the final, decisive judgment upon Babylon. His presence alone carries the weight of divine justice, signaling that God's patience has run out and His righteous wrath is about to be poured out.
  • Manifestation of God's Glory: The most striking visual element is that "the earth was lightened with his glory." This phrase, often associated with the very presence of God or His divine messengers, signifies the absolute purity, holiness, and truth of the heavenly realm breaking into the earthly sphere. It serves as a stark contrast to the darkness and deception associated with Babylon and highlights the undeniable righteousness of God's verdict. This foreshadows a time when the glory of God will permanently illuminate the New Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" here is doxa (δόξα), which carries the meaning of splendor, majesty, honor, and renown. When applied to God or His divine agents, it speaks of His inherent brightness, visible manifestation of His presence, and the weight of His divine character. The earth being "lightened" by this glory implies a pervasive, undeniable illumination, making clear the divine nature of the angel and the truth of his message, leaving no room for doubt or obscurity regarding the impending judgment.

Practical Application

Revelation 18:1 offers believers a profound assurance of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or entrenched evil may seem, God is in control, and His judgment will inevitably come. The "lightening" of the earth with the angel's glory serves as a beacon of hope, confirming that God's truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail over all forms of darkness and corruption. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when circumstances on earth appear chaotic or unjust. The following verse, Revelation 18:2, immediately reveals the angel's powerful declaration.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 43:2

    And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

  • Luke 17:24

    For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one [part] under heaven, shineth unto the other [part] under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

  • Revelation 10:1

    ΒΆ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

  • Isaiah 60:1

    ΒΆ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

  • Isaiah 60:3

    And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Revelation 17:1

    ΒΆ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
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