Babylon is discussed in Revelation 17-18 and symbolizes false Christianity. Babylon itself is a very rich entity (not spiritually rich, but rich in materialism and power). The merchants and shipmasters of Babylon have also made themselves rich by Babylon’s merchandise. The merchants of Babylon symbolize those ‘great men’ in Christianity (e.g., pastors, leaders, evangelists, etc.) who use Christianity to their benefit for shameful gain. Babylon’s ships represent those who build Babylon by bringing those into Babylon from afar (missionaries, parachurch organizations). Babylon’s merchandise is also symbolic for thing that relate to Christianity (such as Christians, prayer, holiness, etc.).

Symbolic Meaning of Merchandising (Buying and Selling)

Merchandising and desire for riches (Rev 18:3, 18:7, 11-13,15,23)

Merchants (Rev 18:11,15-17,22-23)

Shipmasters Made Rich (Rev 18:17,19)

Merchandise – Christian Symbols (Rev 18:12-13)

Symbolic Meaning of Merchandising (Buying and Selling)

Merchants are those who buy and sell to make a profit. From a most basic spiritual perspective, all people are sold under sin (Ro 7:14). Is 50:1 says that by our iniquities, we have sold ourselves. That is, by our very sinful nature, we have been sold into the slave market of sin (Ro 6:16-22). At the point of salvation, we have been redeemed (literally, bought out of the slave market) by Jesus Christ (Gal 3:13, 1 Pet 1:18). Therefore, the most basic doctrine of salvation can be seen in terms of a Merchant (Jesus Christ) who has bought us out of the slave market of sin. As Is 52:3 and Is 45:13 teach, we have sold ourselves for nothing and we will be redeemed without money. We are instructed to come in our thirstiness to the waters of life. We have no money to buy, but we can come and buy and eat and drink (Is 55:1).

Merchants refer to those who are in the marketplace of religion. 2 Pet 2:3 refers to false teachers of Jesus Christ who through greed, make merchandise of Christian believers. They entice people with words that sound Christian, but in reality are untruthful. Some of the errors of these false teachers are discussed, for example, in 2 Peter 2 and the book of Jude. These errors include teaching a license to sin, sensuality, greed, false gospels, unfaithfulness and denying the Christ nature of Jesus (Prophet, Priest and King).

What Merchandising Means:

… and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you … (2Pe 2:3)
… the merchants of the earth are waxed rich … (Rev 18:3)
Greek words (merchants = emporos, merchandise = emporeuomai)
- English word – emporium
- A place of buying and selling
Religion is a spiritual emporium (spiritual marketplace)
‘Buying and selling spiritual things’ (see below summary)
Buy and sell (merchandising Christians and the Gospel) – 2 Pet 2:3, Rev 11:2-4, Rev 13:16-18, Pr 23:23, Is 55:1-2, Mk 11:15, Mat 21:12-16, Lk 19:45-47, Jer 26:2, Jer 7:11, Is 56:11, 2 Cor 2:17, 1 Thess 2:5, James 4:13, John 2:13-22, Col 2:2-3, Mat 13:45, Rev 3:18, Rev 13:16-18, Rev 18:3-23, Mat 22:5, Hos 12:7, Deut 21:14, Eze 13:19, Eze 26:12, Eze 27:15, Eze 28:16, Is 23:18, Is 45:14, Micah 3:11, Jer 8:10. 1 Tim 6:5, etc.

Summary:

Buying and Selling – Many spiritual meanings
Related terms in Bible:
- Buy, sell, redeem, ransom, marketplace, gain and profit, loss
- Spiritual meanings:
- Salvation (redeem – buy out of the slave market of sin)
- Obtaining spiritual truth (wisdom, knowledge, treasures of knowing Christ)
- False teaching in the church (merchandising unsuspecting people)
- Commitment to discipleship in the church (sell all)
Redemption – Salvation
- Greek – exagorazo
- ‘Ex’ – literally out of
- ‘Agarozo’ – buy at the marketplace (buy, in Rev 13:16)
- But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Gal 4:4-5)
- Christians were bought out of the market by Jesus Christ
- Marketplace refers to the place of ‘spiritual transaction’
Buying – Salvation
- Ho, every one that thirsts, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? … (Isa 55:1-2)
- Spiritual meaning – buying is not literal (no money involved)
- Buying points to obtaining spiritual things
Buy Spiritual Truth / Knowledge
- Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Pro 23:23)
- I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness does not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou may see. (Rev 3:18)
- Christ … in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:2-3)
Selling Symbolism
- Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts (Luke 12:33)
- … sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)
The Ideal Church – Sell All
- Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Act 4:34-36)
- But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price … But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? … And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the spirit … (Act 5:1-5)
- Not ‘sold out’ to Christ
False Buying and Selling in the Temple
- … found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple … and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. (John 2:14-17)
- And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mat 21:12-13)
- Temple represents the church
Merchandising – False Teaching
- But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies … And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you … (2Pe 2:1-3)
- Covetousness = greediness
- Babylon
- For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (Rev 18:3)
Buying and Selling – Practical Application Examples
- Application during the Great Tribulation (cannot buy or sell)
- Buying and Selling – Merchandising
- Christians cannot rely on church for spiritual truth
- No longer ‘buy’ truth, wisdom, knowledge
- Christians cannot teach / lead in church
- Christians can no longer ‘sell all’ and rely on the church
- Cannot fellowship / rely on church for support
Cannot Buy or Sell – Rev
- False Prophet – leadership of the false Christian church during the Great Tribulation
- Can only ‘buy and sell’ in churches if aligned with the Beast (mark, name and number – 666)
- Buying and Selling – Spiritual Marketplace
- Cannot buy or sell – true Christians are silenced in church and can no longer rely on church for spiritual truth and Christian fellowship
- And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev 13:16-17)
- False prophet – Leadership of false Christian church
- Buy or sell with:
  - Mark of the Beast
  - Name of the Beast
  - Number of his Name (666)

Additional Bible Passages on Merchandising (Receiving riches) of Christianity

Political gain ‑ Phil 1:15‑17, Lk 20:3‑8, Mk 11:27‑33, Mat 21:23‑27, Herodians (Mat 22:16, Mk 3:2, 12:13), Jude, Korah (Num 16), Eph 4:14, Ro 16:17‑18, Gen 3:4‑5, 1 John 4:1‑6, Mat 23:1‑12, 2 Cor 11:12‑15, Mat 23:27‑28, Phil 2:21, Mk 12:38‑40, 2 Tim 3:13
Personal gain ‑ Phil 3:17‑19, 1 Tim 6:3‑5, 1 Tim 6:6, Baalam (Num 22‑25), 2 Cor 2:17, Ro 16:17‑18, Titus 1:10‑16, 2 Chr 24:5‑7, 1 Chr 6:28, 1 Ti 6:6, 1Ti 3:3, 1Ti 3:8, 2Ki 5:20-27, Isa 56:11, Jer 6:13, Jer 8:10, Eze 33:31, Mat 21:13, Mat 23:14, Act 8:18-20, Act 19:24-28, Tit 1:11, 2Pe 2:3, 2Pe 2:15, Jud 1:11, Rev 18:3, Rev 18:13

Jesus Cleanses the Temple of Merchants

Those false Christian teachers are similar to those who made the temple a house of merchandise (John 2:16, Mat 21:12-15, Mk 11:15-17, Lk 19:45-46). The merchants are as those who profit from Christianity in the assembling of large church congregations who become very wealthy in buildings, people, status and ministries, but do not realize that they are spiritually poor as noted in Rev 3:17-18. Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed … (Rev 3:17-18). The merchants of Babylon have, in essence, made the house of God, a place of making money. The house of God has become a place to make money and create power and influence. The Christian church is an example of a very rich organization that controls people’s finances. In essence, it has become a den of thieves (Mk 11:17, Mat 22:15, Jer 7:11). In John 2:16, Mat 21:12-15, Mk 11:15-17, Lk 19:45-46, Jesus used the temple at Jerusalem as example of the merchandising of Christianity, similar to what is found in 2 Pet 2:3.

Balaam

Another example used in the New Testament to describe the merchandising of the church is that of Balaam (2 Pet 2:15, Jude 11, Rev 2:14). In 2 Pet 2:15-16, the error of Balaam is that Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness. Balaam was a prophet who desired to curse Israel, but was prevented from doing so by God. He was hired by Balak to curse Israel (Num 22-24). Ultimately, he caused Israel to sin (Num 25:1-8, 31:16). Israel sinned in their fornication with the daughters of Moab (Num 25:1-3), which included sacrificing and bowing down to the gods of Moab. Instead of looking for the reward of eternal life, Balaam sought the reward of unrighteous mammon. He ultimately got his earthly reward (riches) by causing Israel to pursue fornication. That is, of course, a spiritual portrait of following other gods and not the true God, Jehovah.

The Merchant Seeking Goodly Pearls

A positive use of ‘merchant’ in the Bible is found in the parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Mat 13:44-45). In that parable, the kingdom of God is compared to a merchant who is searching for pearls and finds a pearl of great price. He goes and sells all he has so he can buy this pearl. In the Bible, we find that pearls are something considered very precious (1 Tim 2:9, Eze 16:10, 13, Job 28:18) and should not be unduly cast before swine (represents the reprobate), so that they may trample on them (Mat 7:6). Notably, the 12 gates that allow entrance into heavenly Jerusalem are pearls. The gates are the way of salvation in the eternal city of God, which indeed is of infinite value. It is worth more than anything else we own and therefore, spiritually selling all we have for that great pearl is warranted. Again, we can see that a person who is a merchant is a portrait of a person searching for the kingdom of God.

Merchants made rich, mourn over Babylon

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, (Rev 18:15)
And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! (Rev 18:16)
… and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (Rev 18:3)
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (Rev 18:11)

Shipmasters made rich, mourn

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (Rev 18:17)
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! (Rev 18:18)
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (Rev 18:19)

Workers of Sorcery in Babylon (Great men of the Earth)

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; (Rev 18:22)
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Rev 18:23)

Buying of merchandise:

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (Rev 18:11)

Merchandise

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, (Rev 18:12)
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. (Rev 18:13)

Delicacies (lived deliciously):

… and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (Rev 18:3)
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (Rev 18:7)
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, (Rev 18:9)

Dainty and goodly:

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. (Rev 18:14)

Merchandising and desire for riches (Rev 18:3, 18:7, 11-13,15,23)

Merchants became rich by Babylon’s merchandise, which is the abundance of her delicacies (Rev 18:3, 18:7, 11-13,15,23)

Merchants are those who buy and sell to make a profit. From a most basic spiritual perspective, all people are sold under sin (Ro 7:14). Is 50:1 says that by our iniquities, we have sold ourselves. That is, by our very sinful nature, we have been sold into the slave market of sin (Ro 6:16-22). At the point of salvation, we have been redeemed (literally, bought out of the slave market) by Jesus Christ (Gal 3:13, 1 Pet 1:18). Therefore, the most basic doctrine of salvation can be seen in terms of a Merchant (Jesus Christ) who has bought us out of the slave market of sin. As Isa 52:3 and Isa 45:13 teach, we have sold ourselves for nothing and we will be redeemed without money. We are instructed to come in our thirstiness to the waters of life. We have no money to buy, but we can come and buy and eat and drink (Isa 55:1).

Those false Christian teachers are similar to those who made the temple a house of merchandise (John 2:16, Mat 21:12-15, Mk 11:15-17, Lk 19:45-46). The merchants are as those who profit from Christianity in the assembling of large church congregations who become very wealthy in buildings, people, status and ministries, but do not realize that they are spiritually poor (Rev 3:17). They have in essence made the house of God, a place of making money. The house of God has become a place to make money and create power and influence. The Christian church is an example of a very, very rich organization that controls people’s finances. In essence, it has become a den of thieves (Mk 11:17, Mat 22:15, Jer 7:11). In John 2:16, Mat 21:12-15, Mk 11:15-17, Lk 19:45-46, Jesus used the temple at Jerusalem as example of the merchandising of Christianity, similar to what is found in 2 Pet 2:3.

The merchants in Rev 18 became rich by Babylon’s merchandise, which is the abundance of her delicacies. The word abundance is the Greek word ‘dunamis’ which is usually interpreted as ‘power’ in the New Testament. The word ‘delicacies’ used in Rev 18:3 is the Greek word ‘strenos’, which only occurs elsewhere in Rev 18:7 and Rev 18:9 an is translated as ‘deliciously’. The original Greek word points to living in luxury. So, the phrase abundance of delicacies essentially means ‘the power of luxury’. The merchants have themselves become rich by the power of Babylon’s luxuries that she has. However, the power is in the luxuries of Babylon’s type of Christianity and not in the power of Christ. They are akin to those who have a form of godliness but denying its true power (2 Tim 3:5). They are not using the power of God (1 Pet 1:5, 2 Cor 2:5, 4:7, 2 Tim 1:8, 2 Cor 13;4, Eph 6:10, 1 Cor 1:18, 24, etc), the power of Jesus Christ or His resurrection (1 Cor 5:4, 2 Cor 12:9, Rev 12:10, 2 Pet 1:16, Phil 3:10) or the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 1:7, Ro 15;13, Lk 4;14), but they rely on the power of Babylon’s Christian merchandise which involves all types of religions activities and their babel of religious confusion. As stated in 2 Cor 4:7, true Christians rely on the power of God and not of themselves. Babylon and her merchants and shipmasters rely on the power of things that are Christian-like, but not in the power of God (e.g., free-will gospel). As discussed in the section entitled ‘Babylon’s Merchandise’, these delicacies are things that are or appear to be Christian but are being used in a false Christian organization that calls itself the ‘church’.

Rich, costly (Rev 18:17,19)

Summary: Babylon is rich in the world’s estimation, but indeed she is poor spiritually, not having salvation. She indeed does have very valuable possessions in that true Christians are in Babylon.

How much she has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (Rev 18:7)
… that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nothing … (Rev 18:16-17)
Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed … (Rev 3:17-18)

Rich – In Rev 18:17, we find that Babylon is rich. Similar to the church in Laodicea in Rev 3:14-22, Babylon is full of riches and merchandise and she believes that she is not in need of salvation. But, she has not only deceived others, but herself as well. She is wretched, poor, miserable, blind and naked (all terms describing those who re unsaved). Babylon believes she has the riches of God’s mercy (Eph 2:4), the word of God (Col 2:2) and salvation (Eph 1:7, Eph 1:18, Col 1:27). But, she really does not. She is Christian in name only.

Costliness (precious) – In Rev 18:19, Babylon is referred to as being precious. We also find that she is adorned with precious stones (Rev 18:12, 16). But these precious stones that she is adorned with likely refer to true believing Christians that are part of her (Rev 18:4 with Rev 18:12, 16 and 1 Cor 3:12, James 5:7, 1 Pet 1:7, 2 Pet 1:4, 2 Tim 2:20). Christians are commanded to come out of her (Rev 18:4) on Judgment Day. In Rev 18:19, we find that the people who merchandise by the sea have become rich because of her costliness (see discussion on shipmasters who trade on the sea).

Glorified, lives ‘deliciously’ with kings (Rev 18:7, 18:9)

Glorified herself – John 7:18 teaches us that those who speak of themselves seek to glorify themselves. Our focus is supposed to be on glorifying God alone (e.g., John 13:31-32). However, Babylon, spoke of herself. John the Baptist said that Jesus Christ must increase, but John was to decrease (John 3:30). Even though the Bible says that there was none greater than John (Mat 11:11), John humbly recognizes that he must decrease and all the glory goes to God. Paul also did not seek glory from men (1 Thess 2:6) and taught that nothing should be done in vain-glory, but rather all things must be done in lowliness of mind esteeming others better that ourselves (Phil 2:3-5). The only thing we are to glory in is the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14). Contrary to these truths, the great whore Babylon seeks to glorify herself, by her stature, position and abundance. She speaks of how wonderful she is and thereby, glorifies herself (see John 7:18). Babylon seeks to glorify herself (and receive worship) – Rev 18:7, Hab 2:16, Rev 13:15. Babylon, as the image of the beast (Rev 13:15) seeks to be worshiped.

Jeremiah to the King and Queen of Judah
- Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. (Jer 13:18)
He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (Joh 7:18)

As discussed above, she lives ‘deliciously’ with kings. Deliciously refers to her merchandise, which is Christian-like, but not actually Christ. Babylon is like a church who has a form of godliness but denies its true power (2 Tim 3:5). Babylon does not use the power of God (1 Pet 1:5, 2 Cor 2:5, 4:7, 2 Tim 1:8, 2 Cor 13;4, Eph 6:10, 1 Cor 1:18, 24, etc), the power of Jesus Christ or His resurrection (1 Cor 5:4, 2 Cor 12:9, Rev 12:10, 2 Pet 1:16, Phil 3:10) or the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 1:7, Ro 15:13, Lk 4:14), but Babylon relies on the power of her Christian-like merchandise.

Her soul lusted – fruits, goods and dainties (18:14)

In Revelation 18:14, the Bible teaches us that Babylon lusts (excessive passion) for three things:

Fruits – The Greek word for this is opora and is only used in this verse. It literally means evening hour (compound word from ‘evening’ and ‘hour’). This has been translated as the most ripe produce or fruit harvested at the end of the growing season. ‘Summer fruit’ is used on Amos 8:1 as referring to the end of time for God’s people Israel. It is also used in Is 16:9 and Micah 7:1 in a similar manner indicating that it is the final fruit before the time of the end.
Goods – This word in the Greek is lampros, which means ‘radiant’ or ‘bright’. Jesus is referred to as the bright morning star (Rev 22:16) and believers are to be clothed in white (lampros) linen. Jesus was arrayed in a gorgeous (lampros) robe at his trial (Lk 23:11).
Dainties – This Greek word is liparos, which means grease or fat. ‘Fat’ in the Bible usually connotes a positive meaning. The liberal and diligent soul shall be made fat (Pr 11:25. 13:4). A good report makes the bones fat (Pr 15:30).

Combining the three words above, we can see that Babylon enjoyed and lusted after the good things of the Christian lifestyle. There is inherent goodness in the Gospel of Christ and living a Christian lifestyle can bring great joy and comfort. In the context of Rev 18:4, these terms all refer to the goodness of Babylon’s merchandise that made her, her merchants and her shipmasters very rich and comfortable, while she returned persecution on the true Christians in her midst. We can only be reminded of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Lazarus suffered in this world, while the rich man had good things and prospered in the world (Lk 16:25). Also, it reminds us of the rich fool in Lk 12 that stored up material possessions in this world only to have his soul required of him without any spiritual fruit to his credit (Lk 12:20). Woe to them who have been enlightened, tasted of the heavenly gift, were partakers of the Holy Spirit and have tasted of the good Word of God (Jesus) and of the powers of the world to come, yet have fallen away to the worship of other worldly gods and idols (Heb 6:4-6).

Sins and unrighteousness reach to heaven (Rev 18:4-5)

As much as Babylon may appear to be Christian, her sins have indeed reached to heaven and God is not ignorant of her evil devices. Her sins of whoredom in deceiving her inhabitants and leading them into the whoredoms of following other gospels, gods and idols are known and will be judged by God. God has remembered her iniquities (unrighteous acts). We find in Jer 51:9 a parallel passage where the Bible says that her sins have reached to heaven. Believers in Jer 51:9 (as well as Rev 18:4) are commanded to forsake her and depart. Babylon is not healed (i.e., not saved). Although Christians reside in Babylon, in her aggregate she is reflective of an unsaved false Christian church. Just as Nineveh’s wickedness reached to heaven, so has Babylon’s. Her time for judgment will come.

Merchants (Rev 18:11,15-17,22-23)

Merchants Rich

The merchants … which were made rich by her … saying, alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nothing. (Rev 18:15-17)
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more (Rev 18:11)
Babylon’s abundance of treasures is covetousness
- O thou that dwells upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness. (Jer 51:13)
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies … And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you … (2Pe 2:1-3)
- Covetousness = greediness
… the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (Rev 18:3)
False teachers use Christianity to benefit themselves

Rev 18:23 – Merchants as the Great Men of the Earth

… for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Rev 18:23)
‘Great men’ in the Bible – rulers, chiefs, authority / decision-making, rich, famous, etc.
- Naaman, the Leper – Captain of Syria’s army (2 Ki 5:1)
- Daniel made a great man by Nebuchadnezzazr – Dan 2:38
  - Placed in authority
- David: … I was with thee wherever you went, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. (2Sa 7:9)
Merchants are church leaders (authority / power)
Babylon’s Merchants – church leaders who ‘evangelize’, capture or otherwise bring people into the church by false means
- False gospels, prosperity, traditions, safety, fellowship, fun, entertainment (e.g., music), personal help, business contacts, etc.
- Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Mat 16:24-25)

The term for ‘great men’ is the Greek word ‘megistanes’. Other than Rev 18:23, this word (which literally just means great men) is only used in two other places. One place is Mk 6:21 in referring to King Herod’s lords and the other place is Rev 6:15. In Rev. 6:15, it is used in a list of types of people who will attempt to hide themselves from God’s wrath:

great men – includes religious leaders (e.g., Jer 5:5)
rich men – business men
chief captains – government / military leaders
mighty men – powerful leaders (politics)
every bondman – working class (for others)
every free man – working class (for self)

The important truth to see here is that religious leaders are looked at in the Bible as very ‘great’ men in they are able to lead and influence people resulting in the achievement of ‘great things’. Please note in the below sections concerning ‘great men’ and ‘great man’ that the Scriptures refer to a variety of people as ‘great men’ including kings, rulers, sub-rulers, rich, powerful, famous people and people in authority, whether good or bad.

Of the Earth – this refers to the fact that the great religious leaders of Babylon have originated from the dust of the earth and are subject to death. They are in the flesh. They are just men.

‘Great Men’ Verses

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.

(2Sa 7:9)

Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master’s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king’s sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up.

(2Ki 10:6)

So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

(2Ki 10:11)

And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that are in the earth.

(1Ch 17:8)

And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.

(Neh 11:14)

Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

(Job 32:9)

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

(Pro 18:16)

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

(Pro 25:6)

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

(Jer 5:5)

And burned the house of the LORD, and the king’s house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire:

(Jer 52:13)

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

(Eze 21:14)

Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

(Nah 3:10)

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

(Rev 6:15)

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

(Rev 18:23)

‘Great Man’ Verses

And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. (Jos 14:15)
And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? (2Sa 3:38)
Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. (2Sa 19:32)
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. (2Ki 5:1)
And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man’s house burnt he with fire. (2Ki 25:9)
And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not. (Isa 2:9)
Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. (Dan 2:48)
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. (Mic 7:3)

Craftsmen and millstone workers (Rev 18:22)

The Greek word for ‘craftsmen’ is the word ‘technites’ from where we get the word ‘technician’. The craftsmen of Babylon are ‘technically’ very good at building things. In Heb 11:10, we find that God is referred to as the builder of the heavenly city. But, in Acts 19:24-25, Acts 19:38, we find at the riot at Ephesus that those who made idols of Diana were also referred to by the same word technites (translated as ‘occupation’). Also, in Acts 17:29, we find the same use of this word at Athens referring to those who make idols. Finally, in Acts 18:3, we find that Paul and Aquila had the ‘craft’ (technites) of tentmaking. So, we find that this word can be used in both a positive and negative sense. In Rev 18:22, it would similarly have a positive connotation insofar as Christians are sharing the Gospel, but also a negative connotation for those who would be building a church with wood, hay and stubble (1 Cor 3:12).

The sound of the millstone is also heard in Babylon. The millstone was a very heavy spinning wheel that can be used to grind (or pulverize) material. A millstone, similar to a craftsmen is tied to a person (often a woman (Ex 11:5) or a slave (Job 31:10, Lam 5:13, Jud 6:21, Is 47:2)) who works to produce flour which is used to make food (Is 47:2). We find in Mat 24:41 and Lk 17:35, that the workers at the millstone are used allegorically to reflect two people who are doing the same work, but one will be saved and the other not saved. Therefore, just as in the reference ‘craftsmen’, the workers at the millstone can be seen in a positive or negative way. One could be grinding to make food (e.g., bread, which can represent the Word of God, John 6:63, Deut 8:3, Is 55:10-11) or it could represent someone who is not saved, yet is toiling in the same spiritual work (e.g., trying to teach spiritual truth) as one who is saved.

The millstone is also used as an object that is weighted to someone who is thrown into the sea (which is a type of damnation / judgment). We seem this metaphor used in Rev 18:21 as referring to Babylon or in Lk 17:2, Mk 9:42, Mat 18:6 in reference to one who causes a child of God to sin. In both cases, the millstone is the cause of the death of the entity. The millstone refers to work. Therefore, the use of the millstone metaphor could be seen as the damnation of a person due to their evil work.

Rev 18:22 – Harpers, musicians, pipers and trumpeters

Similar to craftsmen and millstone workers, musicians can be viewed in either a positive or negative way. Mostly, in the Bible, musicians refer to praising God (e.g., Ps 147:3, 150:3, 92:3, 57:8, 33:2, etc). The entire book of Psalms is essentially the Word of God to music. Musical instruments were often an accompaniment to vocal singing (e.g., Ps 71:22, 98:5, etc.). However, music can also be tied to worshipping idols as we find in Dan 3:5, 3:7, 3:10, 3:15. Also, in a negative way, it is tied to unrighteous mirth (e.g., Is 5:12, Is 23:16) and vanity (Amos 5:23, 6:5, 8:3,10, Is 23:15, Eze 33:31-32). Hanging harps on willow trees is featured when Israel was taken captive to Babylon (Ps 137:1-3) in that the joy was taken away.

Pipers refer to those who play wind instruments such as a flute and trumpeters are typically louder instruments. Harps are stringed instruments, while ‘musicians’ is a very general term that can refer to either singers or those who play musical instruments. When the ark of the covenant was brought to the temple of God in the days of Solomon, we find in 2 Chr 5:12-14, we find a dramatic picture of singing Levites, with cymbals, psalteries, harps with 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and then singers were as one praising and thanking the Lord for the completion of the house of God and placement of the ark including all its mercy and goodness that was from God.

Harps are featured as heavenly instruments (Rev 5:8, 14:2, 15:2, etc.). Harps are also connected to joyful occasions (Is 24:8). David the King played a harp to sooth Saul when he was spiritually afflicted (1 Sam 16:16, 23, 2 Sam 6:5, 2 Chr 29:25). The Levite also used harps (2 Chr 29:5). Notably, a harp is closely connected to the Word of God in Ps 49:4 in that the Bible refers to parables and a dark saying on a harp.

Pipers are referred to in both the Old and New Testament. In the New Testament, it is referred to as negatively in referring to someone who pipes and other follow (i.e., follow the piper) (Lk 17:32). This underscores the power of music and how it can be used to emphasize praise, but can also be used as deception. In all cases, one must weigh the music one listens to by the content of the message and not the strength of the melody, rhythm and/or beat. In the Old Testament, pipers were used during idolatrous practices in Babylon (Dan 3:5,7,10,15). Pipe music can be used in joyous occasions (1 Ki 1:40, Is 30:29, etc.).

Finally, we find that trumpets have somewhat of a unique function in that they were musical instruments, but they are very closely connected to the sounding of an alarm for a warning (Num 10, Eze 33:3-6) or a war (Neh 4:19-20, Num 10, Josh 6, Jud 3:27, 7:8-22, Jer 4;5, etc.). Trumpets often signal Judgment Day and the return of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:52, 1 Thess 4:16, Mat 24:31, Zeph 9:14, Joel 2:1,5, Is 27:13, Heb 12:19, 1 Chr 15:24, Rev 1:10, 4:1, 8:2,11,15,etc.). Trumpets were closely tied to the day of jubilee in the Old Testament, which similarly signified the Final Day (Lev 25:9-10 with Josh 6:5, etc.).

Babylon’s Music or God’s Music:

Focus on the spirit (not the flesh) and the Word of God (Ro 8:1-9, John 4:24, etc.)
- Can the words be understood or does the instruments dominate?
- Are the words Biblical? Do they teach correct doctrine?
- Does the music orderly or does confusion / fleshly desires arise in the church?
- Does the music provoke the flesh or the spirit?
… every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying … Let all things be done decently and in order. (1Co 14:26, 40)
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (Joh 4:24)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace … So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:6,8)
Focus on the spirit (not the flesh) and the Word of God
- Can the words be understood or does the instruments dominate?
- Are the words Biblical? Do they teach correct doctrine?
- Does the music orderly or does confusion / fleshly desires arise in the church?
- Does the music provoke the flesh or the spirit?
… every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying … Let all things be done decently and in order. (1Co 14:26, 40)
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (Joh 4:24)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace … So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:6,8)

Shipmasters Made Rich (Rev 18:17,19)

Similar to the merchants, who trade their spiritual goods on land, the shipmasters merchandise their wares by sea. In a sense, merchants are those who merchandise religion locally, while shipmasters are broader in their range and could be viewed as similar to foreign missionaries. As we previous discussed above, shipmasters can become very rich by trading over the seas. Ships in the Bible can also be portraits of a church in that they can be used for spiritual fishing (Mat 4:18-19, Lk 5:6-9, Jer 16:16, etc.). They can also symbolize the Christian journey over the raging waves of the sea of doubt (Jude 13, Mat 14:24, James 1:6, etc.). Therefore, being a ship can be viewed as a local church that is being tested on the waters as fisherman and / or merchants. These corporate Christian churches that were merchandising Babylon’s gospel and spiritual merchandise gained much wealth. The costliness (i.e., preciousness) of Babylon has made the shipmasters (leaders in the church) rich. We see that the blood of Christ is precious (1 Pet 1:19). Christian faith (1 Pet 1:7, 2 Pet 1:1) and fruit (James 5:7) is considered precious. God’s promises (2 Pet 1:4) and God’s wisdom are precious (Job 28:16, Pr 3:15). Christ is precious (1 Pet 2:4-6). Finally, those who are the chosen of God are precious (Ex 19:5, Deut 14:2, 26:18, Ps 135:4, Ecc 2:8, 1 Pet 2:9). Finally, Christians are precious and they are referred to building stones in the house of God (1 Cor 3:12, 1 Pet 2:4-8, Lk 3:8, 19:40, 21:5-6, Mk 13:1-2, Lam 4:2, James 5:7). Similar to what was discussed above regarding the merchants becoming rich from Christianity, we find that the shipmasters have also used all these precious items in a manner to make themselves rich.

The lamentation for Tyre found in Ezekiel 27 and 28 involves judgment on a city by the sea, which made itself rich by its trade made off the sea. Tyre was a merchant for many people of the islands (27:3) and became perfect in beauty by making merchandise with many other peoples listed in Eze 27. Tyre’s heart was lifted up (Eze 28:2) because of the wisdom of merchandising to make great riches to the point of believing themselves to be like God (28:3-7), thereby resulting in God’s judgment (27:8-10). The king of Tyre is a portrait of Satan as described in Eze 28:11-19.

Ships in the Bible can also be portraits of a church in that they can be used for spiritual fishing (Mat 4:18-19, Lk 5:6-9, Jer 16:16, etc.). They can also symbolize the Christian journey over the raging waves of the sea of doubt (Jude 13, Mat 14:24, James 1:6, etc.). Therefore, being a ship can be viewed as a local church that is being tested on the waters and are fishermen and / or merchants.

Sailors

Gr: nautes (G3492) – 3 occurrences – Acts 27:27, Acts 27:30, Rev 18:17

Shipmaster

Gr: kubernetes (G2942) – 2 occurrences – Rev 18:17, Acts 27:11
Gr: kubernesis (G2941), literally, pilot – 1 occurrence – 1 Cor 12:28 (government – a gift in the church)

Ships – Gr: ploion

Often represents church ‑ Acts 27, John 21:3-6, Mat 14:13‑33, Gen 6‑9, John 6:17‑21, Mk 8:10‑14, Mk 6:32‑54, Rev 8:9
Paul used ships for missionary journeys
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. (Act 20:13)
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. (Act 20:38)
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. (Act 21:2)
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. (Act 21:3)
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. (Act 21:6)
- Where Christ preached from – Mk 4:1, Mk 3:9, Mat 13:2, Lk 5:3
- Seashore – where Jesus taught – Mk 2:3, Mat 13:2, Mk 4:1
- Ships – that which crosses the sea – Mat 15:39, Mk 8:10, Acts 27
- Noah in the ark represents place of safety from the sea – Gen 6-9
- Where fishing is done – Fishers of men – Is 19:8, Jer 16:16, Mat 4:18-22 (Peter and Andrew), Mk 1:16-17, Lk 5:2-9, John 21:3-8
- Those who do merchandising – Ps 107:23-24, Rev 18:9, Rev 18:17-19, Eze 27:9, Eze 27:25-29, Is 23:1-3, Is 23:14
Ships bring God’s sons from afar with their gold and silver – Is 60:9
God makes a path in the sea, a path in the mighty waters – Is 43:16
Do business in the sea, see God’s great works – Ps 107:23-24
Jonah to escape from preaching Gospel to Nineveh – Jonah 1:6
Virtuous woman who brings food from afar ‑ Pr 31:14, Pr 30:19
Messengers go forth in ships – Eze 30:9, Is 18:1-2
Shipwreck – reject faith – 1 Tim 1:19, Acts 27

‘Ship’ verses:

The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. (Pro 30:19)
But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. (Isa 33:21)
They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee. (Eze 27:5)
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (Jon 1:3)
But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. (Jon 1:4)
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. (Jon 1:5)
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. (Mat 4:21)
And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. (Mat 4:22)
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. (Mat 8:23)
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. (Mat 8:24)
And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. (Mat 9:1)
And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. (Mat 13:2)
When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. (Mat 14:13)
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. (Mat 14:22)
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. (Mat 14:24)
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (Mat 14:29)
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. (Mat 14:32)
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Mat 14:33)
And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (Mat 15:39)
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (Mar 1:19)
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. (Mar 1:20)
And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. (Mar 3:9)
And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. (Mar 4:1)
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. (Mar 4:36)
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (Mar 4:37)
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mar 4:38)
And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, (Mar 5:2)
And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. (Mar 5:18)
And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. (Mar 5:21)
And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. (Mar 6:32)
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. (Mar 6:45)
And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. (Mar 6:47)
And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. (Mar 6:51)
And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, (Mar 6:54)
And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. (Mar 8:10)
And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. (Mar 8:13)
Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. (Mar 8:14)
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. (Luk 5:3)
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (Luk 5:7)
Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. (Luk 8:22)
Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. (Luk 8:37)
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. (Joh 6:17)
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (Joh 6:19)
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. (Joh 6:21)
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (Joh 21:3)
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. (Joh 21:6)
And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. (Joh 21:8)
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. (Act 20:13)
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. (Act 20:38)
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. (Act 21:2)
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. (Act 21:3)
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. (Act 21:6)
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. (Act 27:2)
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. (Act 27:6)
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. (Act 27:10)
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. (Act 27:11)
And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. (Act 27:15)
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. (Act 27:17)
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; (Act 27:18)
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. (Act 27:19)
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. (Act 27:22)
And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, (Act 27:30)
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. (Act 27:31)
And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. (Act 27:37)
And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. (Act 27:38)
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. (Act 27:39)
And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. (Act 27:41)
And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. (Act 27:44)
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. (Act 28:11)

‘Ships’ verses:

Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. (Gen 49:13)
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Num 24:24)
And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. (Deu 28:68)
Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches. (Jdg 5:17)
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom. (1Ki 9:26)
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. (1Ki 22:48)
Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not. (1Ki 22:49)
And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon. (2Ch 8:18)
For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. (2Ch 9:21)
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber. (2Ch 20:36)
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish. (2Ch 20:37)
They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey. (Job 9:26)
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. (Psa 48:7)
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. (Psa 104:26)
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; (Psa 107:23)
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. (Pro 31:14)
And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. (Isa 2:16)
The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them. (Isa 23:1)
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste. (Isa 23:14)
Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. (Isa 43:14)
Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. (Isa 60:9)
The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise. (Eze 27:9)
The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas. (Eze 27:25)
And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land; (Eze 27:29)
In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh. (Eze 30:9)
For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. (Dan 11:30)
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. (Dan 11:40)
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. (Mar 4:36)
And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. (Luk 5:2)
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. (Luk 5:3)
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (Luk 5:7)
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. (Luk 5:11)
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. (Jas 3:4)
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. (Rev 8:9)
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (Rev 18:17)
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (Rev 18:19)

Merchandise – Christian Symbols (Rev 18:12-13)

Summary: In Rev 18:12-13, the merchandise that Babylon buys from the merchants of the land and sea refer to things that are or appear to be Christian and, similar to the objects used to build the tabernacle in the wilderness (Ex 25) and Solomon’s Temple (1 Chr 29). The close resemblance between the merchandise of Babylon and the construction materials of the tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple, underscore that Babylon appears to be Christian, but is indeed not the true church.

Valuable Metals and Stones

Gold and silver – In the Bible, gold and silver can be used in a good sense and in a bad sense. In a bad sense, gold and silver is related to the world’s corruptible riches (Acts 3:6, 20:33, 1 Pet 1:18, James 5:3, Lam 4:1) and what idols can be made of (Jer 10:4, Is 2:7, 2:20, 30:22, 31:27, Ps 115:4, 135:15, Hos 8:4, etc.) . But in a good way, gold and silver is referred to as a symbol of true Christians as they are built into the House of God (1 Cor 3:12, 2 Tim 2:20, Rev 21:19). God is of great value (Job 28:16, Rev 1:12). But the word of God is worth more than gold (Ps 119:72, Ps 119:127, Pr 16:16). The altar of incense, which represents prayer to God was made of gold (Ex 30:1-10). Therefore, Babylon is adorned with substances that look very Christian and of great value.

Precious stones – Once again, precious stones relates to things that appear to be Christian (see Rev 18:19). We see that the blood of Christ is precious (1 Pet 1:19). Christian faith (1 Pet 1:7, 2 Pet 1:1) and fruit (James 5:7) is considered precious. God’s promises (2 Pet 1:4) and God’s wisdom are precious (Job 28:16, Pr 3:15). Christ is precious (1 Pet 2:4-6). Those who are the chosen of God are precious (Ex 19:5, Deut 14:2, 26:18, Ps 135:4, Ecc 2:8, 1 Pet 2:9). Finally, Christians are precious and they are referred to building stones in the house of God (1 Cor 3:12, 1 Pet 2:4-9, Lk 3:8, 19:40, 21:5-6, Mk 13:1-2, Lam 4:2, James 5:7).

Pearls – An important reference to a pearl is found in the parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Mat 13:45-46). In that parable, the kingdom of God is compared to a merchant who is searching for pearls and finds a pearl of great price. He sells all he has so he can buy this pearl. In the Bible, we find that pearls are something considered very precious (1 Tim 2:9, Eze 16:10, 13, Job 28:18) and should not be cast before swine (represents the reprobate), so that they may trample on them (Mat 7:6). Notably, the 12 gates that allow entrance into heavenly Jerusalem are pearls (Rev 21:21). The gates are the way of salvation in the eternal city of God, which indeed is of infinite value. It is worth more than anything else we own and therefore, selling all we have for that great pearl is warranted. The wearing of pearls by Babylon reflect an appearance of Christian salvation, but is not reflective of her actual works.

Fabrics

Fine linen – In the Bible, fine linen represents holy things. We see that fine linen (Gr: bussinos) is defined in Rev 19:8 (see also 19:14) as the righteous acts of the saints (Christians). It was used in the Old Testament as the clothes for priests that represented holiness (Ex 28:42, 39:28, Lev 16:10, etc.). It was also used to dress Israel in Eze 16:10-13, once again symbolizing the holiness and being clothed with the righteousness of Christ Is 61:10, Gal 3:27, Eze 16:7-8, 2 Cor 5:3, etc.). However, we see in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 16:9 that the rich man’s clothes were also fine linen. In this case, as is the case of Babylon, the fine linen represents one that believes they are clothed with righteousness and saved, but it is not genuine. Babylon is indeed adorned with what appears to be righteousness and indeed, in part may be attributable to the righteous acts of the saints that dwell in her kingdom, but this in appearance only. Just as the ministers of Satan can appear as angels of light and ministers of righteousness (2 Cor 11:13-15), so too does Babylon appear to be righteous, but indeed she is not.

Purple – We find in Mk 15:17-20 and John 19:2-5 that Christ was made to wear a ‘purple robe’ and mocked prior to His crucifixion. Purple is the color of royalty. Purple, along with fine linen, was considered to be royal apparel and was placed on Mordecai after he was exalted in the Persian kingdom in Shushan (Est 8:15). It also has a royal significance in Song 7:5. Purpose was used in the Ephod for the high priest of Israel (Ex 39:5). We see the same color adorned on the rich man of Lk 16:9, who apparently thought himself to be as royalty. It is no wonder that Babylon would also be adorned in such an apparel as purple. Although the true Christians are considered to be royalty (see Rev 1:6, 5:10, 1 pet 2:9-10, Eph 2:6, etc.), the false religion of Babylon is adorned with this color of royalty.

Silk – This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament. However, it is used in Eze 16:10,13 as a covering for Israel. In fact the covering of Israel by God described in Eze 16:10-13 is very similar to how Babylon is adorned. The use of silk as a covering can be viewed spiritually as a garment of salvation by the putting on of Christ (Is 61:10, Gal 3:17) to cover our spiritual nakedness.

Scarlet – We find in Mat 27:28 that Christ is also arrayed in scarlet prior to his crucifixion. The Bible also notes that scarlet was used in Old Testament sacrifices (Heb 9:19). It was a symbol of sin as Is 1:18 teaches that our sins are as scarlet, but they will be made as white as snow. In Is 1:18, scarlet is also linked to red and therefore, becomes symbolic of the blood of Christ (see also Num 4:8, Josh 2:18, 21, 1 Sam 1:12, Num 19:2, Ex 25:5, etc.). Once again, we see a color related to true Christianity. On the surface, Babylon appears to be Christian, but indeed is a servant of Satan.

Building materials

Thyine wood, precious wood – All this merchandise refers to the religious actions that go on within the great Babylon. We see that there is thyine (or fragrant) wood and precious (or very costly wood). Wood itself is used in the construction of buildings and houses, which are a portrait of building the church (Ex 35:7, 24, 33, 36:20, 2 Tim 2:20, 1 Cor 3:12). Fragrant wood provides a nice smell and was used in Solomon’s temple (1 Ki 10:11, 2 Chr 2:8). We find elsewhere in the Bible that the receipt of gifts and material help is a sweet smell (Phil 4:18). Jesus was a sweet smelling sacrifice (Eph 5:2). The knowledge of God is also a sweet smelling savour (2 Cor 2:14-16). Precious wood is a spiritual symbol of the building of the house of God with believers, who are precious (1 Pet 1:7, Lk 12:6-7, etc.). Therefore, we can see that the merchandise can refer to people who are being used by Babylon for building the church. The preciousness and sweet smell of this wood can point to genuine believers.

G3585 (xulinos) / G3586 (xulon) occurs 21 times
- 5 occurrences point to the cross – Acts 5:30, Acts 10:39, Acts 13:29, Gal 3:13, 1 Pet 2:24
- 3 occurrences of the Tree (wood) of life – Rev 2:7, Rev 22:2, Rev 22:14
- Church members – 1 Cor 3:12, 2 Tim 2:20
Precious wood – Rev 18:12

Ivory – Ivory in the Bible can point to that which is used by people in the church who are living very comfortably (those that are at ease in Zion), but are not concerned about God’s people who are being afflicted (Amos 6:1-14, especially verse 4, see also Amos 3:15). It also points to very luxurious merchandise (Eze 27:6, 15). The Bible refers to ivory palaces and was is brought into those houses (Ps 45:8, 2 Chr 9:21). King Solomon’s throne was of ivory (2 Chr 9:17, 1 Ki 10:18). We find that wicked Ahab made a house of ivory (1 Ki 22:39). Therefore, we see that the luxury of ivory is merchandised in Babylon, who is at ease and very comfortable.

King Solomon’s merchandise from across the sea
- For the king had at sea a navy of Tarshish … bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. (1Ki 10:22)
- … the king made a great throne of ivory… (2Ch 9:17)
Ahab’s house of ivory – 1 Ki 22:39
… [from] many islands were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony. (Eze 27:15)
- Present – gift (Ps 72:10)
Building the church by gifts from afar

Brass and Iron together:

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: (Isa 45:2)
Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; (Isa 48:4)
For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. (Isa 60:17)
They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. (Jer 6:28)
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver. (Eze 22:18)
As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you. (Eze 22:20)
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. (Dan 2:35)
Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. (Dan 2:45)
Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: (Dan 4:15)
And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; (Dan 4:23)
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. (Dan 5:4)
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: (Dan 5:23)
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; (Dan 7:19)

Brass – Brass is an inferior metal to gold and silver (Dan 2:33-45, Isa 60:17) and is typically used by those who are work. Brass can be the material of idols (Rev 9:20, Dan 5:4, Dan 5:23). But, it is also representative of the feet of Christ that walked the earth and therefore, refer to the work of salvation (Rev 1:15, 2:18). Brass is used as money (Mat 10:9). It is also used to represent Greece (Dan 2:32). It also represents someone who is obstinate (Is 48:4). It was used for its strength (Job 40:18, Isa 45:2, Ps 107:16). The altar of God in the temple where sacrifices were made was brass (Ex 39:39) (as well as other objects that made up the temple or were related to the temple (pillars, laver, staves, fasteners, etc. – Exo 26:11, Exo 26:37, Exo 27:2, Exo 27:3, Exo 27:4, Exo 27:6, Exo 27:10, Exo 27:11, Exo 27:17, Exo 27:18, Exo 27:19, Exo 30:18, Exo 31:4, Exo 35:5, Exo 35:24, Exo 35:32, Exo 36:18, Exo 36:38, Exo 38:2, Exo 38:3, Exo 38:5, Exo 38:6, Exo 38:8, Exo 38:11, Exo 38:17, Exo 38:19, Exo 38:20, Exo 38:29, Exo 39:39). Therefore, we can see brass in the Babylonian merchandise as a symbol of strength and work.

Iron – Iron represents strength (Job 40:18, 41:27, Dan 2:33-45, Is 45:2, Ps 107:16, Micah 4:13) and ruler-ship (i.e., rod of iron, Rev 19:15, 2:27, Ps 2:9). It can also provide protection (breastplates, Rev 9:9-10 and gates Acts 12:10). Therefore, we can see that iron in Babylon can represent organization, ruler-ship and protection (protection in the church).

Iron – strength – Job 40:18, Job 41:27, Dan 2:33-45, Is 45:2, Ps 107:16, Micah 4:13, Dan 2:33-45, 7:7,19, Rev 2:27, Rev 12:5, Rev 19:15, Jer 28:13-14, 1 Chr 22:3, Ps 2:9, Rev 18:12
Kill by an instrument of iron – Num 35:16
Iron – represents rulership (i.e., rod of iron, Rev 19:15, 2:27, Ps 2:9).
It can also provide protection (breastplates, Rev 9:9-10 and gates Acts 12:10).
Breastplate – Eph 6:14, 1 Thess 5:8 (righteousness, faith, love)
Put trust in own works, ability, strength
Rod of iron – Rev 2:27, Rev 19:15, Is 10:24, Is 11:4, Ps 2:9, Ps 23:4, Ps 89:32 (judgment day)

Marble – Marble is only talked about in 3 other places in the Bible. In 1 Chr 29:2, Solomon’s temple contained an abundance of marble stones. In Esther 1:6, marble was used in the king’s palace. In Song 5:15, Solomon’s legs are described as marble (which would represent strength in the ability to stand). Therefore, we find marble as being another material that underscores the beauty and strength of Babylon.

Incense / fragrance

Cinnamon – Rev 18:13 is the only occurrence of the word cinnamon in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, it is only found in 3 places. In Ex 30:23, it is one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil used for the articles of the tabernacle and Aaron, the high priest and his sons. In Song 4:14 it is one of the spices of the garden of the Shulamite. But, the adulteress in Pr 7:17 places cinnamon in her bed. Piecing these verses together, it can be seen that cinnamon is strongly tied to anointing oil and therefore, the three fold ministry of Christ (Prophet, Priest and King). However, it is also used by an adulteress as a lure to attract her victims to her bed. It is likely that this would be the meaning of this merchandise, when tied to Babylon.

Odors – The Greek word used for odors is the same root used for ‘incense’ in Rev. 5:8, Rev 8:3-4, Lk 1:9-11 and Heb 9:4. In Heb 9:4, the odors are from the golden censer used in the tabernacle. In Rev 5:8, the odors before God are defined as the prayer of the saints (see also Ps 141:2 and Rev 8:4). Therefore, this spiritual merchandise that Babylon uses is prayer. Prayer abounds in the church of Babylon and she uses it to her advantage to appear to be godly, but God does not hear the prayer of the wicked (John 9:31, Ps 66:18-19, 1 Pet 3:12, Is 58:9, Pr 1:28-29, etc.).

Ointments – The Greek word used here is ‘muron’ and is used in the New Testament when the ointment was placed on Jesus’ feet and also what was prepared for his death (Mat 26:7-12, Mk 14:3-4, Lk 7:37-38, 46, 23:56, John 12:2-3, John 12:5). This ointment therefore could be viewed with a focus on the death of Jesus Christ. Once again, Babylon uses Christian type of merchandise to appear Christian (e.g., Easter).

Frankincense – The only other occurrence of ‘frankincense’ (Gr: libanos) is used at the birth of Christ (e.g., Christmas) as it was one of the gifts offered by the magi (Mat 2:11). The Greek word is also closely connected to a censer that is used for the odors discussed in Rev. 8:4 (see above). Therefore, we see the very same gift offered to Christ at his birth used as merchandise by Babylon.

Food and drink

Wine – Wine (Gr: oinos) is used in various ways to represent spiritual things. It is used to represent someone who is drunk because of excess (Eph 5:18, 1 Tim 3:8). Along with oil, it was used as a healing agent (Lk 10:33-34). Wine is used as a picture of God’s wrath (Rev 14:10, 16:19, 19:15) which Babylon will receive on Judgment Day. It is also the wine of the wrath of Babylon’s fornication (Rev 17:2, etc.). However, the fruit of the vine (wine) was also a representation of the blood of Christ in the Lord’s Supper (Mat 26:26-29, 1 Cor 11:25, 10:16-17). The merchandise of Babylon would include the Christian proclamation of the Lord’s Supper and is widely used throughout Christianity and it would also include the fornication is serving other gods and idols, as inspired by Babylon.

Oil – This oil (Gr: elaion) is related to the olive tree and therefore, would be olive oil. Oil is what is used in the anointing of prophets, priests and kings (1 Ki 19:15-16, Ex 40:13, 30:30, 1 Ki, 1 Sam 10:1, 16:13, Dan 9:25-26, Heb 1:9, Acts 10:38 (Jesus), etc., etc.). It is also a type of the Holy Spirit (Zech 4:6, 1 John 2:20, 26-27, 2 Cor 1:21-22, etc.). Also, miraculous healing with anointing oil is discussed in James 5 (apostolic miracles). Therefore, Babylon would tend to value the ‘anointing’ oil with a strong focus on the Holy Spirit and associated signs and wonders.

3^rd Seal – Black Horse (Rev 6:6)
- … and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. (Rev 6:5-6)
- Christians are anointed with oil (Holy Spirit) – 1 John 2:20-27, Mat 25:3-8
  - All Christians are indwelt by Holy Spirit – Ro 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14
- Wine – represents the blood of Christ – 1 Cor 11:17-34, Mat 26:26-28
- Oil and wine provides healing of Samaritan man – Lk 10:33-34

Fine flour – This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament. However, the Old Testament uses fine flour in the sacrificial system (Num 15:4-9, 28:5-28, 29:3-14, Lev 2:2, etc.). As flour would be used to make bread, this fine flour points to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6) or that the Word of God is referred to as bread (John 6:63, Deut 8:3, Ex 29:2, Isa 55:10-11, Mat 4:4, Amos 8:11, etc.) . Therefore, use of the Bible as merchandise is in view.

Wheat – Similar to fine flour, wheat can be viewed as the Word of God (Ps 81:16, 147:14-15, Jer 23:38). But, in the New Testament, it can be viewed as one who is a genuine Christian (Mat 3:12, 13:25-30, John 12:24, 1 Cor 15:37). Therefore, once again that the merchandise of Babylon includes genuine believers.

New Testament wheat – G4621 (Greek: sitos) – 14 occurrences
- Wheat and chaff / tares – Mat 3:12, Mat 13:25, Mat 13:29-30, Lk 3:17
- Seed produces wheat – Christians – Mk 4:38
- Unjust steward collected 80 versus 100 measures – Lk 16:7
- Satan desires to sift Peter – Lk 22:31
- Jesus as a corn of wheat in ground, produces much fruit – John 12:24
- Lightened ship by casting out the wheat – Acts 27:38
- Christian dead body, but God will give a renewed body – 1 Cor 15:37
- Rev 6:6 – 1 measure of wheat for a denarius
- Merchandise of Babylon – Rev 18:13
- Jacob heard there was wheat (corn) in Egypt – Acts 7:12 (H7668 – Gen 42:1-2. Gen 42:19, Gen 42:26, Gen 43:2, Gen 44;2, Gen 47:14, Amos 8:5, Neh 10:31)
Old Testament Wheat (H2406, Heb: chittah – 30 occurrences)
- H2406 key occurrences
  - Wheat harvest tied to Pentecost (firstfruits) – Ex 34:22
  - Promised land – Deut 8:8
  - Offering for priests – Ex 29:2
  - Barley harvest and wheat harvest – Ruth 2:23
  - Wheat harvest – Gen 30:14, 1 Sam 6:13, 1 Sam 12:17
  - Thistles contrasted with wheat – Job 31:40
  - Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress – Jud 6:11
  - Samson in the wheat harvest – Jud 15:1
  - Solomon gives Hiram 20,000 measures of wheat for food each year – 1 Ki 5:11, 2 Chr 2:10, 2 Chr 2:15
  - Children of Ammon give 10,000 measures of wheat and barley – 2 Chr 27:5
  - Israel should have been fed with finest of the wheat – Ps 81:16
  - Makes peace and fills them with the finest of wheat – Ps 147:14
  - His belly is like a heap of wheat – Song 7:2
  - Cast wheat and barley in the appointed places – Is 28:25
  - Sow whet but reap thorns because of the anger of the Lord – Jer 12:13
  - Treasures of wheat and barley – Jer 41:8
  - Bread made out of wheat and barley – Eze 4:9
  - Offer the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat (same for barley) – Eze 45:13
  - Harvest of wheat and barley is perished – Joel 1:11

Animals

Beasts – The word most used in the New Testament for ‘beast’ is the Greek word ‘therion’ which refers to a wild beast (e.g., Rev 13, 17). However, the beasts referred to here is the Greek word ‘ktenos’ which is only used four times and refers to a beast that is ‘owned’ or would be considered as a tamed and domesticated animal. For example, it is used in Lk 10:34 and Acts 23:24 as an animal that someone would ride upon (e.g., donkey, camel, etc.), which would be similar to the donkey’s colt that Christ rode on in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This concept is described in 1 Tim 5:18 with regards to one who is serving in the church (see also 1 Cor 9:9). Therefore, once again, we can see that Babylon merchandises (buys) beast of burden and servitude (which is representative of people who work in the kingdom of God.

Sheep – The use of sheep almost universally in the Bible refers to genuine Christians (e.g., 1 Pet 2:25, John 10:1-27, Ro 8:36, Mat 15:24, etc.). Therefore, we can seed that Babylon also makes merchandise of genuine Christians.

Horses and chariots – The combination of horses and chariots is used throughout the Bible and typically refers to their use in warfare (e.g., Rev 9:9, Hag 2:22, Ex 14:9, Deut 11:4, Josh 11:4, Is 66:20, etc.) Psalm 20:7 describes horses and chariots as the might that people put their trust in instead of trusting in God. The bible teaches us that Christians are in spiritual war and that Christians must take up the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-18). But our implements of war are not horses and chariots, but rather are not carnal but mighty for bringing down arguments and other high places that are contrary to God (2 Cor 10:3-7). Babylon is involved in spiritual warfare, but the combination of horses and chariots provides some insight that their spiritual warfare is carnal in that they trust is their might and ability instead of God (Ps 20:7, 1 Sam 17:45, Ps 33:16).

Bodies and Souls of Men

Slaves (18:13) – The Greek word for slaves used here is actually the word ‘soma’, which literally means ‘body’. In the nearly 150 usages of ‘soma’ in the New Testament, Rev 18:13 is the only place where it is translated as something different than referring to a body. As we review the last two descriptions of body and soul, God provides more light that the focus of Babylon’s merchandise is on people. The reference to the body refers to the physical presence of persons that have been merchandised into the church of Babylon and will submit to and serve the apostate church.

Souls of men (18:13) – Beyond, the physical body, Babylon also desires to control the souls of men. The soul is the living, conscious part of man that can relate to its worldly surroundings (while the spirit part of man is what relates to God and the part of man to which the Holy Spirit indwells and leads if one is a Christian). The soul is the result of God’s breath of life (spirit) being placed into the flesh (Gen 2:7). Unsaved man is referred to be as being ‘soulish’ (Jude 19) because they are considered spiritually dead (Eph 2:1-10), while the saved man is considered ‘spiritual’ (Ro 8:1-9), being spiritually born again (John 3:1-8, 1 Pet 1:22-23, etc). So, the final piece of merchandise that Babylon has become rich on is the souls of men and the spirits of men are not mentioned.

… and slaves, and souls of men. (Rev 18:13)
- Slaves – Greek: soma – 146 occurrences – 145 as ‘body’
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Th 5:23)
Spirit is not merchandise
- Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God … That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (Joh 3:3,6)