“’Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!’” (Revelation 18:2). Babylon is symbolic of a great enemy of God. In this symbolism God revealed that all who stood in opposition to Him would taste total defeat. The world’s allurements may promise pleasure, but it will be short.
Notice what happens with all who trust in “Babylon”. Revelation 18. 9-19 discuss the kings, merchants, and sailors that are associated with Babylon. The kings were intimately connected with her and found in her a source of pleasure. They never thought it would end the way it did! Notice that they were “standing at a distance” (v10). They wanted no part of her demise. The merchants mourned because all their goods were now gone. Notice too, that some of the merchandise included the “souls of men” (v13). The shipmasters and sailors were upset because they also suffered personal loss (v18-19). Verse 19 also tells us that this was sudden “… in one hour”.
Look at what John says is the divine response to the fall of “Babylon”. It is rejoicing! (v20) We should not be intimately involved with the things and cares and sinful nature of this world. This is yet another example of how we should “flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)