Chapter 18
Babylon falls with a mighty crash — merchants weep, heaven rejoices. The corrupt world system collapses before the Kingdom of God.
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor.
He cried out in a mighty voice: "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. She has become a haunt for demons. She is a cage for every unclean spirit, a cage for every unclean bird, (a cage for every unclean) and disgusting (beast)."
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Depart from her, my people, so as not to take part in her sins and receive a share in her plagues,"
NAB footnote:Depart from her: the call to leave Babylon echoes the prophets' call to leave the historical Babylon; cf Isaiah 48:20; Jeremiah 51:6, 45.
Therefore, her plagues will come in one day, pestilence, grief, and famine; she will be consumed by fire. For mighty is the Lord God who judges her."
Rejoice over her, heaven, you holy ones, apostles, and prophets. For God has judged your case against her."
In her was found the blood of prophets and holy ones and all who have been slain on the earth."