Mourning And Rejoicing At Babylon's End

Babylon's end is good news for Jehovah's people, but how do the nations view it? John tells us: " And the kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and lived in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her, when they look at the smoke from the burning of her, while they stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say, 'Too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!' " -Revelation 18:9, 10.

The nation's reaction may seem surprising in view of the fact that Babylon was destroyed by the symbolic ten horns of the scarlet-colored wild beast. (Revelation 17:16) But when Babylon is gone, "the kings of the earth" will evidently realize how useful she was to them in keeping the people pacified and in subjection. The clergy have declared wars to be sacred, acted as recruiting agents, and preached the youth into battle lines. Religion has provided a screen of holiness behind which corrupt rulers have operated in oppressing the common people. (Compare Jeremiah 5:30, 31; Matthew 23:27, 28) Notice, however, that these grief - stricken kings now stand at a distance from the doomed city. They do not get close enough to come to her aid. They are said to see her go but not sad enough to take risks in her behalf. Revelation At Hand!

Next time: Merchants Weep And Mourn.

Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1988.