Chapter Thirty-Seven/Mourning and Rejoicing at Babylon's End

 The nations' 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 ruler have operated in oppressing the common people. (Compare Jeremiah 5:3o, 31; Matthew23:27, 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 sad to see her go but not sad enough  to take risks in her half. 

Next time: Chapter Thirty-Seven/Mourning and Rejoicing at Babylon's End - Merchants Weep and Mourn

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