Definition: And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 18:2. It’s a pretty dramatic image, and it essentially means this: “Babylon the great is fallen…and become the habitation of devils…” Babylon: This refers to Jerusalem, which was once the center of Jewish religious life and a symbol of political power and wealth. It's been used as a symbol of corruption and evil throughout history. Fallen: This means it’s lost its former glory and is now in a bad state. It’s no longer a place of worship or righteousness. Habitation of devils: This is the most shocking part. Devils – beings of darkness and evil – are now living there! It suggests that these fallen spirits have taken over this place, making it a place of wickedness and torment. Putting it all together: The verse describes a catastrophic event: Jerusalem, once a symbol of God’s presence and a place of spiritual glory, has been destroyed by the forces of evil. It's now a place where demons and wicked spirits reside, essentially a prison for evil. In short, Revelation 18:2 is a prophecy about the ultimate defeat of evil and the restoration of God’s kingdom. It’s often interpreted as a sign that Satan will ultimately triumph over humanity. Important Note: This is a complex verse with various interpretations within different Christian traditions. It's important to remember it’s part of a larger, symbolic message about the final victory of good over evil. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain its symbolism in more detail? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of Revelation? Compare it to other biblical passages about evil?