Revelation 18:8

Therefore. That is, because of her haughty boasting, proud self-exaltation, abandoned wantonness, unscrupulous lust for power and supremacy, and daring opposition to the revealed will of God.

Her plagues. See on v. 4.

One day. Some take this to be prophetic time, and thus to represent one literal year. Others consider that the angel here either stresses the suddenness and unexpectedness of the “plagues” upon mystical Babylon, particularly in view of her false sense of security (v. 7), or speaks of an indefinite period of time. In view of the fact that the same event is also said to take place in “one hour” (vs. 10, 17, 19), the second explanation appears preferable (see on Rev. 17:12; cf. Jer. 50:29, 31). Furthermore, the Greek form of the words here translated “day” and “hour” (Rev. 18:10) suggest a point—rather than a period—of time, and thus appear to stress suddenness and unexpectedness rather than duration. Compare Isa. 47:9, 11; 50:31; 51:8.

Death. The final result of “her plagues” is stated first (see on v. 21).

Mourning. See on v. 7.

Famine. There is a literal famine under the fourth plague (ch. 16:8, 9), experienced by the adherents of Babylon (cf. vs. 1, 2). However, the judgment of Babylon as an organization takes place under the seventh plague (vs. 18, 19), and the famine here referred to is doubtless figurative—as would naturally be the case with a figurative entity such as mystical Babylon, and in keeping with the highly poetic and figurative character of the entire chapter.

Utterly burned. Or, “burned up.” The figurative woman Babylon would, of course, be “burned up” with figurative fire (cf. Eph. 6:16; 1 Peter 4:12; see on Rev. 17:16). Her fate is described by an altogether different figure in ch. 18:21.

Fire. Compare Jer. 50:32; 51:24, 25, 37.

Strong. That is, fully able to carry out His will upon Babylon (cf. ch. 17:17).

Judgeth her. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “has judged.” The judgment pronounced upon Babylon is so certain that the angel speaks of it as already accomplished. See on chs. 16:19; 17:1, 17; 19:2. What befalls her is not an accident, but a deliberate act of God.