The word Babylon comes from the word Babel (Genesis 11 v1-9) which was a place of major rebellion against the Lord. In that region would later grow up the powerful empire called Babylon which conquered and destroyed Jerusalem. Babylon disappeared, but its name remained as a symbol of opposition to the people of God. “Babylon is a symbol of all godless society… we dare not narrow it down to something too specific.” Eric Alexander

Babylon is immoral (v1b-2; 4b-5) and causes others to act in a terribly immoral manner. She is described both as a prostitute, and the mother of prostitutes. Her immorality is contagious. There was a luxurious splendour about Babylon that John marvelled at (v6b-7a). Materialism, living for the material things of this world is at the heart of those who belong to Babylon.

There is a graphic portrayal of Babylon’s attack on believers (v6), it comes from its war against the Lamb (v14). Babylon is very liberal in regards its morals, people are given great freedom to sin. But there is little liberality towards the people of God.

Babylon presents herself as wise and glorious and if she will live for ever, but here we have a gruesome picture of her destruction (v16). The beast ends up destroying Babylon. We see here the self-destructive nature of sin.  Verse 17 though teaches that behind Babylon’s fall is the hand of God.