Revelation 18 Part 1

While Ancient Babylon fell to Cyrus (539 BC), this fall did not fulfill Old Testament prophecies about Babylon completely (Isa 47:11 and Jer 51:18). John describes the upcoming fall of Babylon through the eyes of the onlookers on earth.

Since Babylon's creation, with beginnings back to the Tower of Babel, it has risen to heights of idolatry and luxury, which will reach its pinnacle during the coming Great Tribulation. Then, it will BE the center for false worship and economic prosperity. It will also become the actual prison for demons against their will (v 2; Isa 13:21-22; 34:11-17; Jer 51:37) and implies there is something physical about it. However, when God destroys it, it will become utterly desolate.