The content of the term “plagues” receives elaboration in Revelation 18:8, where they are described as “death and mourning and famine.” These plagues provide the feel
of Babylon’s fallenness (Revelation 18:2) because of her defeat before the Lamb (Revelation 17:14). Moses had long ago mentioned that these were the sort of plagues that God would pour on his own covenant people if they were unfaithful to him (Deuteronomy 28:15–68). Similarly, the prophets mentioned in numerous places that the Lord God would in like manner punish civilizations of history who thought they could build a paradise on earth independent of God (Isaiah 13—19; Jeremiah 46—50; etc.), and especially if they attempted to hurt (entice) God’s people in the process.
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;