This is the same term that appeared in Revelation 12:12 to describe how the inhabitants of heaven should respond to the dragon’s expulsion. In the intervening chapters the Lord has indicated that the dragon in rage conjured up a beast from the sea to assist him in attacking the church (Revelation 13:1, Revelation 13:7), a beast that in turn became the mount of the prostitute (Revelation 17:3). Now that the prostitute (Babylon) is “fallen” (Revelation 18:2), the inhabitants of heaven may rejoice anew on account of the progress in the history of redemption.
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”