1. Revelation 18:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How do the words of Revelation 18:20 fit with the previous words of this heavenly voice?

Revelation 18:20 (ESV)

20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”

The voice had first given an instruction to God’s people to come out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4–8), then provided three earth-focused incentives to obey this instruction (revolving around the kings, Revelation 18:9–10; the merchants, Revelation 18:11–16; and the sailors, Revelation 18:17–20). With the reference in the present verse to God’s righteous judgment, God’s people are given a most persuasive incentive to obey the opening instruction. All will see that their cause was righteous after all!