Whereas the first two groups (“prophets” and “saints”) denoted believers, this last group refers to anyone whose blood was shed in Babylon’s effort to build her paradise. For example, we can imagine that numerous workers fell to their death as the Tower of Babel rose higher and higher. Countless soldiers and civilians of many nations and races perished as Nebuchadnezzar sought to expand his empire and impose his paradise on the defeated. Six million Jews were ruthlessly executed as the Third Reich sought to construct its paradise. Every iteration of Babylon in the course of history sheds innocent blood in its efforts to accomplish its goals. But the Lord at his time executes justice for the oppressed.
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”