1. Revelation 18:3 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why are we told that these merchants “have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living”?

Revelation 18:3 (ESV)

3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”

There are two elements here that need attention.

First, the prostitute promised satisfaction, happiness, a sense of well being in earthly stuff (as opposed to God). Having wealth (luxurious living) was one of those enticements. This wealth acted as a magnet to those seeking satisfaction. To say it differently, the desire for luxury held power over her victims, irresistibly pulling them to her.

Second, the kings and horns in bed with the prostitute seek satisfaction themselves and find it through enriching themselves with her at the expense of other victims.