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Andrews Uniuersity Seminary Studies, @ SOME MODALITIES IN REVELATION Andrews University Revelation is far the richest to other parts especially the 1951), between Revelation provided (affecting Revelation (Grand Rapids, Mich., 1957), 26-27, 101-1 especially the table refers to as having computed however, Albert Vanhoye, d'~z6chiel dans l'Apocalypse," Bib 43 (1962), statistics offered several investigators, 2"Fluidity" portrayal has received brief 1979), images is a term used A Rebirth Apocalypse's use symbolic representation such further are the the present (1) dramatic inuersion the latter the liter- a well-balanced a subject two earlier as follows diagram appears Pronounced; Her Internal Condition Her Sinful and Relationships "Interlude" (Appeal to "Come Kings, Merchants, "Interlude" (Call for Rejoicing; Statement Conclusion (Babylon's and Relationships to us here two "interludes"-namely, are as "Render to her her as she repay her mix a for her comprehensive rather than a disjunctive mode Minear, the Apocalypse," [1965/66]: 96). SK. A. Strand, "Two Aspects of Babylon's Judgment Portrayed in Revelation 18," Shea, "Chiasm in Theme and 18," in AUSS 20 (1982): 53-60 and 249-256, respectively. Babylonian captivity subsequent restoration. are as follows (given here Zsa 40:Z-"Speak tenderly to to her her warfare she has the Lord's her sins." Zsa 61:7-"Instead a double . . double por- . . ." Jer 16:18-"And I will doubly iniquity and [i.e., cf. vss. 10-171, because they have polluted my land. . . ." Jer 17:18-"Let in Judah] be put to shame who persecute me [Jeremiah]; . . . destroy them 9:12-"Return to stronghold, 0 declare to you I will restore to you double." the apoca- backgrounds for the "fall-of-Babylon" 17-18-namely, the "fall-of-Babylon" prophecy offenses have been: rewarded "according to 50:29; see also 50:15 11, 24, 49, should not this connection the two strongest declarations concerning the people 16: 18 and 17: 18) 5Note may be taken, e.g., the following: 51:7 and Rev 17:4), Babylon's "wine" 51:7 and Rev 18:3), Babylon's sudden fall (Jer 51:8 and Rev 182, 8, 10, 17, 19), appeal (Jer 51:6 and Rev 18:4), Babylon's destruction 51:30-32, 58 and Rev 18:9, 18), the stone-hurled-into-water symbolism (Jer 51:63-64 "the Eu- phrates," to rise 18:21 "the sea," to a somewhat different vein, note, further, 18:6 the sole the book. possibly there is 11:13. reference to the great earthquake that the city," glory to Caird has thousand" slain constitute a to the knee to Baal" the time Elijah (1 Kgs 19:18).7 respect is "Elijah" imagery is basic Revelation's symbolic portrayal-with Elijah imagery, for 11:6: two witnesses have power fa1lW).8 Caird's interpretation correct (as have here inversion" modality. conclude this this dramatic-inversion modality the already-pervasive contrasts inversion" occurs, the beast-worshipers 7G. Commentaries (New 1966), pp. 165- the part the earthquake, thus stands 9:20-21 persons are described) to the foregoing 11:13 basic Greek terms for "fear" "give glory" 14:6-7, is clear experience is translations hardly justice to Epcpopot Byivovto in 11:13 such renditions as "became terrified" terrified" "were terrified" [TEV and and KJV]; and even the word "fear" has, course, negative term "God-fearers" us get closer the real meaning, also himself renders 11: 13 "paid homage.") 8''Jezebel" of 2:20-23 as has now been 16," "Armageddon" symbol 16:16 stems from Elijah's Carmel over the false 18:19-40). 44 a more literal the Greek Greek reads EK~LVEV 6 0~bq ~i) pi pa 6pQv aCrij5, which I earlier translated as "God judged your judgment against [or, "on"] '3 the context which the statement phrase to which I wish here to a more literal rendering 25 aC~qq-literally, the statement regarding judged your " this seemingly awkward decla- look to a broad backgrounds. Among these is "fall-of-Babylon" prophecy this article. the prophecy against especially heavily 27:25-36 and 28:17-18. with this phrase "out 18:20 its root source there? Indeed so! 28:18: you." And 1820, climaxes the litany concerning there has been a destruction allusion all the more impressive. - - - -- - - - - from her similar to the is the TEV, "God her for what she did to you!" the foregoing "in the judgement against her [God] has vindicated your and in your cause versions, whose wordings are identical, except for (Am. Stand., judged your 131n Aspects," p. have used the preposition (reprinted at the close A. INTRODUCTION: Thc Situation Babylon (l8:l-3) doom pronounced mighty angel condition de- "dwelling place etc. (vs. 2b) lationships summarized nations," "earth's tioned) (vs. 3) -- B. INTERLUDE: An Appeal (18:4-8) Call to and sharing ment against Babylon: "Ren- der to her even as she has ren- her double for her deeds. . . Her plagues shall come in ." (vss. LITANY PROPER: Mourning at the Judgment 8:g- Earth's kings mourn; ". one hour Earth's merchants mourn; ". in one all this wealth has (VSS. 1 1-1 7a) 3. Shipmasters, etc., mourn; ". in one hour she has waste" (vss. 17b-19) - B INTERLUDE: An Appeal (18:20) 1. Call for rejoicing (vs. 20a) "has judged your judgment against her" 20b) A'. CONCLUSION: The Situation of Babylon (18:21-24) Her doom angel who that thus thrown down and shall !. condition de- her, etc. 22-25a) I. nations" mentioned; that "the blood found in her") (VSS. 23b-24) THE CHIASTIC LITERARY STRUCTURE OF REV 18