Disaster for the Capitol of the World:
“Alas, alas, the great city,
where all who had ships at sea
grew rich by her wealth!
For in one hour she has been laid waste.
And gloating:
Rejoice over her, O heaven,
you saints and apostles and prophets!
For God has given judgment for you against her.”
Revenge for all that the Powers had done to God’s faithful, yes, and also condemnation of all that the City of the Powers is and has:
“And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves—and human lives.”
Economic disaster:
“The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,”
“And all shipmasters and seafarers, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,”
This speaks of revenge and retribution, God’s destruction of an evil culture that occupies the lands of the Saints, and also their hearts and minds. It must be destroyed so that the Pure and Holy may again worship their God and live Godly lives.
This sounds to me much like the Islamic State, a new Caliphate. And indeed Revelation will go on to prophesy a new Jerusalem to replace the evil city Babylon.
I stand in shock and what can I say.