Does Revelation 11:18 mean us?

Dropship · Jun 18, 2022

Who exactly are "those who destroy the earth" bearing in mind that our generation is certainly the filthiest polluting generation that there's ever been-
"The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name,
both great and small, and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18 NIV)

Robert Gwin · Jun 18, 2022

Dropship said:
Who exactly are "those who destroy the earth" bearing in mind that our generation is certainly the filthiest polluting generation that there's ever been-
"The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name,
both great and small, and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18 NIV)

I sincerely hope not Drop, although I believe I am guilty.

stunnedbygrace · Jun 18, 2022

My translation says: and all those who have caused destruction on earth.
Another way to say it would be: and all those on earth who have caused destruction.

Towards the end of Revelation is a clue, I think, where it talks about 4 different kinds of men, the worst being the first kind mentioned.
11 Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”

I think those on earth who cause destruction are here called, those who are doing harm. I think the destruction and harm of mens souls is in view here.

Cassandra · Jun 18, 2022

stunnedbygrace said:
My translation says: and all those who have caused destruction on earth.
Another way to say it would be: and all those on earth who have caused destruction.

Towards the end of Revelation is a clue, I think, where it talks about 4 different kinds of men, the worst being the first kind mentioned.
11 Let the one who is doing harm continue to do harm; let the one who is vile continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.”

I think those on earth who cause destruction are here called, those who are doing harm. I think the destruction and harm of mens souls is in view here.

What a cool insight!!! I had my Bible in my bag ready to go to church, and had to remove it to note and mark what you said about the 4 types of men. There is a sermon in there.

Thanks so much!!! I love these bursts of light. I get excited!

Ziggy · Jun 18, 2022

Gen 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
Gen 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Gen 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

I thought, how did the earth itself become corrupt?

Gen 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
Gen 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Pro 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

just tossing..

Num 16:30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
Num 16:32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Violence -> murder -> hate.

Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Would hating and causing others to hate also be a form of destroying the earth?
We are the earthen vessels. And violence is IN the earth. And because violence resides IN the earth it pours out UPON the earth.

"The nations were angry"

Gen 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Physical/material pollution is a dereliction in our stewardship to this planet.
Spiritual/emotional pollution is a dereliction in our stewardship to our brother/neighbour.
All pollution is against God who is creater and owner of all things physical and spiritual.

As in the days of Noah...

I think people could have the will to clean up the pollution and take care UPON the earth.
I'm not so sure people have the will to clean up the pollution that comes from within the heart.
And until we clean the inside, it will just keep flowing outside.

History.

Just thinking and sharing.
Hugs

stunnedbygrace · Jun 18, 2022

Cassandra said:
What a cool insight!!! I had my Bible in my bag ready to go to church, and had to remove it to note and mark what you said about the 4 types of men. There is a sermon in there.

Thanks so much!!! I love these bursts of light. I get excited!

Episkopos shared it with me many years ago. The 4 destinies, 4 directions to go from the garden.

Dropship · Jun 18, 2022

Here's another verse that possibly foretells the mess we're making on earth, it could refer to vehicle and factory emissions, the ozone hole, radioactive hair loss and ultra-violet burning from the sun-
"And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty."(Isaiah 3:24)
But I don't know what the "girding of sackcloth" means, any guesses?

Cassandra · Jun 18, 2022

Dropship said:
Here's another verse that possibly foretells the mess we're making on earth, it could refer to vehicle and factory emissions, the ozone hole, radioactive hair loss and ultra-violet burning from the sun-
"And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty."(Isaiah 3:24)
But I don't know what the "girding of sackcloth" means, any guesses?

View attachment 23577

(Some of the nightshirts I wear to bed I've had since around 1999, and these were the first thing I thought of. )

Anyway,
I had to look up stomacher, and saw that was a lovely piece of fabric to be put on a bodice of a dress.
and
I snarfed this from Wikipedia pertaining to sackcloth. (I know, I know)
As fabric
Hessian sackcloth or burlap is not the intended biblical meaning, according to a number of scholarly sources: but it is a common misconception based on phonetic association. "Sackcloth, usually made of black goat hair, was used by the Israelites and their neighbors in times of mourning or social protest."[4] Burlap as another term used in English translation is also generally understood as goat haircloth.[5] Stiff camel hair was also used.[6]

Social protest is interesting.

Hidden In Him · Jun 18, 2022

stunnedbygrace said:
My translation says: and all those who have caused destruction on earth.
Another way to say it would be: and all those on earth who have caused destruction.

That's much closer, sister. The Greek actually reads, "καὶ διαφθεῖραι τοὺς διαφθείροντας τὴν γῆν," which literally would be translated as "and bring to corruption those who bring the earth to corruption." The corruption being spoken of here is bodily corruption, I,e. death and decay, so the sentence in essence is saying, "and bring to death those who have brought death to the earth." This fits with the context better, as he is talking about bringing His wrath upon the armies of the Antichrist ("The nations were angry, and your wrath has come,") who will themselves bring death to many before they are destroyed at the Battle of Armageddon.

Hidden In Him · Jun 18, 2022

Dropship said:
Who exactly are "those who destroy the earth" bearing in mind that our generation is certainly the filthiest polluting generation that there's ever been-
"The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name,
both great and small, and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18 NIV)

Dropship said:
Here's another verse that possibly foretells the mess we're making on earth, it could refer to vehicle and factory emissions, the ozone hole, radioactive hair loss and ultra-violet burning from the sun-
"And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty."(Isaiah 3:24)
But I don't know what the "girding of sackcloth" means, any guesses?

I do think there could be some precedent against "polluting the earth," Dropship, only it might not be through these particular passages of scripture.

But the word does talk about men polluting the earth with blood by committing murder, and I can't imagine filling it with nuclear waste and landfills and oil spills every day is doing it any favors either.

34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: 35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. 36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. 37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, 38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. (Psalm 106)

stunnedbygrace · Jun 18, 2022

Dropship said:
Here's another verse that possibly foretells the mess we're making on earth, it could refer to vehicle and factory emissions, the ozone hole, radioactive hair loss and ultra-violet burning from the sun-
"And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty."(Isaiah 3:24)
But I don't know what the "girding of sackcloth" means, any guesses?

View attachment 23577

Sometimes it helps me to look at what a few different translations say. Here’s another one. (Although I do actually know what sackcloth is, it’s what they make sacks out of, like burlap. But a “stomacher?” No clue! Maybe a girdle?

24 Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, she will stink.
She will wear a rope for a sash,
and her elegant hair will fall out.
She will wear rough burlap instead of rich robes.
Shame will replace her beauty.

MatthewG · Jun 18, 2022

Considering Revelation 11, still was a letter written by John it depends on what greek word is used there with "earth", which sometimes can mean an economy of people in that time.

There are a few different views on the revelation, those who believe most have happened in the past (Pretrist view), there is also Historist view (which means we are under the written book now in this time, there is idealist view, and also futurist view which expresses future events.

That would be my only two cents, I do not believe that we are as bad at that economy in that time and age, though we as fallen human beings can cause destruction, via our own thoughts, and enticements in our own mind when we commit to doing something that is not beneficial to ourselves, let alone others.

L.A.M.B. · Jun 18, 2022

Rev.11:18 ( context 15-19 )
In the whole of the chapter it's talking about what God has planned for the world to see and hear, the 2 prophets spread the word for a time. Blessed is he that hearth then obeys the word of God.

There is a great time of reckoning for the evil unbelievers and Satan and these 2 will be their LAST warning .

The 7th angel said now the kingdom of THIS WORLD [ who's the prince?] are become the KINGDOMS of our Lord,and his reign will continue forever and forever!

The nation's were ANGRY at God and he said NOW IS THE TIME OF MY WRATH against these nations that rejected Him and followed th AC.

Here we see God in his wrath judging and condemning those of the world. On the flip side we see Jesus give all the saints and servants their rewards.

He will destroy them that destroyed the earth from the first evil man Cain down to the last evil man at Christ 2nd coming. This world was created in the heart of God and he made it beautifully.

We ARE close ppl !

L.A.M.B. · Jun 18, 2022

Ziggy said:
Gen 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
Gen 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Gen 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

I thought, how did the earth itself become corrupt?

Gen 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
Gen 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Pro 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

just tossing..

Num 16:30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
Num 16:32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Violence -> murder -> hate.

Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Would hating and causing others to hate also be a form of destroying the earth?
We are the earthen vessels. And violence is IN the earth. And because violence resides IN the earth it pours out UPON the earth.

"The nations were angry"

Gen 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Physical/material pollution is a dereliction in our stewardship to this planet.
Spiritual/emotional pollution is a dereliction in our stewardship to our brother/neighbour.
All pollution is against God who is creater and owner of all things physical and spiritual.

As in the days of Noah...

I think people could have the will to clean up the pollution and take care UPON the earth.
I'm not so sure people have the will to clean up the pollution that comes from within the heart.
And until we clean the inside, it will just keep flowing outside.

History.

Just thinking and sharing.
Hugs

AWESOME ! BLESS YOU ZIGGY AND ALL WHO SHARE IN FAITH.

stunnedbygrace · Jun 18, 2022

A verse struck me the other day. The one that says, and many will be offended. And I thought, oh my gosh, that’s a description of today. Any little thing you say offends someone, or some group. Even companies that try very carefully to not offend a single group cannot achieve it.

Dropship · Jun 18, 2022

Another interesting verse is-
"The whole earth is at peace, the trees rejoice at no woodcutter coming" (Isaiah 14:7/8), which might possibly refer to the destruction of the rain forests.

Dropship · Jun 18, 2022

As for nuclear accidents, here's an interesting snippet-

MatthewG · Jun 18, 2022

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly | New Living Translation (NLT) | Download The Bible App Now

quietthinker · Jun 19, 2022

Dropship said:
Who exactly are "those who destroy the earth" bearing in mind that our generation is certainly the filthiest polluting generation that there's ever been-
"The nations were angry, and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name,
both great and small, and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18 NIV)

Given that Revelation is full of symbols I am careful with literal interpretation when it warrants it....which it does sometimes.

The cosmic struggle has always been the same. All God's energies are bent in vindicating his character which has been maligned by that bright angel, Lucifer......and where is that vindication most fully manifested? is it not in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus?

All scripture testifies to this although somewhat poorly in the examples and words of some of the OT prophets.....nevertheless, these things are recorded in spite of the often poor/limited understanding these prophets had of God.

In my view it is absolutely necessary to understand this..... as well as how the Hebrew culture understood the writing of the Prophets. We get a window into this as we read the things they wrote.

When it comes to the book of Revelation the awareness of the writer John (including the other apostles) had significantly shifted from how they saw the pre-resurrected Jesus and with that the writings of the OT Prophets.
You no doubt recall the story of the road to Emmaus) where Jesus revealed to the guys things that were hidden from them previously. Their understanding was opened.

The same struggle, ie God being misrepresented, continues through the New Testament era. This struggle is further expanded in John's accounts of his visions in 'Revelation'. The battle now is between those who pay allegiance to God and those who pay allegiance to the Prince of darkness. This is presented primarily in metaphors. To understand it as being literal is in my view barking up the wrong tree and one will inevitably arrive at flawed conclusions.

Where to from here? Lots of questions need to be asked and ears along with minds require opening. Many current paradigms need putting under the spotlight of scrutiny to determine their integrity or lack of it......and who has the courage to face this?

Enoch111 · Jun 19, 2022

Dropship said:
Who exactly are "those who destroy the earth"...

Those who in fact destroy the earth -- the enemies of God and humanity. It is happening all around us. Satan is the ultimate Destroyer.

Does Revelation 11:18 mean us?

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