In this episode we continue studying the book of Revelation chapter 18. In this chapter we note the kings will weep when they see Babylon burning. The burning may not be literal but figurative for a fiery test or circumstance.

The text says, they weep and wail because no one buys their goods anymore, no one is buying their wine, precious stones, silk or fine linen.

We note that the merchants were also selling people like regular commodities.

In the book of Amos God mentions some were selling people for shoes.

Amos 2:6  Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

Amos 2:7  That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:

In the book of Joel they sold children for wine:

Joel 3:3  And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

God had strict commandments against kidnapping and selling people, those found doing so were put to death. Here’s the text:

Exodus 21:16  And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

We note that God also judges the merchant kings, for their sorceries. He said because of their sorceries all nations were deceived.

God addressed this type of merchant activity in Nahum 3:4.

Nahum 3:4  Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

The kings of the earth use various sources of power to influence the minds and wills of the people.

Therefore God says, come out of her My people. Because not only will we escape Gods wrath, but we will also avoid the snares the kings of the earth have set to entrap the people.