Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
6. rewarded you ] “You” should be omitted: a better translation would be, Render to her as she herself rendered. The thought is founded on Psa 137:8; Jer 50:15; Jer 50:29, and the expression on the former passage.
double unto her ] See Jer 16:18; where however the vengeance is on jerusalem.
hath filled fill ] Lit. mixed mix: cf. Rev 14:10.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Reward her even as she rewarded you – It is not said to whom this command is addressed, but it would seem to be to those who had been persecuted and wronged. Applied to mystical Babylon – papal Rome – it would seem to be a call on the nations that had been so long under her sway, and among whom, from time to time, so much blood had been shed by her, to arise now in their might, and to inflict deserved vengeance. See the notes on Rev 17:16-17.
And double unto her double according to her works – That is, bring upon her double the amount of calamity which she has brought upon others; take ample vengeance upon her. Compare for similar language, Isa 40:2, She hath received of the Lords hand double for all her sins. For your shame ye shall have double, Isa 61:7.
In the cup which she hath filled – To bring wrath on others. See the notes at Rev 14:8.
Fill to her double – Let her drink abundantly of the wine of the wrath of God – double what she has dealt out to others. That is, either let the quantity administered to her be doubled, or let the ingredients in the cup be doubled in intensity.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. Reward her even as she rewarded you] These words are a prophetic declaration of what shall take place: God will deal with her as she dealt with others.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This verse soundeth in mine ears, as if God had reserved he ruin of the papacy to be effected by some protestant hands, some of those whom they had persecuted; if not some of their persons, yet some of the same faith.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
6. Addressed to the executionersof God’s wrath.
RewardGreek,“repay.”
she rewardedEnglishVersion reading adds “you” with none of the oldestmanuscripts. But A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Copticomit it. She had not rewarded or repaid the world powerfor some injury which the world power had inflicted on her; but shehad given the world power that which was its due,namely, spiritual delusions, because it did not like to retain God inits knowledge; the unfaithful Church’s principle was, “Populusvult decipi, et decipiatur.” “The people like to bedeceived, and let them be deceived.”
doubleof sorrow.Contrast with this the double of joy which Jerusalem shallreceive for her past suffering (Isa 61:7;Zec 9:12); even as she hasreceived double punishment for her sins (Isa40:2).
unto herSo Syriac,Coptic, and ANDREAS.A, B, and C omit it.
in the cup (Rev 18:3;Rev 14:8; Rev 17:4).
filledliterally”mixed.”
fill to her doubleofthe Lord’s cup of wrath.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Reward her even as she rewarded you,…. This is spoken to the people of God, who are before called out of Babylon; and the chief of them are the seven angels with the seven last plagues of the wrath of God, and the same with the ten kings that will burn the whore with fire; these are called upon to take vengeance, by way of retaliation, for what she had done to them, in allusion to what is said of old Babylon, Jer 1:15 and must be understood not of what she will have done to them personally, but to their predecessors in the faith of Christ in former ages; that as she had hated them, and made war with them, so now they should hate her, and make war with her; and as she had stripped them naked of their clothes, and spoiled them of their worldly goods and substance, so now they should strip her naked of her harlot’s attire, of her gold, silver, and precious stones, and make her and her territories desolate; and as she has burnt many of the precious saints in the flames, as here in England, and elsewhere, so now they shall utterly burn her with fire; and as she has shed the blood of the righteous, and drank it, and been drunk with it, they shall give her blood to drink; and as she hath killed multitudes with the sword, so now shall they kill her and her children; see Re 13:12 nor is this contrary to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, and the spirit of Christianity, which will not admit of revenge, Mt 5:38
Ro 12:17 since this will not be private, but public revenge, inflicted by Christian princes and magistrates, who are ministers of God, and revengers to execute wrath on them that do evil:
and double unto her double according to her works: the meaning is not to inflict upon her a punishment doubly greater than her sins, for this would be contrary to the justice of God; nor does ever God punish men in this life more, but less, than their iniquities deserve; nor can any temporal punishment be doubly greater than sin, which deserves eternal death; and with this she will be punished hereafter, and therefore will not have her full punishment now, and much less a greater than her sins required; to which may be added, that this will be according to her works, her wicked works, and therefore will not exceed the demerit of her sins: but the sense is, that if it was possible to be done, they should use her with double severity to that she had used them with; seeing her sins deserved a severer treatment than even they had had from her; the phrase signifies an abundant and utter destruction, a punishment which was suitable and sufficient; see Isa 40:2 and it suggests that they should not spare her, nor pity her, but use her with the greatest severity imaginable, it being not possible to exceed her due deserts, or what her works required:
in the cup which he hath filled, fill to her double: not in the cup of her abominations, her errors, idolatries, and wickedness; but in the cup of afflictions and trouble, which she wrung out to the people of God, in that give her double portion: the sense is the same as before.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Render as she rendered ( ). Second aorist (effective) active imperative and first aorist (effective) active of , old and common verb for requital, to give back, the lex talionis which is in the O.T. (Jer 50:15; Jer 50:29; Jer 51:24; Jer 51:56; Ps 137:8), and in the N.T. also (Mt 7:2). Here the reference is to persecutions by Rome, particularly the martyrdom of the saints (Rev 18:24; Rev 19:2).
Double the double ( ). First aorist imperative of , old verb (from , double, Mt 23:15), here only in N.T. is simply the neuter plural accusative (cognate) contract form for (not ). Requite here in double measure, a full requital (Exod 22:4; Exod 22:7; Exod 22:9; Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18; Jer 17:18; Zech 9:12). The double recompense was according to the Levitical law.
Which she mingled ( ). First aorist active indicative of . The relative is attracted to the locative case of its antecedent (cup), for which see Rev 14:8; Rev 14:10; Rev 17:4; Rev 18:3.
Mingle unto her double ( ). First aorist active imperative of the same verb , with the same idea of double punishment.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Double [] . Only here in the New Testament. Compare Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18; Zec 9:19. The Levitical law insisted on the double recompense. See Exo 22:4, 7, 9.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Reward her even as she rewarded you,” (apodote aute hos kai aute apedoken) “Give back to her as indeed (just as) she gave back (to you),” or render to her as she has rendered to you. These words of Almighty God are addressed to his seven angelic ministers of Divine wrath, Jer 1:15-16; Psa 137:8; Jer 50:15; Jer 50:29.
2) “And double unto her double,” (kai diplosate ta dipla) “And double ye the double,” or “multiply ye the multiplying,” which she committed; Thieves and violent aggressors were required under Jewish theocracy law to restore double for hurt or damage maliciously done, Exo 22:4; Exo 22:7; Psa 146:5-9.
3) “According to her works, (kata ta erga autes) “According to or based on her works; Rev 13:10; 2Ti 4:14; Jer 51:24; Jer 51:49.
4) “In the cup which she hath filled,” (en to polerio ho ekerasen) “in the cup (measure, container) which she mixed;- to dose out to others, Rev 17:2; Rev 17:6.
5) “Fill to her double,” (kerasate aute diploun) “Mix or multiply (doubling ye) to her; Rev 16:19; Isa 51:17; Isa 51:22; Jer 25:15; Rev 14:10.
It appears that the redeemed, the “Church ye”, and Holy Angels shall join in the praise of the final judgment of vengeance upon the enemies of God, to bring Armageddon to end, 1Co 6:2-3; Rev 2:26-27; Rev 19:11-21; Rom 12:19; 2Th 1:8.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(6) Reward her even as she rewarded . . .The same voice which bids the people of God come forth, summons the agents of vengeance. Rev. 17:16 tells whence these may arise. Read, Give back to her, as she herself also gave back (the word you should be omitted; it is not the saints, or those who have suffered from her, that are called to repay her), and double (the) double according to her works; in the cup in which she mingled, mingle for her double. Many Old Testament parallels will suggest themselves (Jer. 51:18; Psa. 79:12; Psa. 137:8; and Isa. 40:2). The double must not be taken to mean double her sins; her sins are themselves called double, and her judgment is according to her sins. She is double-stained in wickedness, and the law of retribution fiercely works in her. The cup of her luxuriousness becomes the cup of vengeance. (Comp. Rev. 14:8; Rev. 17:4; and Rev. 18:3.) The flowery path has led to the broad gate and the great fire.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. Reward rewarded you A blending of Isa 61:7, and Jer 51:56.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works. In the cup which she mingled, mingle to her double. To the same extent as she glorified herself, and bathed in luxury (waxed luxuriously or behaved wantonly), so much give her of torment and mourning, for she says in her heart, “I sit as a queen and am no widow, and shall under no circumstances see mourning”.’
These are not the words of John but are the words of the One Who has been speaking of ‘My people’, the words of the Lamb. No one but He Who is the Judge of all would have the right to speak them. From the lips of Christians they would be unacceptable, but from the lips of Him Who has been ordained to judge the world there can be no complaint. The time of final judgment is fast approaching and this is the preliminary skirmish. He is passing His verdict on Godless civilisation.
‘Render unto her even as she has rendered.’ This is justice. As Jeremiah puts it, ‘It is the vengeance of the Lord. Take vengeance upon her. As she had done, do unto her’ (Jer 50:15, compare v. 29. See also Jer 51:24; Jer 51:49 and compare Psa 137:8, ‘Oh daughter of Babylon, you who are to be destroyed, happy shall he be who rewards you as you have served us’.
(But even the judge could not say the next verse in Psalms 137, that was only excusable for those to whom it had recently been done, in the white heat of their grief. However, before you pass judgment on them wait until you too hold the limp distorted body of your own child, covered in blood and with his head broken open, as you gaze at similar desolation around and are overwhelmed with a grief so great that it is beyond bearing, and watch those who in a mad fit of bloodlust continue their murderous activities).
‘And double unto her the double according to her works. In the cup which she mingled, mingle to her double.’ It is the Lord, and the Lord alone Who can reward double for sin (Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18; Jer 17:18). The cup she mingled was the cup of idolatry and what goes with it, which deserves double punishment (Jer 16:18). For ‘mingle unto her’ see Rev 14:10; Rev 16:19; Rev 17:4. As a result she will become a widow in mourning, bemoaning her own fate.
‘For she says in her heart, I sit as a queen and am no widow.’ Had she been a widow she would have had to go in mourning and deny herself the pleasures she longed for, but she rejects such a position and justifies her search for luxurious living by claiming royal rights. Compare what Isaiah said of Babylon, ‘you said, I shall be a lady for ever, so that you did not lay these things to heart, nor did you remember their latter end’ (Isa 47:7). In both cases they failed to recognise what their true position was.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Rev 18:6-8 . Now the one speaking in God’s name [3939] turns to those who are to execute his judgment of wrath upon the great city: , . . . She is to be rewarded, [3940] and that, too, doubly; [3941] i.e., she is to suffer for her sins, now the corresponding, entirely complete punishment; and just as she had glorified herself, and lived in arrogant wantonness, so is there now much pain and sorrow to be given her. [3942] The determination of the degree (Rev 18:7 ),
, [3943] which expresses the idea of strict justice, throws the true light upon the more rhetorical presentation in , , . Even at the beginning ( , . . .), the equality of guilt and punishment was designated; [3944] the very expression is explained by the fact that it is to correspond to the .
The transformation of proud security into the deepest sorrow represented in striking antithesis (Rev 18:7 a ) is further intensified by what succeeds in Rev 18:7 b and Rev 18:8 . As the foundation of the , the arrogant speech which the woman carries in her heart, is stated: she boasts, because of her sovereignty over the world, [3945] that “she is enthroned as a queen, [3946] not as a widow,” but, as a prolific mother, she is the mistress of many cities [3947] and nations, [3948] and is confident that she “shall never see sorrow,” i.e., learn to know it by experience, [3949] especially by the death of her children. [3950] But in sharp contrast with this confident pride is opposed the threatening occasioned by it: [3951] on “ one day ” [3952] shall her plagues come, and that, too, not only “ death ,” which makes her a widow, but also “ mourning ,” which she thought that she would never experience, and hunger , instead of her inordinate luxury.
. Cf. Rev 17:16 .
, . . . The pledge for the infallible execution of the threat; cf. Rev 1:8 . [3953]
. Incorrectly interpreted by the poor var., . For the judgment is already fulfilled to such an extent that in the threat just expressed, the punishment on the part of the judge is already determined.
[3939] Cf. the final formula, Rev 18:8 .
[3940] Cf. Rev 16:5 sqq., Rev 14:8 sqq., Rev 11:18 .
[3941] Cf. Isa 40:2 .
[3942] Cf. Amo 8:10 .
[3943] On the form of the expression, cf. Rom 6:10 ; Gal 2:20 .
[3944] . Cf. Rev 14:10 .
[3945] Cf. Rev 17:18 .
[3946] Cf. Isa 47:7 .
[3947] Cf. Rev 17:5 .
[3948] Cf. Isa 17:8 .
[3949] Joh 8:51 sqq.
[3950] , lamentation for the dead. Cf. Gen 27:41 ; Gen 1:10 sqq.; Amo 8:10 . Ew. ii.
[3951] , like the ancient prophetical e.g., Mic 2:2 ; Mic 3:6 ; Amo 3:11 ; Amo 5:13 ; Amo 5:16 .
[3952] Cf. Isa 47:9 .
[3953] Amo 4:13 ; Amo 5:27 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Ver. 6. Double unto her double ] This is spoken to the good kings that shall sack Rome, that they do the Lord’s work thoroughly, not sparing Agag, as Saul did to the loss of his kingdom, nor dismissing Benhadad, as Ahab did to the loss of his own life.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Rev 18:6 . The foes of Rome (unless . . ., is a rhetorical apostrophe) are invited to serve her with the retribution promised to the first Babylon (see reff.). , cf. Oxyrh. Pap. iii. 520 6 . , . . . Cf. Apoc. Bar. xiii. 8 (to Romans), “Ye who have drunk the strained wine, drink ye also of its dregs, the judgment of the Lofty One who has no respect of persons”.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Reward = Render. Compare Mar 12:17 and Jer 51:24.
rewarded = rendered. Same word.
you. Omit, and supply “others”.
double. This word is put for full compensation. Figure of speech Metonymy. App-6.
unto her. Omit.
according to. App-104.
in. App-104.
hath filled, fill = mixed, mix.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Rev 18:6. , reward) The saints will reward in a manner which is holy, and in accordance with their character, rather than violent.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Rev 18:6-8
(3) VENGEANCE PRONOUNCED
(Rev 18:6-8)
According to her works.–Render to her double is language addressed to whatever powers God will use for administering punishment to the apostate church. It will be what her works deserve.
Mingle unto her double.–As her dupes drank from the cup of her false doctrines, so she must drink the cup of punishment. Her glorying in wantonness will be matched with torment and mourning.
n one day.–The harlot’s boast “I sit a queen” finds its fulfillment in the papal claim of infallible authority, but her arrogant claims will end in one day–that is, suddenly. Paul represents the coming of Jesus as a “thief in the night.” The plagues mentioned in verse 8 are such as naturally would come upon a city being destroyed; typically, they represent the com-plete overthrow and end of the apostate church.
Commentary on Rev 18:6-8 by Foy E. Wallace
The enormity of Jerusalems sins which reached unto heaven are underlined in Rev 18:5-6 in the exercise of the prerogatives that belongs only to God–Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord–He remembered her iniquities, and rendered due reward double unto double, according to her works. Again, it was Lords answer to the altar cry of martyrs in Rev 6:10, how long, 0 Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth.
The description of the proud, and presumptuous city of David, which for centuries had enjoyed the admiration expressed in verse seven, to sit as queen, employed symbols of glory. The old city declared that she was no widow and would see no sorrow (of widowhood), for she was the Jerusalem of the Israel which was wedded to the God of the Jews. But Rev 18:8 bluntly decreed that destruction would come upon her in one day, as suddenly as the Lords statement in Mat 24:16-18 : Then let them which be in Judea flee . . . let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Hence, the expression one day symbolized the suddenness of the impending judgment against Jerusalem and the shortness of time for the faithful to respond to the call to come out of her. The extended application, as in 2Co 6:17, meant to come out of the evils and the errors of Jerusalems apostasies and of heathendoms idolatries. The last line of Rev 18:8, for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her, meant that Gods word was inexorable, and without change of purpose he would destroy the apostate city.
Commentary on Rev 18:6-8 by Walter Scott
RIGHTEOUS RETRIBUTION.
Rev 18:6. – Recompense her even as she has recompensed; and double (to her) double, according to her works. In the cup which she has mixed, mix to her double. On textual considerations the you in the Authorized Version is omitted in the Revised Version, while as a matter of interpretation its introduction unduly narrows the sense of the passage. The previous verse directly addresses itself to the people of God, but in that before us it is for saints. Then, as now, the principle is asserted that God acts in retributive justice. It is a statement of the principle on which God acts towards nations, as Mat 7:2 shows its application to individuals. Jewish law demanded an eye for an eye, but the vengeance here demanded goes far beyond that – the measure is doubled.
PRIDE BEFORE DESTRUCTION.
Rev 18:7-8. – So much as she has glorified herself and lived luxuriously, so much torment and grief give to her. Because she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and I am not a widow; and I shall in no wise see grief: for this reason on one day shall her plagues come, death, and grief, and famine, and she shall be burned with fire; for strong (is the) Lord God Who has judged her. The principle of retributive judgment is next shown in the first part of Rev 18:7, not in relation to what Babylon has done (Rev 18:6), but because of what she is in herself. Having been degraded from her public place by the kings of the Roman world she yet maintains her pride. Her spirit is unbroken. Her haughtiness is asserted in spite of the fact that she sits in the dust of her former grandeur, and that her final end is at hand. The kings of the earth may lament over her, but help her they cannot. Her boasting is within; she says in her heart, I sit a queen. Her public downfall had already taken place, hence the assertion of her queenly state would be out of keeping if openly expressed. I am not a widow. Does she expect that her fortunes are to be retrieved? That she will once again mount the throne? I shall in no wise see grief, and this while the clouds lower and the tokens on every hand presage her immediate and final judgment at the hand of God. Utter destruction is signified in the words, she shall be burned with fire. This goes beyond the more historical scene in Rev 17:16. The fire here makes an utter end of Babylon. The mighty God is Babylons Judge. (We quote from another, Rome means strong, but her strength is nothing. Strong is the Lord Who judges her.)
Commentary on Rev 18:6-8 by E.M. Zerr
Rev 18:6. The pronoun you refers to “my people” in the preceding verse. Human beings cannot bring judgment upon a universal body of corruption by mere human strength. But if they will come out and then use their influence to expose the harlot (which many people did as shown in various histories of the Reformation), they will bring about a chastisement of her that is figuratively described as making her drink a double measure of her own wine.
Rev 18:7. The leaders in Rome or Babylon had been living a selfish life at the expense of their helpless dupes. Now that they have been undeceived by the workers in the Reformation, they are urged to make their condemnation all the more severe upon her. A queen would be in good circumstances in that she would have one on whom to depend for support and would have no sorrow or anxiety.
Rev 18:8. One day cannot be restricted to a period of 24 hours, but the things predicted of her will come on the same day or by the same cause. That will be the effects of opening the eyes of the nationsthat have been oppressed by her. The mourning will be literal and it will be over the loss of her former power- Utterly burned with fire denotes that the fire of God’s jealousy will bring utter (complete) destruction to the combination of church and state–not to each separately, but the combination will be dissolved for ever.
Commentary on Rev 18:6-8 by Manly Luscombe
6 Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. The great harlot will be rewarded as she rewarded those who worshiped her. Those who thought of immorality as their god, were rewarded with AIDS, STD, poverty, sickness, disease, broken homes, shattered lives and ruined reputations. God has always promised that all will be judged and rewarded according to their works. Gal 6:7-9 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. We will reap what we sow. If our sowing was in fleshly (immoral) things, we will reap corruption. If we sow to the spirit, we will reap eternal life. God promises a double portion of punishment. The reason is this: When man chooses to sin, he will suffer. When man leads, persuades, and encourages others to sin, there is greater responsibility for leading others into sin. Jas 3:1 shows that the teacher who leads others astray will suffer greater punishment.
7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow. In this life immorality seems to live it up in luxury. Many immoral sins are seen by the world as good, exciting, fun and normal. There is a concerted effort, for example, on the part of homosexual groups to make their sinful lifestyle acceptable and normal. Many lived in luxury on the profits from such sins. Think about Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Mansion. God pronounces that in the same measure that they enjoyed the luxuries, they will suffer the greater torment. Immorality thinks that it is invincible. People who act upon these immoral impulses never think they will get caught.
8 Therefore her plagues will come in one day-death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. There is a payday. There is a day of reckoning. She will suffer the plagues that she has caused on others. Babylon will suffer death, mourning and famine. Just as she lived in luxury, now she will suffer torment. The final end will be a burning with fire, because God is the one who judges.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Reward: Rev 13:10, Rev 16:5, Rev 16:6, Exo 21:23-25, Psa 137:8, Jer 50:15, Jer 50:29, Jer 51:24, Jer 51:49, 2Ti 4:14
double unto: Isa 40:2, Isa 61:7, Jer 16:18, Jer 17:18, Zec 9:12
the cup: Rev 14:10, Rev 16:19, Rev 17:2, Rev 17:4
Reciprocal: Exo 22:4 – he shall restore double Num 25:17 – General 1Sa 15:33 – As thy sword Job 21:19 – he rewardeth Psa 28:4 – Give Psa 31:23 – plentifully Psa 54:5 – reward Psa 72:4 – the oppressor Psa 94:2 – render Pro 12:21 – filled Isa 25:11 – he shall bring Isa 51:17 – which hast Jer 51:6 – for this Jer 51:35 – The violence Jer 51:56 – the Lord Jer 51:57 – I will Lam 1:21 – they shall Lam 3:64 – General Eze 23:32 – drink Eze 35:6 – I will Eze 39:10 – shall spoil Hab 2:16 – drink Zec 12:2 – a cup Zec 14:12 – Their flesh Mat 7:2 – General Luk 6:24 – woe 1Ti 6:17 – that they 2Pe 2:13 – the reward Rev 11:18 – shouldest
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Rev 18:6. Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she filled fill to her double. The same voice is continued, but is now addressed to the ministers of judgment, the kings and the beast who have turned round upon the harlot (chap. Rev 17:16). Judgment is administered according to the lex talionis; and the doubling seems to be founded on the law of Exo 22:4; Exo 22:7; Exo 22:9, and on the threatening of Jer 16:18. Her sins have been so great that there has been a double mention of them (Rev 18:5), and the punishment shall be proportioned to the sin (comp. also Isa 40:2; Jer 17:18).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
To whome is the voice directing these remards? Perhaps the kings of Rev 17:16-17 . In any case, it will be God doing the rewarding, even if it is through the agency of some other. Since Babylon is to be rewarded in exactly the same way she delivered, it seems she must have delivered a double portion of misery and would now receive the same.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
18:6 {7} Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
(7) The provocation of the godly, and the commandment of executing the judgment of God, stand on three causes which are here expressed: the unjust wickedness of the whore of Babylon, in this verse, her cursed pride opposing itself against God, which is the fountain of all evil actions, Rev 18:7 and her most just damnation by the sentence of God, Rev 18:8 .
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The angel further called on God’s enemies whom He will use to pay Babylon back fully for its wicked deeds, pride, and self-indulgent conduct (cf. Rev 17:16-17; Jer 50:29). This is a call for God’s application of the lex talionis, the law of retaliation (cf. Mat 7:2; Gal 6:7-8). To pay back double is a way of saying to pay back fully (cf. Rev 18:7; Exo 22:4; Exo 22:7; Exo 22:9; Isa 40:2; Isa 61:7; Jer 16:18; Jer 17:18; Zec 9:12). [Note: Hailey, pp. 361-62; Hughes, p. 191; Meredith G. Kline, "Double Trouble," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 32:2 (June 1989):171-79.] Babylon had persecuted and murdered the saints (Rev 18:24; Rev 19:2). The cup she used to seduce others will become the instrument of her own punishment (cf. Rev 18:3; Rev 14:10).
"This is not a prayer for personal vengeance by the persecuted saints, but a heavenly interpretation of the divine response to cruelty committed by wicked persons who have passed the point of no return in their moral choices. The last hour has now struck, and it is too late for repentance. This is a judicial pronouncement against a sinful civilization that has reached the ultimate limit of evil." [Note: Thomas, Revelation 8-22, pp. 322-23. Cf. Kiddle, pp. 366-67; Hughes, p. 190.]