Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
cinnamon—designed by God for better purposes: being an ingredient in the holy anointing oil, and a plant in the garden of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 4:14); but desecrated to vile uses by the adulteress (Proverbs 7:17).
odours—of incense. A, C, Vulgate, and Syriac prefix "and amomium" (a precious hair ointment made from an Asiatic shrub). English Version reading is supported by Coptic and ANDREAS, but not oldest manuscripts.
ointments—Greek, "ointment."
frankincense—Contrast the true "incense" which God loves (Psalms 141:2; Malachi 1:11).
fine flour—the similago of the Latins [ALFORD].
beasts—of burden: cattle.
slaves—Greek, "bodies."
souls of men— (Ezekiel 27:13). Said of slaves. Appropriate to the spiritual harlot, apostate Christendom, especially Rome, which has so often enslaved both bodies and souls of men. Though the New Testament does not directly forbid slavery, which would, in the then state of the world, have incited a slave revolt, it virtually condemns it, as here. Popery has derived its greatest gains from the sale of masses for the souls of men after death, and of indulgences purchased from the Papal chancery by rich merchants in various countries, to be retailed at a profit [MOSHEIM, III, 95, 96].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Revelation 18:13:
Isaiah 13:9
Revelation 18:15
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