Revelation 18:8

The "one day" may very well be literal (cf. Daniel 5:1; Daniel 5:3-5; Daniel 5:30). "One day" also expresses suddenness, as does the "one hour" in Revelation 18:10; Revelation 18:16; Revelation 18:19 (cf. Isaiah 47:9). Likewise we could interpret the burning literally (cf. Isaiah 47:14). Rebuilt Babylon and the cities that are the centers for this worldwide network of political, commercial activity will evidently burn up in the great earthquake (Revelation 16:18-19). She will collapse suddenly, like the World Trade Center towers in New York City in 2001, not decline gradually. The strength of the Lord God will accomplish this destruction, but He will use means (Revelation 17:16-17).