Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, an ancient city of great renown, is frequently mentioned in the Bible and holds significant theological and historical importance. Located in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates River, Babylon was the capital of Babylonia and is often depicted as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God.Historical Context Babylon's history is marked by its impressive architecture and cultural achievements, most notably the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was renowned for its massive walls, which were considered impregnable. These walls are emblematic of Babylon's might and the human tendency to rely on earthly power rather than divine providence. Biblical Significance In the Bible, Babylon is first mentioned in Genesis 10:10 as part of Nimrod's kingdom. It is later associated with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity's attempt to build a tower to the heavens led to God confusing their language and scattering them across the earth. This event underscores Babylon's role as a symbol of human arrogance and defiance. Babylon reached the height of its power under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who is a prominent figure in the Book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and subsequent humbling by God (Daniel 4) illustrate the theme of divine sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Daniel 4:30 records Nebuchadnezzar's prideful declaration: "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" The city is also central to the narrative of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to the captivity of the Jewish people. This period of exile is chronicled in books such as 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the prophetic writings of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Jeremiah 29:10 offers a message of hope: "For this is what the LORD says: 'When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.'" Prophetic and Eschatological Themes Babylon's fall is prophesied in several biblical texts, including Isaiah 13-14, Jeremiah 50-51, and Revelation 17-18. These passages depict Babylon as a city of wickedness and idolatry, destined for divine judgment. Isaiah 13:19 declares, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." In the New Testament, Babylon is used symbolically in the Book of Revelation to represent the ultimate manifestation of worldly opposition to God. Revelation 17:5 refers to Babylon as "Mystery Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." This imagery conveys the pervasive influence of Babylonian-like systems throughout history, culminating in the final judgment against all that stands against God's kingdom. Theological Implications Babylon serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the futility of human efforts apart from God. It illustrates the biblical theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes. The city's rise and fall are a testament to the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring sovereignty of the Creator. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 51:44,58And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he has swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more to him: yes, the wall of Babylon shall fall. Nave's Topical Index Library Babylon. Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... Palestine under Pagan Kings. A Great Slaughter About Ascalon. Vespasian Comes to Ptolemais. The Broad Wall How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Bible Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. The Procession of Amen Resources Was Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Babylon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Babylon was Called: Desert of the Sea Babylon was Called: Lady of Kingdoms Babylon was Called: Land of Merathaim Babylon was Called: Land of Shinar Babylon was Called: Land of the Chaldeans Babylon with Media and Persia Divided by Darius 120 Provinces Babylon: Ambassadors of, Sent to Hezekiah Babylon: As a Power Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance on Other Nations Babylon: As a Power Was: Arrogant Babylon: As a Power Was: Covetous Babylon: As a Power Was: Cruel and Destructive Babylon: As a Power Was: Grand and Stately Babylon: As a Power Was: Oppressive Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Babylon the Great Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Beauty of Chaldees Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the City of Merchants Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Glory of Kingdoms Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Golden City Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Enlarged by Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Its Antiquity Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Surrounded With a Great Wall and Fortified Babylon: Babylon the Chief Province of Babylon: City of Built by Nimrod Babylon: City of Capital of the Kingdom of Babylon Babylon: City of in the Land of Shinar Babylon: City of Peter Writes From Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Babylon: Composed of Many Nations Babylon: Destroyed by the Medes Babylon: Empire of a Limited Monarchy Babylon: Empire of Armies of, Invade Ancient Canaan Babylon: Empire of At the Time of Ahasuerus Babylon: Empire of Called Land of Shinar Babylon: Empire of Colonists From, Sent to Samaria Babylon: Empire of Conquest of Egypt By Babylon: Empire of Divisions of Babylon: Empire of Extent of, at the Time of Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod Babylon: Empire of Jews Carried To Babylon: Empire of Prophecies of Conquests By Babylon: Empire of Prophetic Denunciations Against Babylon: Formerly a Part of Mesopotamia Babylon: Founded by the Assyrians, and a Part of Their Empire Babylon: Inhabitants of Addicted to Magic Babylon: Inhabitants of Idolatrous Babylon: Inhabitants of Profane and Sacrilegious Babylon: Inhabitants of Wicked Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged and Took Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Burned Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Jehoiakim Tributary Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Zedekiah King Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Rebelled Against by Zedekiah Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled and Burned the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Jehoiachin Captive to Babylon Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Zedekiah Captive to Babylon Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Captivity of the Jews By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Conquests By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Perpetual Desolation of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Preaching of the Gospel In Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Presidents Placed Over Babylon: Remarkable For: Antiquity Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce Babylon: Remarkable For: Manufacture of Garments Babylon: Remarkable For: Military Power Babylon: Remarkable For: National Greatness Babylon: Remarkable For: Naval Power Babylon: Remarkable For: Wealth Babylon: Remarkable For: Wisdom of Senators Babylon: Represented by a Great Eagle Babylon: Represented by a Head of Gold Babylon: Represented by a Lion With Eagle's Wings Babylon: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Babylon: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Babylon: The Gospel Preached In Babylon: The Jews Exhorted to be Subject To, and Settle In Babylon: Treatment of the Jews In Babylon: Watered by the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris Related Terms Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) |
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