Topical Bible: Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod

◄ Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod ►

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Introduction

Babylon, an ancient city and empire, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. It is first mentioned in the Bible as part of the kingdom established by Nimrod, a mighty hunter and ruler. Babylon's influence extends throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing both human achievement and rebellion against God.

Founding by Nimrod

The origins of Babylon trace back to Nimrod, a descendant of Noah through Ham. Genesis 10:8-10 states, "Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, 'Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.' His kingdom began in Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." Nimrod's establishment of Babylon marks the beginning of its prominence as a center of power and culture.

The Tower of Babel

One of the most notable events associated with early Babylon is the construction of the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11:1-9 recounts how the people, unified by a single language, sought to build a city and a tower "with its top in the heavens" to make a name for themselves. This act of defiance against God led to the confusion of languages and the scattering of people across the earth. The name "Babel" is derived from this event, symbolizing confusion and disunity.

Babylon in Prophecy and History

Throughout the Bible, Babylon is depicted as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. The prophets frequently spoke of Babylon's rise and fall. Isaiah 13:19 prophesies, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC.

Babylon's role as an oppressor of God's people is highlighted in the Book of Daniel, where the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem and exiles the Israelites. Daniel 1:1-2 states, "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the house of God."

Symbolism in Revelation

In the New Testament, Babylon's symbolism extends to the apocalyptic visions in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 17:5 refers to Babylon as "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." This imagery portrays Babylon as a representation of worldly corruption and spiritual adultery, opposing the kingdom of God.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Babylon was not only a political and military power but also a center of culture and religion. The Babylonians were known for their advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. The ziggurat, a massive temple structure, is often associated with the Tower of Babel. Babylonian religion, characterized by polytheism and idolatry, stood in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

Conclusion

Babylon's legacy in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing its historical role as a powerful empire and its symbolic representation of human rebellion against divine authority. Its account serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 10:10
And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter x
... It shows Nimrod's second venture in empire building and ... This city, we remark again,
was actually founded by Nimrod ... similarly as in the case of Babylon there are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

That the Original Language in Use among Men was that which was ...
... of the extraordinary dimensions of his empire and of ... But Peleg was mentioned, not
because he founded a nation ... lived to the time in which Babylon was founded ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 that the original language.htm

In Our Last Chapter we Sought to Show that in Rev. . .
... To this end mills are build, factories founded, forests felled ... fact, outside the
bounds of the old Roman Empire. ... Babylon of the Apocalypse is the Babylon of Old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in our last chapter we.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... what is said of this Beast in v.8 it is clear that he is the Antichrist, here viewed
at the head of the last world-empire. ... Babylon was founded in rebellion ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... Thus he was King of Babylon, which is also ... that Nimrod's ambition was to establish
a world empire. ... mean "Confusion." That at the time Nimrod founded Babel this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The empire still included the original patrimony of Assur ... Kalda which had, perhaps,
already furnished Babylon with one ... Deluge, the story of Noah, of Nimrod, etc ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... she became in later days the metropolis of the first great Gentile Empire as seen
in ... We thus see how "that great city," Babylon, founded by Nimrod, was the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... they shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years ... the kingdom of the Greeks was
founded, since Alexander ... This passage describes the Roman Republic and empire. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

Ancient Civilisation {5} {6}
... or the great king, whether of Egypt, Babylon, or Persia ... saw in us the future masters
of the Roman Empire. ... There is the equality which is founded on mutual envy. ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/ancient civilisation 5 6.htm

Ancient Civilisation.
... or the great king, whether of Egypt, Babylon, or Persia ... saw in us the future masters
of the Roman Empire. ... There is the equality which is founded on mutual envy. ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture v ancient civilisation.htm