Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, a city of great historical and biblical significance, is often viewed as a symbol of opposition to God and His people. Throughout Scripture, Babylon is depicted not only as a literal city but also as a representation of spiritual rebellion and moral corruption. This duality positions Babylon as a type of Antichrist, embodying the forces that stand against God's kingdom.Historical and Biblical Context Babylon first appears in the Bible in Genesis 10:10, where it is associated with Nimrod, a mighty hunter and ruler. The city is further mentioned in Genesis 11:1-9, in the account of the Tower of Babel. Here, humanity's attempt to build a tower reaching the heavens is thwarted by God, who confuses their language and scatters them across the earth. This event marks Babylon as a symbol of human pride and defiance against divine authority. In the prophetic literature, Babylon becomes a central figure in the narratives of Israel's exile. The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem and led the Israelites into captivity (2 Kings 24-25). This historical Babylon is portrayed as an instrument of God's judgment, yet it is also condemned for its arrogance and idolatry. The prophet Isaiah declares, "Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah" (Isaiah 13:19). Symbolism in Prophetic Literature The Book of Revelation expands on Babylon's symbolic role, presenting it as a type of Antichrist. Revelation 17-18 describes "Babylon the Great" as a harlot riding a scarlet beast, drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus. This imagery conveys Babylon's spiritual adultery and persecution of God's people. Revelation 17:5 states, "On her forehead a mysterious name was written: Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." Babylon's fall is depicted as a divine act of judgment, signaling the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of evil. Revelation 18:2 proclaims, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast." Theological Implications Babylon's portrayal as a type of Antichrist serves as a warning against the allure of worldly power and the dangers of spiritual compromise. It represents the systems and ideologies that oppose God's truth and seek to lead His people astray. The apostle John cautions believers, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). In this context, Babylon is not merely a historical entity but a recurring motif throughout history, manifesting in various forms of political, economic, and religious systems that challenge God's sovereignty. The call to "come out of her, my people" (Revelation 18:4) is an exhortation to remain faithful to God and resist the temptations of a world in rebellion against Him. Conclusion While Babylon's historical and prophetic roles are complex, its depiction as a type of Antichrist underscores the ongoing spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. As believers navigate this world, they are reminded to remain vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in their allegiance to Christ, the true King. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 16:19And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 17:5 Library Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... A Discourse The Papacy not the Antichrist The Apocalypse. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Introduction On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel. 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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