Topical Bible: Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident

◄ Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Babylon, one of the most significant cities of the ancient world, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of human pride and self-reliance. Its historical and spiritual significance is profound, serving as a representation of worldly power and arrogance against God.

Historical Context

Babylon was the capital of Babylonia, a major kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq. It rose to prominence under the rule of King Hammurabi in the 18th century BC and reached its zenith under King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. The city was renowned for its impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the massive walls that surrounded it.

Biblical References

The Bible portrays Babylon as a city of great power and self-confidence, often in opposition to God's will. In the book of Isaiah, Babylon is depicted as a proud and secure city, boasting of its invincibility. Isaiah 47:8 states, "So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says in her heart, 'I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.'"

This self-assured attitude is further illustrated in the book of Daniel, where King Nebuchadnezzar's pride leads to his downfall. Daniel 4:30 records the king's boastful words: "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" This statement reflects the king's belief in his own strength and the security of his empire.

Symbolism and Prophetic Literature

Babylon's self-confidence is not only a historical reality but also a symbol of human arrogance in biblical prophecy. The book of Revelation uses Babylon as a metaphor for the ultimate worldly power that opposes God. Revelation 18:7 echoes the sentiment found in Isaiah: "As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.'"

This portrayal of Babylon serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the transient nature of human power in contrast to the eternal sovereignty of God.

The Fall of Babylon

Despite its apparent security and self-confidence, Babylon's downfall was inevitable. The Bible prophesies its destruction as a divine judgment against its arrogance and idolatry. 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."

The historical fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC fulfilled these prophecies, demonstrating the ultimate futility of human pride and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 47:7,8
And you said, I shall be a lady for ever: so that you did not lay these things to your heart, neither did remember the latter end of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
... typical story is merciful chastisement, meant to secure a hearing ... Nineveh, as might
have been expected, but as Babylon. ... Sorrow has in itself no power to effect ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/manassehs sin and repentance.htm

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... who vaunt themselves in fancied might and power, children of ... that some have; I can
stand secure; I have ... have said, "I have built this mighty Babylon," but then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... cup" of the scarlet harlot of Babylon, with which ... learn to experience the strength
and power of faith ... these seditious leaders and other self-secure spirits are ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Plato's splendid imaginings had yielded neither a secure basis to the ... of the soul
with Fate, the cry to a Power who should ... "O daughter of Babylon, happy shall ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm