Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, an ancient city located in Mesopotamia, is one of the most significant cities mentioned in the Bible. It is often referred to as the "glory of kingdoms" due to its grandeur and influence in the ancient world. The city is situated on the Euphrates River, in what is now modern-day Iraq. Babylon's history, culture, and its role in biblical prophecy make it a focal point of study in biblical literature.Historical and Cultural Significance Babylon was founded by Nimrod, a mighty hunter and ruler, as recorded in Genesis 10:10: "The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." The city rose to prominence under the rule of Hammurabi and later reached its zenith under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who is credited with constructing the famed Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was renowned for its impressive architecture, including the Ishtar Gate and the ziggurat known as Etemenanki, which some scholars associate with the Tower of Babel. Babylon's wealth and splendor are captured in Isaiah 13:19 : "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." Babylon in Biblical Narrative Babylon plays a pivotal role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Babylonian Exile. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar II besieged Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon. This event is a significant moment in Jewish history and is recounted in 2 Kings 25 and 2 Chronicles 36. The prophet Daniel, who was among the exiles, rose to prominence in the Babylonian court. The Book of Daniel provides insight into the life and challenges faced by the Jewish exiles, as well as prophetic visions concerning the future of Babylon and other empires. Prophetic and Eschatological Themes Babylon is frequently used as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God throughout the Bible. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied the downfall of Babylon as a divine judgment. Jeremiah 51:7 states, "Babylon was a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore, the nations have gone mad." In the New Testament, Babylon is symbolically referenced in the Book of Revelation as a representation of worldly power and corruption. Revelation 17:5 describes it as "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." This imagery underscores the city's enduring legacy as a symbol of rebellion against God and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly powers. Theological Implications Babylon's depiction in the Bible serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, idolatry, and moral decay. It exemplifies the transient nature of human achievements and the sovereignty of God over the nations. The fall of Babylon, as prophesied and fulfilled, reinforces the biblical theme of divine justice and the hope of restoration for God's people. In summary, Babylon's historical grandeur and its symbolic representation in biblical prophecy highlight its dual role as both a literal city and a metaphor for human defiance against divine authority. Its legacy continues to be a subject of theological reflection and study within the Christian tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 13:19And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Palestine under Pagan Kings. The Return of the Exiles The Restoration. Introduction Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. The Apocalypse of Baruch. The Sixth vision "On Earth" Resources Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehoiachin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Chaldeans 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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