Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, often referred to as the "Golden City," holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. As the capital of ancient Babylonia, it was a city of great wealth, power, and influence. Its prominence is reflected in various biblical narratives and prophecies, where it is depicted both as a literal city and as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God.Historical Context Babylon was located in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates River, in what is now modern-day Iraq. It rose to prominence under the rule of King Hammurabi in the 18th century BC and reached its zenith during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. Nebuchadnezzar is known for his extensive building projects, including the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the magnificent city walls. 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 marks Babylon as a symbol of human pride and defiance against divine authority. Babylon's role as a dominant empire is highlighted in the books of Kings and Chronicles, where it is depicted as the instrument of God's judgment against Judah. The Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Jewish history, occurred when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled the Jewish people to Babylon (2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21). Prophetic Imagery The prophets frequently spoke of Babylon, both as a literal city and as a symbol of worldly power and corruption. Isaiah refers to Babylon as the "golden city" in his oracle against it: "How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers" (Isaiah 14:4-5). This passage highlights Babylon's eventual downfall as a result of divine judgment. Jeremiah also prophesied against Babylon, foretelling its destruction and the end of its reign: "Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt of jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant" (Jeremiah 51:37). These prophecies were fulfilled when the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Symbolic Representation in Revelation In the New Testament, Babylon takes on a symbolic role in the book of Revelation. It is portrayed as "Babylon the Great," a representation of the world's system opposed to God. Revelation 17-18 describes Babylon as a harlot and a city of great wealth and immorality, destined for destruction: "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit" (Revelation 18:2). This imagery serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of succumbing to worldly temptations and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly powers. Conclusion Babylon's legacy in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing its historical role as a powerful empire and its symbolic representation of human pride and rebellion. Its account serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the enduring sovereignty of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 14:4That you shall take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How has the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! Torrey's Topical Textbook Library We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... Alexander. In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm The Return of the Exiles Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Editor's Preface Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ... Resources What is the significance of Babylon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the whore of Babylon / mystery Babylon? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | 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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