Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, a city of great historical and biblical significance, is often depicted in the Scriptures as a symbol of idolatry and rebellion against God. The inhabitants of Babylon were known for their worship of false gods and their engagement in practices that were abominable in the sight of the Lord.Historical Context Babylon was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient world, located in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates River. It rose to prominence under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, who expanded the city and made it a center of power and culture. The city is famously known for its Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its impressive walls and architecture. Idolatry in Babylon The Bible frequently associates Babylon with idolatry. The inhabitants worshiped a pantheon of gods, the chief among them being Marduk, also known as Bel. The Book of Daniel provides a vivid account of the idolatrous practices in Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar erected a golden statue and commanded all people to worship it (Daniel 3:1-6). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow down to this idol is a testament to the pervasive idolatry in Babylon and the faithfulness of God's people amidst such practices. Prophetic Denunciations The prophets of Israel frequently denounced Babylon for its idolatry and wickedness. Isaiah prophesied against Babylon, declaring, "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). Jeremiah also pronounced judgment on Babylon, foretelling its destruction due to its idolatrous practices and arrogance (Jeremiah 50:2-3). Symbolism in Revelation In the New Testament, Babylon is used symbolically to represent the epitome of worldly corruption and idolatry. The Book of Revelation describes "Babylon the Great" as a harlot with whom "the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality" and who led the inhabitants of the earth astray with her idolatrous practices (Revelation 17:1-5). This imagery underscores the enduring association of Babylon with spiritual adultery and opposition to God. The Fall of Babylon The fall of Babylon is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over idolatry and sin. The historical fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians, as recorded in Daniel 5, serves as a precursor to the eschatological judgment against spiritual Babylon depicted in Revelation. The prophetic declarations against Babylon emphasize God's sovereignty and the futility of idolatry. Lessons for Believers The biblical portrayal of Babylon and its inhabitants serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It warns against the dangers of idolatry, pride, and rebellion against God. The call to "come out of her, My people" (Revelation 18:4) is a timeless exhortation for Christians to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world and to remain faithful to the one true God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:38A drought is on her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad on their idols. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 3:18 Library In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... Religious and Social State. The End Manasseh and Josiah The Unseen Watcher The Captivity of Judah. True Greatness The Sixth vision "On Earth" Ezekiel The Book of the Law 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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