Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, a city of great historical and biblical significance, is often depicted in the Scriptures as a symbol of human pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God. Its inhabitants are frequently characterized as wicked, embodying the moral and spiritual corruption that stands in opposition to the righteousness of God.Historical Context Babylon was the capital of the ancient Babylonian Empire, located in Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq. It rose to prominence under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, who is known for his conquests and the construction of the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city was renowned for its wealth, architectural grandeur, and cultural achievements, yet it was also infamous for its decadence and moral depravity. Biblical References In the Bible, Babylon is first mentioned in Genesis 11:1-9, where the Tower of Babel narrative unfolds. The inhabitants of Babel sought to build a tower reaching the heavens, an act of defiance against God. As a result, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. This event marks the beginning of Babylon's association with human arrogance and rebellion. The prophet Isaiah prophesied against Babylon, highlighting its eventual downfall due to its wickedness. Isaiah 13:19 states, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." This prophecy underscores the divine judgment that would befall the city due to its inhabitants' sinful ways. Jeremiah also spoke of Babylon's impending destruction, emphasizing the city's role as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel, yet also its own eventual punishment. Jeremiah 51:7 describes Babylon as "a gold cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore they have gone mad." This imagery portrays Babylon as a source of corruption and moral decay, leading nations astray. Symbolism in Revelation In the New Testament, Babylon's symbolism reaches its zenith in the Book of Revelation. Here, Babylon is depicted as a harlot, representing the epitome of spiritual adultery and opposition to God. Revelation 17:5 refers to her as "Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth." This portrayal emphasizes the city's role as a center of idolatry and immorality, influencing the world with its wickedness. Revelation 18 further describes the fall of Babylon, highlighting the lament of those who profited from her excesses. Revelation 18:2 declares, "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." This passage illustrates the complete and utter desolation that befalls Babylon as a result of divine judgment. Moral and Spiritual Lessons Throughout the Bible, Babylon serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pride, idolatry, and moral corruption. Its inhabitants, characterized by their wickedness, stand as a warning to all who would turn away from God and pursue their own desires. The biblical narrative of Babylon calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, resisting the temptations of worldly power and wealth that lead to spiritual ruin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 47:10For you have trusted in your wickedness: you have said, None sees me. Your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you; and you have said in your heart, I am, and none else beside me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Manasseh and Josiah Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth The Seventh vial. Mysterious Prophecies Revealed. The Wicked Husbandmen. The Seventh vision "In Heaven" Religious and Social State. Palestine under Pagan Kings. What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ... 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) |
    |