Topical Bible: Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce

◄ Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Babylon, one of the most significant cities in ancient Mesopotamia, is renowned for its remarkable contributions to commerce and trade. Situated along the Euphrates River, Babylon's strategic location facilitated its development into a major commercial hub, influencing the economic landscape of the ancient Near East.

Historical Context

Babylon's prominence in commerce can be traced back to its position as the capital of several powerful empires, including the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. The city's infrastructure, including its roads and waterways, supported extensive trade networks that connected it with distant regions. Babylon's markets were bustling centers of activity, where merchants traded goods such as textiles, grains, spices, and precious metals.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to Babylon's commercial significance. In the book of Revelation, Babylon is depicted as a symbol of economic power and material wealth. Revelation 18:11-13 describes the lament of merchants over Babylon's fall: "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo—cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet cloth; all kinds of citron wood and articles of every kind made of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and chariots; and slaves—human souls."

This passage highlights the extensive range of goods traded in Babylon, underscoring its role as a center of commerce. The city's wealth and opulence are further emphasized in Isaiah 47:15 , where the prophet speaks of Babylon's merchants: "Such are the merchants you have dealt with from your youth; they wander off, each in his own direction; no one can save you."

Cultural and Economic Influence

Babylon's commercial activities were not limited to trade alone; they also included advancements in banking and finance. The city was known for its sophisticated economic systems, including the use of contracts and credit, which facilitated complex trade transactions. Babylonian merchants were adept at navigating the economic landscape, contributing to the city's prosperity and influence.

The city's wealth and commercial success also had cultural implications. Babylon became a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from various regions who brought with them diverse traditions and practices. This cultural exchange further enriched Babylon's commercial and social life, making it a vibrant and dynamic city.

Prophetic Significance

In biblical prophecy, Babylon's commercial prowess is often juxtaposed with its moral and spiritual decline. The city's wealth and materialism are seen as contributing factors to its eventual downfall. Jeremiah 51:13 warns, "You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come, the thread of your life is cut." This prophetic message serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who prioritize material gain over spiritual integrity.

Conclusion

Babylon's legacy as a center of commerce is well-documented in both historical records and biblical texts. Its economic achievements and influence are undeniable, yet they are also accompanied by warnings of the dangers of excessive materialism and moral decay. The biblical portrayal of Babylon serves as a powerful symbol of the complexities and challenges associated with wealth and commerce in the ancient world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 17:4
He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commerce
... The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of ... But no sketch of commerce
among the early Jews ... from Egypt and Greece; plates from Babylon, wine from ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

In Our Last Chapter we Sought to Show that in Rev. . .
... That the event predicted in this remarkable passage remains still ... Zechariah 54ed
after Babylon had passed into the hands of ... An Ephah is the emblem of commerce. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in our last chapter we.htm

Jews.
... a distinct nation; and, what is remarkable, by far ... They resided at Babylon, or Bagdad,
and exercised an ... by their dexterity and success in commerce, became very ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... Commerce was carried on extensively on both land and ... of human tongues arose from
some remarkable cause is ... a letter sent anywhere in Egypt, Babylon, Canaan, or ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

The Fall of Judah
... the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they ... There is nothing more remarkable
than the tone in ... fleets, not ships, colonies and commerce, not millionaires ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the fall of judah.htm

Isaiah.
... mention himself, Jerusalem, Israel, Judah, Babylon or Egypt ... intellect, great integrity
and remarkable force of ... only religious worship, but commerce and politics ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xv isaiah.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... of another district, and produced the latest articles of commerce or of ... This is a
most remarkable fact. ... For, ever since their return from Babylon, the Jews must ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... allowed, the book has a close and remarkable analogy with ... two letters, one to the
exiles in Babylon, which he ... notion that they fell by their commerce with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... any literature of equal antiquity is always remarkable. ... that Evil-Merodach, king
of Babylon, in the ... among them, their resources, commerce, exploits, alliances ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... promise of the nation that should outlast Egypt or Babylon. ... The literary power and
unity is remarkable. ... there was high development of commerce and government ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm