Topical Encyclopedia Babylon, an ancient city-state located in Mesopotamia, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of opulence and grandeur. Its wealth and splendor are highlighted in various biblical passages, reflecting its status as a center of commerce, culture, and power.Historical Context and Wealth Babylon's wealth was largely due to its strategic location along the Euphrates River, which facilitated trade and commerce. The city was a hub for merchants and traders from across the ancient world, dealing in goods such as textiles, spices, and precious metals. The prosperity of Babylon is often attributed to its fertile lands and advanced agricultural practices, which supported a thriving economy. Biblical References to Babylon's Wealth The Bible frequently alludes to Babylon's wealth, often in the context of its eventual downfall due to pride and idolatry. In the book of Isaiah, Babylon is described as "the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans" (Isaiah 13:19). This passage underscores the city's reputation for magnificence and splendor. In the book of Daniel, the opulence of Babylon is further illustrated through the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar, who is depicted as a ruler of immense power and wealth. Daniel 4:30 records Nebuchadnezzar's boastful declaration: "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" This statement reflects the king's pride in the city's grandeur and his role in its construction. The book of Revelation also references Babylon as a symbol of wealth and excess. Revelation 18:11-13 describes the lament of merchants over the fall of Babylon, highlighting the city's extensive trade in luxurious goods: "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; and cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and chariots; and slaves and souls of men." Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons In biblical literature, Babylon often serves as a symbol of human pride, materialism, and rebellion against God. The city's wealth, while impressive, is portrayed as fleeting and ultimately leading to its downfall. This theme is evident in the prophetic writings that foretell Babylon's destruction as a divine judgment against its arrogance and idolatry. The account of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing trust in material wealth and human achievement. It reminds believers of the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of seeking spiritual treasures that endure. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:37A sword is on their horses, and on their chariots, and on all the mingled people that are in the middle of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is on her treasures; and they shall be robbed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 51:13 Library Palestine under Pagan Kings. Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Jews. In Our Last Chapter we Sought to Show that in Rev. . . Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Book 9 Footnotes Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect Introduction It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... 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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