Topical Bible: Babylon was Called: Sheshach

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Introduction:
The name "Sheshach" is a cryptic term used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to Babylon. This designation appears in the prophetic literature and is often associated with the judgment and downfall of Babylon, a city and empire that played a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah.

Biblical References:
The term "Sheshach" is found in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 25:26 and Jeremiah 51:41. These passages are part of prophetic oracles concerning the fate of Babylon.

· Jeremiah 25:26 : "And all the kings of the north, near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach will drink it too."
· Jeremiah 51:41 : "How Sheshach will be captured, the praise of the whole earth seized! What a horror Babylon will become among the nations!"

Interpretation and Meaning:
The use of "Sheshach" as a name for Babylon is often understood through the lens of a cryptographic method known as "Atbash." This method involves substituting the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet with the last, the second with the second-to-last, and so on. When applied to the Hebrew spelling of "Babylon" (בבל), it results in "Sheshach" (ששך). This cryptic reference may have been used to convey a message of judgment while avoiding direct confrontation with Babylonian authorities.

Historical and Theological Context:
Babylon was a dominant empire in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth, power, and influence. It played a pivotal role in the history of Israel and Judah, most notably through the Babylonian Exile, which began in 586 BC when Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple.

Theologically, Babylon is often depicted as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. The prophets, including Jeremiah, pronounced divine judgment against Babylon for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppression of God's people. The use of "Sheshach" underscores the certainty of Babylon's downfall as decreed by God.

Prophetic Significance:
The prophetic declarations against Babylon, including the use of the name "Sheshach," serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations. Despite Babylon's temporary power and glory, it was ultimately subject to God's judgment. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic literature, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand the divine will.

Conclusion:
The term "Sheshach" is a unique and enigmatic reference to Babylon within the Hebrew Bible. It highlights the prophetic message of judgment against a city that epitomized human rebellion against God. Through the lens of biblical prophecy, "Sheshach" serves as a testament to the ultimate triumph of God's justice and righteousness over the forces of pride and idolatry.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 25:12,26
And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, said the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unseen Watcher
... of the future, they had exclaimed: "How is Sheshach taken ... down, and sit in the dust,
O virgin daughter of Babylon,. ... For thou shalt no more be called, The lady of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Hence his beginning to deal with Antichrist, is called, the beginning of ... Babylon
also, when God sent the cup of his fury unto her, yet ... And Sheshach shall drink ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm