Topical Bible: Pride: Babylon

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Introduction

Babylon, an ancient city-state located in Mesopotamia, is frequently referenced in the Bible as a symbol of pride, arrogance, and defiance against God. Its historical and prophetic significance is underscored by its association with human ambition and rebellion. The narrative of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs.

Historical Context

Babylon was one of the most influential cities of the ancient world, known for its impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens, and its powerful empire under rulers such as Nebuchadnezzar II. The city is first mentioned in Genesis 10:10 as part of Nimrod's kingdom. Its prominence grew, and it became a center of culture, commerce, and military might.

Biblical References

1. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): The account of the Tower of Babel is a foundational narrative illustrating human pride. The people of Babel sought to build a tower reaching the heavens to make a name for themselves, defying God's command to fill the earth. In response, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. This event marks the origin of Babylon's association with human pride and rebellion.

2. Nebuchadnezzar's Pride (Daniel 4): King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon epitomizes the prideful ruler. In Daniel 4, he boasts about the grandeur of Babylon, attributing its splendor to his own power. God humbles him by causing him to live like an animal until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. Daniel 4:37 records Nebuchadnezzar's eventual confession: "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride."

3. The Fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13-14; Jeremiah 50-51): The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesy the downfall of Babylon as a judgment against its pride and idolatry. Isaiah 13:19 declares, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." These prophecies highlight the transient nature of human power and the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

4. Babylon in Revelation (Revelation 17-18): In the New Testament, Babylon is symbolically depicted as a harlot and a city of great wealth and corruption. Revelation 18:7 describes her arrogance: "In her heart she says, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see mourning.'" The fall of Babylon in Revelation serves as a metaphor for the final judgment against worldly pride and opposition to God.

Theological Significance

Babylon's biblical portrayal underscores the theme of divine judgment against pride. It serves as a reminder that human achievements, when pursued in defiance of God, lead to downfall. The narrative of Babylon calls believers to humility, recognizing that all power and glory belong to God alone. The city’s rise and fall illustrate the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Conclusion

While Babylon was a historical city, its biblical representation transcends its physical existence, symbolizing the broader spiritual battle between human pride and divine authority. The lessons drawn from Babylon's account continue to resonate, warning against the perils of pride and affirming the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 50:29,32
Call together the archers against Babylon: all you that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she has done, do to her: for she has been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Babylon.
... the city grew more magnificent under the builder's hand, till at last, in the pride
of his heart, the king made his boast, "Is not this great Babylon that I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

Pride and Humility
... walks one who, lifting up his head on high as if he were more than mortal man, exclaims,
"See ye this great Babylon that I have builded?" Oh! pride, what hast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... walks one who, lifting up his head on high, as if he were more than mortal man,
exclaims, "See ye this great Babylon that I have builded?" Oh! pride, what hast ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. ... Filled
with remorse, "Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

Whether Pride is the Beginning of Every Sin?
... Augustine (De Civ. Dei xiv), "builds up the city of Babylon." Therefore
self-love and not pride, is the beginning of every sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride is the beginning.htm

Of the Diversity of Languages, and of the Founding of Babylon.
... says that the beginning of his kingdom was Babylon, that is, Babylon had a ... tower
against the Lord, and so gave expression to their impious pride; and justly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 4 of the diversity of.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... the means of their preservation amidst the demoralizing influences of the court
of Babylon. ... It was not pride or ambition that had brought them into the king's ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

The Revolt of Babylon.
... thus the instrument of divine Providence in the destruction of Babylon, he was ... Their
pride, their wickedness, their wanton cruelty toward the Jews, had brought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter vii the revolt of.htm

The Master of the Magicians.
... was restored to him, for he had learned that God alone is great, and "Those that
walk in pride He is able to abase.". Belshazzar was the next king of Babylon. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxii the master of.htm

The Chosen People
... After the return from Babylon, much attention was given to religious instruction. ...
of their ceremonies, while their hearts were filled with pride and hypocrisy. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm