Who is Babylon?
The Bible book of Revelation describes Babylon in chapters 17 and 18. It is helpful to know what/who Babylon is so that you can prepare for the time to come that the Bible warns about.
Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.
Babylon is described as a great city that reigns over the kings of the earth. The Bible describes her behavior, which is not acceptable to God. He will hold her accountable for her behavior by bringing destruction upon her that the whole world will see.
Who is she? To help answer this question, here are some points to consider:
- She is called a mystery? Why?
- Why is she so important?
- What are her bad behaviors?
- Why does the Bible liken her behavior to whoredom, and how will God hold her accountable?
Study 19: Babylon the Great
Isaiah 47:1-15
Because of her disrespectful attitude toward God, and the burdens she put on God’s people He will take vengeance on her. Compare with Revelation chapters 17 and 18.
Revelation 17:1-18 and Revelation 18:1-10
God will bring destruction on her, quickly and decisively.
Jeremiah 51:41-49
She will be punished for what she’s done. Compare these verses with Revelation 18:4. Almighty God warns His people to get out of her.
Matthew 23:27-39
She is responsible for the blood of all the prophets, from Abel to Zacharias, and God is not pleased with her.
Zechariah 14:8-11
In the future, the city will be inhabited safely again.
Revelation 16:19
At the end, God will remember Babylon the Great in His wrath, and the great city will be split into three parts.
References:
For more information about how Babylon affected God’s people, read:
- Ezekiel 16:1-14 Once an adulterous nation, God took them in and nurtured them.
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8 God chose His nation because He loved them.
- I Kings 10:1-9 As Ezekiel 16:14 described, Jerusalem’s fame became known and the Queen of Sheba heard about the wisdom of Solomon.
- Ezekiel 16:15-63 Israel deviated God’s teachings and instead committed harlotry by taking on the practices of the other nations. The land of Chaldea is the land of Babylonia, a clue about who Babylon the Great is. But, verses 53-54 state that there will be a restoration of the people in the future. In verses 59-63, she broke the covenant with God.
For other references about Babylon:
- Isaiah 13:1-22 The message about Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
- Psalm 137:8 She was doomed to be repaid for what she did to God’s people.
- Jeremiah 50:1-46 The word that the Lord spoke concerning Babylon.
- Jeremiah 51 Punishment will come and she will fall.
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