Bible Prophecy And The Rise And Fall Of Babylon

The ancient city of Babylon was the capital city of southern Mesopotamia from the early second to early first millennium. Its ruins are about 55 miles south of Baghdad in Iraq, on the Euphrates river. It was the seat of power for Nebuchadnezzar II, from 605 to 562 BCE. He built palaces and temples with inscriptions that are still visible today.

In the 1980’s Saddam Hussein did some reconstruction of the walls and a palace. Saddam‘s palace is now abandoned, but overlooks the site of Babylon. After the US-lead invasion in 2003 American forces established a base in Babylon, converting the palace into their headquarters, with helicopters and tanks on the site.

Babylon not only has historical significance, but also is important in biblical and prophetic scriptures. It is mentioned inRevelation 18 quite extensively. Some people take this chapter figuratively and some take it literally. Actually, it could be interpreted both ways. Figuratively, it associates Babylon with demonic activity, immorality, and the economy. In a literal sense it mentions the word “city” three times. The fact that it is a literal place that is presently being restored is a testament to the accuracy of Bible prophecy. I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Revelati9n 18.

It gets even more interesting! It is believed by some prophecy scholars that Babylon will be the economic headquarters for the antichrist during the Tribulation Period. One author writes, “By this time in the future storyline, the one world false religion of the anti-Christ will be intertwined with a totalitarian state. In other words, the ecclesiastical and governmental departments of that demonic system will be in distinguishable. It will be headquartered in Babylon…” (1)

After all of this, Ron Rhodes writes, “God judges and destroys the antichrist’s economic headquarters in Babylon along the Euphrates river.”(2). “The kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.” “The merchants of these wares who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment.” “And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning.” “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence,  and will be found no more.” (Revelation 18:9, 15, 17, & 21)

This is another one of many prophecies that will fall into place during the Tribulation Period. The world is one step closer to this time in the prophetic timeframe. Stay alert to what is happening in current events lining up with Bible prophecy.

1. Pierre G. Ross, The Book of Revelation, Unveiling God‘s plan for humanity, Truth With Grace, 2020, pgs 367-368

2. Ron Rhodes, 40 Days Through Revelation, Harvest House, 2013, pg 217