Bible Questions and Answers

In the Old Testament Babylon was a city built on the banks of the Euphrates in Mesopotamia. It is the same place translated Babel where the languages of Noah’s descendents were confused. Today, its ruins are in Iraq and are very extensive. The Bible in no way exaggerated the glory and extent of the city of Babylon.

The Babylonian Empire was responsible for the destruction of the Temple built by Solomon and the 70 years of Judah’s captivity.

The city of Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar's day was eventually completely destroyed as prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah and over centuries became uninhabited.

Babylon is mentioned in the New Testament by Peter when he was in Rome.

1 Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you....

In Revelation Babylon is one of the names assigned to the apostate Christian Church symbolised as a harlot. It is called Babylon as the seat of idolatry and refers in symbol to the city of Rome.

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The description fits no other than the Roman Catholic Church. No other institution has had the influence over nations as described.

Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

She became the mother of harlots at the Reformation when new Christian denominations arose which kept the corrupt doctrines devised by the Roman Church. Doctrines such as the Trinity, immortal souls, heaven going, hell as a place of eternal torment, division of clergy and laity, priest-craft etc.

The symbolic Babylon (possibly Rome but, in my opinion, most likely the Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome - the seat of the Roman Church) is to be subjected to a spectacular destruction.

Revelation 18:2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird... 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come... 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

I hope you have found this helpful.

God bless you,
Glenn,
thisisyourbible.com