Babylon is mentioned more times in the Bible than any other city, apart from the city of Jerusalem. Ancient Babylon will arise from the dust to be judged by God. The old Babylon was built by Nimrod. See Genesis 10-11. The word “Babel” means “rebel”. Nimrod built a city state that ruled the world at that time. It was the cradle and the grave of false religion. Babylon was great in antiquity but also great in iniquity! It is mentioned in Bible prophecy. Its hanging gardens were one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it will be established again as a wonder in the future.

1 – Babylon is dominated by demons (vs. 1-6)

Ancient Babylon will rise from the dust to become the throne of the Antichrist as world ruler. The criminal returns to the scene of the crime. Babylon has been the city and centre of demonism. The astrologers, soothsayers and magicians are mentioned in the book of Daniel. We are haunted by the ghost of Babylon today. One billion people follow astrology today. We are not to partake of the sins of Babylon. These sins reach up to Heaven. As we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ we can expect to see a tidal wave of sin, debauchery and demonism.

2 – Babylon is defiant in depravity (vs. 7-8)

Babylon glorifies herself – just like Satan. The Devil is strutting over the earth as he has his kingdom on earth. Every luxury known to man will be in Babylon. It will be very rich. Sin now struts down our streets. However, Satan is sailing a sinking ship. Sin will not win and faith cannot fail. Don’t follow a lost cause.

3 – Babylon is destined for destruction (vs. 9-11)

Babylon is going to be destroyed again and it is going to happen fast. It is going to happen in one day. In the space of one hour. It will be destruction by fire. Is it an atomic blast? We don’t know.

4. Babylon is depressing in desolation (vs. 12-24)

Babylon will have been so rich because of its global economy. It will be impossible to buy or sell without the mark of the Beast. Notice in verse 13 that this empire makes use of slaves. The wealth of the world will be in this city. This city will be the centre for iniquity. If you want to get rich then invest in sin. It is possible to make money off the back of human weaknesses. E.g. Pornography through satellite TV, newspapers, magazines and the Internet. There is gambling through the lottery, online gambling, etc. You could be an investor and make money by buying into these things. God will put an end to it all. Their wealth will come to an end when Babylon is destroyed.

5 – What can we learn?

There are three lessons we can learn:-

• Come out of Babylon (vs. 4) – The spirit of Babylon is in the world. The church needs to separate itself from the world. We are in the world but not of it. If you get in with Babylon then you will get burned with Babylon.
• Don’t envy Babylon (vs. 10-11) – Some people may have plenty of money from their immoral dealing but don’t envy them. God doesn’t want your money if it comes from immoral dealing. We have much more of value.
• Rejoice over her (vs. 20) – We are to rejoice over the destruction of Babylon. We are on the winning side!

Categories: Revelation