Your thoughts on the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

I have a lot of thoughts on this subject, but I recognize the value of understanding other views, particularly on eschatological doctrine. So I am keeping this thread open to all views allowed by the forum.

In this thread, I am asking for you to explain, in as much detail as you wish, why you believe what you believe about the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17. Please include what eschatological view you hold in your answer.

A brief synopsis of my view:

I am a futurist, and Pre-Millennial... I have begun to re-examine the question of Babylon because I am holding a Bible study on the book of Isaiah, and we are entering chapter 13. Even though I see good points to be made in favor of the other views I am familiar with, I find myself being fairly confident that the Babylon of Revelation will indeed be a city that is located in very close proximity, at the very least, to the historical city of Babylon in modern day Iraq. I believe this primarily because there are so many OT prophecies about ancient Babylon that have yet to be fully fulfilled, and also due in large part to Zechariah's vision of the woman in the basket in Zechariah 5:5-11... the fact that this woman called wickedness is being taken to the land of Shinar (ancient Iraq), where she will have a "house" (or temple) built for her there after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire had already occurred, and it's proximity to the prophecy of the chariots in Zechariah 6:1-8 (which I strongly believe also gives us great insight as to how to interpret the four horsemen on Revelation 6), indicates to me (along with the many other prophecies of Babylon that are yet to be fulfilled) that the story of literal Babylon in the land of Shinar is yet to be completed. There is also a compelling symmetry to this view: immediately following the judgment of the flood, organized false religion, united with governmental authority and power, originated in Babylon (Genesis 10:8-10; 11:1-9), and it will end in Babylon immediately preceding the judgment of Christ's return.

Please remember we are Christians in all of our interactions here, but I am interested to hear both your own view and thoughtful Biblical critique of my view. May God bless every single one of you as you seek His face;
Michael

OldWiseGuy · Feb 1, 2021

The most common (Protestant) view is that it is the Vatican/Rome. However Jerusalem is also a contender. I would also toss the U.S. in there as well.

Tree of Life · Feb 1, 2021

"Babylon" is a figurative city. It represents the "city of man" or the efforts of fallen man to control his life and to save himself from the curse. It goes all the way back to the line of Cain in Genesis. It is the seed of the serpent. It shows up in the Tower of Babel. It's manifested as the city of Babylon which destroyed Judah.

Babylon is always present with us and manifests throughout history in different forms. It manifests itself as any human attempt to control life and save himself from sin. It takes the form of nation states, political groups, social movements, etc. God's people are called to come out of Babylon and become citizens of the New Jerusalem.

Babylon may or may not have a penultimate manifestation as some final, literal future city or nation state before the end. But it would be a mistake to think that Babylon isn't here with us already.

2PhiloVoid · Feb 1, 2021

I'd probably call myself an eschatological hyper-generalist who floats somewhere among Historicist and Pre-mill views.

Still, in a very hazy way, I'd say I lean in the direction that you do in thinking of "Mystery, Babylon the Great" as a prophetic entity associated with the Middle-East, somewhere, somehow, some "when" (in the past perhaps already?).

Beyond that, I won't venture far to say much more.

Who really knows other than the Lord?

Rene Loup · Feb 1, 2021

I do not know, but I have heard theories that it is the Roman Catholic Church, more specifically the harlot of Babylon.

I am going to leave it at that. There are still many true believing Christians in that denomination. I am NOT qualified to speak about this at all.

Sabertooth · Feb 1, 2021

I don't know, but why is Iraq not a contender?

parousia70 · Feb 1, 2021

MYSTERY BABYLON = JERUSALEM

Let's let scripture interpret scripture:

MYSTERY BABYLON
Rev. 18:24
And in her was found the blood of prophets...

JERUSALEM
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee...

Luke 13:33
... for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:22-23
...and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 25:10-11
Moreover I WILL TAKE FROM THEM the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:10
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.

JERUSALEM
Revelation 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. [our Lord died in Jerusalem, of course]

MYSTERY BABYLON -- CLOTHED IN PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Revelation 17:4, 18:16
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication ... And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones...

PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Exodus 28:4-6, 17-20
they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister
unto me in the priest's office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with skillful work....And thou shalt taketwo onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel...Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings...

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 4:30
Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers

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

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 3:1
but thou hast played THE HARLOT with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:3
and thou hadst a w-hore's forehead...

Ezekiel 16:35-36
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy ABOMINATIONS, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

JERUSALEM/APOSTATE ISRAEL
Luke 11:47
Woe unto you! ... Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: THAT THE BLOOD OF ALL THE PROPHETS, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, IT SHALL BE REQUIRED of this generation.

The cross references in Holy Scripture are so abundant as to leave us without any doubt who is Mystery Babylon -- JERUSALEM AND APOSTATE ISRAEL.

Jerusalem is the Great City in the book of Revelation (Rev 11:8). She is Babylon (1 Pet 5:12-13), the Harlot that rode on the Beast's back (her alliance with Ancient Rome) before the Beast turned on her and made her desolate and burned her with fire (Rev 17:16; Lk.21:20).

Earthly Jerusalem, by Divine right and calling, was the preeminent city among all nations. The Hebrew/Biblical understanding of Jerusalem is that she is the "Chief of the nations" (Jeremiah 31:7; Ez 5:5), the Queen city of the earth (Lam 1:1/Rev 18:7). She, by Divine right and covenant, was appointed as the head of all nations (Deut 26:19; Deut 15:6; Deut 28:1,10-13), and the gentile kings recognized God's dwelling was at Jerusalem with the Hebrews (1 Ki 10:24; Luke 11:31; Ezra 1:2; Dan 2:47, 3:28-29, 4:1-3, 4:17, 4:34-37; Ezra 1; Ezra 4-7; Ezra 7:15,23).

The Governor of all nations (Ps. 22:28) lived in Jerusalem in his House (Ez 7:15,23), and all the kingdom, power and might over earth was His (1 Chron 29:11-12). Indeed, all kings receive their power to rule from that Divine King (Rom 13:1-2,6; John 19:11; 1 Pet 2:13-14,17; Ez 1:2; Dan 1:1-2; Dan 2:20-21; Dan 2:37-38; Dan 2:47, Dan 3:28-29; Dan 4:1-3,17,34-37.).

Yet, Jerusalem was also famous for becoming The Harlot City -- an unfaithful spouse to her King (Isa 1:21; Jer 3:6-10; Ez 16:37-39). She had become "drunk with the blood of the saints" (Rev 17:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16) as Christ had prophesied she would (Mt 23:33-37; Lk 11:50-51).

Sadly, the "great city," Jerusalem (Rev 11:8), had fallen, and had become the habitation of demons and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev 18:2). The Queen City Jerusalem (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1), which had been great among the nations (Lam 1:1), had become a widow (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1). And She, having become an unfaithful Harlot to God, was thus "burned with fire" (Rev 18:8/17:16) as her covenant law demanded for her (Lev 21:9). The blood of all the apostles and prophets who she famously killed (Matt 23:33-36; Matt 21:34-39; Lk 13:33; Acts 7:52; 1 Thess 2:15-16; Lk 11:47; Neh 9:26; 1 Ki 19:14) was avenged upon her (Matt 23:33-37; Rev 16:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16).

OldWiseGuy · Feb 1, 2021

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

OldWiseGuy said:
The most common (Protestant) view is that it is the Vatican/Rome. However Jerusalem is also a contender. I would also toss the U.S. in there as well.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Lost4words · Feb 1, 2021

Jerusalem

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

Tree of Life said:
"Babylon" is a figurative city. It represents the "city of man" or the efforts of fallen man to control his life and to save himself from the curse. It goes all the way back to the line of Cain in Genesis. It is the seed of the serpent. It shows up in the Tower of Babel. It's manifested as the city of Babylon which destroyed Judah.

Babylon is always present with us and manifests throughout history in different forms. It manifests itself as any human attempt to control life and save himself from sin. It takes the form of nation states, political groups, social movements, etc. God's people are called to come out of Babylon and become citizens of the New Jerusalem.

Babylon may or may not have a penultimate manifestation as some final, literal future city or nation state before the end. But it would be a mistake to think that Babylon isn't here with us already.

Thank you for your thoughts... I can see that aspect for sure. There are two kingdoms: the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God/heaven. One is represented by Babylon (and sometimes Egypt), and the other is represented by Jerusalem/Zion. One is founded by man in the pride and rebellion of man inspired by Satan, with the goal of drawing man away from God. The other is founded by a humble shepherd king under the direction of God, Whose goal is to bring man back into right relationship with Himself. I believe both are always spiritually present and constantly in opposition to each other... but I do believe that there will be a final manifestation of this battle, and it will come about when the kingdom of God appears to be at it weakest (earthly Jerusalem will once again try to be the center of God's kingdom, yet be in rebellion, but towards the end will repent and call out for Jesus to return), and the kingdom of the world (centered on Babylon again) seems to be on the verge of total victory on earth. It is at that point that Jesus Christ will return, bringing a complete end to the kingdom of the world and establishing His Kingdom on the earth.

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

2PhiloVoid said:
I'd probably call myself an eschatological hyper-generalist who floats somewhere among Historicist and Pre-mill views.

Still, in a very hazy way, I'd say I lean in the direction that you do in thinking of "Mystery, Babylon the Great" as a prophetic entity associated with the Middle-East, somewhere, somehow, some "when" (in the past perhaps already?).

Beyond that, I won't venture far to say much more. Who really knows other than the Lord?

Thanks for your thoughts.

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

Rene Loup said:
I do not know, but I have heard theories that it is the Roman Catholic Church, more specifically the harlot of Babylon.

I am going to leave it at that. There are still many true believing Christians in that denomination. I am NOT qualified to speak about this at all.

There were a lot of very compelling reasons for that view to be held by European protestants at the time of the reformation, but less so today (even though I strongly disagree with Rome on a great many things) because the kingdom of the world is no longer centered on Rome, and outside of Europe it hadn't been for a very long time even at the time of the reformation. Thanks for your thoughts.

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

Sabertooth said:
I don't know, but why is Iraq not a contender?

Indeed. Thanks for your question. I think the main reason is that Iraq has not been a world power for a very, very long time, and it's prospects for returning to power seem very unlikely for now. Yet, 150 years ago, how many thought it possible that Israel would again become a nation? And given the radical changes that happened to geopolitics after WWI and WWII, why would it seem unthinkable that another major world war could not radically change the balance of power once again? The majority of Iraq's people are Shi'ite, and Iran is almost totally Shi'ite, and has big ambitions... redraw the national boundaries to reflect that fact, and you would have the beginnings of that area being at the very least a strong regional power, and depending on how much devastation the war visited on current world powers like the US, China, Europe, and Russia...

Revelation 6 speaks very clearly of a major war occurring right at the beginning of it's description of the final events. The 1st beast is described as being primarily "like a leopard" (Revelation 13:2), which was the description that Daniel gave to the empire that had the most rapid and successful assent to power in known history: Greece under Alexander the Great. Given the technology of modern warfare, much faster expansion could very easily happen if the rest of the world was greatly weakened and a great enough military leader was in place. Also consider the vast majority of the middle east is already Muslim, and could be united under a single leader much easier, very like the Ottoman Empire that successfully controlled most of that territory until early last century. Just some food4thought.

food4thought · Feb 1, 2021

parousia70 said:
MYSTERY BABYLON = JERUSALEM

Let's let scripture interpret scripture:

MYSTERY BABYLON
Rev. 18:24
And in her was found the blood of prophets...

JERUSALEM
Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee...

Luke 13:33
... for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:22-23
...and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 25:10-11
Moreover I WILL TAKE FROM THEM the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:10
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.

JERUSALEM
Revelation 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of THE GREAT CITY, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. [our Lord died in Jerusalem, of course]

MYSTERY BABYLON -- CLOTHED IN PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Revelation 17:4, 18:16
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication ... And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones...

PRIESTLY GARMENTS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
Exodus 28:4-6, 17-20
they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister
unto me in the priest's office. And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with skillful work....And thou shalt taketwo onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel...Exodus 28:17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings...

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 4:30
Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers

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

JERUSALEM
Jeremiah 3:1
but thou hast played THE HARLOT with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 3:3
and thou hadst a w-hore's forehead...

Ezekiel 16:35-36
Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy ABOMINATIONS, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

MYSTERY BABYLON
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

JERUSALEM/APOSTATE ISRAEL
Luke 11:47
Woe unto you! ... Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: THAT THE BLOOD OF ALL THE PROPHETS, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, IT SHALL BE REQUIRED of this generation.

The cross references in Holy Scripture are so abundant as to leave us without any doubt who is Mystery Babylon -- JERUSALEM AND APOSTATE ISRAEL.

Jerusalem is the Great City in the book of Revelation (Rev 11:8). She is Babylon (1 Pet 5:12-13), the Harlot that rode on the Beast's back (her alliance with Ancient Rome) before the Beast turned on her and made her desolate and burned her with fire (Rev 17:16; Lk.21:20).

Earthly Jerusalem, by Divine right and calling, was the preeminent city among all nations. The Hebrew/Biblical understanding of Jerusalem is that she is the "Chief of the nations" (Jeremiah 31:7; Ez 5:5), the Queen city of the earth (Lam 1:1/Rev 18:7). She, by Divine right and covenant, was appointed as the head of all nations (Deut 26:19; Deut 15:6; Deut 28:1,10-13), and the gentile kings recognized God's dwelling was at Jerusalem with the Hebrews (1 Ki 10:24; Luke 11:31; Ezra 1:2; Dan 2:47, 3:28-29, 4:1-3, 4:17, 4:34-37; Ezra 1; Ezra 4-7; Ezra 7:15,23).

The Governor of all nations (Ps. 22:28) lived in Jerusalem in his House (Ez 7:15,23), and all the kingdom, power and might over earth was His (1 Chron 29:11-12). Indeed, all kings receive their power to rule from that Divine King (Rom 13:1-2,6; John 19:11; 1 Pet 2:13-14,17; Ez 1:2; Dan 1:1-2; Dan 2:20-21; Dan 2:37-38; Dan 2:47, Dan 3:28-29; Dan 4:1-3,17,34-37.).

Yet, Jerusalem was also famous for becoming The Harlot City -- an unfaithful spouse to her King (Isa 1:21; Jer 3:6-10; Ez 16:37-39). She had become "drunk with the blood of the saints" (Rev 17:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16) as Christ had prophesied she would (Mt 23:33-37; Lk 11:50-51).

Sadly, the "great city," Jerusalem (Rev 11:8), had fallen, and had become the habitation of demons and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev 18:2). The Queen City Jerusalem (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1), which had been great among the nations (Lam 1:1), had become a widow (Rev 18:7/Lam1:1). And She, having become an unfaithful Harlot to God, was thus "burned with fire" (Rev 18:8/17:16) as her covenant law demanded for her (Lev 21:9). The blood of all the apostles and prophets who she famously killed (Matt 23:33-36; Matt 21:34-39; Lk 13:33; Acts 7:52; 1 Thess 2:15-16; Lk 11:47; Neh 9:26; 1 Ki 19:14) was avenged upon her (Matt 23:33-37; Rev 16:6; Rev 18:20,24; 1 Thess 2:15-16).

Thank you very much for such a thorough and well thought out reply... I will have to take some time to digest all that before I reply. Hopefully within the next few days, but it may take until the weekend.

Sabertooth · Feb 1, 2021

food4thought said:
Your thoughts on the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17

Here is one contradiction that I find interesting:
While the [state?] of Babylon is considered to be the "bad guy" of the Bible, its most prominent emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, is an early example of a redeemed Gentile.

Douggg · Feb 2, 2021

food4thought said:
I am a futurist, and Pre-Millennial...

Please go to this thread, the first post, and see if you want to participate.

Where do you fit ?

Douggg · Feb 2, 2021

food4thought said:
I have a lot of thoughts on this subject, but I recognize the value of understanding other views, particularly on eschatological doctrine. So I am keeping this thread open to all views allowed by the forum.

In this thread, I am asking for you to explain, in as much detail as you wish, why you believe what you believe about the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17. Please include what eschatological view you hold in your answer.

A brief synopsis of my view:

I am a futurist, and Pre-Millennial... I have begun to re-examine the question of Babylon because I am holding a Bible study on the book of Isaiah, and we are entering chapter 13. Even though I see good points to be made in favor of the other views I am familiar with, I find myself being fairly confident that the Babylon of Revelation will indeed be a city that is located in very close proximity, at the very least, to the historical city of Babylon in modern day Iraq. I believe this primarily because there are so many OT prophecies about ancient Babylon that have yet to be fully fulfilled, and also due in large part to Zechariah's vision of the woman in the basket in Zechariah 5:5-11... the fact that this woman called wickedness is being taken to the land of Shinar (ancient Iraq), where she will have a "house" (or temple) built for her there after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire had already occurred, and it's proximity to the prophecy of the chariots in Zechariah 6:1-8 (which I strongly believe also gives us great insight as to how to interpret the four horsemen on Revelation 6), indicates to me (along with the many other prophecies of Babylon that are yet to be fulfilled) that the story of literal Babylon in the land of Shinar is yet to be completed. There is also a compelling symmetry to this view: immediately following the judgment of the flood, organized false religion, united with governmental authority and power, originated in Babylon (Genesis 10:8-10; 11:1-9), and it will end in Babylon immediately preceding the judgment of Christ's return.

Please remember we are Christians in all of our interactions here, but I am interested to hear both your own view and thoughtful Biblical critique of my view. May God bless every single one of you as you seek His face;
Michael

Babylon the Great in Revelation is the mystical kingdom of Satan and his third of the angels. Babylon the Great is not an actual city. Revelation 18 is an allegory of the sudden destruction forthcoming on Babylon the Great.

God's intent is to destroy Babylon the Great. The finalization of that destruction begins when Satan and his angels are cast down to earth in Revelation 12:7-9.

OldWiseGuy · Feb 2, 2021

Babylon is actually the city where I live, in Wisconsin. The system of governing is...organized confusion.

Berean Tim · Feb 2, 2021

food4thought said:
I have a lot of thoughts on this subject, but I recognize the value of understanding other views, particularly on eschatological doctrine. So I am keeping this thread open to all views allowed by the forum.

In this thread, I am asking for you to explain, in as much detail as you wish, why you believe what you believe about the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17. Please include what eschatological view you hold in your answer.

A brief synopsis of my view:

I am a futurist, and Pre-Millennial... I have begun to re-examine the question of Babylon because I am holding a Bible study on the book of Isaiah, and we are entering chapter 13. Even though I see good points to be made in favor of the other views I am familiar with, I find myself being fairly confident that the Babylon of Revelation will indeed be a city that is located in very close proximity, at the very least, to the historical city of Babylon in modern day Iraq. I believe this primarily because there are so many OT prophecies about ancient Babylon that have yet to be fully fulfilled, and also due in large part to Zechariah's vision of the woman in the basket in Zechariah 5:5-11... the fact that this woman called wickedness is being taken to the land of Shinar (ancient Iraq), where she will have a "house" (or temple) built for her there after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire had already occurred, and it's proximity to the prophecy of the chariots in Zechariah 6:1-8 (which I strongly believe also gives us great insight as to how to interpret the four horsemen on Revelation 6), indicates to me (along with the many other prophecies of Babylon that are yet to be fulfilled) that the story of literal Babylon in the land of Shinar is yet to be completed. There is also a compelling symmetry to this view: immediately following the judgment of the flood, organized false religion, united with governmental authority and power, originated in Babylon (Genesis 10:8-10; 11:1-9), and it will end in Babylon immediately preceding the judgment of Christ's return.

Please remember we are Christians in all of our interactions here, but I am interested to hear both your own view and thoughtful Biblical critique of my view. May God bless every single one of you as you seek His face;
Michael

Revelation 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints,
and of all who have been slain on earth.”
I believe it's Jerusalem.It would be hard to find another city with the"blood of prophets" found in it. There's many other scriptures identifying Jerusalem this way.

Your thoughts on the identity of Babylon in Revelation 17

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anytime rapture, non-dispensationalist, futurist

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