The Importance of Babylon in the Bible: A Historical Study
Exploring the significance of Babylon throughout the Bible, this study delves into its role as a tool of God's vengeance against various nations, including Tyre and Jerusalem. It highlights Babylon's rise and fall, with insights from ancient descriptions by historians like Herodotus. The narrative unfolds key events showing Babylon's prominence and eventual decline, shedding light on its impact on biblical history.
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A Study of Isaiah CLASS ELEVEN Babylon & Isaiah 1 October 2, 2019 Palm Beach Lakes Dan Jenkins
The Importance of Babylon in the Bible From Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 The name Babylon found 295 times in the Bible Babylon was God s tool of vengeance - Against Tyre Eze. 26:2-7 2
The Importance of Babylon in the Bible Eze 26:2 "Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, 'Aha! She is broken who was the gateway of the peoples; now she is turned over to me; I shall be filled; she is laid waste.' Eze 26:3 "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. Eze 26:4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. Eze 26:5 It shall be a place for spreading nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken,' says the Lord GOD; 'it shall become plunder for the nations. Eze 26:6 Also her daughter villages which are in the fields shall be slain by the sword. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.' Eze 26:7 "For thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, with chariots, and with horsemen, and an army with many people. 3
The Importance of Babylon in the Bible From Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 The name Babylon found 295 times in the Bible Babylon was God s tool of vengeance - Against Tyre Eze. 26:2-7 - Against Jerusalem Jer. 25:8-9 Jer 25:8 "Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Because you have not heard My words, Jer 25:9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,' says the LORD, 'and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 4
The Importance of Babylon in the Bible From Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 The name Babylon found 295 times in the Bible Babylon was God s tool of vengeance - Against Tyre Eze. 26:2-7 - Against Jerusalem Jer. 25:8-9 Lasted only about 70 years; destroyed by Persia Dan. 5 Pompous prideful i.e. Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4 5
Ancient Description of Babylon by Roman Historian According to Herodotus, the city, which lay in a great plain, was square in its plan and measured 120 furlongs (stadia) each way - 480 in all. Each side was therefore about 14 miles long, making a circuit of nearly 56 miles, and an area of nearly 196 square miles. As the space enclosed is so great, and traces of the walls would seem to be wanting, these figures may be regarded as open to question. Around the city, Herodotus says, there was a deep and broad moat full of water, and then came a wall 50 royal cubits thick and 200 cubits high, pierced by 100 gateways with brazen gates and lintels. Reckoning the cubit at 18 2/3 inches, this would mean that Babylon's walls were no less than 311 ft. high; and regarding the royal cubit as being equal to 21 inches, their thickness would be something like 87 ft. Notwithstanding that Babylon has been the quarry of the neighboring builders for two millenniums, it is surprising that such extensive masses of brickwork should have disappeared without leaving at least a few recognizable traces. 6
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. Dan 4:2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. Dan 4:3 How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation. Dan 4:4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. Dan 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Dan 4:6 Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Dan 4:7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. 7
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:8 But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: Dan 4:9 "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation. Dan 4:10 These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great. Dan 4:11 The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Dan 4:12 Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it. Dan 4:13 "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 8
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:18 "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you." Daniel Interprets the Second Dream Dan 4:19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies! Dan 4:20 "The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, Dan 4:21 whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home 9
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth. Dan 4:23 "And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him'; Dan 4:24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: Dan 4:25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. 10
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:26 "And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules. Dan 4:27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity." Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation Dan 4:28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. Dan 4:29 At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. Dan 4:30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" Dan 4:31 While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 11
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." Dan 4:33 That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws. Dan 4:34 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. Dan 4:35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" 12
Nebuchadnezzarheight to depth to NEW height Dan 4:36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Dan 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. 13
The Importance of Babylon in the Bible From Genesis 11 to Revelation 18 The name Babylon found 295 times in the Bible Babylon was God s tool of vengeance - Against Tyre Eze. 26:2-7 - Against Jerusalem Jer. 25:8-9 Lasted only about 70 years; destroyed by Persia Dan. 5 Pompous & prideful i.e. Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4 The fall of Jerusalem seen as God of Babylonians vs. Jehovah Therefore God repeatedly foretold its doom Isaiah 13-14 Look at this focus on Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 The Jews needed this message so badly before/during captivity 14
Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 The Idols of Babylon and the One True God Isa 46:1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; Their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavily loaded, A burden to the weary beast. Isa 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; They could not deliver the burden, But have themselves gone into captivity. Isa 46:3 "Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld by Me from birth, Who have been carried from the womb: Isa 46:4 Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isa 46:5 "To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal And compare Me, that we should be alike? Isa 46:6 They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. 15
Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 Isa 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble. Isa 46:8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure, Isa 46:11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. Isa 46:12 "Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: Isa 46:13 I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. 16
Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 The Humiliation of Babylon Isa 47:1 "Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate. Isa 47:2 Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. Isa 47:3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man." Isa 47:4 As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. Isa 47:5 "Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; For you shall no longer be called The Lady of Kingdoms. Isa 47:6 I was angry with My people; I have profaned My inheritance, And given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily. 17
Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 The Humiliation of Babylon Isa 47:7 And you said, 'I shall be a lady forever,' So that you did not take these things to heart, Nor remember the latter end of them. Isa 47:8 "Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, Who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children'; Isa 47:9 But these two things shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness Because of the multitude of your sorceries, For the great abundance of your enchantments. Isa 47:10 "For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, 'No one sees me'; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one else besides me.' 18
Babylon and the Jews in Isaiah 46-47 Isa 47:11 Therefore evil shall come upon you; You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; You will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, Which you shall not know. Isa 47:12 "Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail. Isa 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. Isa 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! Isa 47:15 Thus shall they be to you With whom you have labored, Your merchants from your youth; They shall wander each one to his quarter. No one shall save you. 19
