Babylon The Great (page 4)

Vanderhoven716 hours agoHere is a great commentary by GAI
Although the identity of Babylon the Great and the "Harlot" or "Great Prostitute" in Revelation 17 is a subject of ongoing debate among biblical scholars and theologians, a significant body of thought, supported by various biblical arguments, points to apostate Israel, and specifically Jerusalem, as the Harlot.
Here's a breakdown of the evidence
1. Consistent Old Testament Imagery:
Harlotry as Idolatry: The Old Testament frequently uses the metaphor of "harlotry" or "adultery" to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and pursuing alliances with other nations. Prophets like Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel extensively employ this imagery (e.g., Jeremiah 2:20-24; 3:2-3; Ezekiel 16:1-43; 23). This strong precedent suggests that when John uses "harlot" in Revelation, he is drawing on this established biblical motif to describe spiritual unfaithfulness.
Israel as God's Bride: In the Old Testament, Israel is often depicted as God's chosen bride, uniquely covenanted to Him. Her turning away to other gods is therefore seen as spiritual adultery, hence the "harlot" imagery. This covenant relationship makes the term "harlot" particularly fitting for Israel when she becomes unfaithful, as opposed to other nations who were never in such a covenant.
2. Parallels with Ezekiel 16 and 23:
Many scholars highlight the striking parallels between Revelation 17 and Ezekiel 16 and 23, which graphically describe Jerusalem's (and Samaria's) spiritual harlotry. The language and themes of prostitution, lavish adornment, and judgment for unfaithfulness are strongly echoed in Revelation.
3. "Drunk with the Blood of the Saints and Prophets" (Revelation 17:6):
This is a key verse for those who see Israel as the Harlot. Throughout biblical history, it was often Jerusalem and the Jewish leaders who persecuted and killed the prophets (e.g., Matthew 23:37-38; Luke 13:33-34). The early Christian persecution also originated significantly within Jewish communities who opposed the followers of Jesus. This aligns with the Harlot being "drunk with the blood of the saints and of the martyrs of Jesus."
4. "The Great City Where Our Lord Was Crucified" (Revelation 11:8):
While Revelation 17 explicitly calls the Harlot "Babylon the Great," Revelation 11:8 refers to "the great city where their Lord was crucified." This location is unequivocally Jerusalem. For some, this link suggests that the Harlot, while referred to as "Babylon" (a symbolic name for a persecuting power), ultimately represents Jerusalem in its apostate state.
5. Symbolic Meaning of "Babylon":
Those who argue for Israel as the Harlot often contend that "Babylon" in Revelation is not literal Babylon or even necessarily literal Rome, but a symbolic name for a corrupt religious and political system that opposes God and persecutes His people. Given Israel's historical role and eventual rejection of Messiah, some see Jerusalem as having become "Babylonian" in its spiritual character.
6. Scholarly Support:
Several biblical scholars and theologians, particularly those from a preterist or partial-preterist interpretive viewpoint, have argued for Jerusalem/apostate Israel as the Harlot. Some notable names include:
David Chilton (e.g., The Days of Vengeance: An Exposition of the Book of Revelation)
J. Massyngberde Ford (Revelation in the Anchor Bible series)
Kenneth Gentry (e.g., Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation)
J. Stuart Russell (The Parousia: A Critical Inquiry into the New Testament Doctrine of Our Lord's Return)
Conclusion:
While the identification of the Harlot in Revelation varies among scholars, the arguments for apostate Israel/Jerusalem are compelling, primarily due to the consistent use of "harlotry" imagery for Israel in the Old Testament, the parallels with Ezekiel's prophecies, and the references to the blood of saints and prophets. Understanding this perspective requires a careful examination of biblical typology and the symbolic language of Revelation.

Babylon the Great: More Than Just Jerusalem—A Global Economic System

Vanderhoven7 presents a well-structured argument linking apostate Israel/Jerusalem to the Harlot of Revelation 17, but I respectfully challenge this view. While Jerusalem has historically been accused of spiritual harlotry, the broader prophetic context of Babylon the Great points to something far more expansive—a global economic system that dominates and corrupts nations.

1. Babylon’s Global Influence

Revelation 17:1 describes the Harlot as sitting “on many waters,” which Revelation 17:15 clarifies as “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” This suggests a worldwide presence, something far beyond Jerusalem alone.

2. The Seven Mountains: A Symbol of Global Dominion

Just as Zion represents God’s Kingdom, His holy mountain, the seven mountains in Revelation 17 symbolize world powers that have governed the earth across history. These seven mountains also connect to seven continents, emphasizing Babylon’s worldwide reach—not just a single city like Jerusalem or Rome.

3. Economic Power & Global Trade

Revelation 18:11-19 describes merchants mourning Babylon’s fall because their commerce collapses. This aligns with a worldwide economic structure, not just the destruction of one city. Jerusalem, even at its height, never held such global commercial dominance.

4. The Kings of the Earth & Babylon’s Corruption

Revelation 17:2 states that “the kings of the earth committed adultery with her” and were “intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” This implies a system that seduces nations through wealth, commerce, and materialism—a description that fits the modern world economy far better than Jerusalem.

5. Babylon’s Sudden & Final Destruction

Revelation 18:8 states that Babylon will be “destroyed in one hour”—a sudden collapse that suggests a financial or economic catastrophe, rather than the gradual fall of a single city.

Conclusion: Babylon as the Global Economic System

While Jerusalem has played a role in biblical prophecy, the economic and political reach described in Revelation fits a global empire much better. Babylon the Great represents the corrupt financial and commercial empire that dominates the world, leading nations into materialism and spiritual decay.

In contrast to the Holy Mountain of Zion, which represents God’s Kingdom, Babylon’s seven mountains depict the vast, interconnected world system that governs the economies of nations. It is not just a single city—but the global financial structure that will face divine judgment.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this perspective!

Babylon The Great

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