Series: Biblical Cities- Babylon [#4]
BABYLON- ISAIAH’S PROPHESIED DESTRUCTION
Psalm 137:1
Introduction:
We are continuing in our study of Babylon. The city is the 2nd on the list of most mentions. Babylon is mentioned 286 times in the Bible. It means “the gate of god(s).
Psalm 137:1
Last week, we studied the defeat of Judah and Jerusalem. We studied the failure of king after king; and then, God said, “Enough”. We find many Prophets in the Old Testament. The Prophets main job was to declare God’s Word and God’s will to the people. In our study, we will find that some of Isaiah’s prophecies were a near view and some were a far view. The far view are prophesies that have not been fulfilled yet.
Isaiah 13:17-19
Isaiah’s…
1. Near view of Babylon.
Isaiah was prophesying about how Babylon was going to be physically destroyed. Although this is a near view, it still did not happen during Isaiah’s time. Isaiah declared this prophecy before Babylon was even a real world leader. The problem Nation at that time was Assyria, not Babylon. Isaiah was prophesying about the fall of an empire before it rose as an empire.
If you look into the history of the Babylonians, you will find that the Assyrians destroyed Babylon; but Isaiah said it was the Medes who would destroy it. That would seem to make Isaiah’s prophecy a lie; but many years later, an Assyrian King, (Esarhaddon) rebuilt Babylon. Babylon was reclaimed by King Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar’s father. Later in history, we watch the Mede’s take Babylon; but they did not completely destroy it.
It is important that we understand how prophecy works- God gave Isaiah the words to say; and God took care of the rest. There are many prophesies in the Bible that have not been fulfilled yet; and may not be fulfilled in your lifetime. That does not mean that it will not happen. It means that God is in control; and we need to be obedient to do what He has called us to do.
Isaiah 13:20-22
Isaiah’s…
2. Far view of Babylon.
Babylon’s ultimate destruction will be at the Second Coming of Jesus. As far as the historic fulfillment is concerned, it is obvious from both Scripture and history that these verses have not been literally fulfilled. The city of Babylon continued to flourish after the Medes conquered it, and though its glory dwindled, the city continued in some form or substance until 1000 a.d.
Babylon flourished during the time of the Apostles. It became a center of Jewish learning. Babylon lost its political power to the Medes and Persians; but it was still known as a starting place of many religions. Many Bible scholars believe that Babylon in its religious and political sense will be revived at the end of the age. It is debated if the city itself will have a physical revival to become the capital of the world at the end of the age. Such a rebuilding of the ancient city would make possible a literal fulfillment of the prophecy of complete and sudden destruction as Isaiah prophesied.
Isaiah 14:12-20
Who is this talking about? Is it Nebuchadnezzar or Satan? This has a dual meaning- It is both. This is talking about Nebuchadnezzar’s fall from power as well as Satan’s.
Conclusion:
This prophecy is not completed; but it will be in the last days. Are you ready?
