Babylon and the Great Tribulation

Babylon great Tribulation

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Babylon is a symbol for false Christianity. In the context of Revelation 17-18, Babylon becomes very powerful during the ‘little season’ of the Great Tribulation that exists just before the Last Day (Judgment Day). There are 7 key reasons why Babylon why Revelation 17-18 points to Babylon in the Great Tribulation.

Summary of Babylon in the Great Tribulation

#1 – Context of Rev 17-18 is Just prior to Judgment Day

#2 – Beast that Was, is Not, Yet is (Rev 17:8,11)

#3 – 7th Head is the Antichrist (7 Heads) – Rev 17:3,7,9-10

#4 – 10 Horns Reign for One Hour – Judgment on the Harlot (Rev 17:3, Rev 17:7, Rev 17:12, 17:16

#5 – Babylon Deceives all nations (Rev 18:23-24)

#6 – Babylonian Captivity – Type of Great Tribulation

#7 – Nebudchadnezzar, King of Babylon is a Type of the Antichrist

Summary of Babylon in the Great Tribulation

The city of Babylon is mentioned more than 250 times in the Bible from Genesis 10 to Revelation 19.  The name, Babylon (which is the same word as ‘Babel’ in the Hebrew language) literally means ‘confusion’ (see Gen 11:9) and was first used is the ‘Tower of Babel’ passage in Genesis 11.  A substantial portion of the Bible discusses events involving Babylon, which was later used in the book of Revelation as a symbol of organized, apostate Christian religion that exists in the last days prior to the return of Christ.  Babylon is discussed extensively in the ‘major’ prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations Ezekiel and Daniel).  Babylon became the world power that ultimately took Judah into captivity and destroyed Jerusalem (2 Ki 24 and 25, 2 Chr 35, Jer 39, Jer 52, etc.).

However, in the context of Revelation 17-19, Babylon is false Christianity (churches and parachurches) that exists during the Great Tribulation, right up to Judgment Day.  Babylon is on display in Revelation 17-19 as prideful, powerful, influential, works-based false Christian religion that causes the world leaders and peoples to be drunken by idolatry including human wisdom, might, power, riches, pleasures, etc.  The sins of Babylon include:

  • Spiritual fornication (worship of other gods and idols)
  • Merchandising of Christianity for gain to live a rich, luxurious lifestyle
  • Deception
  • Persecution of God’s true people (true Christians)

It is the Babylon of the book of Revelation that is notably displayed in the last days up to the Final Day of Judgment (Rev 14:8, 16:19, 18:21, etc.).  It is Babylon who is judged by God and found guilty.  Also, Rev 18:4 warns God’s people to depart from Babylon, which indicates that God’s people can be deceived into being part of Babylon.  Ultimately, God brings all of His people out of Babylon prior to Judgment on Babylon.

#1 – Context of Rev 17-18 is Just prior to Judgment Day

  • 7th Bowl Judgment
    • And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.  (Rev 16:19)
    • And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters:  (Rev 17:1)
  • And the ten horns which you saw are 10 kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast … These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them … (Rev 17:12,14)
  • And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen … (Rev 18:2)
  • Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her.  (Rev 18:8)
  • 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.  (Rev 18:10)
  • Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; 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. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (Rev 18:20-24)

#2 – Beast that Was, is Not, Yet is (Rev 17:8,11)

Summary: The Scarlet Beast was loosed to deceive the world prior to the cross, but became bound at the cross.  Satan will be loosed for a short season (Great Tribulation) at which time he will once again deceive the world. Therefore, Babylon will be enpowered by the Beast that ‘yet is’ when Satan is released from the bottomless pit (Rev 20:3-8).

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

(Rev 17:8)

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

(Rev 17:11)

Which was and is not, yet is (ascend out of the bottomless pit) and go to perdition – In order to understand the timing of the presence of the beast (represents Satan’s kingdom) and therefore, when Babylon will be seated on the power of Satan’s kingdom, it is important to understand the phrase ‘is was, is not and yet is’.  Revelation was written in the last 1st century by John inspired by the Holy Spirit (Rev 1:1-2).  At this time, the beast was not presently active.  Therefore, we can know that this beast does not represent the Roman Empire.  At this time, Satan has bound in the bottomless pit (Rev 20:1-3, Mat 12:29, Lk 10:18, Heb 2:14).  He still existed, but did not have the allowance to deceive the nations (Rev 20:3, Heb 2:14).  This allowed the Gospel to go forth throughout the church age, which is represented by the 1000 year time period, commonly referred to as the millennium.  However, after that symbolic 1000 year time period, Satan will be released to deceive the nations.  This is the ascension of the beast from the bottomless pit referred to in Rev 17:8.  This time period is often referred to as the Great Tribulation that is that ‘little season’ (Rev 20:3, Rev 17:10) prior to the return of Christ on Judgment Day (Rev 20:3, 7-10).  Therefore, it can be concluded that the Babylon described in Rev 17-19 is that dominant world religious system that will be very powerful during the ‘Great Tribulation’.   During the ‘Great Tribulation’, the scarlet-colored beast (Satan) will power Babylon to deceive the nations with her sorceries (Rev 18:23).

  • Beast was, and is not (yet is) and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit
    • Babylon (false church has always been supported by the beast)
    • Bottomless pit – related to Satan (Rev 9:1-2, Rev 17:7-8, Rev 20:1, Rev 20:3)
    • The Binding of Satan – Rev 20:1-7, Mat 12:22-29 (see the Binding of Satan study)
    • Was – prior to his binding
    • Is not – bound at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation
    • Yet is – (Satan still exists and has influence in the world as the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2, 1 Pet 5:8, etc.)
    • Shall ascend out of the bottomless pit – the loosing of Satan – Rev 20:7
  • The Eighth
    • 1st 5 kings – those kingdoms that desolated Israel and Judah
      • Represents the division (judgment) of saved from unsaved
      • Judgment of God – Mat 25:2‑12, Lk 16:28, Rev 9:5,10, 1 Sam 17:40
      • Salvation of God – Mat 25:2, Num 18:16, Mat 16:9, Mk 2:3
    • 6th king – king at the time of Revelation (Roman empire)
    • 7th king – Antichrist
    • 8th king – Satan, who gave his authority to the beast (antichrist) – Rev 13:2
  • Perdition (Gr: apoleia (G684, 20 occurrences), from G622, to destroy fully)
    • Son of perdition – 2 Thess 2:3, John 17:12
    • Judgment – 2 Pet 3:7, Heb 10:39, 1 Tim 6:9, Phil 1:28, Ro 9:22, Mat 7:13, Phil 3:19, 2 Pet 2:1, 2 Pet 3:16
  • They that are on earth shall wonder
    • On earth – living people
    • Wonder – Gr: thaumazo (G2296, 46 occurrences – cognates are G2295, G2297 and G2298 for a total of 55 occurrences)
      • Satan – Rev 17:7, Rev 17:8, 2 Cor 11:14
      • Antichrist (beast) – Rev 13:3 (see also 2 Thess 2:9-12, etc.)
        • Dan 8:24-25 Destroy wonderfully, prosper destroy mighty and holy people, deceit shall prosper
        • Rev 13:3-5 – marveled at wound that was healed, warfare ability, mouth speaking great things and blasphemies
        • Dan 11:36-37 – King of the north speak marvelous things against God and exalt himself above all things, shall not regard the god of his fathers, magnify himself above all
        • Dan 7:25 – little horn speaks great things against the Most high, wear out the saints and change times and law (3 ½ times)
        • 2 Thess 2:3, 9-10 – exalts himself above God, seated in temple, iniquity, signs and wonders
        • At hatred of Christians – 1 John 3:13
      • Babylon – Rev 17:6
        • Wonder at apostasy – Gal 1:6
      • Christ – His works and Word – Mat 21:15, Mat 21:20, Mat 21:42, Mk 12:11, John 9:30, 1 Pet 2:9, Rev 15;1-3, 2 Thess 1:10, John 7:21, John 5:20, John 5:28, John 3:7, Mk 5:20, Lk 24:12, Mat 15:31, Mk 6:51, Lk 11;14, Lk 9:43, Lk 4:22, Lk 1;25, John 4:26-27, John 7:15, Lk 24:41, Mat 8:27, Mat 9:8, Mat 9:33, Mat 22:22, Mat 12:17
      • Advent of Christ and John the Baptist – Lk 2:18, Lk 2:33, Lk 1:21, Lk 1:63
      • At works at the time of the apostles – Acts 2:7, Acts 4:13, Acts 3:12
      • Pilate at Jesus Christ – Mk 15:15, Mat 27:14
      • Pharisees at disciples not washing hands – Lk 11:38
      • Moses at burning bush – Acts 7:31
      • Jesus at faithfulness – Mat 8:10, Lk 7:9
      • Jesus at someone’s unbelief – Mk 6:6
    • Whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world
      • Book of life (salvation) – Rev 20;12, Rev 20;15, Rev 21:27, Phil 4:3, Is 4;3, Dan 12:1
      • Foundation of the world – election – Eph 1:4-5,11, Mat 25:34, 1 Cor 2:7, Lk 11:50, Ro 9:23, Heb 4:3, 2 Thess 2:13-14

#3 – 7th Head is the Antichrist (7 Heads) – Rev 17:3,7,9-10

  • See discussion below on ‘Location of Babylon, Sits on 7 Heads’ for more details

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.  (Rev 17:3)

 

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (Rev 17:7)

 

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.  (Rev 17:9-10)

  • Five of these Satanic kingdoms have fallen, one is and one is yet to come. The kingdom that was present when John was inspired to write the Revelation was the Roman Empire (Acts 16:21).  The reference to 5 fallen kings likely is symbolic to highlight the number 5, which is a number that is used to signify both those who are saved or those who are lost (e.g., the 10 virgins – Mat 25:2-12, David’s 4 smooth stones – 1 Sam 17:40, etc.).
  • The final head points to the end time Beast of Revelation 13 (also known as the little horn – Dan 7:3, 8, 17, 5:5, 7-9, 11:2-4, 13, 15, 27-29, etc., the wicked one of 2 Thess 2:3-4 and the antichrist – 1 John 2:18, etc.).  This final head would become active once the scarlet-colored beast of revelation 17 (Satan) is released from his abysmal prison resulting in the ‘Great Tribulation.  The scarlet beast (Satan) becomes the eighth beast and is contemporaneous with the antichrist (a.k.a., little horn, wicked one).
  • 1 King to come (antichrist) and continue a short space (Rev 17:10)
    • Short space (G3641 – oligos – literally – puny in extent)
      • Dragon came down since he has but a short (oligos) time – Rev 12:12
      • Short period of Great Tribulation / Satan loosed – Rev 20:3, little – (G3398) mikros, season – (G5550) chronos
      • 42 months – Rev 13:5 (for example)
      • Rev 6:11 – Tribulation martyrs wait for a little season

#4 – 10 Horns Reign for One Hour – Judgment on the Harlot (Rev 17:3, Rev 17:7, Rev 17:12, 17:16

 

The 10 horns symbolically represent the final unified completion of the world kingdoms that are against organized end-time false Christianity, just before Judgment Day (Great Tribulation)

10 horns, which have received no kingdom yet – The scarlet-colored beast will also have 10 horns which are 10 kings which did not yet at the time of John’s inspiration receive their kingdom yet (Rev 17:12).  The number ’10’ once again should be understood from a spiritual perspective in that the world’s kingdom’s will align with Satan and the antichrist for 1 hour (Rev 18:10,17).  The world’s kingdoms will give their strength and power (Rev 17:12-13, 17) to the beast (Satan) for the purpose of waging war with the Lamb (Jesus Christ) (Rev 17:14), but the Lamb will win this battle (Judgment Day).  The 10 horns (the world’s kingdom’s will hate the Whore, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn with her with fire – all symbols of the double judgment of the Great Tribulation and the Last Day (see discussion on ‘double judgment).

  • So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Rev 17:3)
  • And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (Rev 17:7)
  • And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. (Rev 17:12)
    • One hour – points to Judgment
      • ‘Hour of judgment’ – Rev 14:7, Rev 18:10
      • The passion of Christ – Mark 14:35, John 2:4, John 8:20, John 12:23, John 12:27, John 13:1, John 16:21, John 16:32, John 17:1, John 19:14, John 19:27
      • Disciples could not watch for one hour – Mat 26:40, Mat 26:45, Mk 14:37, Mk 14:41
      • One hour – Great Tribulation – Rev 9:15, Rev 17:12, Lk 12:12, Rev 18:10, Rev 18:17, Rev 18:19, John 16:32 (scattering) – see also 1 Cor 15:30, Gal 2:5
      • One hour – Final Judgment Day / Battle of Armageddon – Rev 17:14, Rev 3:3. Rev 3:10, Rev 11:13, Rev 14:7, John 5:25-30, etc.
      • Hour is a type of the entire Christian era – 1 John 2:18 (‘Last time’ literally, hour) – Ro 13:11, John 16:2, John 16:4, John 16:25, (see also Jude 18) – refers the church age
    • Hour – Old Testament (H8160 – only 5 occurrences) – Dan 3:6, Dan 3:15, Dan 4:19, Dan 4:33, Dan 5:5 – Points to a time of judgment
  • These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (Rev 17:13)
    • One mind – unity (Mat 4:8 – Satan controls all kingdoms of the world, Lk 4:6) – see also Phil 1:27, Phil 2:2
    • Mind – gnome (G1106) – literally, one purpose (not mind) – be in agreement (Rev 17:17) – (see also 1 Cor 1:10, 1 Cor 7:25, 1 Cor 7:40).
    • Power – dunamis (force, power) – Isa 10:5-7, Ez 38:10, Acts 4:28
    • Under God’s soverign will – Is 10:5-7, Eze 38:10, Acts 4:28
    • Strength – exousia (authority)
    • Beast – Satan’s kingdom under the authority of the antichrist (Rev 13:2)
  • For further discussion on the 10 horns hatred of Babylon (Great Tribulation) and the 10 horns’ war with the Lamb (Judgment Day), see section entitled ‘Babylon’s Judgment’ below.

#5 – Babylon Deceives all nations (Rev 18:23-24)

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.   (Rev 18:23)

 

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.  (Rev 20:3)

 

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  (Rev 20:7-8)

In Rev 18:23, we find that Babylon deceives all nations by her sorceries.  The deception of all nations points to the work of Satan during the short season of the Great Tribulation (Rev 20:3,7-8).  The motive power that allows Babylon to deceive all nations is that the Scarlet Beast (Satan) will be loosed from his prison during the Great Tribulation.  The scarlet beast (Satan) gives his power and authority to the Beast (Rev 13:2).  The beast (antichrist) is the 7th head of the scarlet beast who only continues for a short time (Rev 17:10).  In these passages, the Satanic trinity can be seen (i.e., scarlet colored beast is Satan, the 7th head is the beast and Babylon is the false prophet).

Great Tribulation verses on deception:

  • And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Rev 20:3)
  • Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish …  (2Th 2:9-10)
  • … false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders … if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  (Mat 24:24)
  • And his [little horn] power shall be mighty … And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many … (Dan 8:24-25)

#6 – Babylonian Captivity – Type of Great Tribulation

Many that are interested in prophecy (pre-millennialists) believe that the Babylonian Captivity is just an historical event.  They believe that it applies to Old Testament Israel only and that it does not directly impact the church today.  However, when this topic is examined from a Biblical viewpoint that recognizes that the millennium (1000 years) of Rev 20 is a symbol for the church age, then the Babylonian Captivity can also be seen as a type of the end-time Great Tribulation.  Just as the Babylonian Captivity affected Israel / Judah of the Old Testament, so too will a Babylonian Captivity affect the church during the Great Tribulation (see Luke 21:24, Rev 17-18).  Realizing this, tremendous spiritual truth is unlocked from the Old Testament prophets that is directly applicable to the church of the Great Tribulation.

The Babylonian Captivity is a type of the time period known as the Great Tribulation (Mat 24:15).  During the Great Tribulation the false Christian church is known as the Great Whore Babylon (Rev 17-18).    Although Babylon has always existed, during the Great Tribulation, Satan is loosed from his prison (Rev 20:1-8) for a symbolic 1000 years (the church age, see Mat 12:22-29 and Rev 20:1-8).  Once released, this begins the short period of time known as the Great Tribulation (Rev 20:3-8, Mat 24:15, etc.).  The Abomination of Desolation exists within the false Christian church (Babylon).  The Abomination of Desolation is Satan and his kingdom (which includes the Antichrist (beast) and the False Prophet / Babylon).  Satan and his kingdom manifests itself in the church as the worship of other gods and idols.  The church condones this behavior during the Great Tribulation (lawlessness).  At this time, the false church Babylon encompasses the true church of genuine Christians, who are just a small remnant of the entire false Christian church (Mat 7:21-23).  This physical church is held in captivity with Satan and his ministers in charge of the church.

A very important link from New Testament prophecy concerning the Great Tribulation and the Babylonian Captivity is found in Lk 21:20-24:

  • (20)  And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.  (21)  Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.  (22)  For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.  (23)  But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.  (24)  And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Lk 21:20-24)

When we harmonize this passage with the similar passages in Mat 24 and Mk 13, we find that the compassing of Jerusalem with armies and impending Jerusalem’s desolation is equated to the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ (see table below Mat 24:15, Mk 13:14a, Lk 21:20) compared to Mat 24:16, Mk 13:4b and Lk 21:21.  This results into the entry into the time period known as the ‘Great Tribulation’ (see Mat 24:21, Mk 13:19, Lk 21:23b).

Mat Mark Luke
(Mat 24:15)

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

 (Mar 13:14a)

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,)

 (Luk 21:20)

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

(Luk 19:43)

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side
(Mat 24:16)

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

 (Mar 13:14b)

then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

 (Luk 21:21)

Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

(Luk 21:22)

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

(Luk 19:44)

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
(Mat 24:17)

Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house:

(Mat 24:18)

Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

 (Mar 13:15)

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take anything out of his house:

(Mar 13:16)

And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
(Mat 24:19)

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

(Mat 24:20)

But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

 (Mar 13:17)

But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

(Mar 13:18)

And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

 (Luk 21:23a)

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! …
(Mat 24:21)

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

(Mat 24:22)

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

 (Mar 13:19)

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

(Mar 13:20)

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

 (Luk 21:23b)

… for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

(Luk 21:24)

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

The key facts that Jerusalem is encompassed (i.e., sieged) and then desolated points to the events of the Babylonian Captivity.  Additionally, other features concerning the Great Tribulation found in the Olivet Discourse (Mat 24, Mk 13, Lk 21) also are the same as the events that occurred during the Babylonian Captivity:

  • Siege
  • Abomination of Desolation
  • Deception / false prophets
  • War (sword)
  • Famine
  • Pestilence
  • Earthquakes
  • Tribulation (persecution)
  • Command to flee
  • Days of God’s vengeance

Details of this comparison of the Olivet Discourse and the Babylonain Captivity are contained in ‘Babylonian Captivity in the Olivet Discourse’.  This provides very strong evidence that Babylon Captivity (i.e. Babylon in control of the church) is a type of the Great Tribulation.

As discussed in detail in Appendices a through D, the Babylonian Captivity of Judah (c. 606 B.C. – 536 B.C.) provides an important Biblical type of the Great Tribulation.  The Babylonian Captivity is extensively discussed in the major and minor prophets in the Old Testament.  For example, Jeremiah was the prophet in Jerusalem during the end of the kingdom of Judah including the siege and destruction of Jerusalem.  The prophet Ezekiel was the prophet with the captives that were deported from Jerusalem.  The prophet Daniel was deported to Babylon and served the King of Babylon.

Important references that tie the Babylonian Captivity to the Great Tribulation include Bible passages in the Olivet Discourse, the discussion of the Abomination of Desolation and the book of Revelation.

In the Great Tribulation, we find an explicit statement that there will be a captivity, a siege and a desolation of Jerusalem, just before the second coming of Jesus Christ:

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh … And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

(Luk 21:20, 24)

We find in the parallel passage to Mat 24 concerning the Abomination of Desolation that Christians will be led away (spiritually) captive into all nations and Jerusalem (the spiritual Holy Place, where Christians physically gather together – i.e., the church) shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled (i.e., Judgment Day, see Rev 11).

A careful review of the harmony of verses in the Olivet Discourse (i.e., Mat 24, Mk 13, Lk 21) indicates that the event that causes the need for those in Judea to flee (Mat 24:16, Mk 13:14 and Lk 21:21) is recorded as the Abomination of Desolation in Mat 24:15 and Mk 13:14, but as the siege of Jerusalem in Lk 21:20. Similarly, later in the passage we find that the definition of Great Tribulation in Mat 24:21 and Mk 13:19 is the great ‘distress’ noted in Lk 21:23.  The Abomination of Desolation is also discussed in prophecies in Revelation.

Jerusalem Trodden Down by Babylon

The treading down of Jerusalem is recorded in Lk 21:20-24 and other related passages as being a symbolic reference to the Great Tribulation:

  • And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luk 21:20-24)
  • Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2Th 2:4)
  • But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. (Rev 11:2)
  • For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zec 14:2)
  • Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? (Dan 8:13)
  • And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Dan 8:23-25)
  • And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Dan 11:45)
  • And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:6-8)

After a siege of Jerusalem (c. 588-586 B.C.), the Babylonians entered Jerusalem and ‘trod down’ the holy city making the Babylonian occupation of Jerusalem a symbol for the Great Tribulation

  • And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. (Jer 39:2-3)
  • Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city. (Jer 21:4)
  • The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. (Lam 1:10)
  • Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. (Psa 74:3-4)
  • A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. (Psa 79:1)
  • We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the LORD’S house. (Jer 51:51)
  • My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it. (Eze 7:22)
  • The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. (Lam 1:15)
  • The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. (Isa 63:18)

The Promised Land controlled by King of Babylon

Another impotant fact is that during the babylonioan Captivity, the King of Babylon controlled the ‘pronmised land’ from the River of Egypt to the River Euphrates:

  • And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.  (2Ki 24:7)
  • In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:  (Gen 15:18)

This signifies that Satan’s kingdom controlled the place of God’s people during the Babylonian Captivity.  Similarly, during the Great Tribulation Babylon will control the place of God’s people (i.e., the church throughout the world).

#7 – Nebudchadnezzar, King of Babylon is a Type of the Antichrist

Summary – Why Nebuchadnezzar is a type of the Antichrist

Babylon is referred to as a queen (Rev 18:7).  A queen in the Bible often represents the wife or consort of the king (e.g., Maacha – 2 Chr 11:20-22, 1 Ki 14:31, 15:2,10,13, Vashti – Esther 1:9-18, Esther – Esther 2:4, Athaliah, wife of Jehoram – 2 Chr 22:12, see also 2 Chr 15:16, Neh 2:6. Jer 29:2, Dan 5:10).  Babylon in Rev 17-18 is the queen over the kings of the earth (who are under the power of Satan (Mat 4:8-9, Eph 2:2, 2 Cor 4:4, etc.).  Also, during the Great Tribulation, Babylon will ride upon the beast (Satan) and the 7th head (antichrist) will be in place (see discussion above).  Therefore, Babylon is the consort of the Antichrist.

The following is a summary of 4 reasons why Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon is a type of the antichrist:

  1. King of Kings (worldly imitation of Jesus Christ – 1 Tim 6:15, Rev 19:16)
    1. The same title (King of kings) is used for Nebuchadnezzar as is used for Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar is an imitation (false type) of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, Nebuchadnezzar is an antichrist since he takes the position of King instead of Jesus Christ.
  2. All nations commanded to serve Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon
    1. During the Great Tribulation, Satan gives his power and authority to the beast (antichrist), who has power over the kingdoms of the world (Rev 13:2). The 7th head of the scarlet beast (Satan) symbolizes the antichrist. The 10 horns represent the fullness of the world’s kingdoms.
  3. Nechadnezzar – God’s Servant of Judgment on Judah / Jerusalem (which is a symbol of the location of God’s earthly church)
    1. The Great Tribulation is a time of persecution of God’s people (Mat 24). It is a time where the man of sin takes his seat in the temple of God (2 Thess 2).  The Great Tribulation is a judgment on the nominal earthly church.
  4. In Is 14, King of Babylon has similar characterists as the Man of Sin (Antichrist) in 2 Thess 2, Dan 7, Dan 8, Dan 11, Rev 13, etc.

Nebuchadnezzar – King of Kings (antichrist, imitation of Christ)

  • Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. (Dan 2:37-38)
  • For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. (Eze 26:7)
  • Jesus Christ is the true King of Kings
    • That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords (1Ti 6:14-15)
    • And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev 19:16)
  • Antichrist
    • (A.k.a., Beast, Man of Sin, Son of Perdition, Little Horn, King of the North, etc.)
    • Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.  (1John 2:18)
    • Many other names for the end-time antichrist:
      • Man of sin, son of perdition, lawless one – 2 Thess 2:3, 8
      • The Beast – Rev 13:1-10
      • The 7th Head of the scarlet-colored beast – Rev 17:10
      • The Little Horn – Dan 7:8, Dan 8:9
      • The King of the North – Dan 11:40
      • Etc.
  • Definition of an Antichrist
    • Against Christ (Prophet, Priest, King)
    • Prophet – Word of God
    • Priest – Christ is only way to salvation
    • King – Obedience
    • Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.  (1Jn 2:22)
    • And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  (1Jn 4:3)
  • Actions of the Antichrist
    • Pride Examples:
      • Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God… Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness (2Th 2:4, 7, 9-10)
      • And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  (Rev 13:7)

All Nations Commanded to Serve Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon

  • And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son’s son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him. And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand. Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish. But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein. I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live. Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you. Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD’S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste? (Jer 27:6-17)
  • Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also. (Jer 28:13-14)
  • And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. (Jer 40:9)
  • For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. (Jer 30:8-10)

Nebuchadnezzar (King of Babylon) – God’s Servant (Judgment on Judah)

  • Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. (Jer 25:9)
  • And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. (Jer 27:6)
  • And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them. (Jer 43:10)
  • Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD. (Eze 29:18-20)

Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon – A Type of Satan (Lucifer) in Isaiah 14

Summary of Isaiah 14 characteristics of the Antichrist / Satan

  • Oppressor – Is 14:4
  • Wicked – Is 14:5
  • Smote people in wrath, ruled nations in anger – Is 14:6
  • Feller of trees – Is 14:8
  • Pompous – Is 14:11
  • Lucifer, son of the morning (dawn) – Is 14:12
    • Lucifer – H1966 (1 occurrence) – brightness
  • Did weaken the nations – Is 14:12
  • Pride: For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the most high (Isaiah 14:13-14)
  • Made the earth to tremble, did shake the nations – Is 14:16
  • Made the world a wilderness; destroyed the cities, did not open the house of the prisoners – Is 14:17
  • Destroyed the land, slain the people – Is 14:20

In addition to the above descriptions of the King of Babylon that describe the desire of Satan, they also harmonize with the Satan-powered antichrist of the Great Tribulation.  We recall from 2 Thess 2 that the antichrist as a man seeks to exalt himself above God.  He actually shows himself to be a god:

  • Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2Th 2:1-4)