The Mystery of What or Who Is Babylon the Great?
Bible Study Guide
Babylon the Great has prompted lots of debate and conversations. Let’s look at it from the lens of the Bible.
I remember way back during my high school years. Literature was not my strongest class. It was my least desirable. I dreaded learning of the book the teacher would pick for us to read. Why did I have to read something I had absolutely no interest in?
Then came those books that made no sense at all. It didn’t matter how many pages you read, it couldn’t be understood. At least not by me. Someone might get the same sense when they pick up Revelation and begin reading chapter 17 about Babylon the Great.
It would be normal to expect someone to stop reading and close the book. Please don’t! Let’s get through this together and you’ll be surprised at what’s revealed.
It’s true, the further you venture across the verses in this chapter, the more difficult it is to follow along.
He’s Not the God of Confusion
God already knew this was going to be the case. He’s not a God of confusion. He didn’t give this to John to write with the intention of confusing the reader.
God sends an angel to help John and the reader understand what’s being written down. God did the same with Daniel the prophet in the Old Testament. He sent Daniel an angel to help explain the end times prophecy that Daniel was instructed to record.
Unlike Revelation, where Jesus opens the scrolls. Daniel was told to seal up the scrolls until the time of the end. God also indicates to Daniel, in the last days people’s knowledge of God’s Word will increase. Wisdom and understanding will come to many who hold fast to His Word and seek discernment.
“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:4)
Where Did Babylon the Great Begin?
In order to fully understand Revelation 17 & 18, we must put into biblical context the origins of Babylon.
The evil, God opposing spirit of Babylon the Great finds it’s roots with the great hunter and grandson of Noah, Nimrod. If you recall, it was Nimrod who had the desire to lead mankind up to heaven via the tower of Babel. Babel is the ancient name for Babylon.
He wanted to make a name for himself and exalt himself up to God. Does that sound familiar (Lucifer)? He wanted to get himself to heaven his way, not God’s way. This is very reminiscent of religion today and it’s works based system of salvation. This also opposes God.
Interestingly enough during this time, Nimrod’s wife, Semiramis was considered a high priestess who began idolatrous acts of worship. What did she worship? She worshiped the sun, moon, and the stars. Her followers believed that she had miraculously conceived a son. The child’s name was Tammuz. Many believed that he was born to be the savior of his people.
These are the origins of the occult which involve astrology, sorcery, and magic. This form of idolatrous worship that opposes God continues to today. The worship of Tammuz continued for centuries.
In fact, it found it’s way into God’s own temple in Jerusalem.
“Then he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the Lord, and I saw women sitting there, mourning the god Tammuz.” (Ezekiel 8:14)
We see the evil spirit of Babylon the Great continue through King Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon was the first world ruling empire to disperse the Israelites out of Judah and Jerusalem. They destroyed and burned the temple of God. And they held captive for 70 years, thousands of Israelites in the city of Babylon.
What Is the Great Babylon Mystery?
As we’re about to find out, it’s not really a mystery because an angel is going to reveal the answer to John.
Babylon the Great is about two different world systems. One is a false religious system. The other is a political economic system. They are both ruled by Satan and find their roots in Babel and it’s pagan leader Nimrod.
While the systems are separate from one another, They’re interwoven as one evil body opposed to God in every way imaginable. The evil spirit of the mysterious Babylon the Great has grown, flourished, prospered in the hearts of mankind since the beginning.
These two systems will manifest into what we refer to today as a One World Religion and One World Order. Different terms but the same evil system. One is presented from a worldly view. The other is presented by God from a biblical perspective.
The stunning similarities between God’s word and what’s occurring today has never been more stark in comparison. It’s astonishing to look at and see how close we are to the return of Christ. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
From Wrath to Rapture
(Verses 1-2) John sees in his vision that the seventh angel has a dual mission. First, he completes God’s wrath upon the earth by pouring out his bowl judgment. Then he invites John to follow him. He’s going to reveal the mystery of Babylon the Great.
Remember, John just recorded in Revelation 16 that God had not forgotten anything about the fornications and spiritual adulteries of Babylon the Great. Now, He’s going to reveal to John all He’s not forgotten and what He wants John and us to know.
“God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath.” (Revelation 16:19)
Throughout the Old Testament, God often used the term “prostitute” in speaking about Israel or its people. This was a reference to their heathen practice of worshiping idols in opposition to God. It was a false religion that the Israelites had chosen to follow in opposition of God. Here the “great prostitute” is the false religious system of the devil.
It’s also coming to be known as the One World Religion.
It’s followers are deceived. Many believe in their own eyes that they may be doing the right thing, but in God’s eyes, they’re of their father the devil.
“There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
Only Satan puts a false path in the hearts of mankind.
The reference to many waters indicates that the “great prostitute” and her influence has spread across the entire globe.
The reference to kings indicates that this false religious system is interwoven into society’s political and economic systems also. For a time, these two false systems will act together.
Who’s the Woman on the Scarlet Beast?
(Verses 3-4) John is temporarily raptured up to see in person the great harlot of Babylon who’s called the “great prostitute.”
It’s not surprising that these visions astonish John. Their meaning must have perplexed him. It’s likely he has the universe as a backdrop for his visions. He may have felt like he was in the scene himself.
The passage does not reveal the significance of the colors scarlet and purple, but they must hold meaning. Scarlet and purple threads weave through the story of the Bible in many different contexts. It does point to one thing here. It also aligns with something that many believe it points to. We’ll talk a bit more about this in just a moment.
We can only imagine the evil names that God has assigned to her. The seven heads and ten horns are in reference to a coming world system that will be lead by the Antichrist. More on this in a few verses.
The Mystery of Babylon the Great Revealed
(Verse 5) While the prostitute’s name of Babylon the Great is revealed as a mystery. The angel is going to explain to John what the mystery is.
We want to look at the “great prostitute” as the false (spiritual) religious system created by Satan. At the same time, both spiritual and political systems are woven into the name, Babylon the Great.
Keeping Our Feet Grounded In the Truth
There is much debate about what we just explored in this Bible study. Unfortunately, there is too much of man’s word and not enough of God’s in these debates. This stokes the flames of Satan’s deception.
Here’s what’s really important. All true biblical Christians will not be around to see any of these things occurring. Christ will rapture His true followers.
Will there be minor nuances in biblical perspectives of what we just studied? Yes, there will be. That’s alright. As long as discussions don’t turn into ad hominem conversations. It’s important to remember that we must edify one anther with God’s Words and not divide one another.
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