This is one time we really go outside the scriptures to understand the full impact of something foundational to the entire Bible, and especially the book of Revelation. The reason this is necessary is simply that the people to whom the Bible was written were much more familiar with ancient religion and cultures than we are today, so it is important that we study the implications of the ancient religions surrounding Babylon.
THE FIRST HEAD OF A GOVERNMENT
In a sense the first head of the beast His wife’s name was Samiramus A harlot, and very, very beautiful Nimrod came to be worshipped as the one who had emancipated the human race from the bondage to God’s law, and ancient mythology says that the reason for the building of the tower of Babel was so that if God would again deluge the earth, there would be a means of escape. Atlas; lifting earth away from us When Nimrod was killed, his wife determined to continue his legacy She claimed that Nimrod had not actually been killed, but that he had GIVEN HIS LIFE FOR THE HUMAN RACE. After his death, she became pregnant, and claimed that she was a virgin, and that the son born to her was Nimrod reincarnated This was the origin of the God “Zoar Astra” which means “the seed of the woman” Her son, was Nimrod, who had given his life as a sacrifice for the human race, “resurrected” through reincarnation as “the seed of the woman” (the promised messiah) The result was that Samiramus was also deified; became the first female deity. She has been worshipped almost universally as the god of Venus. The statue of a mother with a child at her breast was spread throughout the whole world and became the statue of the “divine mother” She is referred to as the “Queen of Heaven” in Jeremiah She claimed to have given birth to Nimrod on December 24th, and December 25 was called child’s day” as far back as 2000 B.C. Should tell you something of how much Babylon has invaded the church
Her philosophies swept the known world:
“The Mother of Harlots” Malock – sacrifice of children Egypt at time of Exodus Nile – children to be thrown into river as a sacrifice Baal at the time Israel came into the Land of Canaan – (Lord, Master) Baal’s everywhere The spirit lords over certain things Baal over a river, etc. Baal’s were seen as a source of all manner of blessing Good crops, etc. Rain – Elijah Baal Melchart – God of Power (war) Priests of Baal Melchart were largely homosexuals Wife – Ashera – Ashera poles – Phallic symbol Goddess of fertility & sex Priestesses of Ashera were temple prostitutes Cities were capitals of Baal worship, etc. Ur – Abraham – god/goddess Ninga / Nunga – was to leave before covenant Sidon – Ef-Baal was king and high priest of Sidon
- Jezebel was daughter of Ef-Baal
- Married Ahab
- Jezebel built a great temple to Ashera in Samaria
- Ahab and Jezebel had a daughter, Athaliah – she married the king of
Other names of the same expressions: Isis – Ashera in Egypt Ishta – Syria
CONNECTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION:
Two times in book that John is TAKEN somewhere First time to see Babylon – Rev. Ch. 17 Second time Ch. 21 to see New Jerusalem Both times “in the Spirit”
- “This calls for wisdom” – spiritual discernment
- The church is not “seeable” unless in the Spirit
- We will confuse Babylon with Church, unless in the Spirit
WHO IS THE HARLOT?
REV. 17:5 ON HER HEAD, “BABYLON THE GREAT”/”MOTHER OF HARLOTS” Gen. 10:8-19 – Lists the offspring of Nimrod, and those who descended from him The nations who are later driven out of the land of Canaan when Israel entered in. Consistently Under judgment throughout the Old Testament. Gen. 11:9 – Building of the tower of Babel – “that is why it was called Babel (Babylon – “confused”) — because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” During the time of the Revelation, the worship of Venus very common. Part of trade unions, etc.
- All rooted in Babylon
She corrupted the Nations: Body, Soul and Spirit Appealed to the appetites I John 2:16 – Lust of the flesh:
- Sex, food, drunkenness
- “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die”
Lust of the Eyes:
- Greed, money, affluence
Pride of Life:
- Arrogance, “I am above judgment.” “I will do my own thing.”
Babylon Mystery
A deceitful mystery Her philosophies are slowly revealed as one gets involved with her entrapments Trail of Babylon was always a trail of the blood of those who refused to worship her. Her worship was a part of belonging to trade unions during the period of time when Revelation was written She Corrupted Israel: -The mother of Baal worship -Isaiah 13; 14; 21; 46 – 48; 25; 50 – 51 Daniel 4: especially v. 30 King Nebuchadnezzar – “Is not his the great Babylon I HAVE BUILT as the royal residence, by MY MIGHTY POWER AND FOR THE GLORY OF MY MAJESTY.” She is drunk with the blood of the saints: She is the spirit behind the governments. She is behind the political system – Washington DC Smell her perfume in Sodom, New York, London The Spirit of this World. We no longer think of Babylon as a religion, but we still worship her – we aspire to her philosophies: If it feels good, do it. Worship of the appetites. We are a god to ourselves.
- Spirit of “entitlement” – especially in America.
Political machines which in the name of religion have accumulated wealth and power. Today we call them denominations. Amass silver, gold, sculptures, etc.
- Babylon religion in the church system
Desire for political power.
- Politics and competition in the church
BACK TO THE OUTLINE
THE PATRIARCHS (11:27-50:26)
ABRAHAM (11:27-25:10)
- Read carefully the covenant God made with Abraham in chapter 15.
ISAAC (25:11-28:9)
- Type of Christ (Review “Infinite Supply”)
JACOB (28:10-36:43)
- Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel, is of great importance. He is
JACOB’S SONS, ESPECIALLY JOSEPH (37:1-50:26)
Note that the book began with man in the Edenic paradise and ends with a coffin in Egypt. It begins with life and ends with death.
- Joseph is the biography that illuminates the providential dealings of